Tarbiat Modares University Infection Epidemiology and Microbiology 2588-4107 11 1 2025 02 01 Comprehensive Analysis of Four Major Surface Proteins for Vaccine Design against Klebsiella pneumoniae 1 12 1976 10.61186/iem.11.1.1 EN Hamid Vaez Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran Vahid Vaez Department of Veterinary Science, Gisha office, Tehran, Iran Journal Article Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is responsible for life-threatening infections, given that it is usually resistant to antibacterial drugs. Due to the restricted antibiotic options for the treatment of resistant K. pneumoniae infections and the critical role of humoral immune responses in preventing infectious diseases, the present in silico study aimed to investigate fimbriae (type 1 and type 3), outer membrane protein A (OmpA), and outer membrane protein K35 (OmpK35) to find appropriate epitopes for vaccine development. Materials & Methods: Several independent bioinformatics servers including IEDB, ABCpred, VaxiJen, and EMBOSS were applied to identify appropriate linear epitopes (B-cell and T-cell). Conformational epitopes were also predicted using Ellipro and Discotope programs. The Antigenic Peptide Prediction server was used to confirm the identified epitopes. Molecular characteristics, toxicity, human similarity, and allergenicity were investigated. Findings: The results demonstrated that the investigated proteins were highly immunogenic. In the first step, 25 epitopes were identified in the investigated proteins. After applying different exclusion criteria, the final epitope of each investigated protein was selected. The final epitopes of fimbriae (type 1 and type 3), OmpK35 and OmpA were located in 28-49, 26-53, 271-291, and 288-299 regions, respectively. Allergenicity, toxicity, and human similarity were negative for the predicted epitopes. Conclusion: The present study results introduced four reliable B-cell and T-cell epitopes (each for one investigated protein) with appropriate physicochemical characteristics. The proposed epitopes could be used in vaccine development against K. pneumoniae after further in vitro and in vivo studies.

https://iem.modares.ac.ir/article_1976_dd055f53a45702fe05e449c30ac80df9.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Infection Epidemiology and Microbiology 2588-4107 11 1 2025 02 01 Frequency of Carbapenemase Genes in Acinetobacter baumannii complex Isolates from Burn Wounds in Motahari Hospital, Tehran, Iran 13 22 1977 10.61186/iem.11.1.13 EN Shiva Motamedi School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), Tehran, Iran Atefeh Najafikhah Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), Tehran, Iran Mojdeh Hakemi Vala Professor of department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences (SBMU), Tehran, Iran Journal Article Aims: Acinetobacter baumannii complex (Acb complex) are opportunistic Gram-negative bacteria responsible for a diverse array of nosocomial infections. In recent years, carbapenem-resistant Acb complex has become a global concern. Carbapenemases are one of the most important mechanisms of resistance to carbapenems. This study aimed to measure the prevalence of carbapenemase genes in Acb complex isolates from burn wounds in a burn center in Iran. Materials & Methods: During six months, 50 Acb complex isolates were collected from the wounds of burn patients admitted to Motahari hospital in Tehran (2020-2021). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for the isolates using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute 2020 guidelines. DNA extraction was done by boiling method. The existence of blaOXA-51, blaOXA-23, blaIMP, blaNDM-1, and blaKPC genes was evaluated by PCR and gel electrophoresis. Findings: All isolated bacteria were confirmed as Acb complex based on positive PCR results for the presence of the blaOXA-51 gene. According to the antibiotic susceptibility testing results, the isolates showed 100% resistance to ceftazidime, 98% to ciprofloxacin, amikacin, and imipenem, and 94% to gentamicin and piperacillin-tazobactam. The most prevalent carbapenemase genes among the isolates were blaOXA-51 and blaOXA-23 (100%), followed by blaIMP (26%), blaNDM-1 (14%), and blaKPC (4%). Conclusion: Carbapenem resistance and the prevalence of carbapenemase genes among Acb complex isolates has reached an alarming rate. Collaborative global efforts are crucial to safeguard antibiotic effectiveness and enhance patient care amidst escalating antimicrobial resistance challenges.

