@medilam.ac.ir
Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam,
Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
Microbiology
Scopus Publications
Scholar Citations
Scholar h-index
Scholar i10-index
Hassan Valadbeigi, Nourkhoda Sadeghifard, Vahab Hassan Kaviar, Mohammad Hossein Haddadi, Sobhan Ghafourian, and Abbas Maleki
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Background Biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is known to be characteristic of this organism. This bacterium is considered one of the most life-threatening bacteria and has been identified as a priority pathogen for research by WHO. Biofilm-producing P. aeruginosa is a concern in many parts of the world due to antibiotic resistance. Alginate also plays an important role in the biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa as well as the emergence of antibiotic resistance in biofilms. In addition, the systems of toxin-antitoxin( TA) play an important role in biofilm formation. Metal nanoparticle(NP) such as zinc oxide (ZnO) also have extensive biological properties, especially anti-biofilm properties. Therefore, this study was conducted in relation to the importance of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in biofilm formation and also the correlation of gene expression of TA systems in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. Methods A total of 52 P. aeruginosa isolates were collected from burns (n = 15), UTI (n = 31), and trachea (n = 6) in hospitals in Ilam between May 2020 and October 2020. Biofilm formation was assessed using a microtiter plate assay. MIC and sub-MIC concentrations of ZnO NPs (10–30 nm with purity greater than 99.8%) in P. aeruginosa were determined. Subsequently, biofilm formation was investigated using sub-MIC concentrations of ZnO NPs. Finally, total RNA was extracted and RT- qPCR was used to determine the expression levels of genes of mazEF, mqsRA, and higBA of TA systems. Results Six isolates of P. aeruginosa were found to form strong biofilms. The results showed that ZnO NPs were able to inhibit biofilm formation. In our experiments, we found that the sub-MIC concentration of ZnO NPs increased the gene expression of antitoxins mazE and mqsA and toxin higB of TA systems treated with ZnO NPs. Conclusions In the present study, ZnO NPs were shown to effectively inhibit biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. Our results support the relationship between TA systems and ZnO NPs in biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. Importantly, the expression of antitoxins mazE and mqsA was high after treatment with ZnO NPs, but not that of antitoxin higA.
Hassan Valadbeigi, Saeed Khoshnood, Babak Negahdari, Mohd Azmuddin Abdullah, and Mohammad Hossein Haddadi
Hindawi Limited
Introduction. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) induces gastritis by stimulating Th17 cells and related cytokines. The aim of our study was to investigate the synergistic effect of metformin with amoxicillin as an antibiotic in inhibiting H. pylori and modulating the immune response in a rat model. Methods. Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into seven groups and infected with H. pylori. Over the course of 14 days, all animals were treated with metformin and amoxicillin alone and in combination. The antibacterial activity of metformin was evaluated by growth curves and colony counts. The immunoregulatory effect on Treg/Th17 balance was assessed by flow cytometry, and the cytokine profile of IL-17A, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TGF-β, and IL-10 was determined by ELISA. The effect of metformin on gene expression of cagA and IL-8 was investigated by RT-PCR. Pathological changes were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. Results. Metformin showed weak antibacterial activity against clinically isolated H. pylori. However, the combination of metformin and amoxicillin (AMX) showed strong synergistic antibacterial activity (ΣFIC=0.24). Compared with AMX, metformin reduced inflammation and tissue damage but resulted in increased bacterial growth. During metformin administration, both TGF-β levels and Treg cells increased dramatically (P=0.002). In synergy with AMX, metformin decreased the effective dose of antibiotic to eradicate H. pylori. Conclusions. The combination of metformin with potential antibiotics such as AMX had a positive effect on the relief of H. pylori-related inflammation by inducing Treg cells while successfully eliminating H. pylori.
Hassan Valadbeigi, Saeed Khoshnood, Babak Negahdari, Abbas Maleki, Medya Mohammadinejat, and Mohammad Hossein Haddadi
Wiley
AbstractBackgroundFusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) is an integral component of supra‐ and subgingival biofilms, especially more prevalent in subgingival areas during both periodontal health and disease.AimsIn this review, we explore the physical, metabolic, and genetic interactions that influence the role of F. nucleatum in the formation of mixed oral biofilms. The role of F. nucleatum in antibiotic resistance in oral biofilms was discussed and some therapeutic strategies were proposed.MethodsPubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Web of Science were extensively searched for English‐language reports.ResultsF. nucleatum‐derived proteins such as RadD, Fap2, FomA, and CmpA are involved in direct interactions contributing to biofilm formation, while autoinducer‐2 and putrescine are involved in metabolic interactions. Both groups are essential for the formation and persistence of oral biofilms. This study highlights the clinical relevance of targeted interactions of F. nucleatum in supra‐ and subgingival oral biofilms.ConclusionsBy focusing on these interactions, researchers and clinicians can develop more effective strategies to prevent biofilm‐related disease and reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance. Further research in this area is warranted to explore the potential therapeutic interventions that can be derived from understanding the interactions of F. nucleatum in oral biofilm dynamics.
