The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Probiotic Cocktail in Human Feces Induced-Mouse Model.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract due to altered interaction between the immune system and the gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of a probiotic cocktail in modulating immune dysregulation induced in mice. Mice were divided into 5 groups (n = 5/group), and inflammation was induced in two separate groups by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from the stool of human with IBD and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). In the other two groups, the cocktail of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. (108CFU/kg/day) was administered daily for a total of 28days in addition to inducing inflammation. A group as a contcxsrol group received only water and food. The alteration of the selected genera of gut microbiota and the expression of some genes involved in the regulation of the inflammatory response were studied in the probiotic-treated and untreated groups by quantitative real-time PCR. The selected genera of gut microbiota of the FMT and DSS groups showed similar patterns on day 28 after each treatment. In the probiotic-treated groups, the population of the selected genera of gut microbiota normalized and the abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria increased compared to the DSS and FMT groups. The expression of genes related to immune response and tight junctions was positively affected by the probiotic. Changes in the gut microbiota could influence the inflammatory status in the gut, and probiotics as a preventive or complementary treatment could improve the well-being of patients with inflammatory bowel disease symptoms.

Prophylactic vs. Therapeutic Effect of Probiotics on the Inflammation Mediated by the NF-κB Pathway in Inflammatory Bowel Conditions.

Probiotic supplements consumed adequately at the proper time can affect health by modulating inflammatory pathways in gastrointestinal epithelial cells and modifying the resultant inflammatory response. The current study applied in vitro models to investigate the effectiveness of probiotics in modulating inflammatory pathways and altering inflammatory gene expression in gastrointestinal epithelial cells, with the ultimate goal of promoting probiotic consumption as a therapeutic and preventive measure for chronic inflammatory bowel conditions. HT-29 cells were treated with Gram-negative bacteria to evaluate the changes in pathways related to inflammation activities before and after treatment with a Lactobacillus spp. cocktail (L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, L. brevis, and L. ruteri) and a Bifidobacterium spp. cocktail (B. bifidum, B. langum, and B. breve) using the real-time PCR method and ELISA for IL-1ß and IL-6 as pro-inflammatory cytokines. The results showed that the expression of NF-κB signaling pathway genes and IL-1ß and IL-6 cytokines increased after exposure to Gram-negative components. In contrast, all probiotic combinations significantly decreased the expression of genes and the secretion of cytokines. However, this decrease was significantly smaller in cells that underwent probiotic treatment after inflammation induction. In addition, cocktails containing combined Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium demonstrated robust anti-inflammatory activity relative to solo cocktails. Our observations confirm that probiotic consumption could positively impact inflammatory conditions and alleviate inflammatory symptoms; they can be particularly effective as a preventive measure. Our study provides preliminary evidence to support the lifetime consumption of probiotics.

Dynamic Population of Gut Microbiota as an Indicator of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The gut microbiota is an important factor in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Due to a link between the gut microbiota and IBD, studying microbiota changes using an accurate, sensitive and rapid method for detection of the disease seems necessary. This study aimed to compare the composition of gut microbiota in three groups of people, including IBD patients, cured Inflammatory bowel disease (CIBD), and healthy groups. Methods: For this study, 45 stool samples (15 from each group) were collected. Using real-time PCR, the abundance of 11 bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences was examined. Results: In the IBD group, the number of three bacterial phyla, including Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, decreased (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001, respectively), while the population of γ-Proteobacteria increased significantly (p < 0.0001). In the CIBD group, the number of Actinobacteria enhanced (p < 0.01), but that of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes decreased (p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion: Findings of this study indicate that decrease in Firmicutes and increase in γ-Proteobacteria could be used as an indicator of IBD instead of employing invasive and costly detection methods such as colonoscopy and other tests.

