Background & Objective: For patients, COVID-19 disease is a reminder of non-existence and death. For this reason, these patients experience existential anxiety. One of the effective factors in the control and treatment of this disease is to educate patients on self-care to reduce the burden of these psychological problems on them. The present study was designed and conducted with the aim of evaluating the effect of self-care educational program using telemedicine and multimedia methods on the level of existential anxiety in COVID-19 patients.Materials & Methods: This study was a quasi-experimental research conducted on 88 COVID-19 patients referred to the comprehensive health service centers of Bandar Abbas, Iran from 2020 to 2021. Th0ey were selected using a convenience sampling method. The samples were randomly assigned to the multimedia (44 patients) and telenursing (44 patients) groups. Patients in both groups received education on self-care during COVID-19 disease for 21 days. The Existence Anxiety Scale was completed before and immediately after the intervention. Data were analyzed with SPSS software version 26. Descriptive statistics, normality test, independent t-test, homogeneity of variance and covariance, univariate and multivariate analysis of covariance were used.Results: The mean score of existential anxiety at the beginning of the study was 90.50± 12.57 and 85.25 ±16.12, respectively, in the telenursing and multimedia groups, and after the intervention, it was 46.88 ± 6.38 and 65.40 ± 9.59, respectively, in the telenursing and multimedia groups. After the intervention, the existential anxiety score was significantly reduced in the telenursing group compared to the multimedia group (p <0.001).Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, self-care education programs and knowledge about necessary care during COVID-19 illness should be considered for patients in comprehensive health centers, and telenursing should be used for more effective self-care education.
Background & Objectives: The International Society of Nephrology/ Renal Pathology Society (ISN/RPS) classification is based upon criteria which differentiate acute and chronic phases of Lupus Nephritis. Activity/Chronicity Index grants us a higher insight on the level of pathological lesions and treatment outcome by examining the reversibility of lesions .The present investigation was done in order to highlight the importance of activity and chronicity indices in the course of Lupus Nephritis.Materials & Methods: Seventy-three Kidney biopsy samples of Lupus Nephritis patients were examined. The information was recorded in a check-list and was then statistically analyzed.Results: Lupus Nephritis is importantly age-related, frequency of Lupus Nephritis increases with age until the age of 40 years; 21–40 years being the most frequent among studied patients. A prominent decline was seen after the age of 40. Regardless of age, the occurrence was more frequent in females. Class IV was most frequent in all ages and in both sexes. Both Activity and Chronicity scores were slightly higher in females. Activity Index was higher in ages of 11 to 30 years, whereas Chronicity Index was highest in 41 to 50 years of age. The highest Activity Index was reported in Class IV while the highest Chronicity Index was reported in Class V. The least Activity Index was shown in Class VI while Classes II and I had the lowest Chronicity Index. Endocapillary hypercellularity was the most frequent active lesion and tubular atrophy was the most frequent chronic lesion. It is noteworthy that fibrotic crescents were significantly less common among chronic lesions.Conclusion: Histopathological findings, clinical and para-clinical data could furnish more information on disease process, treatment, quality of life and mortality rate.
Background & Objective: PCOS is a multifactorial disorder characterized by inflammation caused by unknown reasons. This study aimed to investigate the Arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels and Serum amyloid A (SAA) protein and gene expression of follicular fluid in women with PCOS. Materials & Methods: The study included 30 PCOS and 30 healthy women. The individuals were selected after clinical examination and the inclusion criteria. During the puncture and after removing oocytes, follicular fluids were collected from individuals. The SAA protein concentration was determined by the ELISA method. Arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid levels were determined using GC method and the statistical software SPSS 16, and the p value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: There was a significant difference in metaphase II oocytes (M2) (p =0.001), number of Embryo (p =0.014), Estradiol (p =0.025), FSH (0.040), LH (p =0.035) and Prolactin (p =0.023) levels between two groups. The concentration of SAA protein level and gene expression shows a significant increase in the patient group compared to the control group (p <0.05). The results showed that AA level was significantly increased in the patient group (284.12 ng/mL) compared to the control group (176.23 ng/mL) (p =0.001) while, there was a significant decrease (p =0.001) in EPA level in the patient group (24.56 ng/mL) compared to the control group (33.48 ng/mL). Conclusion: It appears that higher EPA levels and lower follicular fluid AA concentrations reduce SAA levels and thus may increase follicular maturation in women with PCOS.
