Colibactin is a genotoxin produced by Enterobacteriaceae via a polyketide synthase (pks) island cluster. There is less knowledge regarding the distribution of colibactin genes in E. coli isolates in Iraq and its correlation with biofilm and antibiotic susceptibility. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the frequency of some colibactin genes (CIbA and CIbQ) in uropathogenic E. coli in Iraq and evaluate the correlation with biofilm and antimicrobial resistance. Between October 2023 and January 2024, 70 E. coli isolates were isolated from 120 females diagnosed with UTIs. Isolates were identified first by biochemical methods and confirmed molecularly by amplification of 16S rRNA gene with specific primers. PCR was employed to detect the CIbA and CIbQ genes. Biofilm production was assessed by the microtiter plates method, and antibiotic susceptibility was determined by the disc diffusion method. Results indicate a high prevalence of pks+ E. coli (40%, 28/70) compared to pks-E. coli (60%, 42/70) with non-significant differences (p > 0.05). E. coli produce different levels of biofilm with significant differences (p < 0.05). However, a statistically significant correlation has been found between E. coli (pks+) and a moderate biofilm formation with a significant difference (p < 0.05). pks+ E. coli isolates are more sensitive to all antibiotics under investigation, with a significant relation to fluoroquinolone group. Interestingly, current and previous results show that pks+ E. coli prevalence in Iraq has gradually increased over the last five years.
Objectives: In order to highlight the TSH and thyroid hormones levels in preeclamptic and healthy pregnant
women.
Methodology: Ninety patients with preeclampsia were divided into two groups according to the severity of
disease; those with mild disease (37 patients) and those with a severe form (53 patients). A separate group of 30
normal women were included as a normal control group. Venus blood samples were collected from all groups
and the serum was obtained for hormone analysis by ELISA test. Results are expressed using SPSS for window
version 11.0.
Results: Mean serum TSH levels were significantly increased in both of mild and severe preeclampsia compared
with normal pregnancy, and T3 serum level showed a sign
The clinical impact of interaction between body iron status (serum iron and ferritin) and type 2 diabetes has been investigated in this study. Thirty-six females were enrolled, eighteen type 2 diabetes and eighteen apparently healthy. These two groups were matched for age and body mass index BMI. The eighteen diabetes females were matched for age, BMI, pharmacological treatment (oral hypoglycemic agent), and chronic diabetes complications. The biochemical parameters measured for both groups (control and diabetes patient) were fasting insulin (Io), fasting blood glucose (Go), serum iron and ferritin. A significant increase in all parameters in patients compared to healthy control was noticed. The insulin resistance (IR) which was calculat
... Show MoreBackground: Obesity and diabetes mellitus are the common health problems,and obesity is common cause of the insulin resistance. Aim of studv: Aim of the study is to find any correlation between obesity (insulin resistance) and type I diabetes in children. Patients and methods: This study included (40) children with type I diabetes, in addition to (40) children as control.The age of all studied groups ranged from (8-18) years.This study was attemted from Ibn AlBalady Hospital during from 20 August to 9 Novembar,2008. The subjects wrer divided into (4) groups according to their BMI:- * Obese children,diabetes,n=2O,BMI>30. * Non obese children, diabetes, n=20,BMI<25. Obese children, non diabetes, n=20,BMI>30. * Non obese children,non diabetes
... Show MoreMetabolic dysregulation and obesity are associated with many metabolic alterations, including impairment of insulin sensitivity and dyslipidemia. Recent studies highlight the key role of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-triphosphate-dependent Rac exchange proteins (PREX proteins) in the pathogenesis of obesity, advocating further elucidation of their potential therapeutic implications. The present study aimed to estimate the serum level of PREX proteins and its potential association with insulin resistance markers and plasma lipids level in obese and overweight non-diabetic patients. The study included 30 persons classified as obese, 30 as overweight, and 30 healthy individuals of similar age and gender. The levels of PREX1 and PREX2 were
... Show MoreFormation evaluation is a critical process in the petroleum industry that involves assessing the petrophysical properties and hydrocarbon potential of subsurface rock formations. This study focuses on evaluating the Mauddad Formation in the Bai Hassan oil field by analyzing data obtained from well logs and core samples. Four wells were specifically chosen for this study (BH-102, BH-16, BH-86, and BH-93). The main objectives of this study were to identify the lithology of the Mauddud Formation and estimate key petrophysical properties such as shale volume, porosity, water saturation, and permeability. The Mauddud Formation primarily consists of limestone and dolomite, with some anhydrites present. It is classified as a clean for
... Show MoreListeria monocytogenes represents a critical foodborne pathogen causing listeriosis, a severe infection with mortality rates of 20- 30%. This comprehensive review integrates cutting-edge research from 2015-2024 with Iraqi epidemiological data to address significant knowledge gaps in regional surveillance and global comparative analysis. Recent discoveries include five novel Listeria species in 2021, revolutionary whole genome sequencing (WGS) surveillance systems, and advanced understanding of RNA-mediated regulation. Iraqi prevalence data reveals concerning patterns with rates ranging from 3.5% to 93.8% across different sample types, substantially higher than global averages. Critically, Iraqi isolates demonstrate alarming antibiotic resis
... Show MoreGiardiasis is an infection caused by the protozoan flagellate parasite Giardia spp. in the intestine. G duodenalis, a species complex of diverse genotypes that tend to demonstrate host specificity, is responsible for most veterinary health related infections; production animals, companion animals, and wildlife can all be infected. Abdominal pain and diarrhea, typically accompanied by steatorrhea, are the most common symptoms of Giardiasis. Cysts or antigens in feces are commonly used to diagnose the disease. Treatment regimens vary and are dependent on the indication. Control methods must include hygiene measures. Despite direct evidence of Giardia sp transmission to humans via polluted water supplies, our analysis will focus on some r
... Show MoreLeishmaniasis is caused by certain intracellular Leishmania species and is common in the tropics, where it exhibits a wide range of clinical manifestations. Both cellular and humoral immunological responses play crucial roles in disease progression. This study identified the fundamental role of B lymphocytes during the progression of leishmaniasis in human hosts. A cross-sectional study of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) from different parts of Iraq was conducted, and their respective serum IgE levels were measured before any treatment was administered. Sandwich ELISA was used for quantitative measurement of IgE in CL, VL, and control subjects. The results revealed a higher level of IgE con
... Show MorePseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen and a model bacterium for studying virulence and bacterial social traits. While it can be isolated in low numbers from a wide variety of environments including soil and water, it can readily be found in almost any human/animal-impacted environment. It is a major cause of illness and death in humans with immunosuppressive and chronic conditions, and infections in these patients are difficult to treat due to a number of antibiotic resistance mechanisms and the organism’s propensity to form multicellular biofilms. One hundred twenty clinical samples and forty hospital environmental samples (various sources) were collected from hospitals in Baghdad city during the period from Oc
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