Ebrahim Kouhsari, Nourkhoda Sadeghifard, Arezoo Khadiv, Hojjat Sayadi, Taghi Amiriani, Sobhan Ghafourian, Hassan Valadbeigi, and Marcela Krutova
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance of H. pylori can lead to treatment failure. Importantly, several studies have reported on heteroresistance, i.e. the presence of resistant and susceptible H. pylori populations in the same sample and/or a difference in the susceptibility patterns between biopsy samples. This meta-analysis aims to provide comprehensive data on the prevalence of metronidazole and clarithromycin heteroresistance and the approaches to their detection. Material and methods A systematic review was performed after the search of MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science. The study outcomes were the weighted pooled prevalence of heteroresistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole in H. pylori positive samples and/or isolates with a subanalysis by continent. Results A total of 22 studies that had investigated 3852 H. pylori positive patients were included in the meta-analysis. Heteroresistance to clarithromycin was reported in 20 studies, with a weighted pooled prevalence of 6.8% (95% CI 5.1–8.6; 3654 H. pylori positive patients; the substantial heterogeneity I2 = 55.6%). Heteroresistance to metronidazole was reported in 12 studies, with a weighted pooled prevalence of 13.8% (95% CI 8.9–18.6; 1670 H. pylori positive patients; the substantial heterogeneity I2 = 60.9%). The weighted pooled prevalence of clarithromycin heteroresistance was similar in Asia and Europe (p = 0.174584), however, metronidazole heteroresistance was detected more often in Europe (p < 0.00001). Clarithromycin heteroresistance was detected more often by phenotype rather than by using genotyping methods (12 vs 8 studies), whereas heteroresistance to metronidazole was detected only by phenotype. Conclusion The prevalence of heteroresistance to clarithromycin and/or metronidazole is not negligible and can be detected in approximately 7 and 14% of H. pylori positive samples, respectively. These findings highlight the need to raise the awareness of gastroenterologists and microbiologists to the heteroresistance to clarithromycin and metronidazole in patients with a H. pylori infection.
Abbas Maleki, Vahab Hassan Kaviar, Maryam Koupaei, Mohammad Hossein Haddadi, Behrooz Sadeghi Kalani, Hassan Valadbeigi, Somayeh Karamolahi, Nazanin Omidi, Marziyeh Hashemian, Nourkhoda Sadeghifard,et al.
Frontiers Media SA
Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) is now considered a highly resistant pathogen to various types of antibiotics. Therefore, tracking the source of its prevalence and continuous control is crucial. This study aimed to determine antibiotic resistance and perform various molecular typing methods on clinical isolates of A. baumannii isolated from hospitalized burn patients in Shahid Motahari Burn Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Hospital isolates were confirmed by phenotypic and molecular methods. Then the sensitivity to different antibiotics was determined using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method. In order to perform molecular typing, three-locus dual assay multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA), and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) methods were used. Among the 60 isolates collected, the frequencies of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) isolates were 90 and 10%, respectively. The most effective antibiotics were colistin with 100% and tigecycline with 83.33% sensitivity. Isolates were 100% resistant to piperacillin/tazobactam and cephalosporins, and 68.3% were resistant to carbapenem. The results of multiplex PCR showed five groups that international clone I (IC I) and IC II were the most common. The MLVA method identified 34 MLVA types (MTs), 5 clusters, and 25 singletons. Multilocus sequence typing results for tigecycline-resistant isolates showed seven different sequence types (STs). Increasing antibiotic resistance in A. baumannii isolates requires careful management to control and prevent the occurrence of the pre-antibiotic era. The results of this study confirm that the population structure of A. baumannii isolates has a high diversity. More extensive studies are needed in Iran to better understand the epidemiology of A. baumannii.