Background & Objectives: Numerous studies have shown that the risk of death is higher in elderly patients with COVID-19. In Iran, due to the growth of the elderly population and the prevalence of underlying diseases, it is necessary to pay attention to this age group of patients. In this study, clinical, radiological, PCR, and laboratory data of elderly patients with COVID-19 were collected and analyzed in two groups of recovered and dead patients. Materials & Methods: This is a retrospective study of 196 consecutive elderly patients with COVID-19 hospitalized from March 21, 2020, to April 3, 2020, and their follow-up until April 23, 2021. Clinical characteristics, laboratory results, PCR, chest CT scans and Hounsfield Unit data were collected and analyzed in two groups of recovered and dead patients. Obtained Data were analyzed using SPSSv22.0 and MATLAB-R2017 software. Results: The results showed that there were no specific symptoms to distinguish the death group from the recovery group. Significant differences were observed between the two groups for red blood cell counts, hemoglobin, MCHC and MCV levels, bilirubin, aminotransferase levels, CRP, white blood cells, serum BNU, creatinine and PT coagulation index. The concentrations of VBG (HCO3) and VBG (PCO2) in the deceased patients suggest compensated respiratory alkalosis. CT sensitivity is 100% for patients in advanced and severe stages of the disease. Conclusion: The patients in the death group had more underlying diseases than the recovered group. COVID-19 patients are more likely to die when they have both diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Background & Objectives: Treating infections due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a challenge and researchers are looking for new antimicrobial compounds. Galls are abnormal plant growths caused by biological agents and have active compounds. The present study was designed to examine the antibacterial effects of different extracts of wild rose gall (Rosa canina L.) against some pathogenic Gram-negative bacilli. Materials & Methods: Methanol, acetone, and aqueous extracts from galls were prepared using Soxhlet apparatus. The antibacterial activity of the extracts was determined by agar well diffusion method, and the minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration were assessed by the microdilution method. The phytochemical composition of galls was investigated by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) method. Results: The inhibition zones of 500 mg/ml methanol extract of wild rose gall against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter bummani, Shigella sonei, and Salmonella typhi were 26.7, 25.0, 25.7, 25.7, 26.7, 23.7 and 18.3, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts was directly related to their concentration. The extracts were active against all the pathogenic bacteria with average MICs ranging from 15.6 to 31.3 mg/ml. The methanol extract of wild rose gall showed the highest bactericidal effect on P. aeruginosa and A. bummani at 62.5 mg/ml, respectively. Moreover, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and octadecenoic acid were composed 36.66%, 14.40%, and 13.21% of total active compounds in wild rose gall. Conclusion: All of the wild rose gall extracts showed significant antibacterial activities against Gram-negative bacilli. The antibacterial effects may be related to the high amounts of organic acids in wild rose gall extracts
Background & Objective: Recently, ciprofloxacin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus strains, due to efflux pumps, has become a significant challenge. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate the frequency of norA, norB, and norC efflux pump genes and their roles in resistance to ciprofloxacin in clinical isolates of S. aureus. Materials & Methods: A total of one hundred clinical blood samples were collected from patient in Qom hospitals and S. aureus isolates were identified by standard microbiological tests. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were determined by the disk diffusion method using CLSI guidelines. Subsequently, the presence of norA, norB, and norC efflux pump genes in ciprofloxacin isolates was detected using the PCR method. Results: Among one hundred clinical samples, 36 S. aureus isolates were recovered and the results of antibiotic susceptibility tests showed that twenty of them were resistant to ciprofloxacin. 15 isolates were resistant to norfloxacin and one isolate was resistant to ofloxacin. Moreover, the norA, norB, and norC genes were found in 58%, 30%, and 41% of ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates, respectively. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, norA, norB, and norC efflux pumps may play a significant role in the development of resistance to ciprofloxacin in clinical isolates of S. aureus. Detecting these genes may prove useful in suggesting an effective treatment model for infections caused by S. aureus.
