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Showing 30 results for Candida


Volume 2, Issue 1 (1-2016)
Abstract

Background: Adhesion and biofilm formation are two important steps in Candida pathogenesis. The aim of the current study was to investigate the presence of bcr1 gene in Candida albicans (C. albicans) isolates from women with vaginal candidiasis and its impact on biofilm formation. Methods: We used 50 clinical isolates which confirmed C. albicans by PCR-RFLP. Then total RNA was extracted from C. albicans isolates by glass bead and lysis buffer, and cDNA was synthesized using reverse transcriptase enzyme. RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase PCR) was used to evaluate the expression of bcr1 gene. Biofilm formation was evaluated in 96-well microplate and then tetrazolium reduction was assayed. All data were analyzed using t-test by SPSS software. Results: Fifty clinical isolates out of 150 were confirmed as C. albicans by using PCR-RFLP method. All the isolates were resistant to fluconazole, 47/50(94%) isolates had bcr1 gene by using PCR, and 45(95.7%) out of 47 isolates, showed BCR1 expression by the RT-PCR. Isolates which harbored bcr1 gene was succeed to form a dense biofilm on microplate. Comparison of the results of the tetrazolium reduction assay on the two isolates that had BCR1expression and two isolates that had no BCR1 expression showed significant differences (p=0.014). Conclusion: According to our result, all of the isolates that had bcr1 gene expression according to RT-PCR, were also resistant to fluconazole in disk diffusion test and additionally, their adherence was higher compared to the control group. These results indicate that there is a positive relation between expression of bcr1 gene and biofilm formation.

Volume 2, Issue 2 (4-2016)
Abstract

Background: Iranian (Lahijan) black tea caffeine has been previously shown to have antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the combination of caffeine and fluconazole (FLU) has an effective antifungal activity on a FLU-resistant (MIC >64mgL-1) C. albicans PTCC5027. Materials and Methods: Caffeine from Lahijan black tea was extracted and its pharmacological effects against 20 clinical isolates of FLU-sensitive and resistant C. albicans was evaluated by Colony Forming Units (CFU) method. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of caffeine and FLU against PTCC-5027strain was investigated. Results: Our results indicate the antifungal efficacy of Lahijan black tea caffeine on C. albicans isolates and subsequent identification of caffeine in combination with FLU againstPTCC-5027 strain. The concentrations of caffeine causing 90% growth inhibition (MIC90) for  PTCC-5027 strain, FLU-resistant and -sensitive C. albicans isolates were 25mgL-1, 24.4mgL-1 and 37.2mgL-1,respectively. The combination of caffeine with FLU showed stronger antifungal activity against C. albicans PTCC5027. The addition of 12.5mgL-1 caffeine to FLU 10-50 mgL-1 (below MIC90) inhibited the growth of C. albicans PTCC5027 by 99.3%–99.7%, the concentrations at which neither caffeine nor FLU alone affected the growth. Conclusion: It can be concluded that caffeine has antifungal effect on C. albicans and in combination with FLU can enhance the antifungal activity of FLU against C. albicans. The synergism of the combination of caffeine and FLU induces multiple antifungal effects, resulting in the use of lower doses of the FLU. It suggests that this can decrease the side effects of antifungal drugs.

Volume 4, Issue 2 (7-2018)
Abstract

Aims: Candida albicans a polymorphic fungus can grow as yeast, pseudohyphae and true hyphae forms. The hyphal form has a key role in infection process during invasion to mucosal membrane. A cluster of genes contribute in controlling of hyphae formation in C. albicans, include SAP6, HWP1 and RIM101. Farnesol is a quorum sensing molecule which inhibits switching of yeast-to-hyphae form. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of farnesol on yeast-to-hyphae morphogenesis and its related gene expressions in C. albicans.
Materials and Methods: In this laboratory trial study, C .albicans was exposed to various concentration (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 150 and 300µM) of farnesol and the rate of yeast cell proliferations and germ tube formation was evaluated by different methods and microscopic examination. Real time-PCR was performed to assess the expression levels of the hyphae-specific genes SAP6, HWP1 and RIM101. The results were analyzed by IBM SPSS 23 software using Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA.
Findings: The yeast growth reduced 5% in 300µM of farnesol approximately (p<0.05). Germ tube formation strongly suppressed. Moreover, Real time-PCR analysis showed that 300µM farnesol decreased HWP1 and SAP6 gene expressions significantly in comparison to control group (p<0.05), whereas, there was no difference in the expression of RIM101 gene.
Conclusion: Farnesol in 300µM concentration can inhibits growth and proliferation of C. albicans yeast cells and also inhibits hyphal formation. Farnesol can affect the expression of virulent genes including pathogenic genes that are associated with hyphae morphogenesis such as SAP6 and HWP1.


