Alaa Al-Charrakh | University of Babylon (original) (raw)

Papers by Alaa Al-Charrakh

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, 2020

Background: ESKAPE pathogens are responsible for the common of nosocomial infections and capable ... more Background: ESKAPE pathogens are responsible for the common of nosocomial infections and capable of 'escaping' the biocidal action of antimicrobial agents. Aims: The aim of this study is to screen the prevalence of ESKAPE pathogens group among pediatric patients in Iraq. Methods: A total of 191 different clinical samples were collected from pediatric patients aged from 1day till the age of 14 years old. Samples obtained included; blood, urine, CSF, burns wounds, and other data that were taken from patients before sampling. Results:Among 191 clinical samples, 12 isolates (6.3%) of ESKAPE Pathogens groupwere detected, S. aureus was recovered in high rate (33.4%) followed by P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and A.baumannii. However, no isolate belonged to E.faecium was recovered in this study.Ahigh rate (75%) of isolates G-vebacteria of ESKAPE pathogens group (P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae E. cloacae, A.baumannii) were found to be ESBL-producers. Results also found that all S. aureus isolates were AmpC βlactamase producersand all Gram-negative isolates within ESKAPE pathogens group were AmpC β-lactamaseproducers. Different antibiotic susceptibility patterns were recorded among ESKAPE pathoges group isolates. MDR

uobabylon.edu.iq

The study was aimed at determining the antimicrobial activities of crude ethanolic extract of Al-... more The study was aimed at determining the antimicrobial activities of crude ethanolic extract of Al-Museiab propolis (EEMP) against some bacterial and fungal isolates by the method of disc diffusion and agar-well diffusion, respectively. MICs of propolis extracts using the twofold agar dilution susceptibility method w ere also determined. Results revealed that Staphylococcus aureus was higher sensitive to EEMP than other Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, while standard E. coli strain was highly sensitive to EEMP than other Gram negative bacteria. The effect of EEMP was elevated when the concentration increased to 20% and 30%. EEMP was not effective against C. albicans. Results of disc diffusion methods of crude EEMP at 10% concentration showed that S. aureus was highly sensitive to EEMP inhibition while C. albicans was resistant. Statistical analysis showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) between results of disc and agar diffusion methods of EEP at concentration of 10%, while there was no significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) at concentrations of 20% and 30% of extract, respectively. This study concluded that EEP was the most active of all propolis extracts, S. aureus was more sensitive to EEP and AEP than other bacteria, and agar diffusion method was better than disc diffusion method for detection of antimicrobial activity of propolis.

Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2011

The study was aimed at determining the antimicrobial activities of crude ethanolic extract of Al-... more The study was aimed at determining the antimicrobial activities of crude ethanolic extract of Al-Museiab propolis (EEMP) against some bacterial and fungal isolates by the method of disc diffusion and agar-well diffusion, respectively. MICs of propolis extracts using the two-fold agar dilution susceptibility method were also determined. Results revealed thatStaphylococcus aureus was highly sensitive to EEMP than other Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, while standard Escherichia coli strain was highly sensitive to EEMP than other Gram negative bacteria. The effect of EEMP was elevated when the concentration increased to 20 and 30%. EEMP was not effective against Candida albicans. Results of disc diffusion methods of crude EEMP at 10% concentration showed that S. aureus was highly sensitive to EEMP inhibition while C. albicans was resistant. Statistical analysis showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) between results of disc and agar diffusion methods of EEP at concentration ...

Avicenna Journal of Medical Biotechnology, 2016

Background: The use of selective and differential plating media is a simple method for the isolat... more Background: The use of selective and differential plating media is a simple method for the isolation of Salmonella spp. Recently, there has been a general move toward molecular methods of Salmonella detection and typing. Methods: A total of 1200 different specimens collected from human and animal sources were involved in his study. 600 stool specimens from patients suffering from diarrhea and 600 specimens from gall bladder (bile) of cattle from Al-Diwaniya slaughter house, Iraq were used. Salmonella spp. were isolated and identified using bacterial culturing on selective media and colonies were tested by API 20Eand then serotyping through polyvalent antisera and conformation by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). PCR was used to detect ompC gene encoding biosynthesis of outer membrane protein C of Salmonella genus. Results: The results revealed that the rate of Salmonella isolates was 0.5% (3/600) from human and 1% (6/600) from animals. The PCR technique revealed that 9 isolates of Sa...

