Archives of Razi Institute最新文献

Avian pox, a prevalent viral disease among domestic and wild birds, is caused by different species of avipoxviruses belonging to the family Poxviridae. Different avipoxviruses demonstrated a certain degree of host specificity. In the present study, a total of 105 tissue samples were collected from various avian species that exhibited cutaneous or mucosal proliferative and/or necrotic lesions, which bore a resemblance to pox lesions. The molecular detection of poxviruses was accomplished through the implementation of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that targeted a highly conserved 4b gene. The samples that were positive for the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were also used for the isolation of the virus by means of chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) inoculation of embryonated chicken eggs. A pox-like lesion was observed in five avian species, and avipoxvirus was subsequently detected in 19 samples of backyard chickens (42.2%), 24 turkey samples (70.5%), a flock of commercial layer chickens, a flock of commercial breeder turkeys, four canaries (23.5%), two pigeons, and two common mynahs (Acridotheres tristis). The propagation of all viruses was conducted on chicken embryo cells (CAM), and the formation of pocks was evident, with the exception of two isolates derived from backyard chickens. A thorough investigation into the genetic relationships among various poxviruses has been conducted through the analysis of partial sequencing of the 4b gene. The study's findings have revealed a notable similarity among poxviruses derived from chickens and turkeys, which have been classified as subclade A1. The present study identified a single instance of pigeon pox in subclade A2. A close proximity of all passerine isolates, including three canarypox viruses and two novel mynahpox viruses from common mynah, was observed in subclade B2. Notwithstanding the long-standing tradition of vaccination, avian pox has been identified in two commercial flocks in disparate provinces, encompassing a layer and a turkey breeder. The present study yielded results indicating the presence of at least three distinct clades of avipoxviruses, which have been identified as the causative agents of avian pox in Galliformes, Columbiformes, and Passeriformes within the Iranian avian population. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the inaugural report of molecular typing of mynahpox viruses in Iran.

Abortion has been identified as a primary factor contributing to reproductive losses in small ruminant flocks worldwide. Infection with the agents including Toxoplasma gondii, Campylobacter spp., Chlamydia abortus, and Coxiella burnetii frequently occurs worldwide. In Iran and its neighboring countries, Brucella melitensis has been identified as the predominant cause of abortion. It has been demonstrated that other abortifacient agents, such as C. abortus and C. burnetii, are prevalent among sheep flocks as well. The present study sought to investigate the presence of the most common abortifacient pathogens in sheep in North Khorasan, Iran. The samples were obtained from 133 aborted sheep fetuses. Subsequently, the presence of pathogens was assessed through the implementation of ELISA, conventional PCR, and bacteriological examination. The identified pathogens encompassed Escherichia coli, B. melitensis, Salmonella spp., C. burnetii, Campylobacter spp., Leptospira spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Toxoplasma gondii, Border disease virus, and Blue Tongue virus. The utilization of bacteriological culture techniques resulted in the isolation of E. coli (9%) and B. melitensis (12%). The following pathogens were identified in fetal serology: C. burnetii (2.5%), T. gondii (12%), B. duncani (3%), and B. abortus (9%). B. melitensis (12%), Salmonella (8.5%), Campylobacter spp. (1.7%), Leptospira spp. (2.5%), Chlamydia abortus (25.6%), C. burnetii (14.5%), and T. gondii (6.8%) were detected by PCR. C. abortus was the most prevalent pathogen detected by PCR (25.6%). The present results demonstrated that the studied sheep flocks are infected with the most significant abortifacient pathogens, thereby underscoring the necessity for further investigations to identify abortion causes based on different geographical regions using simple and sensitive methods. The prevalence of ovine abortion is influenced by epidemiological and risk factors, which necessitate further investigation.

