BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) possess a variety of virulence genes that are involved in the pathogenesis of infections caused by this agent. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the genes encoding collagen binding (cna) and fibronectin binding (fnb) adhesion factors in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from food and clinical specimens. METHODS: During the time period 2010-2013, a total of 38 isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from clinical specimens and 32 isolates from food samples were collected. All isolates were identified biochemically and subjected to DNA extraction. The accuracy of DNA extraction from each isolate was confirmed by PCR amplification of aroA gene and then the presence of cna and fnb genes in the extracted DNAs was assessed by PCR, using the specific primers. RESULTS: The results showed that among 38 isolates from clinical specimens, 15 (39.5%) & 32 (84.2%) and among 32 isolates of food origin 10 (31/2%) and 16 (50%) isolates had cna and fnb genes respectively. Thirteen clinical (34.21%) and 6 food isolates (18.7%) were positive for both fnb and cna genes and 4 clinical (10.5%) and 12 food isolates (37.5%) were lacking both genes. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, it is concluded that, although these adhesion genes are not present in all Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates, but their prevalence is high and using the products of these genes in vaccines may be effective in protecting against infections caused by this bacterium.

BACKGROUND: Poultry production in houses and high stocking density, results in                increase in mortality because of different diseases. Objectives: Investigating the effective managerial and environmental factors on mortality in industrialized poultry farms, proportion of each factor and ranking farms based on mortality risk to solve some problems of Iran’s poultry farm insurance. Methods: Samples were taken from 47 broiler, 20 layer and 30 broiler breeder farms of 16 Iranian provinces which were selected based on geographical location, climate and outbreaks of diseases. House characteristics were evaluated by precision measurement. Parameters such as heat exchange, light intensity, atmospheric conditions (inside oxygen and ammonia concentration, acidity and moisture of litter) and quality of equipment (ventilator capacity, heating & cooling systems) were measured. Based on collected data,  managerial index was defined and calculated. Parameters related to sanitary condition, birds’ health and immunization were measured by blood anti body titer. A total of 97 poultry farms were included in the investigation and 27231 measurement data were recorded. Results: Average mortality in broiler, layer and breeder farms was 15.4, 11.2 per period and 1.9% per month, respectively. According to stepwise minimum Wilk’s Lambda discriminant regression, the highest standardized coefficient belonged to vaccine accomplishment (VA) followed by house ventilator capacity (VM), immunization against avian influenza (AIG), farm biosecurity (SHOW), drinker type (DRIN), precipitation rate (RAIN) and temperature management index (TMI): Mortality Risk(0,1)=-2.622+1.533 VA-1.135 SHOW+0.739 AIG+0.551 DRIN-0.016 VM+0.003 RAIN+0.002TMI. Main variables of models which were fitted to layer and broiler breeder flocks were health and ventilation. Conclusions: 6 managerial and environmental factors, immunization of flock against diseases, farm biosecurity and house ventilation had the greatest impact on ranking the mortality risk.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasmosis is an infectious disease of poultry and a major cause of economic losses due to decline in growth, egg production, reduction in egg hatching and exacerbation of viral and bacterial respiratory diseases. Objectives: The purpose of this study was detection of serological prevalence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection in broiler breeders of Mazandaran province and to suggest control strategies against mycoplasmosis. Methods: All breeder farms that were in production period in Mazandaran province were sampled (74 farms in 14 cities); blood samples were collected from 45 birds in each farm. Sera samples were examined by RSPA and ELISA tests based on the instructions of OIE. Results: In this study, by the RSPA test, 3 out of 74 farms (4%), 15 out of 553 houses (2/7%) were positive. From 5626 collected sera samples, 139 samples (2.5%) were positive in RSPA and 124 samples (2.2%) in ELISA. Conclusions: Seroprevalence of MG infection was 4% during the selected period and zone of study.  Statistical analysis showed that biosecurity situations were significantly better in negative farms (p=0.04). There are some deficiencies in quality of biosecurity situations despite  implementing biosecurity principles in farms. Establishing of farms near villages or the development  of villages, keeping backyard birds close to the farms and employees living in villages are some of the  biosecurity principles that were not followed in infected farms.

BACKGROUND: Recurrence and side effects of current treatments for urolithiasis confine their application, so other options using traditional herbal therapy are being sought. OBJECTIVES: In this experimental study we have tried to evaluate the antilithiatic effects of herbal extraxt of Tribulus terrestris which is often used to treat different kinds of urinary diseases such as urolithiasis in human on cats. METHODS: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of plant, the hydro alcoholic extract of T.terrestris was assessed for activity against induced urolithiasis in cats. The extract of such herb was administered at daily oral doses of 200 mg/kg for 30 days. RESULTS: Microscopic analysis of urine sediments and ultrasonographic study of kidneys and urinary bladder confirmed inhibition of crystal formation in tested cats. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate this herbal extract could be a potential candidate for prevention of urolithiasis in cats. Further studies are needed to clarify the precise anti-crystallization mechanism of T.terrestris in cats.