The present study is designed to study bacteremia and to measure some immunological parameters of... more The present study is designed to study bacteremia and to measure some immunological parameters of diabetic patients in Kerbala City, Iraq during the period from November 2006 until May 2007. This study included a total of 125 patients with diabetes mellitus (30 type I and 95 type II), and 55 healthy persons as Control subjects. Blood samples were collected from both patients and Controls, blood culture was done for bacterial isolation and identification, virulence factors as well as antibiotic susceptibility tests were assessed for each isolate. This study also included the estimation of T-cells count, interferongamma (IFN-γ) concentration, interleukin-4 concentration, IgG, and IgM concentration. The obtained results showed that bacteremia was observed in 24% of the diabetic patients. Gram-positive bacterial isolates were more predominant; 21:30 (70%); than Gram-negative isolates; 9:30 (30%). Cefotaxime, tetracycline and trimethoprime-sulphamethazole antibiotics were the most effective drugs on both Gram-positive and-negative bacteria. Immunological tests showed decrease in T-cells count significantly (p<0.05) in type I and II diabetic patients (9.1%, 10.63%, respectively). Concentration of IFNγ also decreased significantly (p<0.05) in same patients (0.285 and 0.313 I.U/ml, respectively) as compared with control subjects (0.860 I.U/ml). Levels of IL-4 decreased non-significantly (p>0.05) in patients with type I and II diabetes (7.050 and 7.703 pg/ml, respectively). The levels of IgG were increased significantly (p<0.05) in both types I and II (1674.45 and 2095.86 mg/dL) respectively, but the levels of IgM were increased significantly (p<0.05) in type II (177.64 mg/dL) and non-significantly (p>0.05) in type I.

Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology, 2019

Clostridium perfringens is a major cause of gas gangrene. The morbidity of C. perfringens is conn... more Clostridium perfringens is a major cause of gas gangrene. The morbidity of C. perfringens is connected with producing toxins. This cross-sectional study was designed to isolate, genetically diagnose, and study the antibiotic susceptibility
patterns of C. perfringens isolated from clinical samples. Different wound swabs (from diabetic patients, cellulitis, and bullet wounds) were taken from 140 patients. For isolation of anaerobic bacteria, samples (in thioglycolate broth) were immediately incubated anaerobically then identified according to the cultural properties and biochemical tests. DNA was extracted from all specimens. Polymerase chain reaction was applied for detection of 16SrRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genes of C. perfringens. The susceptibility of bacterial isolates to different antibiotics was determined using Vitek 2 system and disk diffusion test. Out of 140 clinical samples collected during this study, 3 (2.14%) C. perfringens isolates were recovered of which 2 isolates (1.43%) obtained from diabetic patients and one (0.71%) from bullet wounds. Results also showed that only 7 isolates (5%) were detected by a molecular
method using specific primers 16S rRNA and ITS genes of C. perfringens. Results of antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that all isolates were highly susceptible to penicillins and β-lactamase inhibitors, metronidazole, and
aminoglycosides. On the other hand, all isolates were highly resistant to tetracycline, levofloxacin, and erythromycin. The susceptibility patterns of C. perfringens isolates showed that all isolates were multidrug resistance. Using the amplification of ITS gene increases specificity and sensitivity (by reducing non-specific annealing and primer dimer formation) which increases the probability of detection of suspected C. perfringens isolates.

