دانشگاه اصفهان زیست شناسی میکروبی 3060-7647 14 56 2026 02 20 Fatty Acids metabolism in Stress Condition by Halotolerant Bacillus: Extraction and Application Fatty Acids metabolism in Stress Condition by Halotolerant Bacillus: Extraction and Application 1 14 29959 10.22108/bjm.2025.146090.1643 FA Zahra Fathi Hassanabadi Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Technology, Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani University, Isfahan, Iran Maryam Jalili Tabaii Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences and Technology, Shahid Ashrafi Esfahani University, Isfahan, Iran Shekoofeh Sadat Etemadzadeh Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Iran Giti Emtiazi Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran Journal Article 2025 07 26 Halotolerant Bacillus species, like other bacteria, adapt to stress conditions by modifying their fatty acid profiles to maintain membrane integrity. In this study, the fatty acid profiles of Bacillus halotolerans were investigated under stress conditions induced by lead (0.1% Pb), glycerol (0.1%), sodium chloride (0.1% NaCl), silver (0.05 ppm), and iron (0.1 ppm) nanoparticles. Fourier Transform Infrared and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry were employed to characterize the metabolic responses and identify the produced fatty acids. Among the applied stress conditions, the lead-containing environment exhibited the highest level of fatty acid production (71.5 mg/L) and diversity. Also, different kinds of fatty acids with different applications were detected like omega-3 (α-Linolenic acid and Eicosapentaenoic acid), omega-6 (γ-Linolenic acid and Linoleic acid), myristoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, cis-hexadecenoic, cis-octadecenoic acid, and so on. These compounds are applicable in the pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic, and food industries, whereas other fatty acids produced, such as biodiesel and its derivatives, also serve a wide range of purposes. Halotolerant Bacillus species, like other bacteria, adapt to stress conditions by modifying their fatty acid profiles to maintain membrane integrity. In this study, the fatty acid profiles of Bacillus halotolerans were investigated under stress conditions induced by lead (0.1% Pb), glycerol (0.1%), sodium chloride (0.1% NaCl), silver (0.05 ppm), and iron (0.1 ppm) nanoparticles. Fourier Transform Infrared and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry were employed to characterize the metabolic responses and identify the produced fatty acids. Among the applied stress conditions, the lead-containing environment exhibited the highest level of fatty acid production (71.5 mg/L) and diversity. Also, different kinds of fatty acids with different applications were detected like omega-3 (α-Linolenic acid and Eicosapentaenoic acid), omega-6 (γ-Linolenic acid and Linoleic acid), myristoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, cis-hexadecenoic, cis-octadecenoic acid, and so on. These compounds are applicable in the pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic, and food industries, whereas other fatty acids produced, such as biodiesel and its derivatives, also serve a wide range of purposes.