Volume 4, Issue 5 (12-2015)
Abstract

In this study, the effect of carbon and nitrogen sources, on production of yeast biomass was determined as well as the efficacy of various formulations of Candida membranifaciens to decrease blue mold on apple. The media containing sugar cane molasses as carbon sources caused more yeast growth than the media supplemented with permeate powder. Yeast extract as nitrogen source produced higher biomass than urea and Corn steep liquor (CSL). The best growth was obtained in medium that composed of sugar cane molasses, yeast extract and CSL. Viability of C. membranifaciens differed in various carriers significantly (p < 0.01). The number of viable cells in Kaolin and Talc-based formulations was gradually reduced whereas the viability in wheat bran based formulations increased in 4 months and then gradually declined. In general, the formulations stored at 4 °C had longer shelf life than those stored at 24 °C. The antagonistic efficacy of prepared formulations of C. membranifaciens was evaluated against Penicillium expansum on apple at storage conditions. There were no significant differences among Talc-based, Kaolin-based and Wheat bran-based formulations of C. membranifaciens in reduction of blue mold.

Volume 5, Issue 3 (9-2019)
Abstract

Aims: In imbalanced conditions, Candida species colonization as a normal microflora of human skin and some mucosal surfaces is replaced by invasive forms (budding yeast cells, pseudohyphae, and true hyphae). This study aimed to investigate the frequency of Candida species and candidiasis with emphasis on the presence and propensity of different Candida species for pseudohyphae and true hyphae formation  in clinical samples taken from various clinical forms of candidiasis.
Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study (2018 to 2019), sampling was done from 492  patients suspected to candidiasis, referred to the Medical Mycology Laboratory. Employing direct microscopy and culturing methods, the Candida species were identified using morphological and biochemical characteristics and also PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing.
Findings: From a total of 96 candidiasis patients, 44.9% were identified with superficial-cutaneous and 55.1% with visceral candidiasis. The most clinical strains were isolated from fingernail scrapings (33.2%), followed by bronchoalveolar lavage samples (17%). The mycelium was found in 55.2% of the cases, and the highest frequency was related to the nail specimens (34%, p <.05). C. albicans was the predominant species forming mycelium (69.8%), followed by C. tropicalis, but no mycelium was found in C. guilliermondii cases. Mycelium formation was observed more in patients with an underlying disease such as AIDS and organ transplantation (p <.05).
Conclusion: Non-albicans Candida species have also the propensity to induce an invasive form of mycelial in the skin and to increase internal organs temperature, exacerbating clinical symptoms. This finding is important for choosing proper antifungal treatments and should be taken into account by clinicians.

 

Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2017)
Abstract

Huanglongbing (HLB) also known as citrus greening, is a destructive disease of citrus and now, is considered as a new emergence and spread out threat to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) citrus production. In a survey conducted in southern Iran in 2013-2014, 77 citrus samples exhibiting symptoms of HLB were collected. Single-step and nested polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were employed to determine the presence of the phloem-limited bacterial pathogens ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’(CLas), phytoplasma and Spiroplasma citri. Both CLas and phytoplasma were detected in HLB-affected citrus trees as co-infection (7.79%) and single infection (10.38% for phytoplasma and 42.85% for CLas). According to the proposed 16S rDNA-based phytoplasma classification scheme, the HLB-associated phytoplasma from this study was a member of peanut witches’broom (16SrII) phytoplasma group. This is the first report of association of a phytoplasma with HLB in sweet lime in the world and first record of association of CLas with sour orange (Citrus aurantium L.) and sweet lime in Iran.