Background & Objective: Lead (Pb) is a major toxicant that has threatened human health for years. There is no safe level of exposure and deposition of a small amount of Pb in the human body has a negative impact on an individual's health. Despite recent reductions in its use, it has caused extensive environmental contamination as well. In the present study,the intralaboratory quality control assessment is reported as an initial step in lead determination by Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). Materials & Methods: Varian SpectrAA-220 with partition tube and deuterium background correction was used for the analysis. The evaluation quality control blood material was Seronorm trace elements whole blood (levels I &II). Results: The lowest method limit of detection was 0.74 μg/dL, and based on the regression analysis, the lowest quantification concentration was 3.00 μg/dL (CV = 4.6 %). In addition, obtained %CV for Seronorm (I) & Seronorm (II) was 7.3% & 5.4% respectively. Conclusion: In recent years, several diverse technological advancements in blood lead level determination have occurred. At the same time, demands for blood lead (BPb) level determination by GFAAS has been increased by public health in order to identify children exposed to lead in the environment, and by occupational health to reduce excessive exposure in the lead industries. The obtained results indicated that for BPb analysis, the method described by GFAAS is still a reference routine analytical technique that requires less time and no matrix matched standard curve, allowing blood samples to be run against aqueous calibration standards which eliminates the need for standard additions.
Background & Objective: COVID-19 can affect thyroid gland and causes subacute thyroiditis. Case Presentation: We introduced a 60-year-old woman with an initial symptom of anterior cervical pain without any other constitutional symptoms. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were detected positive for COVID-19 using RT-PCR assay. According to ultrasonographic, laboratory (lowered TSH, elevated CRP and ESR), and physical findings, subacute thyroiditis was found following the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusion: As subacute thyroiditis associated with SARS-Cov-2 may be represented without any fever, ruling out this infection in these patients is considerable.
Background & Objectives: Beta-thalassemia is one of the complex diseases that causes many social and economic problems for the patient and his family. This study aimed to investigate factors influencing the birth of thalassemia (intermedia or major) in family members with thalassemia major in Sistan and Baluchistan province. Materials & Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted by census sampling on 48 families of thalassemia major patients with at least two children with thalassemia (intermedia or major) in their members. Data were collected through direct interviews and a review of patients' documents. The results were analyzed by SPSS (version 22) and Mann-Whitney U, Independent t-test, Wilcoxon, and Chi-square tests. Results: In this study, statistical evaluations showed that the birth of thalassemia in family members with thalassemia major whose mothers are housewives was 100% and in families that had no premarital counseling was 91.7%. There was a significant relationship between variables related to mothers' awareness of thalassemia, including their place of residence and Sistani and Baluchestani ethnics, and the birth of thalassemia in family members with thalassemia major (in both cases, P-value = 0.05); However, there was no significant relationship between other variables related to mothers' awareness such as age groups and maternal education with the birth of thalassemia in family members with thalassemia major (P-Value = 0.98 and P-Value = 0.22, respectively). Conclusion: Informing and educating before marriage for high-risk families with thalassemia children, as well as financial support for low-income families can inform parents, prevent the birth of thalassemia, and improve the quality of life of these patients.
Background & Objectives: EOS, as a new imaging technique, has several benefits over conventional radiography in measuring spinal curvatures. In this study, we aimed to use EOS to determine the normal values of thoracic kyphosis besides its association with the participants’ age and gender. Materials & Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 100 individuals with no history of spinal abnormality were included. Spinal curvatures, comprising proximal thoracic segment, distal thoracic segment, and total thoracic kyphosis, were measured on EOS images using a Cob method. The demographic characteristics of the participants, such as age and gender were also extracted from medical profiles. Results: The study population included 31 males and 69 females with a mean age of 27.2 ± 17.4 years (range 6-66). The mean curvatures of proximal and distal thoracic segments were 14.5 ± 6.5º and 32.7 ± 7.5º, respectively. The mean total thoracic kyphosis was 47.2 ± 7.2º. Besides, distal and total thoracic kyphosis, but not proximal thoracic segment, were significantly more in participants aged over 40 years (p=0.03, p=0.04, and p=0.07, respectively). No significant association was found between the thoracic curvatures and participants’ sex. Conclusion: It seems that there is a direct relationship between distal and total thoracic kyphosis and aging; however, more studies are required in order to approve our results.