Science Journal of University of Zakho

Two hundred and eighty six Staphylococcus aureus isolates were collected from separate places of ... more Two hundred and eighty six Staphylococcus aureus isolates were collected from separate places of the holy shrine in Najaf city, Iraq. Phenotypic and genotypic examination for community associated methicillin resistant S. aureus (CA-MRSA) isolates was carried out. Antibiotic and plasmid profiles of these isolates were also done. The CA-MRSA isolates were examined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers for Panton

Abstract: A total of 720 clinical samples were collected from three main hospitals in Hilla city/... more Abstract: A total of 720 clinical samples were collected from three main hospitals in Hilla city/ Babylon province, Iraq. Samples were screened for presence of Raoultella spp., as well as studying their expression of virulence factors. A total of 144 bacterial isolates were recovered and identified as Klebsiella-like organisms. Out of these, 11 isolates were identified as Raoultella ornithinolytica, which represent 7.6% of all Klebsiella-like organisms found. Many virulence factors expressed by R. ornithinolytica were studied in vitro. All isolates produced capsule and expressed CFA/I, and CFA/III. Nine isolates (81.8%) were able to produce siderophores. Four isolates (36.6%) were able to produce bacteriocin. All R. ornithinolytica isolates were unable to produce extracellular protease, hemolysin, and histamine. All isolates of R. ornithinolytica were resistant to penicillin, ampicillin, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, rifampin, cephalothin, cephotaxime, streptomycin, amoxicillin.,but ...

Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2021

Purpose: This cross sectional study was designed to investigate the molecular detection of C. per... more Purpose: This cross sectional study was designed to investigate the molecular detection of C. perfringens toxins
(alpha, epsilon, iota) and antibiotics resistance genes, as well as sequencing of their toxin genes.
Methods: Different wound swabs were taken from 140 patients. PCR was applied for detection of clostridial toxins;
alpha toxin (cpa) gene, epsilon toxin (etx) gene, and iota toxin (iap) gene. Metronidazole nim gene, tetracycline
resistance genes; (tetQ, tetM, tetB, and tetW) and clindamycin resistance genes erm (A,B), were used for genotypic
detection of antibiotic resistance.
Results: Out of 140 clinical samples collected, 7 isolates were detected using specific primer 16S–23S intergenic
rRNA spacer gene of C. perfringens. Results showed presence of alpha toxin (cpa) genes in all clostridial isolates,
Epsilon toxin (etx) genes in 2/7(28.4%), and iota toxin (iap) genes in 2/7 (28.4%). Results of antibiotic resistance
genes showed that all isolates were not able to produce nim, tet W and Q, tet B, erm (A), erm (B) genes except for
tetM. Gene sequence analysis for cpa gene showed that there were 3 mutations in the sample of this gene, the
results of etx gene when had been sent 2 samples from this gene. The first sample showed that there was one
mutation and the results of iap gene showed that there were no mutation in 2 samples of the iap gene. The samples
had been showed identical 100%.
Conclusion: The DNA sequence analysis of bacterial genome revealed several important feature including that may
allow to confirm new the presence of toxin and to identify new or mutant toxins that may be missed by diagnostic
PCR specifically target toxin encoding genes.

Annals of Tropical medicine and Public Health, 2020

Background: Identification of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) as nosocomial pathogens or ... more Background: Identification of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) as nosocomial pathogens or contaminants is significant for microbiologists and clinicians. Aims: This study aimed to determine the frequency of isolation and antimicrobial resistance patterns of CoNS isolates from nosocomial bloodstream infections (BSIs). Methods: This
study included 15 coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) isolates out of a total of 230 clinical bloodstream samples. Patients were admitted to five main hospitals in Hilla city, Iraq, during the period from July 2019 to September 2020. Results: Fifteen (57.6%) CoNS isolates were recovered from patients with bloodstream infections. The phenotypic identification revealed that isolates belonged to five different species; Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus warneri, Staphylococcus hominis, and Staphylococcus capitis. The results of susceptibility of CoNS isolates to oxacillin showed that 13(86.7%) isolates were oxacillin resistant (MR-CoNS). The antibiotic susceptibility testing against 15 antibiotics showed that resistance rates were variable towards these antibiotics. Results also revealed that 13(86.7%) of isolates were β-lactam resistant and 11 (73.3%) of them were biofilm producers. Results of molecular detection of mecA gene, vanA / vanB gene, found that the mecA gene was detected in all isolates (100%). However, none of CoNS isolates were found to harbor vanA / vanB genes. Conclusion: Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are associated with bloodstream infections and characterized by resistance to commonly used antibiotics, and sensitivity to Vancomycin, Teicoplanin, and linezolid, in addition to their ability of biofilm production.