Decreased mucosal adhesion of Lactobacillus species in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: Probiotic Lactobacillus spp. modulate immune response via interactions of their binding proteins with epithelial cells. We studied the presence of attachment protein-encoding genes (mub1, mub2, and mapA) in Lactobacillus strains with probiotic features isolated from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and their attachment strength relative to healthy individuals. Methods: Bacterial strains have been isolated from stool samples of 35 healthy and 23 IBD volunteers. Lactobacillus spp. were identified using PCR. Strains with probiotic features were determined by testing resistance against acid and bile. Isolates were assigned as non-adhesive, adhesive, and strongly adhesive strains based on the number of attached bacteria to epithelial cells. Finally, PCR was used to detect the presence of mub1, mub2, and mapA genes. Results: Probiotic lactobacilli were isolated from 35/35 and 9/23 of healthy and IBD individuals and yielded a total of 87 and 28 strains, respectively. The Mub1 gene was detected in 95.4% and 100% (p>0.05), mub2 in 95.4% and 89.3% (p>0.05), and mapA in 94.3% and 78.6% (p<0.05) of healthy and IBD isolates, respectively. The numbers of bacteria attached to epithelial cells in healthy and IBD isolates were respectively 33.68±6.00 and 12.23±3.87 in non-adhesive, 71.3±10.83 and 42.17±1.33 in adhesive, 124.40±8.59 and 104.67±5.50 in the strongly adhesive group (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Less Lactobacillus spp. with weaker attachments to epithelial cells colonize the gut in IBD than healthy individuals. These findings suggest the beneficial role of probiotics in the management of IBD.

Comparison of the prevalence of bacteriocin encoding genes in Lactobacillus spp. isolated from fecal samples of healthy volunteers, IBD-patient and IBD-recovered.

Background and Objectives: Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides produced by many genera of bacteria especially Lactobacillus spp. against many pathogens, adapt bacterial composition in the gut and inhibit dysbiosis that can lead to inflammation disorders like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of bacteriocin genes in health, IBD disease and recovery conditions. Materials and Methods: In this survey 115 Lactobacillus spp. from 58 fecal samples of three different groups were evaluated. Comparison of the presence of bacteriocin genes in different groups were assayed by purified samples and PCR method, followed by statistical analysis to identify the effect of inflammation in the proportion of Lactobacillus spp. and presence of their bacteriocin genomes. Results: Of 115 Lactobacillus spp. 60% of samples had positive bacteriocin-encoding genes which included: gassericin-A 29.56%, acidocin 15.65%, plantaricin-NC8 18.26%, plantaricin-S 13.04%, lactacin-F 9.5%, sakacin-P 6.08% and gassericin-T 6.08%. Results indicated that the percentage of positive bacteriocin genes were much more in healthy volunteer and IBD-recovered in comparison to IBD-patients which showed the effect of inflammation in the presence of bacteriocin genes. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study demonstrated that the presence of bacteriocin genes can be related to health and disease states and inflammatory disease affected the prevalence of bacteriocin-encoding genes. This approach can help to identify bacterial functions that can be targeted in future concepts of IBD therapy.

The impact of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotic cocktail on modulation of gene expression of gap junctions dysregulated by intestinal pathogens.

Probiotics are special bacterial strains with strain specific impacts. They can affect health condition in intestine by producing organic acid, competing with pathogens and maintaining cells homeostasis. Regarding to importance of cell junctions in cells transportation and the influence of pathogens in their functions which lead to inflammation, the impact of probiotic strains comprised of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains on two important members of gap junctions (Cx26 and Cx43) were assayed. The expressions of cell junction genes in contact with probiotic cocktail along with pathogenic components of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium on HT-29 cell line in different treatment orders were evaluated. Results analysis demonstrated downregulation of cx26 and cx43 along with pathogenic components while, probiotic cocktail could modulate their expression by upregulation. We concluded that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains were efficient probiotics, when they were used as one cocktail, impacted grater amount on the expression of cell junctions and this might lead to modulate homeostasis and reveal inflammation symptoms in intestine.

Prevalence of bacteriocin genes in Lactobacillus strains isolated from fecal samples of healthy individuals and their inhibitory effect against foodborne pathogens.

OBJECTIVES: Foodborne diseases are considered as an important public health issue. The purpose of the current study was to isolate Lactobacillus spp. strains from fecal samples, investigate their antimicrobial properties, and assess the expression of genes encoding bacteriocin in co-culture of Lactobacillus with enteric pathogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fecal samples of healthy people were collected. Human colon adenocarcinoma cell line Caco-2 was used to examine Lactobacillus strains adherence capacity. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to determine bacteriocin-encoding genes expression in co-culture of the selected Lactobacillus strain with Salmonella, Shigella, and two diarrheagenic Escherichia coli serotypes during 4, 6, and 24 hr of incubation. RESULTS: The selected L. plantarum strain was able to inhibit four foodborne pathogens in both methods. L. plantarum No.14 exhibited the highest ability to adhere to Caco-2 cells. In this study, pln F, sak P, pln I, pln B, and pln J genes of L. plantarum No.14 were upregulated in co-culture of L. plantarum No.14 with diarrheagenic E. coli serotypes. In addition, acd, Lactacin F, sak P, pln J, pln EF, and pln NC8 genes as well as pln NC8 and pln A genes mRNA levels were significantly increased in co-culture of L. plantarum No.14 with Shigella dysenteriae, and Salmonella typhi, respectively, during 24 hrs of incubation. CONCLUSION: Other studied genes were down-regulated during the incubation time. The selected L. plantarum strains could be served as alternative antimicrobial agents against pathogens which could contaminate foodstuffs and are responsible for human diseases.

