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Background and objectives: TLR2, TLR4, and Dectin-1 (Clec7) are pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) expressed by intestinal epithelia cells and MYD88 is a signaling molecule of TLR2 and TLR4. They warn immune system about the presence of invading pathogens promoting initiation of inflammatory response. Because of colonic cancer risk, therapy of intestinal inflammation is of high importance. Natural products are suitable candidates among which Kombucha tea has shown healing effect on mice model of colitis. Methods: Filtered Kombucha tea was prepared from black tea and sucrose plus tea fungus and previously fermented Kombucha tea. The collection was fermented by incubation at 28 °C for 14 days and filtered. Colitis was induced in young and old mice by administration of 3.5% (w/v) dextran sodium sulfate in drinking water during 7 days; filtrated Kombucha tea was given orally to animals with colitis, at a dose volume of 10 mL/kg daily for 21 days. Dectin-1, f toll-like receptor (TLR)-2, 4, as PRRs, and MyD88, as PRR signaling molecule were measured and compared with the age-matched normal and colitis model. Results: Treatment with filtrated Kombucha tea significantly affected TLR2/TLR4 pathway and its downstream signaling molecules, MYD88 & dectin-1expression and subsequently inflammatory condition in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis. Conclusion: The results of the present study may indicate possible implication of Kombucha tea with TLRS which consequently produces the anti-colitis effects.

Background and Purpose: Candida species are reportedly the most common human fungal pathogens. The incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by Candida pathogens has increased in recent decades. However, such infections rarely occur in the absence of any predisposing factors. Regarding this, the aim of the present study was to identify the Candida species causing UTIs and determine the predisposing factors for candiduria. Materials and Methods: The current study was conducted on 1,450 urine samples obtained from patients suspected of UTI. Out of this number, 19 cases were candidiasis, and 2 cases were mixed infections caused by bacteria and fungi. Candida species were diagnosed differentially using the germ tube test, colony staining on CHROMagar medium, intracellular beta-glucosidase enzyme activity, and glucose absorption pattern. Then, the colonies with the same morphology were confirmed by the DNA sequencing of internal transcribed spacer regions. Results: According to the results, 38%, 28.6%, 14.3%, and 9.5% of the isolates were identified as C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, and C. kefir/C. krusei, respectively. The presence of one or more predisposing factors was proved in all patients in whom diabetes was the most prevalent predisposing factor (21.1%). Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, C. albicans species was the most prevalent fungal species. In addition, urinary fungal infections were less prevalent than bacterial urinary infections.