Q fever is an infectious disease of animals and humans, caused by globally distributed C. burnetii. In Iraq, there are no previous studies associated with the detection of the organism in cattle. An overall of 130 lactating cows were submitted to direct collection of milk samples. Initially, the samples of milk were tested using the molecular polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting three genes (16S rRNA, IS1111a transposase, and htpB). However, positive results (18.46%; 24/130) were detected only with the 16s rRNA gene. Concerning risk factors, the highest prevalence of C. burnetii was showed in the district of Badra (42.86%), whereas the lowest - in Al-Numaniyah and Al-Suwaira districts (P=0.025). There was no significant v

Azadirachtin is a naturally occurring substance that belongs to an organic molecule class which is called tetranortriterpenoids. It is on of the most powerful plant derived insecticides known, its structure is similar to insect hormones called ecdysoncs (Molting Hormone), which control the process of metamorphosis. Azadirachtin has been isolated from fruits of Melia azedarach L. The structure of this compound was determined by spectral studies (IR spectra and GC Mass spectra) and denitrified by then layer chromotochraphy (TLC).

Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) known as marigold is known to have several pharmacological activities and used for the treatment of several diseases as measles, jaundice, constipation and several inflammations. Marigold flowers contain several chemical constituents mainly flavonoids, triterpenoids and essential oil. In this study marigold flowers cultivated in Iraq had been investigated for its flavonoids content. The study revealed the presence of quercetin and kaempferol glycosides and the absence of myricetin glycosides. The flowers were extracted with ethanol 70% fractionated with different solvent and the flavonoids were isolated by preparative HPLC. The isolated flavonoids were identified by measuring melting points, UV, IR,

Portulacaria afra is a small succulent tree, previously belonging to the Portulacaceae family, but with further studies, the plant transferred to the Didieracea family. P. afra was used as an ornamental, vegetable, and ethnomedicinal plant. Uses of the plant by rural South Africans to treat chronic skin conditions and rashes, alleviate exhaustion, and aid in treating TB and diarrhea have been documented in folklore. According to pharmaceutical research, plant extracts off er a wide range of remedial outcomes, such as antidiabetic, antifungal, antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-infl ammatory. The study aims to determine some bioactive constituents responsible for pharmacological activities and traditional usefulness. Th

Aim This study is an overview of NPEV investigated during AFP surveillance programs for the period 2010–2017 in Iraq. Methods Stool samples from 4296 AFP cases and 2933 healthy contacts among children less than 15 years of age were processed for virus isolation as a part of AFP surveillance for the Global Polio Eradication Program in Iraq at National Polio Laboratory. NPEV detection was performed by virus isolation on cell culture according to WHO recommendations. Results The NPEV isolation rate was 14% of total AFP cases and 14.5% of healthy contacts. The infection rate was higher in males than females with a male/female ratio of 1.5: 1. The highest NPEV infection rate was observed among the children aged 1-2 years and decrease significa

The aim of the present work was to study the possibility of producing an effective bacteriocin from bacteria naturally exists in the mouth. Streptococcus salivarius KA101 was selected among 120 oral isolates collected from healthy people based on its ability to produce an effective bactericidal bacteriocin. Modified tryptic soy agar with 2% yeast extract and 0.1% calcium carbonate was the best medium for the production of bacteriocin with an activity of 40 AU/ml. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on central composite design (CCD) was employed to build a model in order to evaluate the optimum effective factors for bacteriocin production using four factors: yeast extract, CaCO₃, pH and incubation time. Based on t

Abstract: Background: Optical biosensors offer excellent properties and methods for detecting bacteria when compared to traditional analytical techniques.  It allows direct detection of many biological and chemical materials.  Bacteria are found in the human body naturally non-pathogenic and pathologically, as they are found in other living organisms.  One of these bacteria is Escherichia coli (E. coli) which are found in the human body in its natural and pathogenic form. E.coli bacteria cause many diseases, including Stomach, intestines, urinary system infections, and others. The aim of this study: is sensing and differentiation between normal flora and pathogenic E.coli. Material and method:

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of cellulose membranes produced by Acetobacter xylinum bacteria, after enrichment of the growth media with Alzahdy palm dates syrup to enhance cellulose production for reducing the contamination of locally-produced white cheese with pathogenic bacteria. Cellulose was vitally activated by incubation with both probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum and the effectiveness of the produced cellulose membranes was measured by studying six characteristics: elongation, tensile strength, membrane rupture, permeability to oxygen, permeability to water vapor, and thickness (mm). The produced membranes showed remarkable functionality and characteristi

Back ground: Intestinal parasitic infections are among the most common infections world wide and are regarded as a serious public-health problem.
Methods: The study was carried out during the period from October 2008 to the end of January 2009 in five different markets of Baghdad. Six different type of vegetables were selected for this study including tomato, onion, cabbage, lettuce, carrot and pepper. The vegetables soaked for 10 minutes and washed in saline, centrifuged and the sediment examined for the presence of intestinal parasites. A total of 168 specimens of faeces were collected from vegetables handlers of the markets studied then, specimens were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites by the direct smear method and