https://bjm.ui.ac.ir/article_29959_8009ecf3beb741975618fd2f7d130d1a.pdf

دانشگاه اصفهان زیست شناسی میکروبی 3060-7647 14 56 2026 02 20 Unveiling a Novel Barstar Protein: In Silico Analysis of Hypothetical Protein WP_311008533.1 from Shigella boydii Reveals Its Role as an Intracellular Inhibitor of Barnase Unveiling a Novel Barstar Protein: In Silico Analysis of Hypothetical Protein WP_311008533.1 from Shigella boydii Reveals Its Role as an Intracellular Inhibitor of Barnase 15 28 29945 10.22108/bjm.2025.145844.1641 FA Ayoob Radhi Al-Zaalan Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Health and Medical Technology, Southern Technical University, Basra, Iraq Masoud Kargar Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. 0000-0003-2771-8939 Maryam Mohammadpour Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Hojat Shahraki Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran. Zeinab Deris Zayeri Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran. Journal Article 2025 07 04 Shigella boydii, a major cause of shigellosis, poses significant health risks in regions like Asia and Africa. Hypothetical proteins in this pathogen, such as WP_311008533.1, are poorly characterized but may serve as potential therapeutic targets. This study aims to annotate and characterize the structural and functional properties of WP_311008533.1 from S. boydii. The protein was analyzed using bioinformatics tools, including CELLO, PSORTb, and SOSUIGramN for subcellular localization, and domain and motif analysis for functional annotation. Secondary structure analysis and 3D structure prediction were performed using AlphaFold2, followed by quality evaluation with PROCHECK, ERRAT, VERIFY3D, and QMEAN. Energy minimization was conducted using YASARA, and the active site was identified with CASTp. The protein was identified as a cytoplasmic Barstar, an intracellular inhibitor of Barnase, with a secondary structure dominated by α-helices. The 3D structure, predicted at 99% sequence identity to a Barnase inhibitor (PDB ID: AF-A0A829A9B4-F1-v4), showed high stability and a validated active site suitable for drug targeting. The findings suggest that WP_311008533.1 plays a critical role in bacterial survival by inhibiting Barnase. Disrupting this function could weaken the bacterium’s defense mechanisms, potentially enhancing endotoxin efficacy. The annotation and structural characterization of WP_311008533.1 as a Barstar inhibitor provide insights into its role in S. boydii. Targeting its function may enable novel therapeutic strategies to combat shigellosis by enhancing endotoxin activity. Shigella boydii, a major cause of shigellosis, poses significant health risks in regions like Asia and Africa. Hypothetical proteins in this pathogen, such as WP_311008533.1, are poorly characterized but may serve as potential therapeutic targets. This study aims to annotate and characterize the structural and functional properties of WP_311008533.1 from S. boydii. The protein was analyzed using bioinformatics tools, including CELLO, PSORTb, and SOSUIGramN for subcellular localization, and domain and motif analysis for functional annotation. Secondary structure analysis and 3D structure prediction were performed using AlphaFold2, followed by quality evaluation with PROCHECK, ERRAT, VERIFY3D, and QMEAN. Energy minimization was conducted using YASARA, and the active site was identified with CASTp. The protein was identified as a cytoplasmic Barstar, an intracellular inhibitor of Barnase, with a secondary structure dominated by α-helices. The 3D structure, predicted at 99% sequence identity to a Barnase inhibitor (PDB ID: AF-A0A829A9B4-F1-v4), showed high stability and a validated active site suitable for drug targeting. The findings suggest that WP_311008533.1 plays a critical role in bacterial survival by inhibiting Barnase. Disrupting this function could weaken the bacterium’s defense mechanisms, potentially enhancing endotoxin efficacy. The annotation and structural characterization of WP_311008533.1 as a Barstar inhibitor provide insights into its role in S. boydii. Targeting its function may enable novel therapeutic strategies to combat shigellosis by enhancing endotoxin activity.

https://bjm.ui.ac.ir/article_29945_11744137ee1e1248cef5fedc869d3252.pdf

دانشگاه اصفهان زیست شناسی میکروبی 3060-7647 14 56 2026 02 20 Development and Assessment of a Nisin/Chitosan Composite as an Antibacterial Coating for Polyester Fabric Development and Assessment of a Nisin/Chitosan Composite as an Antibacterial Coating for Polyester Fabric 29 41 29990 10.22108/bjm.2025.146470.1649 FA Mahboubeh Mirhosseini Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran Maede Afzali Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran Hosein Molla Hoseini Yazd Education and Training Organization, Yazd, Iran. Sharareh Sotudeh Department of Cell & Molecular Biology & Microbiology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran, Journal Article 2025 08 26 This study investigates the structural and antimicrobial properties of a polyester textile-based hybrid nisin-chitosan (N/Cs) coating formulation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the even dispersion of the coating, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed characteristic chitosan (3400 cm -¹, 1030–1155 cm -¹) and nisin (3150–3450 cm -¹, 1656 cm -¹, 1537 cm -¹) peaks, confirming successful coating incorporation. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Listeria monocytogenes using broth dilution and agar diffusion test. Bacterial viability was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced by N/Cs coatings in broth tests, with B. cereus being the most sensitive (100% inhibition, +44.45% vs. control 55.55%), followed by E. coli (+24.85%), E. faecalis (+20.09%), S. aureus (+18.78%), L. monocytogenes (+6.118%), and P. aeruginosa (+2.75%). The fixation process yielded mixed results, with retention percentages averaging 93.6% (ranging from 68.30% for E. faecalis to 122.09% for P. aeruginosa), and gains observed for P. aeruginosa and L. monocytogenes. Washing reduced activity, with retention averaging 79.8% (ranging from 65.16% for E. faecalis to 106.85% for P. aeruginosa), implying strain-dependent stability. The MTT assay revealed minimal cytotoxicity, with N/Cs-coated fabrics showing a 20.6% reduction in fibroblast viability, which was comparable to that of the controls (p ≥ 0.05). These findings highlight the potential of N/Cs coatings for antimicrobial textiles while emphasizing the need for improved fixation to enhance washability. This study investigates the structural and antimicrobial properties of a polyester textile-based hybrid nisin-chitosan (N/Cs) coating formulation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the even dispersion of the coating, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed characteristic chitosan (3400 cm -¹, 1030–1155 cm -¹) and nisin (3150–3450 cm -¹, 1656 cm -¹, 1537 cm -¹) peaks, confirming successful coating incorporation. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Listeria monocytogenes using broth dilution and agar diffusion test. Bacterial viability was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced by N/Cs coatings in broth tests, with B. cereus being the most sensitive (100% inhibition, +44.45% vs. control 55.55%), followed by E. coli (+24.85%), E. faecalis (+20.09%), S. aureus (+18.78%), L. monocytogenes (+6.118%), and P. aeruginosa (+2.75%). The fixation process yielded mixed results, with retention percentages averaging 93.6% (ranging from 68.30% for E. faecalis to 122.09% for P. aeruginosa), and gains observed for P. aeruginosa and L. monocytogenes. Washing reduced activity, with retention averaging 79.8% (ranging from 65.16% for E. faecalis to 106.85% for P. aeruginosa), implying strain-dependent stability. The MTT assay revealed minimal cytotoxicity, with N/Cs-coated fabrics showing a 20.6% reduction in fibroblast viability, which was comparable to that of the controls (p ≥ 0.05). These findings highlight the potential of N/Cs coatings for antimicrobial textiles while emphasizing the need for improved fixation to enhance washability.