Background & Objectives: Papillomaviruses are found in many different types of infections and in a wide range of animals and humans. They can cause health problems, including benign and malignant tumors. In the present study, the association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and breast cancer (BC) in Iran was investigated. Materials & Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the presence of the HPV genome was investigated in BC-suspected tissues for the first time in Qom Province, Iran. A total of 400 samples (including 200 BC-suspected tissue samples and 200 blood samples of women without BC) were collected from women referred to two cancer-specific general hospitals. To determine the presence of the L1 gene of HPV in the collected samples, nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed. Then, HPV-positive samples were tested by PCR using high-risk specific HPV-16 and 18 primers. Results: Out of 200 BC-suspected tissue samples, 172 were malignant (in terms of pathology). Based on the nested PCR method, the L1 gene of HPV was detected in 12% (24/200) of the BC-suspected tissue samples and in 1.5% (3/200) of the blood samples from women without BC. The high-risk HPV genotypes (which were the predominant types) were present in 75% of the samples. Conclusion: The results of the current study show a high frequency of HPV-16 and 18 genotypes in human BC in Iranian women. This is almost certainly due to poor rates of HPV vaccination, and it is strongly recommended that health organizations (such as the World Health Organization [WHO]) ensure adequate coverage of highly effective HPV vaccination in Iran.
Background & objective: With the increase in the population of the aged, one of the most crucial issues that can result in serious health consequences is elder abuse. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of elder abuse and its subtypes in Iran. Materials & Methods: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis based on PRISMA guidelines. Relevant keywords were used for database search in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science. All of the search and data extraction process was conducted independently by two researchers. JBI checklist was used for risk of bias assessment. The data were cleaned and analyzed using Biostat, (Comprehensive Meta-Analysis). The meta-analysis was performed using Random Effects Model, and I2 index was calculated for assessing heterogeneity. Results: Twenty-three articles were finally analyzed. The data of 6,298 individuals were analyzed, which were significantly heterogeneous (I2= 99.38). The prevalence of elder abuse was 55% (95% CI: 0.42-0.68). The subtype with the highest prevalence was emotional neglect (39%, 95% CI: 0.29-0.50), while the lowest prevalence was related to social rejection (15%, 95% CI: 0.11-0.19) Conclusion: All types of elder abuse are highly prevalent in Iran. Therefore, it is crucial to develop evidence-based comprehensive plans to better identify, intervene, and prevent this issue.
Background & Objective: The biological production of nanoparticles (NPs) is a technique that has garnered a lot of interest because it is inexpensive, straightforward, and friendly to the natural environment. This study explores the green synthesis of Au-doped SnO 2 NPs using Teucrium polium plant extract and evaluates their antimicrobial properties in comparison with two commonly used antibiotics. Materials & Methods: Initially, an extract of Teucrium polium was made using water, and then it was combined with solutions of tin (II) chloride dehydrate [SnCl 2 .2H 2 O] and gold (III) chloride trihydrate [HAuCl 4 .3H 2 O]. The crystal structure was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The form, structure, and grain size of the NPs were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The synthesized NPs were tested for their antibacterial properties. Results: The XRD and EDS analyses revealed that the SnO 2 : Au phase formed an average crystallite size of 22 nm and an Au dopant content of around 2%. The SEM and TEM investigations demonstrated that the NPs were formed in a regular and nanoscale manner, with diameters ranging from 25 to 30 nm. MIC and MBC of SnO 2 : Au NPs against the studied bacteria (S.aureus ATCC 43300, P.aeruginosa PAO1) were reported 9.6±0.13- 9.6±0.07 μg/mL and 25.9±11.5- 32.5±11.2 μg/mL. Conclusion: Green-synthesized NPs exhibit significant antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, even at low concentrations. The NPs effectively eliminate bacteria and prevent biofilm formation.
Background & Objective: Burn is one of the prominent causes of death around the world, however drug discovery attempts for burn healing has not been entirely successful. Aloe arborescens (A. arborescens), is effective in the burning wounds healing and growth inhibition of bacterial pathogens. Our objective was to assess the wound healing and antibacterial effects of A. arborescens in vivo. Materials & Methods: Thirty healthy Wistar rat animals were enrolled. The treatment process continued for 21 days and sampling was conducted on days 14 and 21 and the tissue slides were sent to the pathology laboratory for testing. The bactericidal activity of A. arborescens extract was evaluated using the disc diffusion method. Results: A. arborescens demonstrated a significant effect on the healing of burn wounds. Furthermore, the antibacterial effects of the A. arborescens extract against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) was significantly higher than that against Grampositive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus) bacterial species. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study indicated that A. arborescens extract had an improving effect on the healing process of third degree burns without toxicity to the tissue.