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a pathogen that affects cats, causing respiratory and oral issues. Oxidative stress constitutes a pivotal element in the pathophysiology of FCV, arising from imbalances between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses. Given the heightened sensitivity of cats to oxidative stress, the present study aims to explore its presence in felines afflicted with FCV via serum markers. A total of 20 plasma samples were obtained from the control group and the patient group (n=10 each). The patient group was confirmed using RT-PCR. Furthermore, the presence of plasma markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, has been observed. The present study will examine the relationship between GPx and Total Antioxidant Capacity. TAC) for oxidative stress were assessed using the ELISA kit. Finally, data analyses and visual representations were executed using Python. Distinct variations in oxidative stress markers were observed among feline cohorts. The patient's SOD and GPx levels were 39.73 u/L and 75.63 u/L, respectively, while the control group exhibited levels of 36.41 u/L and 218.48 u/L (p-values: 0.05, 0.017). The mean values of CAT and MDA in patients were 3.7 u/L and 9.85 nmol, respectively, contrasting with 11.81 u/L and 4.17 nmol in the control group (p-values: 0.002, 0.050). Meanwhile, the levels of TAC exhibited minimal differences. The study's findings indicated significant variations in oxidative markers such as SOD, GPx, and MDA when compared to healthy cats. The observed rise in SOD and decline in GPx activity indicate a heightened state of oxidative stress. Moreover, these findings underscore the possibility of oxidative disruptions in FCV-infected cats, underscoring the necessity for additional investigation and the potential development of therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, the exploration of potential therapeutic interventions, such as antioxidant supplementation, may facilitate the development of enhanced disease management strategies for affected felines.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, which leads to oxidative stress due to an imbalance between by oxidant and antioxidant. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) has been used in clinical settings to stimulate tissue repair and cell proliferation in various medical fields. Erythropoietin (EPO) has demonstrated protective effects on various tissues and has mitigatied ischemia-reperfusion injury and promoting tissue regeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of PRP and EPO on the oxidant/antioxidant balance in diabetic rats. A total of 30 male rats were divided into five groups: 1. Control; 2. Diabetic control, diabetes was induced using streptozotocin (STZ); 3. Diabetic + PRP: PRP was administered subcutaneously at 0.5 mL/kg twice a week for four weeks in diabetic rats; 4. Diabetic + EPO: EPO was administered at 300 units/kg three times a week for four weeks in diabetic rats; and 5. Diabetic + PRP + EPO: A combination of PRP and EPO was administered for four weeks. Diabetic rats showed significant reductions in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and glutathione (GSH) levels,as well as an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, compared to the control group (P <0.05). Compared to untreated diabetic rats, PRP and EPO treatments significantly increased SOD, GPX, and GSH quantities (P <0.05) and lowered MDA concentrations. The combination therapy group exhibited the greatest improvements in antioxidant activities. This study demonstrates that both PRP and EPO both exhibit significant antioxidant effects in diabetic rats, and that the combined treatment shows the most pronounced improvement in oxidative stress markers. These results lay the groundwork for the clinical applications of PRP and EPO in enhancing antioxidant defenses and reducing oxidative damage in diabetic patients.

Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease, has the capacity to infect humans, other warm-blooded animals, and cats. Individuals with compromised immune systems, including cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, individuals with AIDS, transplant recipients, and hemodialysis patients, are at an increased risk of contracting toxoplasmosis. The challenge in diagnosing toxoplasmosis in such cases stems from the similarity of certain symptoms to those of cancer or chemotherapy-related complications. Consequently, the ELISA test is employed to ascertain the presence of the infection and to determine the quantity of antibodies in the patient. A total of 90 cancer patients who had been admitted to the hospital and were undergoing chemotherapy were included in the study. Blood samples were collected from these patients, who were at various stages of chemotherapy. The anti- toxoplasma antibody titer was subsequently determined using the ELISA method, and the data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 software. In this study, 50 (55.6%) of the subjects were female and 40 (44.4%) were male. All samples were found to be negative for IgM antibody titers, while 50 (55.6%) were positive for IgG antibodies. In patients with positive test results, the most common clinical symptoms were lethargy and anorexia. While anti-toxoplasma IgG antibodies exhibited a higher prevalence among male subjects, no statistically significant discrepancy was observed between gender and infection rates. Furthermore, in comparison with individuals who have not received chemotherapy, those with a history of chemotherapy exhibited elevated levels of anti-toxoplasma IgG antibodies. The level of anti-toxoplasma IgG in malignant patients hospitalized in this hospital was high, but statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the prevalence of toxoplasma and the type of cancer. Individuals diagnosed with cancer face an elevated risk of developing severe toxoplasmosis and its associated consequences, attributable to the high incidence of T. gondii. Consequently, oncologists must recognize this grave medical condition as necessitating prompt attention.

