Medical Laboratory Journal

Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Bacterial Infections in Dermatology Inpatients: A Cross-Sectional Study from Northern Iran

Hojat Eftekhari

Objectives: Nosocomial infection is among the most concerning issues among hospitalized patients. The present study investigated the frequency of bacterial infections and their antibiotic resistance pattern among hospitalized patients in the dermatology ward.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients admitted to the dermatology ward in Razi Hospital, Rasht, Iran, between 2018 and 2022. Demographical data and clinical characteristics of the 34 patients with bacterial infections were recorded and analyzed. The bacterial isolates were collected from the skin and soft tissue, urinary tract, or bloodstream infections, and the clinical findings and outcomes of the patients were recorded.
Results: Thirty-four patients had positive results for bacterial culture. The mean age of the patients was 53.56±17.14 years, and 61.8% were female. The most frequent origin of the infection was the urinary tract. Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) and Klebsiella spp. were more prevalent isolates. Klebsiella spp. and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were more common in patients aged <56 years and ≥56 years, respectively, and among ≥13 days and <13 days of hospitalization, respectively. Antibiotic resistance were high in S. epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa)isolates, where showed resistance to all antibiotics.
Conclusion: This study revealed significant patterns of bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance in dermatology ward patients with E. coli and Klebsiella spp. Predominant in urinary tract infections and a diverse profile in skin and soft tissue infections.

Exploring Physicians' Awareness of Congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV): New Insights from Gorgan, Iran

Alijan Tabarraei

Introduction:
Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is the most common congenital infection worldwide, often causing long-term disabilities such as sensorineural hearing loss and developmental delays. Despite its significant public health impact, awareness of cCMV among healthcare providers in developing countries, like Iran, remains notably low.
Methods:
This study builds on prior research highlighting a significant knowledge gap about cCMV among family physicians in Iran. A re-analysis of existing data was conducted to better understand these gaps and to identify where targeted educational interventions might be most effective. The study reassessed data using 11 out of 15 questionnaire questions to evaluate awareness of CMV, categorizing participants into three levels: weak, intermediate, and adequate awareness based on their knowledge of CMV and cCMV.
Results:
Results showed that while 41.9% of participants had adequate general knowledge of CMV, only 32.8% demonstrated adequate knowledge of cCMV, with 39.4% showing weak awareness. Notably, 42.1% of general practitioners displayed a weak understanding of cCMV, underscoring the need for improved education. In contrast, specialists had a higher awareness of general CMV but showed reduced knowledge about cCMV.
Conclusions:
The study recommends the integration of comprehensive educational programs into medical curricula and continuous professional development for both general practitioners and specialists. Addressing these knowledge gaps is critical to reducing the spread of cCMV and its associated social and economic burdens, ultimately improving public health outcomes.

Impact assessment of Sclareol on endoplasmic reticulum stress in KATO III human gastric carcinoma cancer cell lines

Seyed Ali Rahmani

Introduction and objectives: The main goals of chemotherapy are to increase apoptosis or cell death and to stop the cell cycle in cancer cells. One of the very important factors inducing apoptosis in cancer cells is to increase the stress of the endoplasmic reticulum system. In this study, the authors intended to investigate the effect of Sclareol on the ATF6 pathway as well as the effect of two other sub-genes, VEGF and E2F1, associated with the UPR pathways.
Materials and methods: The target population in this research was KATO III human gastric carcinoma cancer cells, which were purchased from the Pasteur Institute of Iran, and they were cultured in the cell culture laboratory until their number reached at least 100,000 cells/well. The cells were treated with concentrations of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 μM of Sclareol for 5 hours. Analyzing the expression of the genes- expressed in the research objectives- derived from gastric cancer cells before and after treatment with Sclareol was performed using Quantitative Real Time-PCR from the spheres of cell lines cultured in suspension.
Results: ATF-6 gene expression significantly increased in genes with doses of 20, 40 and 60 μM of Sclareol (P<0.0001). On the other hand, it was shown that the level of VEGF gene expression was significantly reduced in genes with doses of 20, 40 and 60 μM of Sclareol (P<0.001). Also, there was a significant increase in E2F1 gene expression in doses of 20, 40 and 60 μM of Sclareol (P<0.003).

An overview of the importance of probiotics in Health and Industry: A Mini Review

mahnoosh fatemi

Probiotics are living microorganisms that are mostly from the family of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bacteria. These microorganisms contribute to the health of the host through various mechanisms such as the production of antimicrobial substances, various inhibitors and competition with pathogenic agents. Although some of the mechanisms of probiotics have not been fully determined, its effect on the prevention and treatment of many diseases such as digestive problems, infections and even cancer has been proven. In addition to the direct effects of probiotics in the field of health, the use of these microorganisms in the field of industry also indirectly affects human health. Therefore, the purpose of this review article is to introduce probiotics and some of their roles in the fields of medicine and industry in improving human health.