Background & Objective: Prediction of preterm delivery can reduce a large number of its complications. The present study aimed to compare vaginal and plasma fibronectin concentrations in the diagnosis of preterm delivery.Materials & Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 105 women at 24-36 weeks of gestation. However, only 40 women gave permission to collect vaginal samples. Fibronectin concentration was measured using the ELISA technique. Then, plasma and vaginal fibronectin levels were compared in term and preterm deliveries.Results: The mean plasma fibronectin level was 6226.43±7174.97 ng/ml among the mothers with term infants and 7724.01±1143.82 ng/ml among those with preterm infants (p=0.667). The mean fetal fibronectin level was 156.61±126.42 ng/ml among the mothers with term infants and 127.71±43.14 ng/ml among those with preterm infants (p=0.241). The cut-off point of plasma fibronectin level was 1750 ng/ml with a sensitivity of 80.25% and specificity of 85.17%. Additionally, the cut-off point of vaginal fibronectin level was 158.98 ng/ml with a sensitivity of 94.62% and specificity of 22.08%.Conclusion: Plasma fibronectin analysis had lower sensitivity and higher specificity compared to vaginal fibronectin analysis. This implies that plasma testing has lower false-positive cases and can identify a more significant number of true positive cases of preterm delivery.
Background & Objective: Gamma rays are widely used in medicine despite their harmful effects on health. Our study evaluated the protective effects of melatonin on kidney, heart, and liver tissues. Materials & Methods: Seventy-two adult male Wistar rats were categorized into nine groups. Groups 2 and 3 only received whole-body γ-ray irradiation (WBI) (2.0 Gy), no melatonin, interval time (IT) 8hr and 24hr. Groups 4 and 5 received WBI (8.0 Gy, no melatonin, 8hr and 24hr). Groups 6 and 7 received melatonin at 60 minutes (min) before WBI(2.0 Gy). Groups 8 and 9 received melatonin before WBI(8.0 Gy). All the rats were sacrificed 8 or 24 h after the experiments for laboratory and histopathological analysis. Serum levels of Blood Urea Nitrogen(BUN), Creatinine (Cr), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Potassium (K), Gamma-glutamyl Transferase (GGT), Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase(SGOT), Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase(SGPT), Alkaline Phosphatase(ALP), c-reactive protein(CRP), Troponine(TPO) and histological features of liver, heart and kidney tissues were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed by One-Way ANOVA. Results: Our data did not indicate significant differences in BUN, Cr, K, and CRP between groups with or without melatonin treatment (P>0.05); but differences were significant for LDH, GGT, SGOT, SGPT, ALP, and TPO (P<0.05). The results showed that radiation-induced histopathological effects on the liver, heart, and kidneys were mitigated in the groups six to nine. Conclusion: The existence of significant differences in serum levels of LDH, GGT, SGOT, SGPT, ALP, and TPO in groups(6 to 9) and amelioration of the histopathological effects of irradiation on the liver, heart, and kidneys in the groups six to nine showed that the melatonin(100 mg/kg) is able to protect the body in gamma-radiation(2.0 Gy and 8.0 Gy).
Background & Objective: Tumor markers are elements produced by tumors or other cells in the body in response to cancer or some benign condition. Although most of these markers are made by normal cells as well as cancer cells, they are produced at much higher levels in cancerous conditions. This study aimed to provide a method for using tumor markers to diagnose cancer and detect the presence of metastasis and recurrence of the disease. Materials & Methods: The present narrative review study was done by selecting the appropriate keywords and searching for research and review studies indexed in Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and SID databases. Results: These studies often indicate the effective role of tumor markers in the MUC-1 family (especially Cancer antigen15-3(CA15-3)) and CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) as the most widely used tumor markers in patients with breast cancer. Conclusions: Based on information from studies on tumor markers, the combination of CEA, CA15-3, PRL (prolactin), KL-6(Kerbs von den Lungen), Thioredoxin 1, and FER (ferritin) tumor markers can increase the sensitivity of early-stage breast cancer detection, and CA15-3 tumor markers can also be used to identify the presence or absence of metastasis to the axillary lymph nodes. The use of ultrasound (especially color Doppler) and its combination with CEA and CA15-3 tumor markers are recommended to improve the accuracy of a breast cancer diagnosis.