The escalating mortality and morbidity rates have prompted global attention to focus on cancer, with the exploration of new treatment options being a key priority. The utilisation of immunotherapy for recurrent or metastatic cancer has emerged as a promising option over the years, despite its limitations in comparison to traditional treatment options. Among the various immunotherapeutic approaches, bacterial-based vectors such as Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) have attracted considerable attention on account of their distinctive characteristics. The utilisation of these vectors entails the exploitation of their capacity to invade antigen-presenting cells (APCs), proliferate intracellularly within immune cells, and disseminate within these cells, thereby augmenting their efficacy in modulating immune responses. It is important to note that the use of bacterial vectors significantly minimises the risks associated with off-target effects. The antitumor effects of Lm can be observed through the reduction of immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment as well as the stimulation of T cells. Research has indicated that a range of tumour cell types can be targeted by modified Lm vaccines. However, it is acknowledged that Lm vaccines alone may not be sufficient for a comprehensive cancer treatment. Consequently, the employment of Lm vaccines in conjunction with other therapeutic modalities, such as radiotherapy, reactivated adoptive cell therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, has the potential to yield superior outcomes. Consequently, the present review aims to elaborate on recent advancements in the understanding of the antitumor properties of Lm vaccines. The objective of this review is to provide insights into optimising the therapeutic potential of Lm vaccines by comprehensively examining their interplay with the immune system. In order to harness the full therapeutic potential of Lm vaccines in the fight against cancer, researchers and clinicians must gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved.

Pneumonia caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is regarded as one of the most prevalent etiologies of nosocomial infections. The objective of this study was to investigate the activity of tigecycline, azithromycin, and colistin against K. pneumoniae isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples of suspected cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The present study investigates the activity of tigecycline, azithromycin, and colistin against ESBL/carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae. The investigation encompasses the phenotypic and genotypic screening of ESBLs, AmpC beta-lactamases, and carbapenemase enzymes. Furthermore, an evaluation was conducted to ascertain the capacity of the biofilm to form. Consequently, the presence of virulence genes was identified through the implementation of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The utilization of phenotypic detection tests resulted in the categorization of 27 (29.6%) out of 91 K. pneumoniae isolates as ESBL/carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae strains. Furthermore, molecular methods revealed that all 27 K. pneumoniae isolates possessed at least one of the ESBL/carbapenemase-related genes. ESBL-associated genes were detected in 91 K. pneumoniae isolates, including 19.7% blaTEM, 29.6% blaSHV, and 19.7% blaCTX-M. Carbapenemase-related genes were identified in 17.5% of the isolates, including blaOXA-48-like (15.4%) and blaNDM1 (2.1%). The investigation revealed that all 27 of the isolates demonstrated the capacity to form biofilms. In this study, the prevalence of specific genes among ESBL/carbapenemase producer K. pneumoniae isolates was investigated. The genes analyzed included entB, mrkD, fimH, Irp2, wcaG, mrkA, rmpA, iutA, and magA. The results showed that 92.59%, 92.59%, 81.48%, 88.8%, 40.74%, 11.1%, 22.22%, 18.5%, 14.81%, and 33.33% of the isolates carried entB, mrkD, fimH, Irp2, wcaG, mrkA, rmpA, iutA, and magA genes, respectively. However, the iucA gene was not detected in any of the isolates examined. Tigecycline and colistin demonstrated higher efficacy against these isolates. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) results for four colistin-resistant isolates revealed three distinct sequence types (ST): ST3500, ST273, and two cases of ST2558. The rapid emergence and subsequent dissemination of colistin-resistant and Beta-lactamase-producing K. pneumoniae has led to a worrisome global situation. The effective antimicrobial activity of tigecycline against K. pneumoniae that produce these enzymes may be efficient in hospitalized patients in ICUs with suspected cases of VAP.