https://iem.modares.ac.ir/article_1977_4afd521d77158e02aed37e2274b90c9c.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Infection Epidemiology and Microbiology 2588-4107 11 1 2025 02 01 Frequency of Extensively Drug Resistance and Metallo-Beta-Lactamase Genes among Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolates from Nasiriya, Iraq 23 31 1978 10.61186/iem.11.1.23 EN Ihab Rasmi Hassan Department of Biology; Faculty of Science; Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz; Ahvaz; Iran Seyedeh Elham Rezatofighi Department Of Biology; Faculty of Science; Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz; Ahvaz; Iran Hossein Motamedi Department of Biology; Faculty of Science; Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz; Ahvaz; iran 0000-0003-0310-7017 Tanvir Rahman Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh Journal Article Background: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) isolates and to detect their metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) genes. Materials & Methods: Three hundred urine samples collected from patients with suspected urinary tract infection (UTI) were evaluated for the presence of UPEC isolates. These isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing to determine multidrug-resistance (MDR) and XDR profiles. Imipenem or meropenem-resistant isolates were evaluated for MBL production using modified carbapenem inactivation (mCIM) and EDTA-CIM (eCIM) methods. PCR was carried out to identify the presence of MBL genes, including blaGIM, blaSIM, blaVIM-1, blaVIM-2, blaSPM-1, blaIMP-1, blaIMP-2, blaNDM, and blaKPC. Findings: Out of 300 urine samples, 200 (66.66%) were positive for UTI. Among these, 150 were caused by UPEC. The highest antimicrobial resistance was against cefepime (88%) and ampicillin (85.3%), while the highest susceptibility was against imipenem (91.7%) and fosfomycin (84%). MDR and XDR profiles were detected in 145 (96.66%) and 5 (3.33%) isolates, respectively. Overall, five UPEC isolates were XDR and resistant to imipenem and meropenem. All these isolates were positive for mCIM, while four were positive for eCIM. The blaNDM gene was found in all five isolates, while the other MBL genes were not found. Conclusion: The existence of MDR and XDR bacteria poses a significant risk to public health. blaNDM is circulating in UPEC strains at least in Nasiriya province, Iraq. This could lead to increased resistance to carbapenems among Enterobacteriaceae, a serious threat to public health.

https://iem.modares.ac.ir/article_1978_405e28906322882c5be9b4b27f4c35fd.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Infection Epidemiology and Microbiology 2588-4107 11 1 2025 02 01 Risk Assessment and Antibiotic Resistance of Microbial Contaminants Isolated from Traditional and Industrial Ice creams in Shiraz City 33 41 1979 10.61186/iem.11.1.33 EN Aliakbar Rezaei Food and Drug Administration, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Samaneh Bina Department of biology, Marvdasht branch, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran Parichehr Moezi Food and Drug Administration, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Nazanin Khalili Food and Drug Administration, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Masoud Hosseini Sarbasi Food and Drug Administration, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Mohammad Javad Raee Center for Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Marzieh Rashedinia Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran Journal Article Background: Dairy products are considered as some staple food rich in nutrients. Among dairy products, ice cream is one of the most attractive and popular products. The popularity of ice cream is due to its great taste and unique texture. Considering the prevalence of traditional ice cream consumption in Iran and the risk of microbial contamination of these products, the microbial quality of industrial and traditional ice creams in Fars province was evaluated and compared. Materials & Methods: A total of 470 ice cream samples were tested to determine total viable count (TVC), total coliform count (TCC), and the presence of fungi. Biochemical properties and antibiotic sensitivity of isolated bacteria were investigated. Findings: TVC in all industrial ice cream samples was lower than the limit specified by the national standard of Iran. Coliform levels in 37% (n=100) of traditional and 1.5% (n=3) of industrial ice cream samples were higher than the permissible limit. Furthermore, 74.8 and 40% of traditional samples contained Escherichia coli and fungi and mold, respectively. Antibiogram results showed that the highest antibiotic resistance of the isolates was related to ampicillin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Conclusion: Traditional ice creams are highly contaminated with microbial agents resistant to two or more drugs, which poses great risks for the consumers of these products, especially children. Therefore, it is necessary to implement appropriate hygiene practices to increase the safety of ice creams. Alerting people about the risks of foodborne diseases could significantly help prevent such diseases.