Volume 6, Issue 3 (8-2024)
Abstract

Introduction
Encouraging political participation through electoral behavior is the most crucial mission for a candidate and their team. In other words, how the political process is initiated and how the game is played effectively to benefit oneself while also deepening competitive democracy requires a nuanced art and comprehensive, professional strategies. Election activists can explore and utilize various aspects of political participation by understanding diverse electoral behaviors, the nature and functionality of these actions, and how to create them. There are numerous factors involved in electoral competitions that, to varying degrees, influence a candidate’s ability to secure a position and achieve political power. These factors range from cultural and social elements to economic and livelihood conditions, as well as communication, networking, and geographic factors, which are fundamental and vital in overcoming political rivals during an electoral campaign.

Methodology
The current article is a research-based study that is dual in nature regarding its objective: both fundamental/theoretical and applied. However, its predominant aspect can be considered applied, specifically problem-solving. It is applied in the sense that the results aim to settle a problem, which is how electoral candidates can achieve victory and attain political power.

Research Findings
This study showed that there is no single factor that can predict how people vote. Instead, a combination of various factors explains voting behavior in electoral contexts. There are diverse and various factors and strategies involved in the success of candidates in electoral campaigns. Political actors cannot effectively influence the voters' perception and play a significant role in elections by relying solely on one or a few components or strategies. The findings indicate that activists who have entered the electoral arena with a well-structured and comprehensive plan have managed the electoral environment more effectively. Therefore, candidates need to develop and articulate well-founded and comprehensive factors and strategies to ensure their strong and stable presence in electoral contests, enabling them to outperform their rivals, attract votes, and ultimately win the election.

Conclusions
Electoral candidates are the central actors in an election, serving as the focal point of the electoral campaign. The following question then arises: What factors contribute to a candidate's success? Various factors influence this outcome, as explained through theories of electoral behavior and political participation approaches. Sociological, social psychological, and political economic theories emphasize social, psychological, and cognitive indicators and components, focusing on subcultures and macro-social cultures (demographic characteristics and membership in institutions and groups) and the individual's loyalty to party’s identity and rational, demand-driven actions. In this context, elitist, political communication, and electoral geography theories place significance on political elites and adherence to directives, media, and interactions among the electorate within geographical spaces of varying scales (states, provinces, counties, districts, neighborhoods, and regions; spatial differences). These theories highlight the importance of active political forces, spatial communication tools, and comprehensive coverage of the electorate within the geographical space. Therefore, it can be said that the factors are diverse and unequal, with each factor and strategy having its own mechanisms and operational contexts. Among these factors and strategies, five strategies (factors) with their respective components—namely, the personal and social personality of candidates, political parties, money and financial resources, media, and geographical perspective—are considered to play the most significant and influential roles in a candidate's electoral success. Actors should primarily focus on these five spatial factors in their electoral campaigns

Volume 6, Issue 4 (12-2017)
Abstract

Witches' broom disease of lime (WBDL) is a lime disease that has destroyed several citrus orchards in Oman, United Arab Emirates and Iran. WBDL is caused by a bacterium ''Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia'' which is spread through the citrus orchards by a leafhopper, Hishimonus phycitis (Distant) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Leafhoppers are associated with symbiotic microorganisms which provide them with essential amino acids lacking in their diets. Yeast-like relationships with insects are known as common and obligate symbiotic relationship. A prerequisite for the development of future strategies for the symbiotic control of insect pests and insect-vector competence is the identification of insect-associated yeast-like symbionts. In the present study, yeast-like symbionts housed in H. phycitis were investigated in insects collected from 13 districts of citrus orchards distributed in southern Iran (Hormozgan, Kerman, Sistan-Balushestan and Fars provinces). Insects were collected from infected lime trees by a D-Vac and stored at -20 ºC up to the DNA extraction. Total DNA was extracted and PCR was conducted with specific primer sets targeting 18S rRNA and 26S rRNA genes of the symbionts. Results revealed that the vector harboured two yeast symbionts, namely Yeast like symbiont of H. phycitis (Hp-YLS)and Candida pimensis,with a similarity of (98-99%) to those reported from the other Cicadellids. These results substantiate the association of these two endosymbiotic microbiota with H. phycitis which may suggest their ecological interactions. To establish any endosymbiotic relationship and probable interfering in pathogen transmission, further studies are needed.