https://bjm.ui.ac.ir/article_29990_74f3ecbd96c770194f4ba4a89ac93aa5.pdf

دانشگاه اصفهان زیست شناسی میکروبی 3060-7647 14 56 2026 01 06 The rate of IFNL3 and MTTP genes polymorphism in β-thalassemia major patients infected with hepatitis C virus treated with ledipasvir-sofosbuvir The rate of IFNL3 and MTTP genes polymorphism in β-thalassemia major patients infected with hepatitis C virus treated with ledipasvir-sofosbuvir 43 57 29954 10.22108/bjm.2025.146169.1645 FA Hussein Sattar Abbood Department of Cell and Molecular Biology & Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran. Majid Bouzari Department of Cell and Molecular Biology & Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Hezar Jereeb Street, 81746-73441, Isfahan, Iran Abbas Soleimani-Delfan Department of Cell and Molecular Biology & Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran. Hussam Sami Awayid Middle Technical University, Department of Medical Laboratory, Institute of Technical-Suwaira, Iraq. Journal Article 2025 07 30 The main goal of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of interferon lambda 3 (IFNL3) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) encoding gene polymorphism among thalassemia patients infected with HCV. The frequency of IFNL3 and MTTP encoding gene polymorphism in 79 thalassemia patients infected with HCV and their correlation with the treatment outcome using ledipasvir/sofosbuvir was investigated. Single nucleotide polymorphism detection confirmed the GT, TT, and GG (rs1800591) polymorphism of the synthesized MTTP gene fragment and AT, AA, and TT (rs8113007) and TG, TT, and GG (rs8099917) polymorphisms of the synthesized IFNL3 gene fragment. GG was the most frequent allele of rs1800591 in both males and females followed by GT allele which was 11.39% in males and 19% in females. The TT allele of rs8099917 was the most prevalent (37% in females and 25% in males), and the GG allele was the least frequent. Also, the AT allele was more prevalent than the AA and TT alleles of rs8113007. No significant correlation was observed between the SNPs detected and the treatment outcome. The GG allele of the MTTP gene was the most effective allele involved in decreasing the ALT, AST, and ALP enzymes. For IFNL3 (rs8099917) and IFNL3 (rs8113007), the TT and AT alleles were the most effective alleles for the ALP enzyme levels, respectively. It seems that there is a correlation between the frequent alleles detected and liver enzymes. The main goal of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of interferon lambda 3 (IFNL3) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP) encoding gene polymorphism among thalassemia patients infected with HCV. The frequency of IFNL3 and MTTP encoding gene polymorphism in 79 thalassemia patients infected with HCV and their correlation with the treatment outcome using ledipasvir/sofosbuvir was investigated. Single nucleotide polymorphism detection confirmed the GT, TT, and GG (rs1800591) polymorphism of the synthesized MTTP gene fragment and AT, AA, and TT (rs8113007) and TG, TT, and GG (rs8099917) polymorphisms of the synthesized IFNL3 gene fragment. GG was the most frequent allele of rs1800591 in both males and females followed by GT allele which was 11.39% in males and 19% in females. The TT allele of rs8099917 was the most prevalent (37% in females and 25% in males), and the GG allele was the least frequent. Also, the AT allele was more prevalent than the AA and TT alleles of rs8113007. No significant correlation was observed between the SNPs detected and the treatment outcome. The GG allele of the MTTP gene was the most effective allele involved in decreasing the ALT, AST, and ALP enzymes. For IFNL3 (rs8099917) and IFNL3 (rs8113007), the TT and AT alleles were the most effective alleles for the ALP enzyme levels, respectively. It seems that there is a correlation between the frequent alleles detected and liver enzymes.