https://iem.modares.ac.ir/article_1979_798cebccb32617ad94123450fd137104.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Infection Epidemiology and Microbiology 2588-4107 11 1 2025 02 01 Infections and Their Impact on Multiple Sclerosis 43 50 1980 10.61186/iem.11.1.43 EN Seyyed Amin Seyyed Rezaei Neuroscience Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Ata Moghimi Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Vahid Asgharzadeh Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Behroz Mahdavi Poor Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, and Faculty of Paramedicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Mohammad Asgharzadeh Biotechnology Research Center, and Faculty of Paramedicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Hossein Jalaei Nobari Department of Islamic Studies, Faculty of Paramedicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Mortaza Raeisi Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Ahmad Ali Khalili Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Jalil Rashedi Faculty of Paramedicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Journal Article Aims: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prevalent central nervous system (CNS) disorder characterized by inflammation and demyelination of nerves. The incidence of this disease has markedly risen in diverse regions, including the Middle East. Any factor that alters the quality and quantity of immune system components or influences the migration of immune cells toward the CNS may contribute to MS development. Evidence suggests that paragenetic, genetic, and environmental factors may be involved in increasing MS risk. This study aimed to investigate the effect of various infections on MS incidence. Materials & Methods: This study included 475 MS patients and 260 healthy individuals from the Azeri population of East Azerbaijan province. Both groups filled out a questionnaire about their history of exposure to specific pathogens and infections before the age of 15.The relationship between a history of various infections and MS risk was examined.Findings: Mycoplasma pneumonia infection was significantly more prevalent in MS patients than in healthy individuals (p< .05). MS patients were more likely to suffer from common colds (p< .05), but no significant difference was observed regarding other infectious diseases (p> .05). Additionally, the prevalence of chronic infections was higher among MS patients (p< .05). Conclusion: M.pneumoniae infection, common colds, and chronic infections were significantly more common in MS patients than in healthy controls. However, no significant association was found between other infectious diseases and MS risk. These findings emphasize the possible role of specific pathogens in MS development, warranting further investigation into underlying mechanisms and contributing factors.

https://iem.modares.ac.ir/article_1980_f80bf05527157a8c2a7bb63b22f49aaa.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Infection Epidemiology and Microbiology 2588-4107 11 1 2025 02 01 Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis and Interferon Gamma Levels in Autoimmune Thyroiditis Patients 51 61 1981 10.61186/iem.11.1.51 EN Akram Hadi Haddad Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Thi-Qar, Iraq Amal Khudair Khalaf Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Thi-Qar, Iraq Journal Article Background: In thyroiditis, the cellular immune response plays a crucial role in triggering the production of autoantibodies. Toxoplasma gondii elicits a strong innate and adaptive immune response within the host organism. This study aims to assess the seroepidemiological prevalence of toxoplasmosis and the levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis (AITD) in Iraq. Methods: This case-control survey was conducted on 100 patients diagnosed with AITD and 70 healthy individuals (non-AITD) who attended general hospitals in Thi-Qar Province, Iraq, between July and November 2023. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Serum levels of IFN-γ were measured using ELISA kits, while the expression levels of IFN-γ were assessed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Findings: Among the participants, 33 patients (33.00%) in the AITD group and 9 patients (12.85%) in the non-AITD group tested positive for T. gondii IgG antibodies (p < 0.001). Additionally, 2.00% of AITD patients and 1.40% of non-AITD patients were positive for anti-Toxoplasma IgM antibodies. PCR analysis revealed the presence of T. gondii parasites in 2.00% of AITD patients and 1.4% of non-AITD patients. In AITD patients with T. gondii antibodies, both serum levels and gene expression of IFN-γ were significantly elevated compared to AITD patients without T. gondii antibodies (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Current findings suggest that individuals infected with T. gondii may experience direct effects on the thyroid gland due to elevated levels of IFN-γ. However, further analyses are necessary to validate these results.