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, 2020

Background: ESKAPE pathogens are responsible for the common of nosocomial infections and capable ... more Background: ESKAPE pathogens are responsible for the common of nosocomial infections and capable of 'escaping' the biocidal action of antimicrobial agents. Aims: The aim of this study is to screen the prevalence of ESKAPE pathogens group among pediatric patients in Iraq. Methods: A total of 191 different clinical samples were collected from pediatric patients aged from 1day till the age of 14 years old. Samples obtained included; blood, urine, CSF, burns wounds, and other data that were taken from patients before sampling. Results: Among 191 clinical samples, 12 isolates (6.3%) of ESKAPE Pathogens group were detected, S. aureus was recovered in high rate (33.4%) followed by P.
aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and A.baumannii. However, no isolate belonged to E.faecium was recovered in this study. A high rate (75%) of isolates G-vebacteria of ESKAPE pathogens group (P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae E. cloacae, A.baumannii) were found to be ESBL-producers. Results also found that all S. aureus isolates were AmpC β-
lactamase producers and all Gram-negative isolates within ESKAPE pathogens group were AmpC β-lactamase producers. Different antibiotic susceptibility patterns were recorded among ESKAPE pathogens group isolates. MDR was found at a high rate (75%), followed by PDR (16.6%), while XDR was detected only in one isolate (8.3%).Conclusion:S. aureus was recovered with a high rate among all ESKAPE pathogens roup.CoNS are the most prevalent pathogens causing late-onset sepsis in neonates. ESBLs were predominant among G-veofESKAPE pathogen group isolates. All isolates in ESKAPE pathogens group were AmpC-Lactamase producers.

One hundred asthenospermic seminal fluid specimens were collected from 100 infertile males who re... more One hundred asthenospermic seminal fluid specimens were collected from 100 infertile males who referred to Babylon maternity and children hospital-infertility center. It was found that 70 seminal fluid specimens had asthenospermia with leukocytospermia (First group). The rest 30 seminal fluid specimens had asthenospermia without leukocytospermia (Second group). Regarding semen cultures the results showed that 61(87.1%) of specimens of First group revealed positive bacterial culture, whereas 9(12.9%) specimens of First group showed no bacterial growth even after incubation of 48 hours. All semen specimens of Second group revealed negative bacterial culture. Gram positive bacteria constituted 44(62.9%) while gram negative bacteria constituted 26(37.1%) of isolates. Coagulase negative staphylococci (CoNS) represented by Staphylococcus epidermides and Staphylococcus saprophyticus) were the common type of bacterial isolates 25(35.7%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus 19(27.2%), Escherichia coli 12(17.1%), Enterobacter aerogenes 8(11.4%), Acinetobacter spp 4(5.7%) and Moraxella spp 2(2.9%). The virulence factors of bacterial isolates were investigated. The results showed that all S. aureus isolates, 18(72%) isolates of CoNS and 5(41.7%) of E. coli isolates and 4(50%) of E. aerogenes isolates produce hemolysin. Colonization factor antigens (CFA/Ш) were detected in all isolates of S. aureus, CoNS, E. coli, E. aerogenes, Acinetobacter spp. and Moraxella spp. (CFA/Ι) were expressed in 10(52.6%) isolates of S. aureus, 8(32%) isolates of CoNS, 8(66.7%) isolates of E. coli, 6(75%) isolates of E. aerogenes, 2(50%) isolates of Acinetobacter spp. and 1(50%) isolate of Moraxella spp. Lipase produced by 15(78.9%) and 7(28%) isolates of S. aureus and CoNS isolates respectively, while 9(75%) isolates of E. coli , 7(87.5%) isolates of E. aerogenes and 1(50%) isolate of Moraxella spp. produce lipase. Only 7(36.8%) isolates of S. aureus and 5(41. isolates of E. coli were found to be protease producers. The effects of some antibiotics on bacterial isolates were investigated. The results showed that, the bacterial isolates were highly susceptible to imipenem, meropenem and ciprofloxacin whereas exhibited moderate resistance to amikacin, gentamycin and norfloxacin. On the other hand bacterial isolates revealed high rate of resistance to amoxicillin, ceftizoxime, ceftazidime, cefamandole, cefepime, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and tobramycin.