Background & Objective: Many different combination regimens have been used for the treatment of patients infected with human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV). This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two antiviral drugs for the treatment of HIV-infected patients. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on HIV-positive patients in Fasa, Southwest Iran. Eighty patients were enrolled in the investigation who were then randomly divided into two groups and treated plus vonavir (tenofovir-emtricitabine-efavirenz) and cobavir (lamivudine-zidovudine) with efavirenz for six months. Blood samples collected from all patients were examined for viral load every six months using Real-time PCR and CD4 changes by flow cytometry. Result: During the six months of treatment, the CD4 response was not significantly increased in group one, treated with vonavir. In contrast, the CD4 value showed a significant increasing trend during the treatment course in group two treated with cobavir-efavirenz (P=0.003). However, overall, there was no statistically significant difference between the CD4 responses of the two groups (P=0.361). In addition, the plasma viral load was significantly suppressed in both regimens (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Hence, the two regimens (cobavir-efavirenz, and vobavir) showed the same efficacy on HIV patients according to the same suppression of viral load, and CD4 response in this region. However, inclusion of more samples is needed and more studies are suggested in order to confirm our results as well.
Unearthing the immune defects associated genes and genetic variations may lead to locating novel targetable elements and introducing the underlying mechanisms and pathways of the desired condition. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are essential for protein antigens presentation and inducing immune response as well as are associated with production and phenotypic traits. The MHC class II genes of cattle and buffaloes, Bovine Leukocyte Antigen (BoLA) or Buffalo Leukocyte Antigen (BuLA), are located on the short arm of chromosome 23. It has been demonstrated that the second exon of BoLA-DRB3 (BoLA-DRB3.2) is highly polymorphic, having more than one hundred identified alleles, that each of them can form special binding pockets for corresponding antigenic peptides. Concerning the populations of cows, unique native and hybrid, and buffaloes are distinctly divided into different regions of Iran, analysis and interpretation of the polymorphisms’ expression status of this locus can be implemented to find better breeding strategies like selecting highly resistant animals to infection diseases, in herds. It also can help to develop effective and novel vaccines regarding allele frequencies in populations; different allelic variants of MHC class II binding to different peptides. Immunogenic evaluation of animals’ genome/genes characteristics has always been used as a model for the study of similar genes in humans.
Background & Objectives: Staphylococcus spp. is a resident flora of the skin and mucosa of humans that can colonize the anterior nares of individuals. This cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the rate and antibiotic resistance pattern of nasal Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) carriers among the staff of Fasa hospital, southern Iran. Materials & Methods: Nasal swab samples were collected from 117 hospital staff working in 12 wards. Microbiological culture method was applied for S. aureus identification. The isolates were confirmed by tuf gene identification using PCR assay. Five isolates were randomly sequenced and phylogenetically analysed using MEGA software. The antimicrobial resistance pattern of the isolates was evaluated using the disc diffusion assay and the amplification of the methicillin resistance (mecA) gene. Results: The prevalence of S. aureus nasal carriers included 10.26% (n=12). The nasal carriers were identified in the wards of surgery ICU, gynecologic surgery, NICU, pediatric, internal surgery, and emergency. Among them, gynecologic surgery staff had the highest rate of nasal colonization (33.33%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that of five isolates, four had high similarities with each other. Also, the highest rate of resistance was related to penicillin (83.3%), followed by cefazolin (75%), and cephalexin (75%). However, the highest level of susceptibility (100%) was found for vancomycin, cefoxitin, and oxacillin. Furthermore, the methicillin resistance gene (mecA) was highly detected (75%) from the isolates, elucidating oxacillin-susceptible or cefoxitin-susceptible mecA-positive S. aureus (OS-MRSA). Conclusions: The high rates of OS-MRSA can lead to antibiotic resistance among health care workers tremendously. Moreover, the high similarity probability in phylogenetic analysis shows the possibility of cross-infection between these health care workers, warning to exert effective strategies to control infection spread, especially in the surgery ward.