Reserpine, an antipsychotic and antihypertensive medication, has been associated with liver damage and dysfunction. The present study examined the potential hepatoprotective effect of a riboceine regimen against reserpine-induced hepatotoxicity in adult male Wistar rats. A total of twenty-five adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to five groups: The following combinations were administered: control, Reserpine, Reserpine + Citalopram, Reserpine + Riboceine, and Reserpine + Citalopram + Riboceine. Liver function markers, including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were analysed in serum samples in order to assess liver health. Furthermore, a histopathological examination of the liver tissue was conducted to visualise any morphological changes. Serum levels of ALT and AST increased significantly in rats administered reserpine in isolation in comparison with the control group, indicating hepatocellular damage. Conversely, the Riboceine + Reserpine group demonstrated a substantial decrease in ALT and AST levels in comparison to the Reserpine group, thereby indicating a protective effect of riboceine against reserpine-induced hepatotoxicity. No significant difference was observed in the serum level of ALP across the experimental groups. Histopathological examination confirmed the attenuated liver injury in the Riboceine + Reserpine group, with a reduction in necrotic areas and inflammation compared to the Reserpine group. The findings indicate that a riboceine regimen effectively circumvents reserpine-induced hepatotoxicity in adult male Wistar rats. The modulation of key liver function markers, in conjunction with histopathological evidence, substantiates the hepatoprotective role of riboceine in mitigating liver damage induced by reserpine. This study offers a number of promising insights into the potential therapeutic use of riboceine as a hepatoprotective agent. It could therefore be beneficial for patients undergoing treatment with reserpine or similar medications.

Zoonotic diseases, defined as those that are infectious and transmitted from animals to humans, constitute a substantial global health concern. Despite concerted efforts to eradicate or control these diseases, healthcare systems continue to face a substantial burden due to their re-emergence. The early and accurate detection of bacterial pathogens is of crucial importance in order to prevent the potential health consequences associated with zoonotic infections. However, conventional diagnostic methods such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), culture-based techniques, and immunological assays have limitations, including costliness, labour-intensiveness, and lengthy turnaround times for results. There is an increasing interest in the development of faster, more accurate, and cost-effective diagnostic methods to address these challenges. The utilization of nanobiosensors has emerged as a promising tool for the rapid detection of infectious disease agents. The utilization of biological recognition elements by these devices enables the detection of specific pathogens, with the potential to effect a paradigm shift in diagnostic practices. Furthermore, the incorporation of nanotechnology, particularly nanomaterials, has been demonstrated to enhance the performance of biosensors by improving their specificity and sensitivity. This review explores the application of biosensors and nanobiosensors to rapidly detect Salmonella, Clostridium, Escherichia, and Brucella spp. infections. These innovative technologies offer several advantages over traditional diagnostic methods, including reduced cost, simplified workflows, and faster results. The capacity of nanobiosensors to discern the presence of bacterial pathogens in a variety of sample types, encompassing environmental samples, animal specimens and clinical samples, renders them a versatile instrument for the implementation of disease surveillance and control measures. Furthermore, nanobiosensors have demonstrated considerable potential in enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of detection assays, thereby facilitating the early identification of Salmonella, Clostridium, Escherichia, and Brucella spp., even at low concentrations. By leveraging advancements in nanotechnology, researchers can further improve the performance and reliability of biosensors for zoonotic disease diagnosis. The integration of biosensors and nanotechnology has been demonstrated to hold significant potential for enhancing the detection and characterisation of Salmonella, Clostridium, Escherichia, and Brucella spp. The implementation of these innovative diagnostic tools has the potential to transform disease surveillance efforts, mitigate the spread of zoonotic diseases, and ultimately improve public health outcomes on a global scale.