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Background: The aim of this study was to identify the Trichomonas vaginalis strains/haplotypes based on identifying their probable variations in asymptomatic patients referred to Tabriz health centers, northwestern Iran. Methods: Sampling was taken from 50-suspected women to T. vaginalis in northwestern Iran. The obtained samples were smeared and cultured. Fifty DNA samples were extracted, amplified and identified by nested polymerase chain reaction and PCR-RFLP of actin gene using two endonuclease enzymes: MseI and RsaI. To reconfirm, the amplicons of actin gene were directly sequenced in order to identify the strains/haplotypes. Results: PCR-RFLP patterns, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses revealed definitely the presence of the G (n=22; 73.4%) and E (n=8; 26.6%) strains. Multiple alignments findings of genotype G showed five haplotypes and two amino acid substitutions in codons 192 and 211 although, no remarkable unique haplotype was found in genotype E. Conclusion: The accurate identification of T. vaginalis strains based on discrimination of their unknown haplotypes particularly those which are impacted on protein translation should be considered in parasite status, drug resistance, mixed infection with HIV and monitoring of asymptomatic trichomoniasis in the region.

Background and Objectives: Fungal keratitis is known as an important underlying cause for ocular morbidity. Microbial keratitis is responsible for up to 30% of the prevalence of blindness in less developed societies. The aim of this study was to determine the fungal species in corneal scraping specimens that have been prepared from patient's suspected corneal fungal infection and have been sent to Mycology Laboratory in Faculty of Medicine in Tabriz. Materials & Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 30 specimens of corneal scarping of patients, suspected with corneal fungal infection were collected. The specimens were examined by using KoH 10% and were cultured in Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (S) and Mycosel Agar without actidioun. Positive yeast samples were identified using the API32C kits, produce germ tube and chlamydoconidia. Morphology of colony, microscopic examination, and slid culture of species were used for identification of mold fungi. Results: Men had infectious more than women (ratio: 2/1) in our study. 12 (40%) cases were positive in direct examination and 9 (30%) cases were positive in two both direct and culture methods. Fusarium, Aspergillus, Candida albicans and Curvularia were isolated from corneal ulcers specimens. Conclusion: Fungal keratitis remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the ophthalmologist. Direct examination, by using KOH can be a most important, simple and sensitive test for diagnosis. In this study direct examination with KOH was 10% positive results than culture method. Fusarium and Aspergillus were common isolates in corneal ulcers specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (VC) is a common mucosal infection in women caused by the opportunistic yeast-like fungus Candida albicans. A significant percentage of these patients (5%) subsequently experience recurrent candida infections. The diagnosis of vulvovaginits is based on the patient's presenting symptoms and the clinical laboratory methods. The aim of this study was to characterize the Candida species isolated from patients with vulvovaginitis. Materials and Methods: All patients with the VC symptoms who were referred to the gynecologist's clinic of Alzahra and Taleghani hospital were investigated. After sampling from vagina and cervix discharge, two direct slides were perpared and then stained with gram stain method. The vaginal discharges were cultured on suitable media for isolation and characterization of Candida species by related laboratory methods. Results: 120 samples obtained from patients. 77 patients (65%) were infected with Candida species. The frequency of the Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis and the Candida tropicalis were 63(81.8%), 9(11.7%), 4(5.2%), and 1(1.3%), respectively. Conclusion: Candida albicans was the most common species leading to the Vulvovaginitis in patients with VC while other species were at the secondary importance stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]