Investigating the effect of Melissa officinalis plant extract on pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures in Autistic rat

Hamid Sepehri

Abstract: Autism is a disease that causes problems in speech, performing social skills, as well as repetitive, stereotyped movements and aimless behaviors. 15 to 30 percent of people with autism experience seizures. However, the reported rate of epilepsy in autism varies between 5 and 40%.Melissa officinalis plant is used in Iranian traditional medicine as a sedative, antipyretic, antispasmodic and anticonvulsant.In this research project, the possible effects of the extract of this plant on convulsions induced by PTZ in the autism model of male Wistar rats were investigated.
Methods: Healthy male and female Wistar rats were selected for mating.Female mice received water and normal food until day 12.5 of pregnancy.Then they are divided into 4 groups. 1-control 2-autism group 3-autism group Melissa officinalis extractwith a dose of 100mg/kg.4. Autism group + Melissa officinalis plant extractwith a dose of 200mg/kg. Then, after 2 weeks, pentylenetetorazole was injected PTZ with a dose of 80 mg/kg to all groups of rats, and after that the animals' behaviors will be examined for 60 minutes. Ricin criterion was used to evaluate seizure severity.
Conclusion:The findings of the present study showed that the administration of the Melissa officinalis plant extract to male rats with autism has inhibitory effects on PTZ-induced seizures.

Evaluation of antinociceptive effect of hydroethanolic extract of Rhaponticum repens (L.) Hidalgo in Wistar rats

Siamak Yari

Background: Chemical analgesics often have limitations, including adverse effects and insufficient efficacy. Therefore, there is a pressing need to investigate novel compounds with enhanced efficacy and a more favorable side effect profile.

Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic properties of Rhaponticum repens (RR) extract, a natural compound, using the formalin test in Wistar rats. Twenty-one male Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=7): group 1 received normal saline, group 2 received morphine (10 mg/kg), and group 3 received RR extract (100 mg/kg). Thirty minutes post-injection, formalin (2.5%) was injected into the hind paw of each rat to induce pain. Licking time and pain scores were recorded during both the acute and chronic phases of the test. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Prism software, with statistical significance set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results: Results from both the acute and chronic phases demonstrated a significant reduction in licking time and pain scores in both the morphine and RR extract groups compared to the control group. Additionally, the extent of hind paw edema was significantly reduced in both the morphine and RR extract groups.

Lack of Association Between Dysnatremia and Hospitalization Length in Patients with COVID-19: Evidence from a Retrospective Analysis

Saeid Amirkhanlou

Background: COVID-19 significantly affected global health, with research linking dysnatremia to increased ICU admission and mechanical ventilation in patients. Sodium abnormalities also complicate recovery, treatment, and hospitalization duration. This study further investigates the relationship between sodium abnormalities and hospitalization length in COVID-19 patients. Objectives: To evaluate the association between sodium abnormalities (hyponatremia and hypernatremia) and length of hospitalization in patients with COVID-19. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 between 2019 and 2021. Data collection involved reviewing medical records, laboratory findings, and conducting telephone interviews with patients. Results: The study comprised 129 participants, with a male-to-female ratio of 54.3% to 45.7%. Hyponatremia was present in 44.2% (n=57) of patients. Statistical analysis using the Spearman correlation coefficient and Kruskal-Wallis test revealed no significant relationship between serum sodium levels and length of hospitalization (P=0.789 and P=0.854, respectively). Conclusion: Despite previous reports of an association between sodium disorders and morbidity/mortality in COVID-19 patients, this study did not find a significant relationship between the two variables. Further research is warranted to explore the potential impact of sodium abnormalities on COVID-19 patient outcomes.

The Spread of Antibiotic Resistance in Iran: A Review of Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens, Resistance Mechanisms, and National Challenges

Yasin SarveAhrabi

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the most significant global health threats of the 21st century, undermining advances in modern medicine. Iran, as a geographically and demographically strategic nation, faces a severe and escalating AMR crisis. This review synthesizes current evidence on the epidemiology, molecular mechanisms, and systemic drivers of AMR in Iran, while outlining priorities for effective national response.
Methods: A structured review was conducted of studies published between January 2015 and November 2025 in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, supplemented by national and Persian-language databases. Eligible studies investigated the prevalence, molecular characteristics, and clinical outcomes of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in Iran. Data were extracted and narratively synthesized.
Results: Iran faces an alarming burden of MDR and drug resistant (XDR) Gram negative pathogens, notably Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae, with carbapenem resistance rates exceeding 80-90%. Widespread dissemination of key carbapenemase genes (blaNDM, blaOXA-48, blaVIM) has been documented. Gram positive pathogens, including methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin resistant Enterococci, also remain highly prevalent. The crisis is driven by unregulated over the antibiotic use, weak infection prevention and control measures, fragmented surveillance, and limited diagnostic capacity.
Conclusion: AMR in Iran has reached critical levels, constituting a national public health emergency. Urgent, coordinated reforms across integrated surveillance, mandatory antimicrobial stewardship, strengthened infection prevention and control, One Health integration, expanded research, and public engagement are required. Without decisive national action, Iran risks a post antibiotic era in which routine infections and medical procedures become life threatening.

