Comparison of ertapenem non-susceptibility with 2-mercaptopropionic acid phenotypic tests in predicting NDM-1 and IMP-1 production in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli.

Background: A routine phenotypic test has not been recommended for the detection of metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) producing species such as . The current study was conducted to compare the 2-mercaptopropionic acid (2-MPA) phenotypic method and ertapenem non-susceptibility test with polymerase chain reaction in predicting the production of MBLs in clinical isolates of .

Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility test for beta-lactam antibiotics were performed by disk diffusion method.

Comparison of ELISA and PCR of the 18S rRNA gene for detection of human strongyloidiasis using serum sample.

Background: Strongyloides stercoralis infection is a neglected tropical disease with global distribution which is fatal in immunosuppressed patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of strongyloidiasis in immunocompromised individuals and cases with infectious diseases, as well as comparing ELISA and conventional PCR with coprological examination, in the central parts of Mazandaran province, northern Iran.

Methods: A single serum and a fresh stool samples were obtained from 272 and 220 patients, respectively.