Nahid Mahdian, Ebrahim Kouhsari, Ali Gheysarzadeh, Abbas Maleki, Hassan Valadbeigi, and Nourkhoda Sadeghifard
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Background: Acute diarrhea is a major public health problem, particularly in developing countries. Shigellosis is one of the substantial causative agents of microbial dysentery and still has a remarkable prevalence, particularly in areas with poor hygienic infrastructures. The probable existence of the deadly Shiga toxin (Stx) protein in some Shigella strains would manifest life-threatening clinical symptoms of the infection. Methods: The aim of this study was to determine the presence of Shigella toxin 1 (Stx1) in isolated from patients with diarrhea. Totally, 227 Shigella species, including 60 S. flexneri, 157 S. sonnei, and 10 S. boydii were collected from diarrheal patients in the tropical infectious diseases research center of Ahvaz, Iran, during 2013-2015. The isolates were collected mostly from the intensive care unit, infectious disease, and surgery settings. The isolates were identified, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the stx gene. Results: The results indicated that none of them encode the stx1 gene. Conclusion: Isolates of this study were not capable of stx1 encoding. Future investigations should consider the relations between other Shigella species and Shigella toxin in Iran.
Hossein Kazemian, Hamid Heidari, Jalil Kardan-Yamchi, Sobhan Ghafourian, Iraj Pakzad, Ebrahim Kouhsari, Hasan Valadbeigi, and Nourkhoda Sadeghifard
MDPI AG
Introduction: Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), is a significant global public health threat. Besides extensive multidrug resistance, MTB possesses several properties for long-term viability in the host as well as stress adaptation and resistance in harsh conditions. The role of toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems in disseminating and maintaining antimicrobial resistance in bacterial populations has also been demonstrated. This study aimed to evaluate differences in expression of MazEF (a well-known TA system) related genes (mazE3, mazF3, mazE6, and mazF6) amongst drug-susceptible and resistant MTB isolates in Iran. Material and methods: A total of 20 confirmed clinical isolates of MTB including 10 drug-susceptible and 10 drug-resistant (nine MDR, and one XDR) species were included in this study. M. tuberculosis H37Rv was used as the standard strain. RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and relative quantitative real-time PCR were performed according to the standard procedures. Results: Our analysis indicated significant enhanced expression of the mazE6 antitoxin gene in drug-susceptible isolates compared to drug-resistant isolates and the standard strain. The expression of the mazF6 toxin gene was also increased in drug-susceptible isolates compared with the standard strain. In drug-resistant isolates, the expression levels of mazF3 and mazF6 genes were significantly higher than that in the susceptible isolates and the standard strain. Conclusions: In this study, there was significant overexpression of mazE6 in drug-susceptible isolates. As well, mazF3 and F6 were overexpressed in drug-resistant isolates when compared with the standard strain. The changes in expression levels of MazEF6 associated genes were greater than that of MazEF3 in both groups of isolates.
Ebrahim Kouhsari, Nourkhoda Sadeghifard, Mohammad Karimian, Hojjat Sayyadi, Ali Nazari, Ali Mozafari, Hossein Kazemian, Hassan Valadbeigi, and Mohammad Kaffashian
Clinical Laboratory Publications
BACKGROUND
We aimed to accumulate evidence that suggests the potential role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in determining the prognostic factor for COVID-19 patients.
METHODS
A cohort of COVID-19 hospitalized patients at the Ilam University of Medical Sciences was analyzed. Logistic regression models were performed to identify the potential role of NLR in determining the prognostic factor for COVID-19 patients.
RESULTS
The total number of in-hospital mortality was 43/328 (13.1%). Multivariate analysis identified that there was a 26% higher risk of in-hospital death for each unit increase in NLR (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.08; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.01 to 1.14; p = 0.0147). Multivariate analysis identified that there was an 8% higher risk of in-hospital death for each unit increase in NLR (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.08; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.01 to 1.14; p = 0.0147). Compared with patients in the NLR < 5 group, the NLR of patients in the NLR ≥ 5 group had a 16-fold higher risk of mortality (OR = 16.04; 95% CI, 1.14 to 224.95; p = 0.0395) after adjustment for potential confounders.
CONCLUSIONS
NLR is an independent risk factor of mortality COVID-19 patients.
