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Showing 2 results for Hajikhani
Microbiological Contamination of Cosmetic Creams in Tehran
M Keshtvarz, Mh Pourmand, Shirazi, M Yousefi, S Hajikhani,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (spring[PERSIAN] 2014)
Abstract
Abstract Background and Objective: Transmission of pathogens by cosmetics is one of the major health complications. Direct contact with contaminated non-standard cosmetics can have irreparable side effects for the consumers. Thus, the evaluation of microbial contamination in cosmetic products is important. The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological contamination of one of frequently used cream. Material and Methods: In the present study, 135 samples of a special moisturizing cream were randomly selected from pharmacies in Tehran. The microbial contamination assessment, sampling and culturing method were based on the protocol (No.3978) of Iranian Institute of Standard and Industrial Research. Results: sixty-two (46%) out of 135 samples were contaminated. The highest and lowest contaminations observed were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus, respectively. Conclusion: Due to the high contamination rate of cosmetic creams, we recommend extremely monitoring and controlling these products by health centers. Keywords: Cosmetics, Microbial Contamination, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Cloning, expression, and purification of recombinant Enterotoxin B and cholera toxin B fusion protein in Lactobacillus plantarum
Fatemeh Maghsood Ahmadi , Arash Mahboubi , Farzaneh Hosseini , Davoud Esmaeili , Bahareh Hajikhani ,
Volume 19, Issue 5 (Sep-Oct 2025)
Abstract
Background: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are promising platforms for mucosal vaccine development. Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B (SEB), a potent superantigen, is associated with food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome. Similarly, cholera toxin is the primary to widespread virulence factor in Vibrio cholerae infections, with its B subunit (CTB) serving as a well-established immune adjuvant that enhances antigen-specific responses in recombinant vaccines. This study aimed to engineer recombinant Lactobacillus plantarum as a dual-purpose vaccine candidate targeting V. cholerae and S. aureus by expressing CTB and SEB antigens.
Methods: A modified gene sequence encoding SEB (Lacking superantigenic activity) and CTB was successfully designed, synthesized, and cloned for secretory expression in L. plantarum. The resulting recombinant protein, tagged with His, was purified using Ni-NTA agarose ion-exchange chromatography and confirmed with Western blot analysis.
Results: Enzyme digestion and PCR analysis confirmed successful cloning of the SEB-CTB fusion gene into the pBlueScript II SK (+) and pNZ7021 expression vectors, as evidenced by the expected band on agarose gel. SDS-PAGE revealed a ~49 kDa protein band, indicating expression of the recombinant rSEB-CTB protein, which was further validated by Western blot using an anti-His tag antibody.
Conclusion: The construct LP-pNZ7021–SP-seb-ctxB may be a promising candidate for recombinant vaccine development targeting V. cholerae (Cholera toxin-producing) and S. aureus (SEB-producing), providing dual protection against both pathogens.
 

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