The effect of selected Lactobacillus strains on dextran sulfate sodium-induced mouse colitis model.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) comprises two major illnesses: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) mouse colitis model has been used in understanding the mechanism of IBD. This study was conducted to examine selected Lactobacillus spp. as potential IBD treatment in the DSS-induced animal model. Balb/c mice were used and colitis was induced by adding 5% dextran sodium sulfate into the drinking water for 8 days. Colon length, disease activity index (DAI) and histological analysis were measured as markers of inflammation in DSS colitis mice. The majority of the Lactobacillus species significantly prevented the shortening of the colon length compared with the DSS group. The DAI scores of mice were significantly reduced following usage of four Lactobacillus strains included: Lactobacillus plantarum 03 and 06, Lactobacillus brevis 02 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus 01. The histological analysis exhibited that oral administration of Lactobacillus strains had therapeutic effects on mice colitis. L. plantarum and L. brevis showed better therapeutic effect against DSS-induced acute colitis mice. The probiotic activities of these three isolates indicated that the probiotic effects were strain specific and none of these useful bacteria could exhibit all of the valued probiotic properties simultaneously.

Using Various Approaches of Design of Experiments for High Cell Density Production of the Functionally Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum Strain RPR42 in a Cane Molasses-based Medium.

Considering the economic importance of the probiotics, industrial production of their biomass became important. Cane molasses, as an industrial byproduct, was used in this study to design a medium for biomass overproduction of a functionally probiotic strain, designated as Lactobacillus plantarum strain RPR42. The results showed that strain RPR42 can be best grown anaerobically in 22.5% cane molasses solution. Also, the findings of the single variable at a time experiments and either factorial design indicated that the optimal growth of strain RPR42 can be observed when beef extract, casein hydrolysate, and yeast extract were added into the medium. The central composite design experiments suggested a medium which was designated as cane molasses medium (CMM). Eventually, this medium contained 21.9% cane molasses, 30.72 g/L of a combined mixture of nitrogenous compounds: 0.0754% of a 1:1:1 mixture of polysorbates 20, 60, and 80, and 18.53 gr/L of the combined minerals. Such an optimized cane molasses-based medium supported a significant biomass production since a considerably high cell density, 13.8 g/L/24 h of dry biomass, of the strain was produced. Hence, cane molasses can be regarded as a promising substrate for industrial production purposes.

Screening for efficient nitrogen sources for overproduction of the biomass of the functionally probiotic L. plantarum strain RPR42 in a cane molasses-based medium.

Nitrogen source has a vital role for the efficient growth of lactobacilli. The effects of cheese whey, corn steep liquor, and wheat germ extract on the growth of L. plantarum strain RPR42 in cane molasses-based media was evaluated using various approaches of design of experiments. Our results showed that such protein-rich agricultural by-products significantly increase the biomass production of the strain RPR42 in cane molasses-based media. The most affecting nitrogenous material was cheese whey followed by CSL and the minor effect was reported for wheat germ extract as revealed in factorial and Box-Behnken design experiments. The replacement of costly beef extract and yeast extract with a defined mixtures of the above nitrogenous agricultural by-products in cane molasses-based medium led to production of up to 12.64 g/L/24 h of dry biomass of strain RPR42. A detectable cell density of strain RPR42 (~ 9.81 × 109 CFU/mL 24 h) which was observed in such an economic medium showed that the large-scale production of the strain RPR42 tend to be feasible at significantly low costs.

High Rate of Serotype Switching and Genetic Variations Indicates Widespread Recombination Between Clinical and Commensal Penicillin-Nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae in Tehran.