Marya Teimour pour, Ali Gheysarzadeh, Iraj Pakzad, Hassan Valadbeigi, Abbas Maleki, and Nourkhoda Sadeghifard
Elsevier BV
Hassan Valadbeigi, Masoumeh HatamiLak, Abbas Maleki, Ebrahim Kouhsari, and Nourkhoda Sadeghifard
Elsevier BV
Hossein Kazemian, Hamid Heidari, Roya Ghanavati, Sobhan Ghafourian, Fateme Yazdani, Nourkhoda Sadeghifard, Hasan Valadbeigi, Abbas Maleki, and Iraj Pakzad
S. Karger AG
<b><i>Objectives:</i></b> Drug resistance among gram-negative bacteria is a worldwide challenge. Due to the importance of drug-resistant <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> and <i>Escherichia coli</i> strains in hospital-acquired infections, we aimed to determine the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of ESBL-, AmpC-, and carbapenemase-producing isolates obtained from hospitalized patients in Tehran and Ilam (Iran). <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> In total, 90 <i>K. pneumoniae</i> isolates and 65 <i>E. coli</i> isolates were collected from various infections. Phenotypic identification of bacterial isolates was performed using standard methods. Phenotypic screening of ESBL, AmpC, and carbapenemase enzymes was carried out. Detection of ESBL, AmpC, and carbapenemase genes was also performed by the PCR method. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Phenotypic detection tests showed that 36 (40%) <i>K. pneumoniae</i> and 23 (35.4%) <i>E. coli</i> isolates were ESBL producers. Moreover, 18 (20%) and 6 (9.2%) <i>K. pneumoniae</i> and <i>E. coli</i> isolates were AmpC producers, respectively. Modified Hodge test results indicated that 39 (43.3%) <i>K. pneumoniae</i> and 18 (27.7%) <i>E. coli</i> isolates produced carbapenemase. Molecular tests showed that 40% of <i>K. pneumoniae</i> and 36.9% of <i>E. coli</i> isolates were ESBL positive. AmpC was detected in 24.4 and 13.8% of <i>K. pneumoniae</i> and <i>E. coli</i> isolates. Carbapenemase was detected in 34 (37.8%) <i>K. pneumoniae</i> and 13 (20%) <i>E. coli</i> isolates. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> In this study, 3 <i>K. pneumoniae</i> isolates simultaneously carried ESBL, AmpC, and carbapenemase genes. Up-to-date strategies such as combination therapy or utilization of new antimicrobial agents might help to combat such drug-resistant organisms.
Hassan Valadbeigi, Elham Esmaeeli, Sobhan Ghafourian, Abbas Maleki, and Nourkhoda Sadeghifard
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Introduction: The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of virulence genes in uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) isolates in Ilam. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, a total of 80 UPEC isolates were collected for patients with UTIs during a 6 months period. The multiplex polymerase chain reaction (multiplex PCR) was used to detect the papEF, fimH, iucD, hlyA, fyuA, and ompT genes. Results: The prevalence of fimH, papEF, iucD, fyuA, hlyA, hlyA, and ompT genes were 87.5%, 47.5%, 60%, 67.5%, 27.5%, 47.5% and 71.2%, respectively. Among all of the isolates, 27 profiles were obtained. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that the most prevalence was found for fimH, and different distribution of virulence genes suggested different ability of pathogenicity.
Khadijeh Esmaili, Reza Mohebi, Nourkhoda Sadeghifard, Morovat Taherikalani, Iraj Pakzad, Abbas Maleki, Hasan Valadbeigi, and Sobhan Ghafourian
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
BACKGROUND
Because of the unknown situation of antibiotic resistance pattern in the main hospital in Ilam, Iran, we aimed to evaluate the antibiotic resistance pattern of uropathogenic bacteria obtained from referred patients to Imam Khomaini Hospital, Ilam, Iran. So, 114 bacteria were collected during 9-month period and evaluated for their antibiotic resistance patterns.
RESULTS
Our results demonstrated that Escherichia coli as the dominant responsible for urinary tract infection. Our results demonstrated that 61.4 % (n = 70) of isolates were positive for E.coli, while lowest prevalence was observed for Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii. The results also showed that 6.4% (n = 7) were metallo beta lactamase (MBL) producers. Our findings showed only 4 gram positive bacteria were obtained from patients with urinary tract infections including one methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and 2 vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE).
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, we strongly recommended to perform a perfect study among all hospitals in Iran to evaluate the situation of antibiotic resistance and make a real panel to control this issue.
Hassan Valadbeigi, Nourkhoda Sadeghifard, and Majid B. Salehi
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
P. aeruginosa is one of the bacteria opportunistic that played main role in pathogenicity of patient in urinary tract infection (UTI) and respiratory tract infections. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of virulence genes including algD and pilA among Pseudomonas aeruginosa in urinary tract infection and tracheal isolates. After DNA extraction of clinical isolates, polymerase chain reaction was performed, and the results highlighted algD in all isolates, while pilA was dominant in tracheal isolates. We concluded that pathogenicity of urinary tract infection isolates is more than tracheal isolates, but future studies should confirm this.