https://iem.modares.ac.ir/article_1981_b3b4d2dbedc99fe843fd3dedb02f086f.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Infection Epidemiology and Microbiology 2588-4107 11 1 2025 02 01 Biosynthesis of Copper Nanoparticles using Artemisia biennis Willd Plant Extract for Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm Activities 63 75 1982 10.61186/iem.11.1.63 EN Sadaf Fazeli Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Fatemeh Rafiee Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Atousa Ferdousi Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Journal Article Background: This research aimed to assess the antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) produced using Artemisia biennis Willd through an eco-friendly approach, targeting four pathogenic bacteria. Materials & Methods: A. biennis Willd extract with unit numbers “15.62-125” was prepared through maceration, drying, and powdering. Particle size distribution (PSD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) tests were used to characterize the synthesized CuNPs. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), and sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) were determined to investigate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of CuNPs against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883. Findings: CuNPs synthesized using A. biennis Willd extract exhibited a brown color change with particle sizes mainly 30-40 nm by PSD. DLS indicated uniform distribution and hydrodynamic synthesis of particles with a zeta potential of -37.8. XRD and FTIR confirmed copper nanoparticle biosynthesis. The MICs of CuNPs were 15.62-62.5 μg/mL, with S. aureus and K. pneumonia revealing the highest and lowest antimicrobial drug resistance, respectively. This trend was repeated for MBCs and sub-MICs, ranging from 15.62-125 and 7.8-31.25 μg/mL, respectively. Bacterial strains were unable to form biofilms at sub-MICs. The anti-biofilm effects of CuNPs were more significant on Gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion: CuNPs synthesized using A. biennis Willd extract by a green method show promising anti-biofilm and antibacterial characteristics against bacteria, suggesting their potential for treating bacterial infections.

https://iem.modares.ac.ir/article_1982_fb87582825f9d28a8d42c5e5e5e8b23d.pdf

Tarbiat Modares University Infection Epidemiology and Microbiology 2588-4107 11 1 2025 02 01 Bacterial Protein Toxins with Emphasizing on Bacterial Enterotoxins 77 93 1983 10.61186/iem.11.1.77 EN Ala Amiri Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran Parisa Nouriyeh Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran Mohammad Zibaei Department of Parasitology and Mycology, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran. Kosar Clinical Research Development Unit, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Sepeta Zibaei Student Research Commitee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Farzaneh Firoozeh Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran. Evidence-Based Phytotherapy and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran 0000-0002-4026-4110 Journal Article Backgrounds: Bacterial toxins are virulence factors that manipulate the functions of host cells and take over the control of main processes of living organisms. Importantly, they are non-curable, non-contagious, and non-infectious by chemotherapeutic agents and/or antibiotics. The multifactorial nature of the toxicity of bacterial toxins has made their investigation more complicated. Methods: In this review, we investigated some biological activities, structure, and action mechanism of several bacterial toxins using data from studies published in major international databases. Conclusion: Bacterial protein toxins are very diverse based on size, structure and mode of action. Based on the structure and the type of cell surface receptors, the mentioned toxins have activity on the cell surface (signal transmission, pore formation) or have intracellular activity. Many bacterial protein toxins have the ability to enter the cell by the endocytosis mechanism, and according to their intracellular targets, they can induce different intracellular effects, which in many cases lead to the death of the target cell. A large and interesting group of bacterial toxins are enterotoxins. The majority of toxigenic bacteria are environmental, and the digestive system is one of the most common ways of entering or encountering environmental bacteria or their toxic products through eating food. Many enteropathogenic bacteria produce enterotoxins in food, in the intestinal lumen or on the surface of the intestinal mucosa. Also, some entero-invasive bacteria penetrate the cells by inoculating some toxins into the intestinal cells. The challenge of studying bacterial toxins and enterotoxins lies in their complex nature and the need for comprehensive characterization, but the future holds promise with advancements in technology and interdisciplinary approaches to further our understanding and develop effective strategies for prevention and treatment.

https://iem.modares.ac.ir/article_1983_1e4d36177d71bbb3558e43af9577d70e.pdf