Periodontal disease in down syndrome: Predisposing factors and potential non-surgical therapeutic approaches.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal diseases (PDs) have been documented to be significantly more prevalent and severe in patients with Down syndrome (DS). Different immunological and microbiological factors contributed to predisposing these patients to progressive and recurrent PDs. AIM: The aim of this review was to investigate the altered immunological responses and oral microbiota disorders as well as focus on adjunctive non-surgical methods for the treatment of PDs and its applicability in patients with DS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature review was conducted addressing the following topics: (1) the altered immunological responses, (2) orofacial disorders related to DS patients, (3) oral microbiota changing, and (4) adjunctive non-surgical treatment and its efficacy in patients with DS. RESULTS: Due to the early onset of PDs in children with DS, the need for prompt and effective treatment in these patients is essential. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: So, investigating underlying factors may open a new window to better understand the pathology of PDs in DS people and thus, find better strategies for treatment in such group. Although non-surgical treatments such as photodynamic therapy and probiotic consumption represented acceptable outcomes in different examined patients without DS, data about the application of these convenience and no need for local anesthesia methods in patients with DS is limited.

Brain Abscess Caused by Nocardia asteroides in a Diabetic Patient: A Rare Case Report.

Nocardial brain abscess is usually associated with immunodeficiency, but can sometimes emerge in healthy individuals. This infection can be acquired through inhalation or direct inoculation of the bacteria, followed by dissemination to various organs, including the brain, through blood circulation. Mortality rate due to nocardial cerebral abscess is three times higher than that associated with cerebral abscess caused by other types of bacteria. Moreover, patients with Nocardia asteroides-associated brain abscess show poorer prognosis compared to patients with brain abscess caused by other Nocardia species, which is probably due to the high tendency of N. asteroides to become resistant to numerous antibiotics. It is, therefore, of paramount importance to diagnose and treat N. asteroides cerebral abscess in patients as soon as possible. The current paper is a rare report of a brain abscess caused by N. asteroides in a diabetic patient who failed to respond to multiple antibiotics (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and amikacin), but improved by receiving imipenem and linezolid, and was finally successfully treated by surgical operation and long-term antibiotic therapy (imipenem and linezolid).

Detection of VIM-1 and IMP-1 genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae and relationship with biofilm formation.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important human pathogen that is considered in recent years due to nosocomial infections resistant to treatment as well as the ability to form biofilms particularly in patients with urinary tract infection in ICU or hospital. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of VIM1, IMP1 genes and their ability to form biofilm in K. pneumoniae strains isolated from patients with urinary tract infection. In the study, using culture and biochemical methods, 1807 K. pneumoniae samples were isolated from patients with urinary tract infection hospitalized or referred to hospitals in Qom in 2013-2014. For isolation of MBL producing isolates, Double Disk Synergy Test (DDST) was used. Then MBL positive isolates were examined for the presence of VIM1, IMP1 genes using PCR method. Furthermore, all strains were investigated for biofilm formation by phenotypic microplate method. From 3165 urine samples cultured, 1807 isolates of K. pneumoniae were isolated and 109 strains (93.2%) were positive for MBL enzymes production. PCR results showed that the prevalence of VIM1 and IMP1 genes are 15.6 and 6.4%, respectively. The Phenotypic method indicated that 91.2% of isolates formed biofilm. Biofilm formation in K. pneumoniae isolates is high and there is a significant relationship between strong biofilm formation and prevalence of VIM1 and IMP1 genes. Also due to the presence of MBL genes in K. pneumoniae and horizontal transfer of genes to other bacteria, and to control the indiscriminate use of antibiotics, the hospital infection control methods must be considered.