BACKGROUND: Strangles is caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. The bacteria typically infect the upper respiratory system and lymph nodes of the head and neck in equidae. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of strangles and association of this infection with host age and geographical determinants in horses in Khuzestan province. METHODS: Serum samples from 184 horses were randomly collected in Ahvaz, Shoushtar, Baghmalek, Shoush, Abadan, Ramhormoz and Dezfool cities and were examined by ELISA assay. Also, 85 swab samples were randomly taken from nasal swab of horse and evaluated for Streptococcus equi subspecies equi by bacterial culture. RESULTS: Seroprevalence rate of strangle was 37.5% (95% CI: 30.5-44.5%). Logistic regression showed that the odds of infection between the age based on year and disease was 1.1 (95% CI: 1.04-1.17) (p<0.001), and with increase of 1 year-old, odds of infection increase 10%. Relative frequency of infection in male and female horses was 32.73 and 39.53%, respectively (p>0.05) and odds of infection in female compared with male horses was 1.34 (95% CI: 0.69-2.61). Prevalence rate in horses with and without history of respiratory disease was 94.1% and 31.74%, respectively (p<0.001). The odds of infection in horses with history of respiratory disease compared with  healthy horses was 34.42 (95%CI: 4.45-266.37). Prevalence rate in  Ahvaz, Shoushtar, Baghmalek, Shoush, Abadan, Ramhormoz and Dezfool  was 33.3%, 34.62%, 5.26%, 69.23%, 13.04, 22.22% and 75%,  respectively (p<0.001). Geographical location explained 29.6% of infection’s fluctuations. No isolate of Streptococcus equi subsp. equi was obtained in culture of nasal swab samples. CONCLUSIONS: This study determined that seroprevalence of strangles should be deleted in khuzestan province is high and Prevention and control measurements should be considered by health authorities.

BACKGROUND: Hydatidosis is one of the zoonotic diseases which affect animals and human beings at the larval stage of Echinococcusgranulosus, thereby playing a role in exacerbating the economic and health problems in Iran. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the strains of Echinococcusgranulosus isolated from cattle hydatid cysts, in Khorramabad, in the Lorestan Province, west of Iran. METHODS: Twenty six isolates of hydatid cyst of cattle from lung (24 samples) and liver (2 sample) organs were collected from Golshan Slaughterhouse, in Khorramabad. All of the samples were transferred to the laboratory for morphometric characterization and molecular study. In morphological characterization, blade length of large (LBL) and small (SBL) hook and the ratio of blade length to total length in large (LBL/LTL) and small (SBL/STL) hooks and total length of large (LTL) and small (STL) hooks were measured. In molecular study, a partial sequence of cytochrome oxidase 1 (COX1) with 440 bp in length was amplified applying primers J3 and J4.5. Genomic DNA sequencing was performed by Sanger’s method. RESULTS: The morphological results showed that there is no significant difference between isolated from cattle hydatid cyst and sensu stricto strain (P<0.05). The results of molecular studies support the findings of morphological characterization. All sequences showed 100% identity with sensu stricto strain. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study showed that sensu stricto strain (G1) is a causative agent of cattle hydatid cyst in Khorramabad. On the other hand, the cattle play a role in enabling the parasite to complete its cycle. Hence in order to execute a control program for minimizing the effects of this disease, the cattle shall be considered as a source of infection for dogs. The results of this study could be helpful in designing such control program in the region.