https://bjm.ui.ac.ir/article_29954_528bbf4a6f68a5868f37f5cf8d8e7c25.pdf

دانشگاه اصفهان زیست شناسی میکروبی 3060-7647 14 56 2026 02 20 Molecular and Morphological Prevalence of Parasitic, Fungal, and Bacterial Vaginitis in Women Referred to Selected Teaching Hospitals in Alborz Province Molecular and Morphological Prevalence of Parasitic, Fungal, and Bacterial Vaginitis in Women Referred to Selected Teaching Hospitals in Alborz Province 59 67 30178 10.22108/bjm.2025.147097.1655 FA Samira Ghaniabadi M.Sc. of parasitology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Amir Bairami Department of Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran. Elaheh Mahmoudi Department of Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran. Journal Article 2025 10 21 Vaginitis is a common and increasingly prevalent inflammatory condition in women, characterized by abnormal vaginal discharge, pain, and pruritus. This inflammation typically results from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections or disruption of the natural vaginal microbiota. Given the rising prevalence of vaginitis and the shifting patterns of causative agents and drug therapies, this study was designed to investigate the prevalence of parasitic, fungal, and bacterial vaginitis among women with suspected symptoms. A total of 121 patients with vaginitis symptoms were enrolled in this study. Vaginal secretion samples were collected using two sterile swabs and transported in sterile screw-cap tubes. For parasitic detection, both culture on Dorset medium and wet mount preparation were used, followed by microscopic examination. Fungal and bacterial agents were identified through direct microscopy and culture on selective media. Ultimately, species-level identification of parasites and fungi was confirmed by PCR sequencing. The results indicated that 71.9% of the women were positive for vaginitis. Among these, 0.8% had Trichomonas vaginalis infection, 34.7% had Candida infection, 15.7% had bacterial vaginosis (BV), and 20.7% had mixed Candida and bacterial vaginosis. The most prevalent fungal species was Candida albicans (33.9%). Although Lactobacillus was the most frequently identified bacterial genus, the primary pathogenic bacterium associated with BV was Streptococcus agalactiae (15.7%). Based on the results of this study, Candida infections were the most common cause of vaginitis in the study population. Furthermore, trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, demonstrated a low prevalence in this low-risk group. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for guiding preventive and therapeutic measures aimed at promoting women’s health. Vaginitis is a common and increasingly prevalent inflammatory condition in women, characterized by abnormal vaginal discharge, pain, and pruritus. This inflammation typically results from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections or disruption of the natural vaginal microbiota. Given the rising prevalence of vaginitis and the shifting patterns of causative agents and drug therapies, this study was designed to investigate the prevalence of parasitic, fungal, and bacterial vaginitis among women with suspected symptoms. A total of 121 patients with vaginitis symptoms were enrolled in this study. Vaginal secretion samples were collected using two sterile swabs and transported in sterile screw-cap tubes. For parasitic detection, both culture on Dorset medium and wet mount preparation were used, followed by microscopic examination. Fungal and bacterial agents were identified through direct microscopy and culture on selective media. Ultimately, species-level identification of parasites and fungi was confirmed by PCR sequencing. The results indicated that 71.9% of the women were positive for vaginitis. Among these, 0.8% had Trichomonas vaginalis infection, 34.7% had Candida infection, 15.7% had bacterial vaginosis (BV), and 20.7% had mixed Candida and bacterial vaginosis. The most prevalent fungal species was Candida albicans (33.9%). Although Lactobacillus was the most frequently identified bacterial genus, the primary pathogenic bacterium associated with BV was Streptococcus agalactiae (15.7%). Based on the results of this study, Candida infections were the most common cause of vaginitis in the study population. Furthermore, trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection, demonstrated a low prevalence in this low-risk group. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for guiding preventive and therapeutic measures aimed at promoting women’s health.