Diversity of virulence genes in Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus detected from patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The presence of Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus genomes were investigated in the synovial fluid (SF) samples from 90 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). DNA extraction and PCR assay were performed for simultaneous identification and discrimination of B. melitensis and B. abortus from the SF using three specific primers. After gel electrophoresis, the PCR products were confirmed by DNA sequencing. The cbg, omp31, manA, virB, and znuA virulence genes typing were performed by multiplex-PCR. Of the 90 samples, 14 were positive for B. melitensis (n = 9; 10%) and B. abortus (n = 5; 5.5%). The virulotyping of positive samples revealed the presence of all five virulence genes in B. melitensis. The virB, cbg, and om31 were detected in all five samples of B. abortus. In addition, zhuA and manA were detected in three (60%) and four (80%) samples, respectively, of the B. abortus-positive samples. Moreover, a total of 94.2% and 89.2% of the 14 positive samples were also found positive for manA and znuA, respectively. Our findings revealed that the Brucella spp. genomes can be detected in the SF of RA patients by the PCR-based method. We thus suggest that physicians should consider the Brucella spp. as indicators of potential RA for the timely diagnosis and treatment of RA.

Klebsiella pneumoniae: an update on antibiotic resistance mechanisms.

Klebsiella pneumoniae colonizes mucosal surfaces of healthy humans and is responsible for one third of all Gram-negative infections in hospitalized patients. K. pneumoniae is compatible with acquiring antibiotic resistance elements such as plasmids and transposons encoding various ß-lactamases and efflux pumps. Mutations in different proteins such as ß-lactamases, efflux proteins, outer membrane proteins, gene replication enzymes, protein synthesis complexes and transcription enzymes also generate resistance to antibiotics. Biofilm formation is another strategy that facilitates antibiotic resistance. Resistant strains can be treated by combination therapy using available antibiotics, though proper management of antibiotic consumption in hospitals is important to reduce the emergence and proliferation of resistance to current antibiotics.

Multiplex high-resolution melting assay for simultaneous detection of five key bacterial pathogens in urinary tract infections: A pilot study.

The diagnosis of urinary tract infections (UTIs) is usually based on the results of urine culture, but it is time-consuming, labor-intensive and has a low sensitivity. The aim of this study was to develop multiplex high-resolution melting assay (MHRM) for the simultaneous detection of five common bacterial pathogens (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Enterococcus faecalis, and group B streptococci (GBS)) directly from urine samples. A total of 287 urine specimens were evaluated by HRM assay and the results were compared with the conventional culture method. Five different melt curves generated and differentiated five bacterial pathogens. The detection limit of the MHRM assay was 1.5 × 103 CFU/ml for E. coli and K. pneumoniae and 1.5 × 102 CFU/ml for S. saprophyticus, E. faecalis and GBS. Compared to culture, the specificity of the MHRM assay ranged from 99.3 to 100%, and sensitivity 100% for all test pathogens. The MHRM assay developed in the current study might be functional tool for the diagnosis of UTIs and has the potential for direct detection of the organism in the clinical samples. Additionally, it creates results in less than 5 h, helping clinicians to start treatment with appropriate antimicrobial agents. This method could be a useful supplement to urine culture.

Molecular identification and antibiotic resistance pattern of actinomycetes isolates among immunocompromised patients in Iran, emerging of new infections.

Recent advancements in DNA-based approaches have led to the identification of uncommon and rare bacterial pathogens. In this study, by utilizing a DNA-based approach, a total of 1043 clinical specimens were processed for the identification of actinobacteria targeting the 16S rRNA and gyrB genes. Drug susceptibility testing was also conducted using micro-broth dilution and PCR. Two isolates of Nocardia flavorosea and Rhodococcus erythropolis were reported for the first time in Iran. Also, Nocardiopsis dassonvillei, Streptomyces olivaceus, and Streptomyces griseus were reported for the first time in Asia. Infections caused by Nocardia caishijiensis and Prauserella muralis have also been reported in this study. The first Asian case of pulmonary infection caused by Nocardia ignorata and the first global case of brain abscess caused by Nocardia ninae and Nocardia neocaledoniensis have been reported in this study. Overall 30 isolates belonging to 6 genera (Nocardia, Streptomyces, Rodoccoccus, Nocardiopsis, Rothia, and Prauserella) were detected in 30 patients. All 30 isolates were susceptible to amikacin and linezolid. Three isolates including Nocardia otitidiscaviarum (n = 2) and Nocardia flavorosea (n = 1) were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole which were the first trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistant clinical actinomycetes in Iran. Isolation of rare species of actinomycetes particularly Nocardia spp. requires urgent action before they spread clinically particularly among immunocompromised patients.

