Genetic Diversity within Genus (Scorpion: Scorpionidae) from Iran: Preliminary Evidence based on 16srRNA Sequence.

The yellow digger scorpion, , is a medically important scorpion for which little is known about its genetic diversity. Polymerase chain reaction products of 16srRNA gene fragments were generated from scorpion specimens named SmKh1 and SmKh2. These sequences showed high similarity with the only partial sequence of isolate SCA1 large subunit ribosomal RNA gene available in the Genbank database.

Investigating of four main carbapenem-resistance mechanisms in high-level carbapenem resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from burn patients.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen involved in many infections. Carbapenem-resistant P.aeruginosa has emerged as an important cause of infection in different hospitals worldwide.

Detection of Theileria lestoquardi cross infection in cattle with clinical theileriosis in Iran.

Theileriosis caused by Theileria lestoquardi (malignant ovine theileriosis) in sheep and Theileria annulata (tropical theileriosis) in cattle is an important hemoprotozoal tick-borne disease in Iran. Due to major biologic and phylogenic similarities of these two species, this study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of natural infections with T.lestoquardi and T.

Detection of Metallo-Beta Lactamases Among Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Background: Carbapenems are important drugs used for the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, however metallo-β-lactamases (MBL) are able to efficiently hydrolyze these classes of drugs. Immediate detection of the MBL-producing P. aeruginosa is necessary in order to accurately treat infections caused by this organism.

Isolation and identification of excretory-secretory and somatic antigens from the Oestrus ovis larvae by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting.

Oestrus ovis is an economically important parasite of small ruminants and a zoonotic parasite with many reports of ophthalmomyiasis in human from Iran and other countries. The aim of the peresent study was the isolation and identification of excretory-secretory (ES) and somatic (S) antigens of O. ovis second and third stage larvae (L2, L3) collected from Arabi sheep breeds located in southwest of Iran.

Identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from burn patients by multiplex PCR.

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MRCoNS) as important human pathogens are causes of nosocomial infections worldwide. Burn patients are at a higher risk of local and systemic infections with these microorganisms.

Objective: A screening method for MRSA by using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), mecA, and nuc genes was developed.

Application of Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis for Study of Genetic Diversity in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains Isolated From Tuberculosis Patients.

Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotyping can effectively improve tuberculosis (TB) control programs by controlling disease transmission. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) is a particularly powerful tool for determination of clonal identity of bacteria providing information for understanding and controlling the spread of disease.

Objectives: The aim of present study was to investigate the genetic diversity of M.

Vertical transmission of Theileria lestoquardi in sheep.

This is the first report of an outbreak of Theileria lestoquardi abortion and stillbirth in a mob of 450 ewes in July 2012, during which, approximately 35 late-term ewes lost their fetuses over a 5-day period. A dead ewe and her aborted fetus were transported to the Ahvaz Veterinary Hospital for the diagnostic evaluation. The microbial cultures from the ewe vaginal discharges and fetal abomasal contents and the liver were negative.

Production of Recombinant Alpha Neurotoxin of Scorpion Venom Mesobuthus eupeus and Analysis of its Immunogenicity.

Background: Scorpion venom is important and rich source of peptides, most of which have been widely used as pharmacological tools for unraveling structure-function relationship of various ion channels. Naturally occurring toxins can be also considered as lead compounds in the development of novel drugs.

Objectives: In this context, the scorpion-derived peptide neurotoxins specific to sodium channels have shown promise as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of various human diseases.

Sequence characterization of cDNA sequence of encoding of an antimicrobial Peptide with no disulfide bridge from the Iranian mesobuthus eupeus venomous glands.

Background: Scorpion venom glands produce some antimicrobial peptides (AMP) that can rapidly kill a broad range of microbes and have additional activities that impact on the quality and effectiveness of innate responses and inflammation.

Objectives: In this study, we reported the identification of a cDNA sequence encoding cysteine-free antimicrobial peptides isolated from venomous glands of this species.

Materials And Methods: Total RNA was extracted from the Iranian mesobuthus eupeus venom glands, and cDNA was synthesized by using the modified oligo (dT).

Effects of Teucrium polium Ethyl acetate Extract on Serum, Liver and Muscle Triglyceride Content of Sucrose-Induced Insulin Resistance in Rat.

Possessing putative hypolipidemic effects, Teucrium polium (TP) have been traditionally used as a medicinal plant in Iran. The aim of the present study was to investigate this effect on the sucrose-induced insulin resistance male rat model. Thirty Wistar male rats weighting 180 ± 20 g were divided into five groups of six each.

Onchocerca volvulus: expression and immunolocalization of a nematode cathepsin D-like lysosomal aspartic protease.

The N-terminal region of the cathepsin D-like aspartic protease from the human filarial parasite Onchocerca volvulus was expressed as His-tag fusion protein. Light and electron microscopic immunohistology using antibodies against the recombinant protein showed labeling of lysosomes in the hypodermis and epithelia of the intestine and the reproductive organs of Onchocerca. While developing oocytes were negative, mature oocytes and early morulae showed strong labeling.

Wolbachia endosymbionts of Onchocerca volvulus express a putative periplasmic HtrA-type serine protease.

Wolbachia are intracellular bacteria of many filarial nematodes. A mutualistic interaction between the endobacteria and the filarial host is likely, because the clearance of Wolbachia by tetracycline leads to the obstruction of embryogenesis and larval development. Databases were searched for exported molecules to identify candidates involved in this mutualism.

Molecular cloning of an alpha-enolase from the human filarial parasite Onchocerca volvulus that binds human plasminogen.

Enolase represents a multifunctional protein involved in basic energy metabolism and plasminogen binding and activation at the surface of prokaryotic pathogens. A complete cDNA of 1615 bp of an alpha-enolase from Onchocerca volvulus (Ov-ENO) was isolated using a PCR-based approach. The open reading frame encoded for 435 amino acids and the high degree of conservation included the crucial amino acid residues that participate in the formation of the catalytic site, Mg(2+) binding site, and a hydrophobic motif reported to relate to surface expression.