Study of biofilm formation, structure and antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus saprophyticus strains causing urinary tract infection in women in Ahvaz, Iran

Staphylococcus saprophyticus is the second most frequent community-acquired causative agent of acute urinary tract infection (UTI). Some strains of S. saprophyticus can create biofilms, increasing their virulence. Once biofilms have been produced, antibiotic resistance is exacerbated. Hence, the aims of the present study were the study of biofilm formation, structure and antibiotic resistance in S. saprophyticus strains causing UTIs in women in Ahvaz, Iran. Overall, 43 S. saprophyticus isolates were recovered from UTIs. Antibiotic resistance pattern and the biofilm production and structure were determined using phenotypic methods. Most S. saprophyticus isolates were resistant to erythromycin, but all isolates were sensitive to linezolid and vancomycin. Fifty-eight per cent of S. saprophyticus were multidrug resistant. Twenty-one per cent of S. saprophyticus isolates harbored the mecA gene. Biofilm formation was observed in 65% of S. saprophyticus isolates and most had polysaccharide matrix. Our data indicate high rates of antibiotic resistance and the capability of biofilm formation among S. saprophyticus isolates. The emergence of antibiotic resistance in the management of UTIs is a serious public health issue. The findings of this study could be used to improve treatment plans to control UTIs. Consequently, increased awareness of the mechanisms underlying biofilm formation and the development of drug resistance will allow UTIs to be more efficiently controlled and treated.

Mucormycosis in Iran: A six-year retrospective experience

Mucormycosis is a devastating infection caused by Mucoralean fungi (Mucormycotina, Mucorales). Data concerning the global epidemiology of mucormycosis are scarce and little is known about the characteristics of mucormycosis in Iran. In this study, we aimed to understand the distribution of this infection in Iran retrospectively and to ascertain whether the patterns of infection are associated with specific host factors or not. A total of 208 cases were included in this study occurring during 2008-2014 and were validated according to (EORTC/MSG) criteria. A rising trend as significant increase from 9.7% in 2008 to 23.7% in 2014 was observed. The majority of patients were female (51.4%) with median age of 50 and the infections were seen mostly in autumn season (39.4%). Diabetes mellitus (75.4%) was the most common underlying condition and sinus involvement (86%) was the mostly affected site of infection. Amphotericin B (AmB) was the drug of choice for the majority of cases. Sixty four isolates did not show any growth in the lab and only 21 cases were evaluated by ITS sequencing, among them; Rhizopus arrhizus var. arrhizus was the dominant species. Considering the high mortality rate of mucormycosis, early and accurate diagnosis, with the aid of molecular methods may provide accurate treatments and improve the survival rate. Therefore, increased monitoring and awareness of this life-threatening disease is critical.