https://bjm.ui.ac.ir/article_30178_5f403751f042967bb12da48cad7c2392.pdf

دانشگاه اصفهان زیست شناسی میکروبی 3060-7647 14 56 2026 02 20 Isolation and identification of the yeast Saturnispora silvae from rotting carrots from the market Isolation and identification of the yeast Saturnispora silvae from rotting carrots from the market 69 75 30237 10.22108/bjm.2026.147095.1656 FA Mehdi Behgar Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Faculty of Nuclear Agriculture Research School, Nuclear Science & Technology Research Institute, P.O. Karaj, Iran. Parvin Shawrang Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Faculty of Nuclear Agriculture Research School, Nuclear Science & Technology Research Institute, P.O. Karaj, Iran. Farahnaz Motamedi Sedeh Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Faculty of Nuclear Agriculture Research School, Nuclear Science & Technology Research Institute, P.O. Karaj, Iran Reza Roshan Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Faculty of Nuclear Agriculture Research School, Nuclear Science & Technology Research Institute, P.O. Karaj, Iran. Fatemeh Amiri Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, Faculty of Nuclear Agriculture Research School, Nuclear Science & Technology Research Institute, P.O. Karaj, Iran. Journal Article 2025 10 19 Fruits and vegetables, particularly carrots (Daucus carota L.), play a vital role in human health by providing dietary fiber, essential micronutrients, carotenoids, and antioxidant compounds, which collectively reduce the risk of chronic diseases. However, postharvest microbial spoilage significantly threatens carrot quality and safety, leading to 20-40% losses in developing countries due to the presence of bacteria, molds, and yeasts. This study aimed to isolate and identify yeast species from spoiled carrot samples collected from markets. Spoiled carrots were collected from local markets in Karaj. Under sterile conditions, a portion of the infected carrot tissue was suspended in saline solution and cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates supplemented with 30 mg/L of chloramphenicol. Yeast isolates were identified based on colony morphology, microscopic characteristics, growth temperature range, biochemical tests, and sequence analysis of the amplified D1/D2 domain of the 26S rRNA gene. The isolated yeast strain produced ovoid to spheroidal vegetative cells measuring 2–5 µm in diameter. It can ferment glucose and assimilate citrate. The growth temperature range, biochemical characteristics, and phylogenetic tree analysis confirmed the identification of the isolated yeast as Saturnispora silvae. This study reports the first isolation of Saturnispora silvae from spoiled market carrots, demonstrating its ability to ferment glucose and colonize damaged tissues, potentially exacerbating post-harvest spoilage. Fruits and vegetables, particularly carrots (Daucus carota L.), play a vital role in human health by providing dietary fiber, essential micronutrients, carotenoids, and antioxidant compounds, which collectively reduce the risk of chronic diseases. However, postharvest microbial spoilage significantly threatens carrot quality and safety, leading to 20-40% losses in developing countries due to the presence of bacteria, molds, and yeasts. This study aimed to isolate and identify yeast species from spoiled carrot samples collected from markets. Spoiled carrots were collected from local markets in Karaj. Under sterile conditions, a portion of the infected carrot tissue was suspended in saline solution and cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates supplemented with 30 mg/L of chloramphenicol. Yeast isolates were identified based on colony morphology, microscopic characteristics, growth temperature range, biochemical tests, and sequence analysis of the amplified D1/D2 domain of the 26S rRNA gene. The isolated yeast strain produced ovoid to spheroidal vegetative cells measuring 2–5 µm in diameter. It can ferment glucose and assimilate citrate. The growth temperature range, biochemical characteristics, and phylogenetic tree analysis confirmed the identification of the isolated yeast as Saturnispora silvae. This study reports the first isolation of Saturnispora silvae from spoiled market carrots, demonstrating its ability to ferment glucose and colonize damaged tissues, potentially exacerbating post-harvest spoilage.

https://bjm.ui.ac.ir/article_30237_fb8a044f798804227ccacdb7668739be.pdf