BACKGROUND: Recent investigations  have identified anthelminitic effects of many medicinal plants particularly from condensed tannin sources. In addition, gastrointestinal nematodes of ruminants have a negative effect on the farming industry worldwide. Objectives: The aim of the present study was  to determine the potential anthelmintic effects of Quercus robur extract on alimentary canal nematodes in naturally infected sheep by faecal egg count reduction test (EPGRT). Methods: The crude aqueous extract was prepared from Quercus robur as tannin extract. The nature and intensity of helminth infection was determined by coprological examination. The faecal samples of 600 sheep were collected from different regions of Kurdistan province. The samples were examined by flotation method (Clyton-Lane technique). Fifteen sheep with the most count in egg per gram (include Marshallagia, Nematodirus and Trichostrongylids) were divided into three groups of five animals: First group (test group) were drenched with Quercus robur extract at 3.75g/kg, second group (positive control group) received Albendazole 2.5%, orally at 5mg/kg and third group (negative control) without treatment. Results: The results of faecal examination  3 days after administration indicated significant reduction of EPG in both group’s treatment and positive control groups, 90.76% and 90.83% respectively, whereas there was no effect in the third group. Results were evaluated by Chi-square analysis and showed significant differences between treatment and negative control groups (p≤0.05). Nosignificant differences were observed between treatment group and positive control group (p≥0.05). Conclusions: Results reveal that aquatic extract of Quercus robur has anthelminitic activity and further large scale studies are suggested to confirm pharmacologic effects of this herbal extract.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Chemotherapy works on active cells. Active cells are cells that are growing and dividing into more of the same type of cell. Cancer cells are active, but so are some healthy cells. Also, scientists work constantly to develop ways of providing treatment with fewer chemotherapy side effects. Objectives: The aim of this study was antitumor effect of simultaneous low-intensity, 150 kHz ultrasound, in combination with the reduced dose of anticancer drug Doxorubicin (DOX) on breast adenocarcinoma using murine model (BALB/c). Methods: Twenty-five female BALB/c mice were used in this study. The tumor was implanted under the breast skin of mice. Mice were divided into five groups, namely control, sham, drug (IV injected of 2 mg/kg of DOX), drug (IV injected of 1 mg/kg of DOX) + US (150 kHz for 15 minutes) and exposure to ultrasound (150 kHz for 15 minutes) alone. The data were analyzed employing ANOVA using SPSS software V.13 and complementary test of Tooki was done. Results: It was shown that, after injection of DOX, exposure to ultrasound at 150 kHz the necrotic spaces in adenocarcinoma tumors compared to control and sham groups have meaningful variance (p<0.001). There was also a significant difference (the bigger the necrotic spaces) between the drug+US group and drug treated group (p<0.05), It should be mentioned that the dose of DOX in drug+US group was reduced to 1mg/kg. Conclusions: The co-administration of DOX and low-intensity ultrasound provided a more effective treatment than the drug alone in murine adenocarcinoma breast cancer. The combined treatment appeared to produce synergistic effects that could prove potentially useful in reducing the side effects of DOX by lowering the required effective dose of the drug while increasing the efficiency of the therapy as a whole.

BACKGROUND: To reduce adverse environmental effects resulting from repeated use of chemical contaminants, herbal extracts are a natural suitable alternative in aquaculture. Objectives: The present study investigated the effects of Biarum carduchorum and Quercus Infectoria Gall extracts on percentage of hatching and survival rate in the early growth stage of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) larvae compared with malachite green (MG). Methods: To assess the percentage of hatching and survival rate in the early growth stage, B. carduchorum was used at 400 mg/l for 30 minutes per day, Q. Infectoria Gall at 40 mg/l for 30 minutes per day and MG as the positive control at 2 mg/l for 20 minutes per day. Normal control without any treatment was also included. Each treatment trial was provided in three replicates.  Results: The obtained results showed that the mortality level in normal control was significantly higher than other groups in the hatching stage (p<0.05). Also, the mortality rate in eggs treated with B. carduchorum was significantly lower than both MG and Q. Infectoria Gall groups (p<0.05). The mortality rate in eggs treated with Q. Infectoria Gall was significantly higher than MG group (p<0.05). In addition, the mortality rate of the produced larvae was significantly higher in both Q. Infectoria Gall group and normal control groups than the other two groups (p<0.05).Conclusions: The results showed that use of B. carduchorum at 400 mg/L is able to significantly improve the survival rate of rainbow trout eggs and larvae during incubation period. It can be comparable to MG.

BACKGROUND: Food infections caused by Campylobacter are one of the gastrointestinal inflammations in humans is health and economic losses in the community is important. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of Campylobacter contamination in chicken skin samples of Urmia, using bacterial culture and polymerase chain reactions.                 METHODS: 80 samples of chicken skin from the Protein Gostare Sina slaughter house located in the city of Urmia in equal numbers in the winter and spring seasons were collected. The survival of Campylobacter after 24 hours in refrigerated conditions  was studied in samples. Positive samples were used for DNA extraction and PCR. To investigate the phylogenetic isolates, positive samples PCR were sequenced. RESULTS: 58/75% of chicken skin using bacterial cultures, Campylobacter were positive. The Results study the survival Campylobacter in cold conditions after 24 hours, showed that no significant decrease in the survival Campylobacter as well as contamination levels were significantly higher in spring than in winter, which may be due to the high temperature of environment that created the favorable conditions for Campylobacter. CONCLUSIONS: Chicken skin is the reservoir  of Campylobacter. This issue of public health care and control at all stages of production and supply of poultry products, also the transfer of it to other parts of poultry carcasses should be considered.