Prevalence and Predictive Factors for Nosocomial Infection in the Military Hospitals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: To assess prevalence and predictive factors for Nosocomial Infection (NI) in the military hospitals. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and PreQuest databases were systematically searched for studies published between Jan 1991 and Oct 2017 that reported the prevalence of NI and predictive factors among military hospitals. We performed the meta-analysis using a random effects model. Subgroup analysis was done for heterogeneity and the Egger test to funnel plots was used to assess publication bias. RESULTS: Twenty-eight studies with 250,374 patients were evaluated in meta-analysis. The overall pooled estimate of the prevalence of NI was 8% (95% 6.0-9.0). The pooled prevalence was 2% (95% CI: 2.0-3.0) when we did sensitivity analysis and excluding a study. The prevalence was highest in burn unit (32%) and ICU (15%). Reported risk factors for NI included gender (male vs female, OR: 1.45), age (Age≥65, OR: 2.4), diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.32), inappropriate use of antibiotics (OR: 2.35), received mechanical support (OR: 2.81), co-morbidities (OR: 2.97), admitted into the ICU (OR: 2.26), smoking (OR: 1.36) and BMI (OR: 1.09). CONCLUSION: The review revealed a difference of prevalence in military hospitals with other hospitals and shows a high prevalence of NI in burn units. Therefore careful disinfection and strict procedures of infection control are necessary in places that serve immunosuppressed individuals such as burn patient. Moreover, a vision for the improvement of reports and studies in military hospitals to report the rate of these infections are necessary.

Pulmonary Nocardiosis in Pemphigus Vulgaris Patients from Tehran, Iran.

OBJECTIVE: Nocardiosis is an opportunistic infection in individuals who had organ transplants and in patients with immunosuppressive diseases such as pemphigus Vulgaris (PV), diabetes mellitus, and HIV. Nocardiosis rate has not been assessed in Iranian PV patients, and this was the first study to estimate nocardiosis rate in these patients. METHODS: In this study, 103 patients with PV were examined. BAL samples were obtained and direct smear was prepared and visualized by microscopy after PAS staining. Samples were cultured on antibiotic-containing blood and chocolate agar media. DNA extraction and PCR were performed on positive cultures, and final identification was done by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Drug susceptibility testing was done by microbroth dilution method. RESULTS: Four positive cultures (3.88%) were found in the samples (n = 103). According to sequence analysis, 2 isolates were identified as Nocardia cyriacigeorgica and 2 as Nocardia otitidiscaviarum and Nocardia cerradoensis. Nocardia cerradoensis was isolated from an invasive brain infection. Isolated bacteria were susceptible to majority of the tested antibiotics, except for 2 strains of Nocardia cyriacigeorgica and Nocardia cerradoensis. This was the first isolation of Nocardia cerradoensis of human infection in Asia. Patients with PV are susceptible to nocardiosis, similar to other immunocompromised patients. CONCLUSION: Pemphigus Vulgaris is a severe autoimmune disease which is treated by a high dosage of corticosteroids. Opportunistic infections are one of the greatest challenges of these patients. One of the neglected agents of opportunistic infection in this disorder is Nocardiosis which can cause a high mortality rate in PV patients.

Role of regulatory miRNAs of the Wnt/ ß-catenin signaling pathway in tumorigenesis of breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in women worldwide. Recently, uncontrolled expression of microRNAs was detected in several human disorders like cardiovascular, neurological, intestinal and autoimmunity diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are now investigated as novel prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for several solid tumors like breast, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers. Current data suggest that miRNAs are implicated in various oncogenic processes implicated in breast cancer carcinogenesis trough modulating canonical Wnt pathway. Aberrant activation of Wnt/b-catenin signaling was shown to be significantly associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. This review presents recent findings on the molecular mechanism of microRNAs in regulation of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling involved in tumorigenesis of breast cancer.