Volume 6, Issue 4 (11-2020)
Abstract

Background: Aureobasidin A is known as a cyclic depsipeptide antibiotic with toxic effects against yeasts such as Candida spp at low concentration. Combination therapy is used as a conventional treatment for fungal infections, especially drug-resistant cases. The current study aimed to investigate the combined effects of fluconazole and Aureobasidin A on fluconazole-resistant C. albicans isolates using broth microdilution method.
Materials & Methods: Antifungal activity of Aureobasidin A (AbA) compared to fluconazole against C. albicans ATCC 76615 strain was determined using the standardized broth microdilution method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, document M27-Ed4) guidelines. The checkerboard method was used to test the combined effects of Aureobasidin A and fluconazole. The synergy, indifference, and antagonism were defined based on the fractional inhibitory concentration values below 0.5, 0.5-4, and more than 4 μg/mL, respectively.
Findings: MIC50 and MIC90 evaluations of Aureobasidin A and fluconazole were done at concentrations of 0.25-2 and 32-64 μg/mL against C. glabrata isolates, respectively. The synergy between fluconazole and Aureobasidin A was observed against Candida isolate. A reduced MIC was demonstrated against C. albicans isolate when fluconazole was combined with Aureobasidin A at 4 to 0.12 μg/mL concentrations.
Conclusion: The present study findings revealed that Aureobasidin A combined with fluconazole exhibited potent inhibitory effects against fluconazole-resistant C. albicans isolates. Further studies is recommended to investigate the synergistic effects of Aureobasidin A and other antifungal drugs.

 

Volume 7, Issue 2 (5-2021)
Abstract

Backgrounds: Nowadays, the need for replacement of new drug structures is felt more than ever due to the spread of microbial resistance. S-triazoles are significant five-membered heterocyclic scaffolds due to their wide range of biological activities.
Materials & Methods: A new series of Schiff bases (5a-f) were synthesized by the reaction of 4-amino-S-triazoles (3a-c) with furan and benzaldehyde 4(d-e). Then a novel series of triazole thioglycosides (7a-f) were synthesized by the reaction of Schiff bases (5a-f) and T-O-acetyle-α-D-glucopyranosyle-Br in the presence of potassium carbonate as a weak base in acetone. The structure of the products was confirmed by FT-IR, H-NMR, and C-NMR assays. The antimicrobial properties of the newly synthesized compounds were studied against four bacterial strains, including Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, and two fungal strains, including Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans.
Findings: The synthesized compounds exhibited better antifungal activity than antibacterial activity, espetially 7d. Among all the compounds, the compound 7d was found to have the highest activity against C. albicans with IZ=18±0.7 mm, MIC=250 mg/mL, and MFC= 250 mg/mL.
Conclusion: The present study results indicated that compounds containing S-triazole had the potential to be used in a wide variety of new antifungal formulations.

Volume 7, Issue 3 (7-2021)
Abstract

Backgrounds: Due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant Candida species, the discovery of new antifungal agents with minimum side effects is essential. The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal activity of caprylic acid and nano-encapsulated caprylic acid against C. albicans as well as their effect on the expression of EFG1 gene.
Materials & Methods: In this laboratory trial study, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of caprylic acid and nano-encapsulated caprylic acid against C. albicans was evaluated at various concentrations (400-625 and 1.3-50 μL/mL, respectively). Real time-PCR was performed to assess the expression level of EFG1 gene. Cytotoxicity effect of caprylic acid and nano-encapsulated caprylic acid was evaluated on SW480 cell line using MTT test.
Findings: Antifungal activity findings displayed that MIC90 and MIC50 values of caprylic acid were 500 and 450 μg/mL, respectively, whereas MIC90 and MIC50 values of nano-encapsulated caprylic acid were 6.2 and 3.1 μg/mL, respectively. The expression of EFG1 gene significantly decreased in the groups treated with caprylic acid and nano-encapsulated caprylic acid compared to the control group. According to the cytotoxicity evaluation findings, the viability of cells treated with caprylic acid was significantly higher than that of cells exposed to nano-encapsulated caprylic acid.
Conclusions: According to the obtained results, nano-encapsulated caprylic acid successfully inhibited C. albicans growth at a lower concentration compared to caprylic acid. Overall, it was found that nano-encapsulated caprylic acid is a promising antifungal agent against Candida species; however, further studies are needed to be performed about nano-encapsulation of caprylic acid.