Integrating Reticulocyte Parameters into Anaemia Evaluation: A Functional Extension of Morphological Classification

Anjali Kelkar

Background
Anaemia is a common clinical condition with diverse etiologies, traditionally classified using red cell indices such as mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and red cell distribution width (RDW). However, these parameters provide only static morphological information. Newer reticulocyte-derived indices—Mean Reticulocyte Volume (MRV), Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF), and Red Cell Size Factor (RSF)—offer dynamic insights into erythropoietic activity and iron availability. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic and interpretive utility of these parameters across different anaemia types.
Methods
A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital over 24 months. A total of 357 adult patients with anaemia were classified morphologically as microcytic (n=162), normocytic (n=124), or macrocytic (n=71) based on MCV. Complete blood counts and reticulocyte indices were measured using the Beckman Coulter DxH 900 analyzer. Appropriate statistical methods were applied for data analysis.
Results
Microcytic anaemia showed the lowest MRV (109.0 ± 17.6 fL) and RSF (92.6 ± 13.0), while macrocytic anaemia showed the highest MRV (125.9 ± 25.2 fL) and RSF (103.4 ± 28.8). IRF was comparable across groups (0.43–0.46) but reflected marrow activity in regenerative versus suppressed states. RSF emerged as the most discriminative index for differentiating iron deficiency anaemia from thalassemia trait (AUC = 0.89, p < 0.001). MRV refined morphological classification, and IRF indicated marrow responsiveness.
Conclusion
Reticulocyte parameters add functional depth to conventional red cell indices, bridging morphology with erythropoietic dynamics. Incorporation of these indices into routine haematology reporting can improve diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic monitoring without additional cost.

Trichomonas vaginalis and challenges in laboratory diagnosis: A Narrative Review

Hossein Hooshyar

Background: Trichomoniasis is considered one of the most common non-viral sexually transmitted diseases globally. Early diagnosis of Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) infection plays an important role in effective treatment, infection control, and interruption of the transmission chain. The present narrative review was conducted to gather updated data and evaluate the challenges associated with available laboratory methods for the diagnosis of T. vaginalis.
Methods: A broad review of the published literature and electronic international databases, including ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, was conducted to identify relevant data on existing and newly developed diagnostic methods for trichomoniasis in both sexes. The search covered studies published from 2000 up to 2025. The benefits and limitations of these methods were compared.
Results: This review demonstrated that wet mount preparation and examination under a light microscope, accompanied by staining methods, are the most frequently used approaches worldwide. However, the sensitivity of this method is low. Direct microscopic examination accompanied by culture or staining provides a diagnostic strategy with good performance. Moreover, molecular- and immunological-based methods are recommended as complementary tests.
Conclusion: Direct microscopic examination is an economical and rapid method. Fully automated PCR systems for the simultaneous identification of the most common vaginal pathogens can be established as a diagnostic strategy in non-endemic areas and developed countries.

The Diagnostic Accuracy of Intra Operative Frozen Section Biopsy – A Study at A Tertiary Care Centre

Smita Bhide

Introduction:
A Frozen section is a rapid diagnostic procedure performed on tissues obtained intraoperatively, which helps the operating surgeon make immediate decisions during surgery, primarily to distinguish between benign and malignant neoplasms. It plays a significant role in guiding intra- and perioperative patient management and reduces the need for re-operation.
Aims & Objectives:
The present study aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the frozen section.
Materials & Methods:
Analysis of 49 frozen sections was conducted in the Pathology department from September 2022 to May 2024. The frozen section diagnoses were compared to those of the routine paraffin sections. The results were classified as concordant and discordant. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated.
Results:
Out of 49 cases, the diagnosis was concordant with routine histopathology in 47 cases, while 02 cases were discordant. The overall diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 95.92%, 96%, 95.43% ,96%, and 95.43%, respectively. The discordance rate was 4.08%.
Discussion:
The overall diagnostic accuracy rate of 95.92% & discordance rate of 4.08% of present study is comparable to previous studies which range from 94 to 98% & 1.4% to 12.9% respectively. The sensitivity & specificity of frozen section diagnosis in present study are comparable with studies from other Institutes.
Conclusion:
Frozen section is a reliable, accurate and rapid technique for intraoperative consultation. Several factors can affect the accuracy of Frozen Section diagnosis, including sampling error, technical error and interpretation error.