Technological advances have yielded new molecular biology-based methods for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. The newest and most powerful molecular diagnostic tests are available at regional and national reference laboratories, as well as at specialized centers that are certified to conduct metagenomic testing. Metagenomic assays utilize advances in DNA extraction technology, DNA sequence library construction, high throughput DNA sequencing and automated data analysis to identify millions of individual strands of DNA extracted from clinical samples. At present, metagenomic assays are only possible at a small number of special research, academic and commercial laboratories. Continued research in human and pathogen genomic organization and host-pathogen interactions, represent important future goals that will maximize the information obtained from metagenomic assays. To illustrate the power and limitations of metagenomics, we report on a previously healthy 27 year old woman with work related exposure to ill animals, and who developed a rapidly progressive, severe diffuse interstitial pneumonitis that ultimately ended in the need for a double lung transplant. Metagenomic testing on DNA extracted from pleural fluid and nasopharyngeal swabs demonstrated the presence of expected normal bacterial flora along with some unexpected herpesvirus and non-HIV retroviral elements integrated into the patients DNA. Although no specific pathogen was ultimately identified to explain this patient’s severe disease, the sample preparation and data analysis methods detailed herein illustrate the powerful benefits and limitations of metagenomic testing.
Specialized Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates, called uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC), cause most of urinary tract infections (UITs). Once bacteria reached the urinary tract of the host, they have to adhere to the host cell for the colonization. For this purpose, bacteria have different structures including fimbrial adhesins. Most of the UPECs contain type 1 fimbriae encoded by fim operon (fimB, E, A, I, C, D, F, G, H) which is responsible for the adhesive ability in these isolates. Ninety-four isolates of UPEC were obtained from UTI patients in Baghdad hospitals and their diagnosis were confirmed by the PCR method using 16srDNA as a housekeeping gene. The UPEC isolates were tested for their ability of adherence to the urothelial cells obtai
... Show MoreAlthough G6PD deficiency is the most common genetically determined blood disorder among Iraqis, its molecular basis has only recently been studied among the Kurds in North Iraq, while studies focusing on Arabs in other parts of Iraq are still absent.
A total of 1810 apparently healthy adult male blood donors were randomly recruited from the national blood transfusion center in Baghdad. They were classified into G6PD deficient and non-deficient individuals based on the results of methemoglobin reduction test (MHRT), with confirmation of deficiency by subsequent enzyme assays. DNA from defi
Molecular interactions between 2-isopropenylnaphthalene-methacrylic acid (IPNMA) block copolymer( as a model for water- soluble polymer) and methanol at several temperatures were studied using fluorescence techniques , Fluorescence spectrum for (IPNMA) exhibits two emission bands at around 342 nm and 387 nm corresponding to the monomer and the excimer bands , respectively .The fluorescence spectra of dilute solution of (IPNMA) in methanol were recorded in temperature range of 8- 45?C . Plot of the excimer to monomer intensity ratio Ie/Im versus temperature was obtained, which shows double lines with positive slopes crossing at 25?C , the increasing of slope value above this temperature is s
... Show MoreSchiff bases of Ceftizoxime sodium were synthesized in an attempt to improve the antimicrobial spectrum of Ceftizoxime. Aminothiazole ring of Ceftizoxime is linked directly through an imino group to different aromatic aldehydes reacted by nucleophilic addition using trimethylamine (TEA), as a catalyst and refluxed in methanol. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated for such Schiff bases using disc diffusion method. Molecular docking was conducted on certain penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and carboxypeptidases using 1- click docking software. Schiff bases of Ceftizoxime were prepared with reasonable yields and their chemical structures were confirmed by spectral analysis (FTIR, 1H-NMR) and elemental microanalysis (CHNS). The antibacter
... Show MoreThis study is designed to isolate and molecular identification of C. neoformans, C. neoformans is pathogenic yeast and effect immunocompromised and immunocompetent. Methods: collect 50 samples from pigeon dropping and 50 samples from pigeon fanciers (sputum). The collection time was extended from November 2021 to February 2022, then culture at SDA, BSA, Cryptococcus Differential agar, esculin agar, Eucalyptus leaves agar media and Brain heart infusion agar with methyldopa, biochemical test including urease test and methyldopa, and then confirm identification by molecular identification by PCR technique sequencing and genetic analysis. The results showed that 3 swaps taken from sputum of human included cryptococcus neoformans and 6 s
... Show MoreRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by persistent joint inflammation, which is a defining feature of this chronic inflammatory condition. Considerable advancements have been made in the field of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic medicines (DMARDs), which effectively mitigate inflammation and forestall further joint deterioration. Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) drugs, which are a class of biological DMARDs (bDMARDs), have been efficaciously employed in the treatment of RA in recent times Adalimumab, a TNF inhibitor, has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing disease symptoms and halting disease progression in patients with RA. However, its use is associated with major side effects and high costs. In addition,
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