Volume 8, Issue 2 (6-2022)
Abstract

Backgrounds: Candida albicans (C. albicans) as a fungal pathogen is part of the normal flora of the human body, which could cause various infections in patients with defective immune systems. Nowadays, there is a need to design and synthesis new drug formulations to overcome drug resistance in this genus. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main ingredient in Nigella sativa, which has considerable antifungal properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of thymoquinone-zein nanoparticles (TQ-ZNPs) on C. albicans.
Materials & Methods: In the current study, TQ was encapsulated in zein (as a biodegradable carrier) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). The antifungal activity of TQ-ZNPs against C. albicans (ATCC 10231; standard strain) and their inhibitory effects on biofilm formation were examined using standardized broth microdilution and MTT assays, respectively. The total oxidant status (TOS) of C. albicans was assessed using colorimetric method, and the toxic effect of nanoparticles on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was evaluated by MTT assay.
Findings: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of TQ-ZNPs was significantly reduced compared to that of free TQ. MIC values of TQ-ZNPs and free TQ were determined to be 7.4 and 50 µg/mL, respectively. Biofilm formation was inhibited, and oxidant production by fungal cells was increased. The findings of this study showed that TQ-ZNPs had no toxic effect on PBMCs.
Conclusion: This study results revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles had a good antifungal activity without any toxicity. The results demonstrated the superior efficiency of TQ-ZNPs over free TQ. Hence, this structure could be used to load hydrophobic drugs. However, more studies are needed to evaluate the beneficial properties of TQ-ZNPs.
 

Volume 8, Issue 3 (9-2022)
Abstract

Backgrounds: The fungal pathogen Candida albicans is a cause of biofilm formation in patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis. Saccharomyces boulardii is a nonpathogenic fungal probiotic that plays an important role in preventing or treating intestinal diseases. This research aimed to determine the inhibitory effect of S. boulardii probiotic yeast on biofilm formation capacity of C. albicans, which is one of the main virulence factors.
Materials & Methods: In this study, 33 oropharyngeal samples were collected from patients with suspected oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). The inhibitory activity of S. boulardii against biofilm formation capacity of C. albicans was investigated by crystal violet-based staining (CVS) and MTT reduction reaction. The collected data were analyzed using student's t-test in SPSS statistical software.
Findings: In this study, the probiotic yeast S. boulardii reduced the pathogenicity and virulence of C. albicans in vitro. According to the results of CVS and MTT assays, a considerable reduction (p< .001) in the biomass and viability of C. albicans biofilms was observed after 48 hours of incubation in the presence of S. boulardii extract.
Conclusion: There was a significant association between S. boulardii extract concentration and biofilm formation in both CVS and MTT assays. Biofilm formation decreased with increasing S. boulardii extract concentration and incubation time in both methods compared to the control group.
 

Volume 8, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract

Backgrounds: In this research, an attempt was made to identify Candida isolates collected from women with suspected vulvovaginal candidiasis using single Multiplex PCR reaction as a swift and valid method. Beside, this method was compared with phenotypic methods.
Materials & Methods: In this study, 250 vaginal swabs were collected from patients referring to obstetrics and gynecology specialists. In addition to phenotypic methods, multiplex PCR designed by species-specific primers was performed to identify Candida isolates in a single reaction. Descriptive statistics were analyzed by t-test and Chi-square test in SPSS software (Ver. 22) (p< .05).
Findings: According to the results, 92 positive samples were diagnosed using the culture method. Four species were identified by culturing the specimens on CHROM agar. The most common Candida species isolated was C. albicans (54.3%), followed by C. parapsilosis (28.2%), C. glabrata (17.4%), and C. krusei (1.0%). The most common Candida spp. identified by Multiplex PCR method were C. albicans (50.0%), C. glabrata (33.7%), and C. parapsilosis (6.2%). Also, three mixed infections with C. albicans and C. glabrata as well as C. albicans and C. parapsilosis were identified
Conclusion: In comparison to phenotypic methods, considering the cost-effectiveness of PCR methods, the single multiplex PCR reaction was shown to be efficient in epidemiological studies on pathogenic species.