Annals of Tropical Medicine & Public Health, 2019

Background: Suicide is a substantial public health concern and one of the commonest cause of deat... more Background: Suicide is a substantial public health concern and one of the commonest cause of death throughout the world. In Iraq, the suicide rate is a current health problem exacerbated by the fact that it is a country suffered war and destruction in all fields of life. Objectives: We tested whether Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, Interlukin-1β, and lipid profile might be associated with suicide attempts in adult patients with major depression. Methods: Plasma levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Interleukin-1β, and lipid profile were analyzed in 60 adult patients with major depression diagnosed according to DSM-V criteria for Major depression (22 suicidal attempters and 38 patients without suicidal ideas), and 30 healthy controls.

Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development,, 2019

The current study was conducted to determine carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii clin... more The current study was conducted to determine carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates recovered from two hospitals in Iraq. A total of 540 different clinical samples were collected. Isolates were identified and Carbapenemase production were detected using MBL E-test, Modified Hodge's Test (MHT), and Modified Carba NP test. A total 30 A. baumannii isolates were obtained from clinical specimens. It was found that 73.3% isolates were carbapenem resistant. Out of 30 A.baumannii isolates, 22 (73.3%) isolates were confirmed to be MBL positive by MBL E-test method, 5(16.6%) by MHT, and 27 (90%) isolates by Modified Carba NP test. Results revealed that 21 A.baumannii isolates (70%) were found to be MDR and only 9 isolates (30%) were XDR. It can conclude that most of carbapenem resistant A.baumannii clinical isolates were MDR. The CNPt assay was the most reliable among phenotypic assays to detect MBL production.

Annals of Tropical Medicine & Public Health, 2019

Nanobiotechnology is a new emerging discipline of nanoscience created by pairing of biotechnology... more Nanobiotechnology is a new emerging discipline of nanoscience created by pairing of biotechnology, and nanotechnology. Silver nitrate (AgNO3) was used as precursor for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles by Streptomyces spp.Silver nitrate was added with concentration 5 mMto biomass of Streptomyces spp. (MU-43 &SA-65)which distributed in sterilized flasks containingISP4 broth medium.This step was carried out under dark condition to avoid oxidation of AgNO3.Antibacterial activity of AgNPs were biosynthesized by each of the two isolates of Streptomycesspp(MU-43and SA-65) were examined for their antimicrobial activity against different types of pathogenic bacteria isolated,including both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria were determined by disc diffusion method Antibacterial activity against tested bacteria was observed to be different regarding the source of biogenic AgNPs applied. The results showed that gram negative bacteria were higher sensitive than gram positive bacteria to AgNPs. Furthermore AgNPs fabricated by Streptomyces MU-43 isolate had higher activity than AgNPs fabricated by Streptomyces SA-65 isolate. Synergism among antibiotics-silver nanoparticles biosynthesized by both Streptomyces strains (MU-43 & SA-65) showed that this synergism was efficient to inhibit the tested bacteria.

Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development,, 2019

Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV among blood... more Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV among blood donors, and to identify some features of seropositive blood donors‫‏‬ ‫‏‬ in the Main blood bank in Najaf province, Iraq. Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out among blood donors. Data were collected from the records of the Main blood bank. Screening of all blood donors was done for the detection of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV), and HIV antibody by ELISA test. Results: From a total of 35669 blood donors who attended Main blood bank during 2017-2018, 1305 were seropositive. The prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV infection among blood donors were 3%, 0.5%, and 0.06% respectively. Most of the seropositive donors were HBV positive 1101, (84.3%), 181 (13.9%) were HCV positive, and only 23 (1.8%) were HIV positive. The majority of them were male (98.5%), they lived mostly in urban areas (80.2%). The highest rates of viral hepatitis and HIV occurred in age groups (30-39) and (40-49) years which were 39.3% and 26.7%, respectively. More than one third (38.4%) of seropositive donors of blood group O, and most of them (86.6%) were of an Rh-positive phenotype. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated serious challenges regarding the HBV, HCV and HIV prevalence in Najaf Province. Results of the present research will be helpful for the better control and management of viral hepatitis and Human immunodeficiency virus among blood donors.

EUROMEDITERRANEAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL, 2019

Rotaviruses are classified in the genus Rotavirus and belong to family of Reoviridae, that is a f... more Rotaviruses are classified in the genus Rotavirus and belong to family of Reoviridae, that is a family of viruses that can affect the gastrointestinal system. Reoviridae have genomes consisting of segmented, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA).This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Rotavirus (RV) among children with acute diarrhea. One hundred and fifty pediatric patients suffering from clinical manifestation of diarrhea, fever, and vomiting were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent ELISA test for stool VP6 protein detection and real time PCR test for VP6 and NSP4 genes detection. Results showed that the frequency rate of Rotavirus infection was 33.3% by ELISA technique. The molecular techniques showed a positivity, of 33.3% for VP6 gene and 34% for NSP4 gene. The ELISA assay represented the more sensitive test in detection of Rotavirus related diarrhea in stool specimens. The results revealed that males tend to be more effected by RV than females and the bottle feeding children were more susceptible to virus infection, comparing to other feeding type. The infection rate had increased with decreasing the age of the children.

Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology, 2019

Clostridium perfringens is a major cause of gas gangrene. The morbidity of C. perfringens is conn... more Clostridium perfringens is a major cause of gas gangrene. The morbidity of C. perfringens is connected with producing toxins. This cross-sectional study was designed to isolate, genetically diagnose, and study the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of C. perfringens isolated from clinical samples. Different wound swabs (from diabetic patients, cellulitis, and bullet wounds) were taken from 140 patients. For isolation of anaerobic bacteria, samples (in thioglycolate broth) were immediately incubated anaerobically then identified according to the cultural properties and biochemical tests. DNA was extracted from all specimens. Polymerase chain reaction was applied for detection of 16SrRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genes of C. perfringens. The susceptibility of bacterial isolates to different antibiotics was
determined using Vitek 2 system and disk diffusion test. Out of 140 clinical samples collected during this study, 3 (2.14%) C. perfringens isolates were recovered of which 2 isolates (1.43%) obtained from diabetic patients and one (0.71%) from bullet wounds. Results also showed that only 7 isolates (5%) were detected by a molecular
method using specific primers 16S rRNA and ITS genes of C. perfringens. Results of antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that all isolates were highly susceptible to penicillins and β-lactamase inhibitors, metronidazole, and aminoglycosides. On the other hand, all isolates were highly resistant to tetracycline, levofloxacin, and erythromycin.
The susceptibility patterns of C. perfringens isolates showed that all isolates were multidrug resistance. Using the amplification of ITS gene increases specificity and sensitivity (by reducing non-specific annealing and primer dimer formation) which increases the probability of detection of suspected C. perfringens isolates.