Hassan Valadbeigi, Nourkhoda Sadeghifard, and Majid Baseri Salehi
Elsevier BV
F. Mohammadi, S. Ghafourian, R. Mohebi, M. Taherikalani, I. Pakzad, H. Valadbeigi, V. Hatami, and N. Sadeghifard
Frontiers Media SA
ABSTRACT The current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus in E. faecalis and E. faecium and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, then dominant genes responsible for vancomycin resistance were determined. For this propose, 180 clinical isolates of Enterococcus were subjected for identification and antibiotic susceptibility assay. Then, the gene responsible vancomycin resistant strains were determined. The results demonstrated the E. faecalis as a dominant Enterococcus. Resistance to erythromycin was dominant and multidrug resistance strains observed in E. faecalis. vanA was responsible for vancomycin resistance. In conclusion, a high rate of resistance to antibiotics in Enterococcus is clearly problematic, and a novel strategy is needed to decrease resistance in Enterococcus.
Hasan Valadbeigi, Robab Tabatabaei, Abbas Malek, Zamberi Sekawi, Mohammad Raftari, Kolsoom Parvaneh, Sobhan Ghafourian, and Nourkhoda Sadeghifard
Clinical Laboratory Publications
BACKGROUND
Typing of nosocomial pathogens is necessary to determine the source of an outbreak. The aim was to determine the genomic variability among Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) by random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) methods.
METHODS
Fifty P. aeruginosa isolates were obtained from the hospitals. The source of these isolates were burn wound and urinary tract infections. After detection of P. aeruginosa by biochemical methods, chromosomal deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted by a DNA extraction kit. ERIC-PCR and RAPD- PCR was done by standard methods. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were run and visualized in 1.5% agarose gels stained with ethidium bromide.
RESULTS
Fifty P. aeruginosa isolates were analyzed by ERIC-PCR and RAPD-PCR methods. Multiple PCR fragment sizes generated by two PCR methods and PCR product size were between 200-3500 bp, and 10 and 7 different PCR patterns were detected by ERIC-PCR and RAPD-PCR, respectively. Eleven isolates were not detected by ERIC-PCR method. Fifteen isolates were typed to a single genotype by the RAPD-PCR method.
CONCLUSIONS
We suggested that ERIC and RAPD PCR are equally suitable, inexpensive, fast, reproducible, and discriminatory as rapid DNA typing tools for effective epidemiological surveillance of P. aeruginosa isolates. Our results suggest that these DNA typing tools could be used in routine epidemiological surveillance, outbreak surveillance, and in the identification of the source of transmission of P. aeruginosa.
Khairollah Asadollahi, Morovat Taherikalani, Abbas Maleki, Eshrat Alizadeh, Hasan Valadbaigi, Setareh Soroush, Hossain Maleki, Parisa Asadollahi, and Mohammad Emaneini
Akademiai Kiado Zrt.
The aim of the present study was to investigate, for the first time, the diversity of the genes encoding aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes (AME) and their association with class 1 integrons in Iranian Acinetobacter baumannii strains.A total of 100 multidrug resistant A. baumannii, isolated from eight distinct hospitals in Tehran, were enrolled in this study. Susceptibility of these isolates to antimicrobial agents including gentamicin and amikacin was determined by E-test. Aminoglycoside resistant isolates were then tested by PCR for AME genes, including aphA6, aacC1, aacC2, aacA4, aadB, aadA1, classes 1 integron, 5′-CS-3′ and typed by RAPD PCR.The rate of resistance to imipenem, meropenem, gentamicin and amikacin were 39%, 39%, 38% and 32%, respectively. Intermediate resistance phenotype to gentamicin and amikacin was observed in 2% and 5% of all the isolates, respectively. After aph6 with 90% (n = 36/40), aadA1, aacC1 and aadB with 82.5% (n = 33/40), 65% (n = 26/40) and 20% (n = 8/40) were the most prevalent AME genes among aminoglycosides resistant A. baumannii isolates. A combination of two to four different resistance genes was observed in 39 of 40 strains (97.5%), with a total of 7 different combinations. PCR of integrase genes revealed that AME gene was associated with 67% of class 1 integrons. RAPD analysis showed three predominant genotypes A (n = 20), B (n = 10) and 10 unrelated genotypes.The occurrence of identical resistance genes, gene combinations and class 1 integrons associated with these genes in clonally distinct strains indicates that horizontal gene transfer plays a major role in the dissemination of aminoglycoside resistance in A. baumannii.