Iraqi Journal of Bioscience and Biomedical

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative aerobic bacterium that has become one of the most nosocomial pathogens. The main goal of this research project was to determine genotypes associated with LPS transport and antibiotic-resistance genes (lptD and lptE) of clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. Characterization of the strains of P. aeruginosa that are widespread in Iraqi patients was done by collecting 140 clinical samples from wounds, burns, ear swaps, sputum, and urinary tract infections taken from seven general hospitals in Baghdad. Isolation methods for identifying P. aeruginosa relied on culture methods; 102 was positive growth while the remaining 38 had negative growth; biochemical tests and conventional culture method on selective media showed that only 50 from 102 isolates were P. aeruginosa VITEK-2 system was used to confirm the diagnosis, and also antibiotic sensitivity test, The results showed that 100% of these 50 isolates were P. aeruginosa. In this study, molecular techniques to identify P. aeruginosa, including DNA extraction and PCR, were used. To determine the presence of the virulence genes lptD and lptE, which play a role in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) transport across the outer membrane, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify specific regions of DNA. In conclusion, the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa strains among hospitalized patients presents a significant challenge in managing infections. These genes were found to be closely associated with LPS transport and, hence, the ability of these bacteria to resist antibiotics.

The COVID-19 is pandemic disease, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. It has enhanced extensive research about the immune responses of infection and vaccination. This study aimed to measurement of serum antibodies (IgM and IgG) levels in vaccinated individuals in Iraqi patients, and compares the responses between unvaccinated, Pfizer-vaccinated, Sinopharm-vaccinated, and COVID-19-infected groups. A total of 300 participants were categorized into four subgroups: 30 non-vaccinated and uninfected, 90 Pfizer-vaccinated, 90 Sinopharm-vaccinated after the second dose, and 90 COVID-19 infected, which assessed immune responses to Pfizer and Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines over the first three months post-vaccination. IgM levels were significantly elevated in both the Sinopharm and Pfizer vaccine groups compared to the control group. Specifically, Sinopharm recipients had IgM levels of 5.33 ± 2.1 ng/ml, Pfizer recipients had 3.61 ± 1.14 ng/ml, and the control group had 0.6 ± 1.14 ng/ml. Notably, there were no significant differences in IgM levels between the Sinopharm and Pfizer groups. IgM levels in both Sinopharm and Pfizer groups slightly increased after the third month of vaccination. Sinopharm recipients exhibited a slight rise to 2.1 ± 0.7 ng/ml, while Pfizer recipients had a slight increase to 1.0 ± 0.3 ng/ml. IgG levels were significantly higher in the Pfizer vaccine group compared to the Sinopharm group and the control group. Pfizer recipients had a serum IgG level of 78.4 ± 12.3 ng/ml, followed by Sinopharm recipients at 68.4 ± 9.10 ng/ml, and the control group at 0.71 ± 0.02 ng/ml. After the third month of vaccination, both Sinopharm and Pfizer groups showed a decline in IgG levels. However, the Pfizer group maintained a higher level, with 50.2 ± 9.8 ng/ml compared to the Sinopharm group\'s 32.1 ± 5.4 ng/ml. These findings underscore the distinct immune responses elicited by different vaccines, providing valuable information for optimizing COVID-19 vaccination programs.

Streptomyces actinomycinicus is a bacterium species from the genus of Streptomyces which has been isolated from soil. Streptomyces actinomycinicus has the ability to degrade pol(3-hydroxyalkanoate). This species produces Actinomycin, exfoliamycin and many secondary metabolite. The 52 isolated obtained from the isolation processes were sub-cultured on yeast extract-malt extract agar. The results obtained of our isolation Streptomyces actinomycinicus CMU-RKDM30 which detected by PCR based on the study of the 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic relationship. The results of biochemical tests revealed the amylase, urease, catalase, gelatinase, protease, cellulose, phosphatase tests were positive, while the indole production and soluble pigment tests were negative. The HPLC of extracellular crude extract of our isolation Streptomyces actinomycinicus showed three different antibiotics (Azithromycin, Amoxicillin, and actinomycin).

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, similar to several bacteria, use chemical signals for intercellular communication through the quorum sensing (QS) mechanism. QS enables bacterial groups to detect population density and, in reaction to variations in cell density, to synchronize their behaviors. The current work intended to identify quorum sensing virulence factor genes in P. aeruginosa isolated from clinical tissues. A total of 155 clinical samples were obtained from burns, wounds, urine, and ears for isolation of P. aeruginosa. Bacterial isolates were identified according to their biochemical reactions, then antibiotic susceptibility and Biofilm formation by isolates of P. aeruginosa was investigated, and the genomic DNA was extracted from each bacterial isolate for detection of quorum sensing genes (lasR, lasI, rhlR, and rhlI). From different clinical specimens, twenty-five P. aeruginosa isolates were identified. these isolates were resistant to most antibiotics, and it was found that only 10(40%) of these isolates were biofilm producers. Biofilm virulence genes lasR, lasI, rhlR, and rhlI were detected in all P. aeruginosa isolates examined. lasR, lasI, rhlR, and rhlI genes were common in P. aeruginosa isolates that have high rate of resistance to all antibiotics, and strong ability in biofilm formation.