Volume 8, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract

Backgrounds: Nowadays, excessive use of fungal drugs has led to the development of drug-resistant fungi, making it necessary to find natural and herbal antifungal agents. This in-vitro study aimed to evaluate the interactions of Satureja hortensis and Carum carvi essential oils together and each essential oil with fluconazole against Candida albicans ATCC-10231.
Materials & Methods: In this study, antifungal properties of different concentrations of S. hortensis (0.0244-1.56 μL/mL) and C. carvi (0.39-25 μL/mL) were investigated by broth-microdilution method based on CLSI M27-A3 and M27-S4 standard documents. The interactions of essential oils together and each essential oil with fluconazole were evaluated by checkerboard assay. Then using the ΣFIC index, the interaction results were interpreted.
Findings: S. hortensis essential oil showed higher antifungal activity than C. carvi essential oil. (MIC/MFC: S. hortensis: 1.56/3.12 μL/mL and C. carvi: 12.5/25 μL/mL). The interaction between S. hortensis essential oil and fluconazole was on the synergic and additive borderline (FICI=0.508), the interaction between C. carvi essential oil and fluconazole was additive (FICI=0.62), and C. carvi and S. hortensis essential oils showed no interaction together (FICI=2.015).
Conclusion: The essential oils of S. hortensis and C. carvi separately exhibited powerful antifungal activities. The use of S. hortensis essential oil at a very low concentration along with fluconazole caused an interaction very close to synergy and increased fluconazole antifungal activity. Therefore, S. hortensis is a potential candidate for combined use with fluconazole to treat C. albicans related diseases.

Volume 9, Issue 4 (12-2023)
Abstract

Aims: Hidden fungal infections may lead to errors in blood cell counts and inappropriate treatment selection with serious consequences in many patients. This study aimed to evaluate the results of two automated blood cell counters Sysmex-X 500 and KX-21 in samples containing Candida albicans and Candida glabrata.
Materials & Methods: In this study, 144 blood samples of O- blood type were examined in the presence and absence of C. glabrata and C. albicans fungi at different concentrations by two automated blood cell counters Sysmex-X 500 and KX-21 in Lorestan University of Medical Sciences in 2017. Fungal samples were prepared at a concentration of 0.5 McFarland, equally added to the blood samples, and read by Sysmex-X 500 and KX-21.
Findings: The average number of erythrocytes, leukocytes, and platelets read by Sysmex-X 500 and KX-21 devices increased in the presence of both fungal samples compared to the primary samples. In addition, the number of lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes read by Sysmex-X 500 and KX-21 devices in the presence of fungal samples was significantly higher compared to the primary samples (p< .05). The increase in mean blood cell counts in the presence of both fungal samples was significantly higher in X 500 than in KX-21 (p< .05).
Conclusion: This study results showed that among these two devices, the Sysmex-X Series 500 device showed less variation compared to the actual values of blood cells. The use of this device seems to reduce measurement error in blood cell counting.

F.k. Obeed, L.a. Al-Saad, I.m.n. Alrubayae,
Volume 10, Issue 1 (1-2022)
Abstract

Aim: This study was aimed at the prevalence of Hospital-Acquired Fungal Infections in Some Hospitals in Basrah Province.
Materials & Methods: Two hundred thirteen clinical specimens were collected from patients after 48h admission in Al–Faehaa Educational Hospital, AL-Sader Educational Hospital, and Pediatric Specialist Educational Hospital from November 2020 to April 2021.
Findings: The ages of patients ranged from 5 months to 80 years, 94 (44%) males and 119(56%) females. The highest prevalence of bacterial nosocomial infections was recorded in 5 months-10 years (27.5%), while the 21-30 years group showed a high prevalence of hospital-acquired fungal infections (22.02%). Furthermore, diabetic patients (43.7%) tended to be more susceptible to fungal infections. A fifty-nine yeast isolates were isolated from clinical specimens, all of which were identified morphologically, physiologically, and molecularly. The most fungal isolates were returned to the genus Candida that including Candida albicans (47.5%), C. glabrata (16.4%), C. tropicalis (11.48%), C. parapsilosis (9.84), C. krusei (4.91%), and C. dubliniensis (4.91%), C. lusitaniea (3.28%) in addition to 1.68% of Naganishia globose with significant difference (p≤0.05) among isolated species. Additionally, N. globose was firstly record as a nosocomial agent in Iraq.
Conclusion: Fungi have an important role as etiological agents of hospital-acquired infections, so, need more attention from health institutions for laboratory diagnosis of fungal infections in addition to antifungal susceptibility tests that assist physicians to select the suitable treatment for each case.
 