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, 2020

uobabylon.edu.iq

Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2011

The study was aimed at determining the antimicrobial activities of crude ethanolic extract of Al-... more The study was aimed at determining the antimicrobial activities of crude ethanolic extract of Al-Museiab propolis (EEMP) against some bacterial and fungal isolates by the method of disc diffusion and agar-well diffusion, respectively. MICs of propolis extracts using the two-fold agar dilution susceptibility method were also determined. Results revealed thatStaphylococcus aureus was highly sensitive to EEMP than other Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria, while standard Escherichia coli strain was highly sensitive to EEMP than other Gram negative bacteria. The effect of EEMP was elevated when the concentration increased to 20 and 30%. EEMP was not effective against Candida albicans. Results of disc diffusion methods of crude EEMP at 10% concentration showed that S. aureus was highly sensitive to EEMP inhibition while C. albicans was resistant. Statistical analysis showed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) between results of disc and agar diffusion methods of EEP at concentration ...

Avicenna Journal of Medical Biotechnology, 2016

Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology, 2019

Science Journal of University of Zakho

Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2021

Annals of Tropical medicine and Public Health, 2020

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, 2020

Background: ESKAPE pathogens are responsible for the common of nosocomial infections and capable ... more Background: ESKAPE pathogens are responsible for the common of nosocomial infections and capable of 'escaping' the biocidal action of antimicrobial agents. Aims: The aim of this study is to screen the prevalence of ESKAPE pathogens group among pediatric patients in Iraq. Methods: A total of 191 different clinical samples were collected from pediatric patients aged from 1day till the age of 14 years old. Samples obtained included; blood, urine, CSF, burns wounds, and other data that were taken from patients before sampling. Results: Among 191 clinical samples, 12 isolates (6.3%) of ESKAPE Pathogens group were detected, S. aureus was recovered in high rate (33.4%) followed by P.
aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and A.baumannii. However, no isolate belonged to E.faecium was recovered in this study. A high rate (75%) of isolates G-vebacteria of ESKAPE pathogens group (P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae E. cloacae, A.baumannii) were found to be ESBL-producers. Results also found that all S. aureus isolates were AmpC β-
lactamase producers and all Gram-negative isolates within ESKAPE pathogens group were AmpC β-lactamase producers. Different antibiotic susceptibility patterns were recorded among ESKAPE pathogens group isolates. MDR was found at a high rate (75%), followed by PDR (16.6%), while XDR was detected only in one isolate (8.3%).Conclusion:S. aureus was recovered with a high rate among all ESKAPE pathogens roup.CoNS are the most prevalent pathogens causing late-onset sepsis in neonates. ESBLs were predominant among G-veofESKAPE pathogen group isolates. All isolates in ESKAPE pathogens group were AmpC-Lactamase producers.

Annals of Tropical Medicine & Public Health, 2019

Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development,, 2019

Annals of Tropical Medicine & Public Health, 2019

Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development,, 2019

EUROMEDITERRANEAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL, 2019

Journal of Applied Biology & Biotechnology, 2019

Clostridium perfringens is a major cause of gas gangrene. The morbidity of C. perfringens is conn... more Clostridium perfringens is a major cause of gas gangrene. The morbidity of C. perfringens is connected with producing toxins. This cross-sectional study was designed to isolate, genetically diagnose, and study the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of C. perfringens isolated from clinical samples. Different wound swabs (from diabetic patients, cellulitis, and bullet wounds) were taken from 140 patients. For isolation of anaerobic bacteria, samples (in thioglycolate broth) were immediately incubated anaerobically then identified according to the cultural properties and biochemical tests. DNA was extracted from all specimens. Polymerase chain reaction was applied for detection of 16SrRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genes of C. perfringens. The susceptibility of bacterial isolates to different antibiotics was
determined using Vitek 2 system and disk diffusion test. Out of 140 clinical samples collected during this study, 3 (2.14%) C. perfringens isolates were recovered of which 2 isolates (1.43%) obtained from diabetic patients and one (0.71%) from bullet wounds. Results also showed that only 7 isolates (5%) were detected by a molecular
method using specific primers 16S rRNA and ITS genes of C. perfringens. Results of antibiotic susceptibility testing showed that all isolates were highly susceptible to penicillins and β-lactamase inhibitors, metronidazole, and aminoglycosides. On the other hand, all isolates were highly resistant to tetracycline, levofloxacin, and erythromycin.
The susceptibility patterns of C. perfringens isolates showed that all isolates were multidrug resistance. Using the amplification of ITS gene increases specificity and sensitivity (by reducing non-specific annealing and primer dimer formation) which increases the probability of detection of suspected C. perfringens isolates.