A total of 150 samples were collected from clinical sources in Baghdad. All samples were subjected to analyses and confirmed by VITEK2 system. As a result, 80 isolates were recognized as S. aureus. Disc diffusion method was used to test antibiotic susceptibility profile for the isolates towards 8 antibiotics. The results indicated that 12 isolates were multi-drug resistant (MDR), 11 isolates were extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and 8 were pandrug-resistant (PDR). Twenty-eight (35%) of the isolates were clindamycin resistant and 21 (26%) of these were constitutive clindamycin resistant as they show resistance towards erythromycin too; while 52 (65%) of the isolates were sensitive to both clindamycin and erythromycin and 7 isolates were reported to be erythromycin-sensitive but clindamycin-resistant. It is essential that all healthcare facilities should continuously monitor S. aureus to avoid treatment failures associated with induced lincosamide antibiotics resistance.

Oxidative stress is a pathological condition characterized by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the body\'s antioxidant defenses. This imbalance can lead to cellular damage and has been implicated in various disease states. Ginkgo biloba, a widely studied medicinal plant, is known to possess potent antioxidant properties due to its phytochemical composition. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the antioxidant activity and protective effects of G. biloba ethanolic extract (GB-EE). The total flavonoid content of the extract was determined, and its free radical scavenging ability and reducing power were assessed. GB-EE exhibited a concentration-dependent DPPH radical scavenging activity, with an IC50 of 19.45 µg/mL, comparable to the positive control, ascorbic acid (26.35 µg/mL). Additionally, the extract demonstrated moderate reduction ability, as evidenced by its ferric-reducing antioxidant power. Furthermore, in vivo studies on mice revealed that GB-EE treatment protected against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress, significantly reducing malondialdehyde levels and restoring glutathione concentrations in the kidney and liver tissues. These findings suggest that GB-EE possesses potent antioxidant properties and can exert a protective effect against oxidative damage, highlighting its potential therapeutic applications.

This research aimed to analyze the phytochemical constituents and antioxidant capabilities of crude methanolic extract of Vitex negundo L. leaves, which considered as one of medical plant. Leaves were gathered for examination followed by methanolic and essential oil extraction for biological application. Through screening processes, important compounds of therapeutic effects were investigated such flavonoids, polyphenols, and alkaloids in lower content. The quantitative assay revealed that the major content was flavonoids (513,34±23,15μg/mL), while the amount of total phenols was (350,67±27,68mg/mL). Antioxidant tests were carried out using DPPH and FRAP methods, for evaluation purposes in the current study. For DPPH, result indicated that the scavenging ability of V. negundo L. methanolic extract was achieved in relative to vitamin C the potential antioxidant agent at concentration (83.34±3.51μg/mL). In the FRAP experiment conducted on V. negundo L. plant samples showed a ferric reduction capacity of (1.92±30mg/mL) at the concentration (0.545±15mg/mL) in relative to Trolox standard. These significant findings highlight V. negundo L. potential as a natural source of antioxidants. These results indicate that V. negundo L. may be an option, for medical purposes in addressing conditions linked to oxidative stress. This supports its standing use and positions it as a remedy, in contemporary medicine.

The study aims to conduct a screening of the bacteria colonizing the alopecia areata disease and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium that infect skin wounds and burns. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition characterized by localized hair loss, often influenced by both genetic and microbial factors. Patients with burns and wounds are more likely to contract an infection in the hospital than other patients due to the loss of the protective barrier (skin) and immune system disorders that appear in these patients. This study investigated bacterial colonization and antimicrobial resistance in alopecia-affected areas and burns/wounds infections. Specimens were collected between October 2023 and February 2024 from three hospitals in Baghdad, including Number of 180 specimens were collected, 116 specimens from them collected from alopecia cases and 64 specimens from wound and burn infection. Half of alopecia cases was collected from the affected areas and the other half from the healthy areas (control) of the same patients. The selected predominance bacterial infection according to the confirmation tests were subjected to identification and antimicrobial susceptibility test using the VITEK-2 system. For alopecia the most commonly isolated species were Staphylococcus species which appeared in 10 isolates from 27 positive growth (35.48%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were the most commonly isolated species from burns and wounds appeared in 10 from 25 positive growth. The results revealed high levels of resistance, with 90% of P. aeruginosa isolates resistant to ticarcillin and 85% to aminoglycosides, while Staphylococcus species exhibited 80% resistance to oxacillin and 70% to vancomycin. Comparing the bacterial profiles of the affected and healthy parts of the same patient\\'s scalp showed big differences. This shows how microbial communities play a part in how diseases progress.