Volume 10, Issue 3 (8-2024)
Abstract

Background: The present investigation aimed to survey the in-vitro inhibitory effects of nitroglycerin against Candida albicansTrichophyton rubrum, and Aspergillus flavus.
Materials & Methods: In the current investigation, 99 fungal isolates were gathered from patients referred to the Medical Mycology Laboratory of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The disk diffusion method was done based on Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M44-S2 guidelines. Also, the microdilution method was performed base on CLSI guidelines for filamentous fungi (document M38-A2) and yeasts (document M27-A3).
Findings: In the disk diffusion method, all isolates of C. albicans (n=33, 100%) and A. flavus (n=33, 100%) showed sensitivity to nitroglycerin, whereas all isolates of T. rubrum (n=33, 100%) showed resistance to nitroglycerin. On the other hand, in the microdilution method, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nitroglycerin against C. albicans and A. flavus isolates was 0.5 mg/mL, whereas the MIC of nitroglycerin against T. rubrum was 0.12 mg/mL.
The results showed that the MIC of nitroglycerin against dermatophytes was about one-quarter of its MIC against C. albicans and A. flavus, and this difference was statistically significant (p< .05).
Conclusion: Considering the potential and efficacy of nitroglycerin against yeasts and filamentous fungi (saprophytes and dermatophytes), complementary in-vivo and in-vitro studies should be done.


Volume 11, Issue 4 (12-2007)
Abstract

The electoral campaign and the publicity, which are exercised during the election season by the candidates or their parties, are considered as the major subjects in the political systems based on the universal vote. Islamic Republic of Iran and the Fifth Republic of France both pay specific attention to the elections and have developed certain electoral codes concerning the electoral campaign. In this study, we defined four variables as our major categorization and tried to elaborate the electoral rules of both countries according to these variables: 1. Preparing the context for the candidates and their parties for presenting themselves and their programs. 2. Assuring a relative equality for all candidates to enjoy equal opportunities in the electoral campaign. 3. Preventing violation of the citizens, rights during the electoral activities. 4. Preventing the wasting and also the candidates’dependency on the interest groups and external powers. According, it was concluded that the electoral codes of both countries are corresponding with the proper situations of each country but the French rules are more comprehensive to assure the regularity of the elections.

Volume 12, Issue 3 (9-2009)
Abstract

Objective: In this study the susceptibility of Candida albicans to inhibitory effect of polyphenols under varying time (24 and 48 hours) conditions were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Green tea leaf polyphenols were extracted and analyzed by chromatography. Among polyphenols, Catechin showed stronger antifungal activity against C. albicans PTCC-5027. Catechin's MIC90 (The concentration of Catechin causing 90% growth inhibition of tested strain of C. albicans) and MFC (The minimum antifungal susceptibility of Catechin) were determined by Macro dilution test and calculation after 24 and 48 hours. Results: The antifungal activity of Catechin was time dependent. Catechin's MIC for 0.5×10³, 1×10³ and 2×10³ cells/ml was 12.5, 25 and 100 mg/ml after 24h respectively. The results after 48h for 0.5×10³, 1×10³ and 2×10³ cells/ml were 6.25, 12.5 and 25 mg/ml respectively. Fluconazol was tested on C. albicans PTCC-5027 and the results indicated that this strain of Candida is fluconazol resistant. Data shown are from three separate experiments and were analysed statistically. Conclusion: C. albicans PTCC-5027 is fluconazol resistant, however green tea leaf polyphenols especially Catechin could inhibit the growth of this yeast at MIC and MFC concentrations. On the basis of the obtained results the green tea leaf contains effective antifungal components. Since the common and generic antifungal drugs possess some side effects and also there is an increasing drug resistance, it is hoped that consumption of herbal drugs may help to cure fungal diseases and to avoid the side effects of antimycotics as a good replacement.

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