Correlation between biofilm formation and carbapenem resistance among clinical isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae.

BACKGROUND: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a Gram-negative enteric bacterium that causes nosocomial infections; this bacterium has survived from harsh condition using biofilm formation in hospital equipment and cause severe infection. In the other hand, the emergence and extension of carbapenem resistance burden among K. pneumonia producing biofilm is the current concern of public health services. There are controversial findings about this subject. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between biofilm formation and resistance to carbapenem among clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. METHODS: A total of 160 K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from various infections of hospitalized patients. The Carba NP test and molecular methods were used for detection of carbapenem resistance isolates of K. pneumonia. Subsequently, the ability for biofilm production was performed from all isolates. Finally, Correlation of biofilm formation among carbapenem resistant isolates was calculated using χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Among K. pneumoniae isolates 42.5% have carbapenemase activity by Carba NP test, while carbapenemase genes were detected in 35.6% of isolates in amplification assay. Moreover, there are 52.5% (n= 84) of all isolates were formed a strong biofilm, while 38.1% (n= 61) and 9.3% (n= 15) of isolates were middle and weak biofilm producer, respectively. Among carbapenem resistant cases (n= 68), there are 77.9% (n= 53) and 22% (n= 15) of isolates were reported as strong and middle biofilm producer, respectively. We see a significant correlation was seen between biofilm formation ability and carbapenem resistant isolates (p-value < 0.00001). CONCLUSION: The increase of carbapenem resistance burden in biofilm producing isolates of K. pneumoniae is considered as serious alert and the basic measures to combat this phenomenon is imperative.

Detection of Nocardia, Streptomyces and Rhodococcus from bronchoalveolar lavage specimens of patients with HIV by Multiplex PCR Assay.

BACKGROUND: Nocardia, Streptomyces and Rhodococcus are life threatening opportunistic pathogens under immunodeficiency conditions, particularly among patients infected with HIV. Rapid and accurate detection of these infections can improve immune health quality, patient management and appropriate treatment. The aim of this study was to design a novel multiplex-PCR assay for rapid diagnosis of these three organisms directly from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) specimens of patients infected with HIV. METHODS: The genus specific primers were designed for direct-detection of Nocardia, Streptomyces and Rhodococcus in a single tube multiplex PCR. This PCR specifically amplified the target genes from pure cultures. It subsequently was applied on BAL specimens of 29 HIV positive patients that had previously been culture negative for actinomycete bacteria, of which Nocardia, Streptomyces and Rhodococcus are members. RESULTS: Of 29 respiratory clinical specimens, there were positive for Nocardia spp. and one was positive for Streptomyces spp using the multiplex PCR assay. The sequencing of the PCR products identified the species as Nocardia cyriacigeorgica (n=2), Nocardia farcinica and Streptomyces albus. CONCLUSION: This novel multiplex PCR assay yielded reliable results for accurate identification of Nocardia, Streptomyces and Rhodococcus from BAL while the results of bacterial culture were negative.

Endocarditis with Aeromonas salmonicida.

Aeromonas salmonicida (A. salmonicida) is a facultative Gram-negative bacillus, inhabiting in water. It is a common source of furunculosis and septicemia in fish. Report on the human infection with this organism is rare. A male farmer referred with weakness and intermittent fever. He had cardiac valves' regurgitation due to fever with rheumatic heart disease. He had a history of swimming in well water. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed a mobile mass of 1.3 × 0.9 cm attached to the mitral valve chordae, suggestive of a vegetation. Aeromonas salmonicida was isolated from the blood. After cardiac surgery and taking ceftriaxone for 4 weeks, he was discharged in good general condition. Five previous case reports of human infection with this organism were found. The patient was the sixth human case, and the first endocarditis, reported with this organism. A. salmonicida is a rare agent for human infection. Contact with water is a risk factor for this type of infection. It seems that the use of modern diagnostic methods has been effective in identifying the microorganism.

