pISSN: 2251-8649
eISSN: 2322-2581
Editor-in-Chief:
Dr. Mohammad Reza Pourshafie
Journal of Medical Bacteriology (JMB), as the official publication of the Iranian Society for Medical Bacteriology, is quarterly published by Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). This peer-reviewed scientific journal is devoted to publishing high-quality researches and novelties regarding various aspects of human and animal pathogenic bacteria as the main aim of the journal. JMB features reports of original research including all aspects of biology and ecology of medically significant bacteria. Our scope is not limited to only Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, Bacterial Poisoning and Toxins, Epidemiology, laboratory and Diagnostics, Pathogenicity, Vaccines and Virulence, Pathogen-Host Interactions, and Typing and Identification. JMB will also consider Minireviews, Original Articles, Short Communications, Methodology and Protocols, Conference Reports, and Editorials.
Current Issue
Vol 12 No 4 (2024)
Original Articles
-
Background: Salivary abomasum disease (SAD) is a devastating disease causing significant mortality in Iranian goat and sheep herds. Understanding the causative agents is essential for developing effective preventive measures. This study investigated the potential role of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in SAD pathogenesis.
Methods: We isolated E. coli from kid goats aged 3-30 days experiencing a sudden, acute illness characterized by gait imbalance, and death within 48 hours during the kidding season. Following isolation, we employed multiplex PCR to identify the presence of Shiga toxin genes (Stx1 and Stx2) associated with virulence in STEC strains.
Results: E. coli was isolated from 30 (75%) out of 40 animals. Notably, 7 (23.3%) isolates harbored the Stx2 gene, while only one isolate (3.3%) possessed the Stx1 gene.
Conclusion: These findings suggest a potential role for STEC, particularly strains carrying the Stx2 gene, in the development of SAD and multiple abomasal hemorrhages, in kid goats. The presence of Shiga toxin genes in a significant proportion of E. coli isolates highlights the importance of further research to elucidate their contribution to SAD pathogenesis and inform the development of targeted interventions.
-
Background: Ovine enzootic abortion (OEA) caused by Chlamyidia abortus is one of the most important abortive disease in small ruminants. Diagnosis of Ovine enzootic abortion depends on the isolation and detection of the agent or its nucleic acid. The aim of the present study was to detect Chlamydia abortus using both isolation method and real-time PCR in Brucella free flocks in Iran.
Methods: Twenty-eight vaginal and conjunctival swab samples which were Chlamydia abortus seropositive, were selected from ewes and does with recent abortion. Then the samples were tested by real-time PCR and positive molecular samples were inoculated into McCoy cells.
Results: Using real-time PCR, 18 samples (64.3%) were positive and 7 (25%) of them were isolated in cell culture.
Conclusion: The present results indicate that Chlamydia can play a relatively significant role in the abortion in does and ewes in Iran. Although the isolation of Chlamydia abortus have 100% specificity, because of low sensitivity, time consuming, cost and high probability of contamination, it is not suitable for routine laboratory diagnosis. Therefore, applying real-time PCR which have high sensitivity and specificity is recommended.
-
Background: Allergies impact nearly 30% of the world's population, with fungi being remarkable contributors to allergic sensitivity. Exposure to fungi allergens can trigger allergic reactions and severe asthma has been linked to hypersensitivity to fungi such as Aspergillus and Alternaria spp. Alternaria alternata, a common allergen in respiratory allergic diseases, releases proteases that initiate Th2 responses, causing inflammatory cytokine production.
Objectives: Given the anti-inflammatory properties of Pomegranate Seed Oil (PSO) and the potential of Nano-emulsions (NEs) to enhance drug delivery, this study investigates the impact of PSO-loaded NEs on TLR2 and TLR4 gene expression in A549 cells sensitized with A. alternata extract (ALT).
Methods: A. alternata (ATCC 6663) was cultured and processed to obtain a cytosolic extract, with protein content measured using the Bradford method. Using a Soxhlet apparatus, PSO was extracted from cleaned, dried seeds and analyzed by gas chromatography. Alginate nanospheres containing PSO were prepared through a modified water-in-oil emulsification method and characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. A549 cells were cultured and treated with various ALT, PSO, and PSO-loaded NEs combinations. Following treatment, RNA was extracted, and real-time RT-PCR was conducted to analyze TLR2 and TLR4 gene expression.
Results: All treatment groups showed an increase in TLR2 gene expression compared to the control, with the ALT combined with PSO (P+ALT) causing the highest increase at 4.82-fold. Free PSO (P) and free NEs (NP) resulted in 3.92-fold and 2.93-fold increases, respectively, while the ALT and PSO-loaded NEs (NP+ALT) led to 2.26-fold and 2.50-fold increases. For TLR4 gene expression, the ALT treatment increased expression by 2.29-fold, but treatments containing PSO (P, P+ALT, NP+ALT) reduced TLR4 expression, with P+ALT and NP+ALT causing 0.45-fold and 0.61-fold decreases.
Conclusion: The study confirms that herbal extracts like PSO selectively upregulate TLR2 and downregulate TLR4, suggesting targeted therapeutic potential in inflammation and immune modulation. PSO-loaded NEs demonstrated superior anti-inflammatory effects, supporting their development for treating inflammatory diseases and warranting further research into their molecular mechanisms and therapeutic applications.