Enterococci, an indigenous flora of the intestinal tract, oral cavity, and the genitourinary trac... more Enterococci, an indigenous flora of the intestinal tract, oral cavity, and the genitourinary tract of the humans and animals, known to be relatively avirulent in healthy individuals, but have become important opportunistic pathogens, especially in hospitalized patients. They belong to group D streptococci as characterized by Lancefield in 1938. Recent years have witnessed increased interest in enterococci not only because of their ability to cause serious infections like endocarditis, bacteremia, intra-abdominal and urinary tract infection (UTI), but also because of their increasing resistance to many antimicrobial agents.

Propolis is a resinous substance collected by worker bees (Apis mellifera) from the bark of trees... more Propolis is a resinous substance collected by worker bees (Apis mellifera) from the bark of trees and leaves of plants. This salivary and enzymatic secretions-enriched material is used by bees to cover hive walls to ensure a hospital-clean environment. Propolis extracts have been used both internally and externally for thousands of years as a healing agent in traditional medicine. Its biological properties such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, among other activities, have attracted the researchers' interest. In laboratory tests, studies have shown broad spectrum antimicrobial activity of various propolis extracts and synergism with certain antibiotics has been demonstrated. Although numerous researchers have been reported the biological activities of propolis worldwide, information about Iraqi propolis are still rare. This book provides a new data on the chemical composition and the antimicrobial activity of Iraqi propolis.

The authors would like to dedicate this works to their families, friends, and students with love.

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between biofilm production and heavy met... more The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between biofilm production and heavy metals resistance (HM) in P. aeruginosa isolated from clinical samples. Forty three P. aeruginosa isolates were tested for their susceptibility to lead, copper, and mercury using agar pouring method. Biofilm production of P. aeruginosa isolates were also investigated. Results revealed that 37/43 of the isolates were resistant to lead nitrate (400μg/ml). Most of the isolates were resistant to these HM in some of concentra ons. Results showed that 20/43 (47%) of isolates had biofilm. The results of bacterial curing showed survived resistance to all HM used, which may be due to that HM resistance trait was carried on chromosome rather than plasmid. Our findings support the fact that the heavy metal resistance of P. aeruginosa is not correlated with production of the biofilm except for mercury chloride.

Background and objectives: Bacteriocins are antibacterial proteins produced by bacteria. They als... more Background and objectives: Bacteriocins are antibacterial proteins produced by bacteria. They also differ from traditional antibiotics in having a relatively narrow spectrum of action and being lethal only for bacteria which are closely related to the producing strains. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial spectrum of the action of bacteriocins from environmental and clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Hilla/Iraq. Materials and Methods: The antibacterial activity of bacteriocins (klebocins) from K. pneumoniae isolates against different pathogenic species of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria (by cup assay method) was determined. Results and Conclusion: The results revealed that brain heart infusion agar medium
supplemented with 5% glycerol was the best culture medium used for detection of klebocin-producing isolates and cup assay was the best method used for such purpose. Results also revealed that klebocins of Klebsiella isolates had a broad antimicrobial spectrum and active, in
addition to Klebsiella strains, on many pathogenic species of Gram-negative and some Gram positive
bacteria. Agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA samples of some selected klebocin-producing Klebsiella isolates showed that they harbor plasmid bands different in size and position. Results of conjugation experiments revealed that genes encoding for the production of klebocin were located on conjugative plasmids. The heterologus activity of klebocins on many pathogenic species of Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria especially those isolated from patients with chronic pyelo-nephritis and chronic otitis media, may indicate that these klebocins could be used as alternative to the broad-spectrum antibiotics.