A total of 161 Streptococcus pneumoniae were collected between 2013 and 2015 in Tehran, Iran. The strains were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility and minimum inhibitory concentrations, serotyped, and genotyped by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) were also typed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (PBP-RFLP). Out of 161 strains, 32 isolates (20%) were highly resistant to penicillin. The most frequent serotypes among the penicillin-nonsusceptible S. pneumoniae (PNSP) were 14 (24%), 23F (18%), and 19F (17%). RFLP of pbp2b, pbp2x, and pbp1a genes revealed 8, 6, and 7 different patterns, respectively. Analysis of 93 PNSP isolates displayed 80 PFGE types with 8 common types constituting 21 (23%) isolates. The remaining 72 isolates (77%) were single types. MLST indicated a high degree of genetic diversity among the 93 PNSP with 36 different sequence types. Six internationally known penicillin resistant clones were identified in our isolates among which Spain23F-1 (ST81), Spain6B-2 (ST90), and Spain9V-3 (ST156) were the predominant clones. The results indicated international identifiable clones of S. pneumoniae, especially Spain23F-1 with high penicillin resistance could play a major role in spread of antimicrobial resistance in Iran. The extensive sequence variation in PBP2x, PBP2b, and PBP1a in resistant strains of clinical and commensal S. pneumoniae was suggestive of a widespread homologous recombination within S. pneumoniae populations.

Publisher Correction: Genomic insights into the 2016-2017 cholera epidemic in Yemen.

In the HTML version of this Letter, the affiliations for authors Andrew S. Azman, Dhirendra Kumar and Thandavarayan Ramamurthy were inverted (the PDF and print versions of the Letter were correct); the affiliations have been corrected online.

Genomic insights into the 2016-2017 cholera epidemic in Yemen.

Yemen is currently experiencing, to our knowledge, the largest cholera epidemic in recent history. The first cases were declared in September 2016, and over 1.1 million cases and 2,300 deaths have since been reported1. Here we investigate the phylogenetic relationships, pathogenesis and determinants of antimicrobial resistance by sequencing the genomes of Vibrio cholerae isolates from the epidemic in Yemen and recent isolates from neighbouring regions. These 116 genomic sequences were placed within the phylogenetic context of a global collection of 1,087 isolates of the seventh pandemic V. cholerae serogroups O1 and O139 biotype El Tor2-4. We show that the isolates from Yemen that were collected during the two epidemiological waves of the epidemic1-the first between 28 September 2016 and 23 April 2017 (25,839 suspected cases) and the second beginning on 24 April 2017 (more than 1 million suspected cases)-are V. cholerae serotype Ogawa isolates from a single sublineage of the seventh pandemic V. cholerae O1 El Tor (7PET) lineage. Using genomic approaches, we link the epidemic in Yemen to global radiations of pandemic V. cholerae and show that this sublineage originated from South Asia and that it caused outbreaks in East Africa before appearing in Yemen. Furthermore, we show that the isolates from Yemen are susceptible to several antibiotics that are commonly used to treat cholera and to polymyxin B, resistance to which is used as a marker of the El Tor biotype.

In Vivo Comparative Evaluation of the Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Peel Extract as an Alternative Agent to Nystatin against Oral Candidiasis.

BACKGROUND: The pomegranate peel extract is a rich source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the in vivo antifungal activity of the pomegranate peel extract and to compare it with nystatin against oral candidiasis in Wistar rats. METHODS: Thirty-five male Wistar rats, 6 to 8 weeks old and 220 to 250 g in weight, were used for animal studies. The rats were randomly divided into 7 groups. All the rats, except the control group, were immunosuppressed with cyclosporine (40 mg/kg/d) and hydrocortisone acetate (500 µg/kg/d). Then oral candidiasis was induced via the oral administration of a suspension of Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) (2×107 cell/mL) in PBS on the palate and tongue of the animals on days 3 and 5. Treatment was initiated by using 3 different concentrations of the pomegranate peel extract (125, 250, and 500 µg/mL/kg) and nystatin 100000 U/mL/kg by gavage daily. The statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS, version 22.0. In this study, generalized estimating equations were used for data analysis to determine the effects of the pomegranate peel extract and nystatin on oral candidiasis. RESULTS: Regardless of the concentration of the pomegranate peel extract used for the treatment of oral candidiasis, a significant improvement was seen after 15 days of treatment. All the doses of the pomegranate peel were effective against candidiasis after 15 days; the pomegranate peel extract had no adverse effects following administration in the rats. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that the pomegranate peel extract is a promising approach to oral candidiasis treatment, and it may serve as a natural alternative prospect due to its potency against oral candidiasis.

Characterization of bacteriocin production in Lactobacillus spp. isolated from mother's milk.

