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Blood culture-negative endocarditis (BCNE) is a challenging disease because of the significant impact of delayed diagnosis on patients. In this study, excised heart valves and blood serum samples were collected from 50 BCNE patients in two central hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Sera were tested by IFA for the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against Bartonella quintana and B. henselae. Genomic DNA extracted from the heart valves was examined for Bartonella-specific ssrA gene in a probe-based method real-time PCR assay. Any positive sample was Sanger sequenced. IgG titer higher than 1024 was observed in only one patient and all 50 patients tested negative for Bartonella IgM. By real-time PCR, the ssrA gene was detected in the valve of one patient which was further confirmed to be B. quintana. Bartonella-like structures were observed in transmission electron microscopy images of that patient. We present for the first time the involvement of Bartonella in BCNE in Iran. Future research on at-risk populations, as well as domestic and wild mammals as potential reservoirs, is recommended., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background and Aims: Listeria monocytogenes is one of the most important causes of abortion and postpartum infection in newborns. This study aimed to compare the indirect ELISA and immunofluorescence methods for the detection of anti-Listeria antibodies among women with spontaneous abortion. Materials and Methods: In this study, indirect ELISA and immuno-fluorescence methods were used for the detection of anti-Listeria antibodies. Five milliliters of blood sample were collected from mothers with spontaneous abortion during the third trimester of pregnancy in a ward that examines the diseases of female genital tract in Kamali Hospital of Karaj, Iran. The samples were then transferred to the laboratory for examination using relevant kits. The serum titers of positive samples were also assessed via both ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence for evaluation of IgG and IgM antibodies. The antibodies titers were compared using SPSS software while P values <0.001 were considered as significant. Results: From the 58 evaluated serum samples, 21 were positive for anti-Listeria antibody. Statistical analysis showed that ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence methods had identical sensitivity. Moreover, it was shown that identification of IgG antibody was better performed in both diagnostic methods. Conclusions: Both ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence methods are suitable methods for the detection of antibodies against Listeria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aims of this study were to determine the seroprevalence of canine ehrlichiosis and risk factors of this disease in companion dogs' population of Mashhad, North East of Iran. Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (CME) is a zoonotic disease transmitted by ticks, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and caused by an obligate intracellular bacterium, Ehrlichia canis. Methods: During September 2009 until November 2010, 250 companion dogs from Mashhad, North-East of Iran, were examined for serum antibody detection against E. canis by means of immunofluorescence assay test (IFAT) and factors associated with a positive antibody response. Results: There was a very low prevalence of anti-E. canis antibodies (0.8%, 2/250) among studied dogs. The antibody titers for two seropositive dogs were 1:80 and 1:160, respectively. One (0.4%) of seropositive dogs was infested with, R. sanguineus. In blood smears from one of infested dogs (0.4%), typical morulae of E. canis was observed in lymphocytes. The results confirm that the lowest occurrence of reactive dogs indoors probably related to low tick infestion. Conclusion: This is the first report that describes serological evidences of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in North- East of Iran. Results suggested that E. canis infection in owned pet dogs from North of Khorasan was not endemic from 2009 to 2010. Additional molecular studies are necessary to confirm E. canis infection and to identify the local strains of the organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic disease with a relatively wide distribution in different areas of the world, including Iran. The parasite is mainly diagnosed microscopically, but serological approaches might be useful for diagnosis as well. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of an immunoblotting system for serodiagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran. Methods: Sixty-one sera samples from parasitologically confirmed CL patients and 50 sera samples from healthy controls along with 50 sera sample from non-CL patients were collected. Native strain of Leishmania major was cultured in Schneider medium and soluble Leishmania antigens were prepared from amastigotes-like parasites. All of sera samples were evaluated by an immunoblotting system. Results: Components of 14 to 135 kDa were detectable by the sera of CL patients. From 61 sera of CL patients, 59 cases (96.7%) detected a 63 kDa subunit and 51 cases (83.6%) recognized a 32-35 kDa component. Among all subunits, the 63 kDa band showed the highest sensitivity (96.7%) and a 75 kDa band had the highest (98%) specificity. Conclusion: Immunoblotting has a satisfactory performance in diagnosis of CL and this test can be used, as an aid, for proper diagnosis of CL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This preliminary study was conducted to discriminate the prevalence of Acanthamoeba antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and healthy controls to analyze the correlation between these two groups. Methods: From October 2006 to August 2007 a total of 121 serum samples from RA patients attending the Rheumatolgy Department at Shariati Hospital in Tehran were obtained and stored at -20°C until using by indirect fluorescent-antibody test (IFAT). RA was diagnosed according to the American Collage of Rheumatology classification criteria. The organism used in this study was isolated from various water resources in Tehran, Iran cultured axenically and then went on a PCR assay based on 18S rRNA to identify the genus Acanthomoeba. Indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) staining of serum samples was carried out to detect anti Acanthomoeba antibodies. Results: In culture, out of 22 samples, 13(59%) were grown in xenic but only two in axenic medium. PCR amplified a 904bp fragment, specific for Acanthamoeba. Of examined serum samples, Acanthamoeba antibodies were present in 70 (57.8%) and 52 (41.2%), respectively. The highest titer of antibodies (1:320) was detected in one patient with RA. Conclusion: Our study supports the hypothesis that some parasitic microorganisms can involve and contribute toward the development of rheumatoid syndromes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]