Community Acquired Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Pneumonia in a Young Athlete Man: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Pseudomonas aeruginosaisa commonly known as nosocomial infection agent but rarely previously healthy people are infected by P. aeruginosa. Here we report Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) in a 27 year old male athlete. 15 published P. aeruginosa CAP case reports were reviewed. 53.3% of patients were female and 46.67% were male. The mean age was 44 years old (SD: ±13.54). In 8 reports it is mentioned that the patient was a smoker. Fatality rate was 46.6% and death rate was not significantly different between selected antibiotic regimen, sex and smoking in patient's outcome. Chest strike can be a risk factor for P. aeruginosa CAP in athlete people. Our reported patient treated by ciprofloxacin 500 mg per day and healed without any Secondary complication. Fast, timely diagnosis and treatment is critical in Community Acquired P. aeruginosa pneumonia outcome.

Molecular analysis and species diversity of Nocardia in the hospital environment in a developing country, a potential health hazard.

PURPOSE: Despite hundreds of reports on the isolation of Nocardia from clinical samples, the presence and diversity of Nocardia species that are capable of survival in a harsh and adverse condition, such as a hospital environment, have not been comprehensively studied. The aim of this study was to assess Nocardia species diversity in a hospital environment to provide a better insight into their potential threat as a reservoir for the development of nosocomial infections. METHODOLOGY: A total of 90 samples of hospital water, dust and soil, collected from 30 hospitals, were analysed for the presence of Nocardia using standard protocols for isolation and characterization of the isolates. Conventional tests were used for preliminary identification, and PCR amplification of the 596 bp amplicon of the 16S rRNA and sequence analysis of 16S rRNA were performed for genus and species identification. RESULTS: A total of 25 Nocardia isolates (27.7 %) from 10 species were recovered from 90 samples. The three most prevalent species were N. cyriacigeorgica, 24 %, N. asteroides, 16 % and N. kroppenstedtii, 12 %, followed by N. salmonicida-like, 8 % and single isolates of N.otitidiscaviarum, N. flavorozea-like, N. neocaledoniensis-like and N. sungurluensis-like. Thirteen out of twenty five isolates showed characteristics of six novel species. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the hospital environment is a potential reservoir of a diverse range of Nocardia species, due to the remarkable survival capability of these bacteria in an adverse hospital environment, which carries a threat to the health of patients.

L-arginine supplementation and risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in healthy men: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

Context: The effect of L-arginine on risk factors of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has mostly focused on western countries. Since cardiovascular diseases is the second cause of death in Iran and, as far as we are aware, there have been no studies about the effect of L-arginine on CVD risk factors, the aim of this trial was to assess the effects of L-arginine supplementation on CVD risk factors in healthy men. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-dose L-arginine supplementation on CVD risk factors (lipid profile, blood sugar and blood pressure) in Iranian healthy men. Design, setting, participants: We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial in 56 patients selected from sport clubs at the Isfahan University of Medical Science between November 2013 and December 2013. Interventions: Healthy men received L-arginine supplementation (2000 mg daily) in the intervention group or placebo (2000 mg maltodextrin daily) in the control group for 45 days. Main outcome measure: The primary outcome measures were we measured the levels of fasting blood sugar, blood pressure and lipid profile including triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, LDL and HDL in healthy subjects. It was hypothesized that these measures would be significantly improved in those receiving L-arginine supplementation. at the beginning and end of the study. Results: In this trial, we had complete data for 52 healthy participants with mean age of 20.85±4.29 years. At the end of study, fasting blood sugar (P=0.001) and lipid profile (triglycerideTG (P<0.001), cholesterol (P<0.001), LDL (P=0.04), HDL (P=0.015)) decreased in the L-arginine group but we found no significant change in the placebo group. In addition, the reduction of fasting blood sugar and lipid profile in L-arginine was significant compared with placebo group. No significant changes were found about systolic (P=0.81) and diastolic blood pressure either in L-arginine or placebo group. (P=0.532). Conclusion: The use of L-arginine significantly improved outcomes compared to placebo.