The purpose of the present study was to isolate Lactobacillus bacteria from mother's milk and to assess their probiotic potential. Sixty breast milk samples were collected from the volunteered mothers aged from 19 to 35 and from rural areas of Lorestan and Markazi Provinces, Iran. At first, 970 bacill-shaped bacterial colonies were isolated from these samples and stored in proper condition. Two hundred isolates were randomly selected and investigated for their ability to tolerate acidic condition and to tolerate bile salt as well. Only 33 isolates could withstand the exposure to low pH and bile salt. The isolates were identified using PCR primer specific to Lactobacillus and it was demonstrated that eighteen of thirty-three isolates were belonged to the Lactobacillus. Among the isolates, 16 and 2 of them were Lactobacillus reuteri and L. gasseri, respectively. In addition, the antibiotic resistance of the isolates was determined using disc diffusion method and all of the isolates were shown to be sensitive to eight out of the twelve investigated antibiotics. Moreover, the antagonistic effect of the isolates was inspected on ten indicator pathogens. Interestingly, all of the pathogenic bacteria were inhibited by Lactobacillus isolates. In addition, to partially understand the nature of inhibition mechanism, well diffusion deployed for two randomly-selected indicator bacteria and the resulting halos of three isolates were statistically significant compared to other lactobacillus (p < 0.05). Subsequently, bacteriocin genes (plnS, Laf, gasA) were identified by PCR among the isolates. The results showed that only 2 isolates possessed the gasA gene which were in accordance with well diffusion test. Consequently, eighteen Lactobacillus isolated from breast milk samples which all of them were able to tolerate low pH and bile salt. Similarly, all of the Lactobacillus isolates were proved to inhibit the growth of pathogen strains and two of them possess a bacteriocin-related gene.

Determination of Bacteriocin Genes and Antibacterial Activity of Lactobacillus Strains Isolated from Fecal of Healthy Individuals.

Lactobacillus species play a major role in gastrointestinal (GI) tract function, intestinal microbiota balance, and the immune system activity by exerting a strong activity against many intestinal pathogens. The aim of this study was to isolate Lactobacillus species from fecal samples, investigate their antimicrobial properties, and characterize their bacteriocin encoding genes. 48 fecal samples were grown in MRS broth and then MRS agar. The colonies grown in MRS agar were selected and identified by PCR. 72 Lactobacillus species were obtained from 434 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains. Approximately 40% of all Lactobacillus isolates had antimicrobial activity against one or more microorganisms and 17.4% of them were active against all four indicator bacteria. The frequency of bacteriocin encoding genes were 5 (6.9%), 3 (4.1%) and 5 (6.9%) for Gassericin A, Plantaricin S and Laf operon, respectively. pH alteration had no effect on antibacterial activity, but in the alkaline range these activities were reduced and the strains showed the highest antibacterial activity after 48 h incubation. These data indicate that the majority of isolates were susceptible to GI tract or belonged to other bacterial forms such as viable but nonculturable (VBNC). The detection of bacteriocin encoding genes in about only 6% of all Lactobacillus isolates seems to be due to the existence of many other bacteriocin encoding genes in Lactobacillus species which were not tested. Further study of the bacteriocin gene clusters, types, subtypes and the probiotic effect of these strains will contribute to a better characterization of these isolates.

Bifidobacterium obtained from mother's milk and their infant stool; A comparative genotyping and antibacterial analysis.

Antibacterial activity of Bifidobacterium species has been considered as an important probiotic property for development of human gut immunity. This study was conducted to assess the genotypes and antibacterial activities of the native Bifidobacterium isolates obtained from the human's breast milk and the feces of their paired infants. Fifty-six samples from twenty-eight mothers' milk and paired infants feces were collected and cultured. Suspicious colonies were picked up and confirmed by phenotypic and molecular identifications. Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) and antibacterial activity were carried out. Amongst 56 samples, 41 different Bifidobacterium species including 12 B. breve, 14 B. longum, and 15 B. bifidum were isolated. Out of which, 12 isolates including B. longum (6), B. breve (4) and B. bifidum (2) were shared between six mother-infant pairs. Only three strains of B. longum showed 100% similarity in their RAPD-PCR. No significant difference was observed in the antibacterial activity of the Bifidobacterium isolates, with the same or different RAPD-PCR profile, against the enteric bacteria. Overall, 29% of the Bifidobacteria species isolated from the mothers milk and their paired infants feces were shared. All species of Bifidobacteria showed the universal role of antipathogens activities irrespective of the host and the isolation site.

Probiotic characters of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are a result of the ongoing gene acquisition and genome minimization evolutionary trends.

Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus are the main probiotic genera. Collectively, these two genera harbor over 200 species among which are many strains have been introduced as probiotics. These health-promoting microbes confer health benefits upon the host and so used in food productions and as supplements. Considering the economic importance of probiotics, the biochemistry, genomics, phylogeny and physiology of such genera have been exhaustively studied. According to the genomic data, the probiotic capabilities are strain specific which may be a result of the niche-specialization of the genomes of these bacteria to certain ecological niches like gastrointestinal tract of a diverse range of animals. These microbes have a wide distribution but the culture-based studies and either genomics data suggest selective affinity of some Lactobacillus and either Bifidobacterium species to certain ecological niches. An ongoing genome degradation, which is thought to be a result of passage through an evolutionary bottleneck, is the major trend in the evolution of lactobacilli. Further, evolutionary events resulted into two categories of lactobacilli: habitat generalists and habitat specialists. In place, the main trend in the evolution of bifidobacteria tend to be the gene acquisition. However, probiotic features are the results of a co-evolutionary relationship between these bacteria and their hosts and the aforementioned evolutionary tends have driven the evolution of these probiotic genera.

Epidemiological Distribution of Rodents as Potent Reservoirs for Infectious Diseases in the Provinces of Mazandaran, Gilan and Golestan, Northern Iran.

Rodents are mammals that comprise more than 2000 species and approximately 30 families. There are many morphological and ecological differences among them as variations in their shape, size, weight and habitat. In addition to significant economic losses, rodents have a major role in the dissemination of infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites or other micro-organisms. Rodents are important reservoirs of diseases which have been observed in many cities of Iran provinces especially along Caspian Sea border to Alborz Mountain. The aim of this study is to assess the geographical distribution of rodents in three provinces of northern part of Iran as reservoir of potential endemic infectious diseases. Rodents in 10 major parts of each of the three provinces of Mazandaran, Gilan and Golestan, northern Iran were collected and a total of 404 rodents were trapped alive. They were determined by the key characteristics such as gender, genus, species, different locations and topological situation. Statistical analysis was performed to characterize the study sample and to correlate all variables and parameters. The distribution frequencies of three, five and six genera of rodents were identified in Mazandaran, Gilan and Golestan provinces respectively. The overall distribution frequency of eight genera of rodents in the three provinces were identified as Rattus (R.) norvegicus (67.3%), R. rattus (13.6%), Apodemus sylvaticus (13.9%), Arvicola (1%), Mus musculus (0.3%), Nesokia indica (2.5%), Cricetulus migrates (0.7%) and Rhombomys opimus (0.7%). The results of this study determined the geographic distribution of the rodents in the three northern provinces of Iran. It is indicated the association of various distribution and diversity of rodents with provincial location. The overall distribution frequency of eight genera of rodents was recognized in the above three provinces geographical locations. This study confirms epidemiological distribution of various rodents as potent reservoirs for infectious diseases, such as leptospirosis, salmonellosis, tularemia, leishmaniasis, etc. in the three provinces.

Rapid Identification of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus Faecalis Clinical Isolates using a Sugar Fermentation Method.

INTRODUCTION: Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) can be found all over the world. Thus, rapid detection of the isolates could be of high importance in the treatment or prevention of the associated disease. AIM: To measure the turanose fermentation in Enterococcus faecalis clinical isolates for rapid differentiation of VRE and Vancomycin-Susceptible E. faecalis (VSE) isolates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty E. faecalis samples were isolated from 200 clinical samples in Tehran Medical Center, Iran, from October 2012 to December 2012. These isolates were detected according to the standard microbial and biochemical tests. Detection of VRE isolates was originally performed by disk diffusion using 1 µg vancomycin disk, followed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of the vanA gene. Finally, the turanose consumption in 1%, 0.7% and 0.5% dilutions was detected by a phenotypic method. RESULTS: Among the 40 E. faecalis isolates, 20 vancomycin-susceptible and 20 vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis were isolated according to the disk diffusion and PCR of the vanA gene. There was a considerable difference between VRE and VSE isolates in 0.7% dilution of turanose. However, there was no significant difference between VRE and VSE in 1% and 0.5% dilutions of turanose. CONCLUSION: Since detection of VRE isolates is of high importance, especially in nosocomial infections, phenotypic methods may be highly useful for this purpose. In conclusion, our data indicate that VRE isolated from clinical samples could be distinguished from VSE isolates by turanose fermentation at dilution 0.7%.