Shahana Urooj Kazmi

Publications (23)25.37 Total impact

• Article: Frequency of HBsAg Positivity: A Laboratory Data Analysis.

  Farhan Essa Abdullah, Akhtar Amin Memon, Ammara Mushtaq, Syeda Ezz-E-Rukhshan Adil, Shahana Urooj Kazmi
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  ABSTRACT: The objective of the study was to evaluate the current frequency ratio of HBsAg seropositivity in a laboratory-based setting. It was a retrospective study, conducted during September 2009 and November 2010 at Dr. Essa's Diagnostic Laboratory and its branches in Karachi, Pakistan. Blood samples of 8,648 individuals were screened for HBsAg using the BioRad EVOLIS EIA method. Pertinent questionnaires filled in by 50 practicing physicians were also evaluated. The 551 subjects (6.4%) that tested positive for HBsAg included 360 males (65.3%) and 191 females (34.6%). The highest frequency of HBsAg was noted in those aged 16 - 29 years (43.9%). HBsAg rate in the studied population has steadily increased and is more common in the sexually active age group, with males tending to be more often seropositive than females.
  Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP. 11/2012; 22(11):742-3.
• Article: Frequency of HBsAg Positivity: A Laboratory Data Analysis

  Farhan Essa Abdullah, Akhtar Amin Memon, Ammara Mushtaq, Syeda Ezz-e-Rukhshan Adil, Shahana Urooj Kazmi
  Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan: JCPSP 11/2012; 22(11):742-743. · 0.34 Impact Factor
• Article: Temporal expression of extracellular products of Staphylococcus aureus in vivo mouse cage model.

  Yasmeen Taj, Farhan Essa Abdullah, Faisal Aziz, Shahana Urooj Kazmi
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  ABSTRACT: To test the hypothesis that Staphylococcus aureus genome has regulatory genes which coordinate the expression of extracellular products, and particular genes not expressed in vitro conditions may be turned on in a vivo environment. The study was conducted at the Immunology and Infectious Disease Research Laboratory (IIDRL), Microbiology Department, Husein Ebrahim Jamal Research Institute (HEJ), Animal House, Karachi University, from July to December 2009. Micro pore Teflon cages using a mouse cage model were fixed into the subcutaneous tissue in Albino mice (BALB/c) on their dorsal surface. After 15 days, the holes closed down with healthy tissue. Three staphylococcal isolates from clinical samples confirmed by DNA sequencing of 16s ribosomal RNA were tested for expression of extracellular protein in vitro and were later injected into the cages. After the institution of infection, the fluid aspirated from the cages was analysed by Sodium dodecyl polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). This was done to test for possible induction of additional extracellular proteins in vivo. The appearance of enhanced extracellular products was observed in the fluid recovered from the cages of two mice on days 5 and 7 subsequent to the institution of infection, suggesting a turn-on of particular genes which were not expressed in vitro conditions. In-vivo host and environmental signals contribute to the induction of genes for the production of extracellular proteins.
  Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association 06/2012; 62(6):539-45.
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  Available from: Amber Farooqui

  Article: Antibiotic resistance and cagA gene correlation: a looming crisis of Helicobacter pylori.

  Adnan Khan, Amber Farooqui, Hamid Manzoor, Syed Shakeel Akhtar, Muhammad Saeed Quraishy, Shahana Urooj Kazmi
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  ABSTRACT: To determine antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in Pakistan and its correlation with host and pathogen associated factors. A total of 178 strains of H. pylori were isolated from gastric biopsies of dyspeptic patients. Susceptibility patterns against first and second-line antibiotics were determined and trends of resistance were analyzed in relation to the sampling period, gastric conditions and cagA gene carriage. The effect of cagA gene on the acquisition of resistance was investigated by mutant selection assay. The observations showed that monoresistant strains were prevalent with rates of 89% for metronidazole, 36% for clarithromycin, 37% for amoxicillin, 18.5% for ofloxacin and 12% for tetracycline. Furthermore, clarithromycin resistance was on the rise from 2005 to 2008 (32% vs 38%, P = 0.004) and it is significantly observed in non ulcerative dyspeptic patients compared to gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer cases (53% vs 20%, 18% and 19%, P = 0.000). On the contrary, metronidazole and ofloxacin resistance were more common in gastritis and gastric ulcer cases. Distribution analysis and frequencies of resistant mutants in vitro correlated with the absence of cagA gene with metronidazole and ofloxacin resistance. The study confirms the alarming levels of antibiotic resistance associated with the degree of gastric inflammation and cagA gene carriage in H. pylori strains.
  World Journal of Gastroenterology 05/2012; 18(18):2245-52. · 2.47 Impact Factor
• Article: Efficacy of Live attenuated and Inactivated Oil Emulsion Infectious Bursal Disease Virus Vaccines in Broiler chicks

  Nazir Ahmed Lone, Shafqat Fatima Rehmani, Taseer Ahmed Khan, Shahana Urooj Kazmi
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  ABSTRACT: ABSTRACT Received: Revised: Accepted: August 22, 2011 January 20, 2012 March 16, 2012 This study was carried out with the aims to evaluate the efficacy of indigenous live and inactivated Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) vaccines in broilers. Two hundred and fifty (250), a-day-old broiler chicks divided into five groups (A-E) were immunized with live and inactivated vaccine at varying ages. Live vaccine was given to group A (at 8 days post hatch), B (at 8, 15 days post hatch), C (at 8, 15 and 23 days post hatch) and D (at 8 days post hatch). In addition group D received a booster dose of inactivated vaccine at 21 days of age, while group E served as control. Antibody titers were measured via Agar Gel Precipitation (AGP) test and ELISA, while the degree of protection against the virulent strains of IBDV was also recorded. Results showed that vaccine program adopted for group C and D produced significantly (P<0.05) higher antibody titer as compared to other groups. While a significant (P<0.05) difference in antibody titers was observed between group A and B while no considerable antibodies were detected in group E. The response to challenge dose was recorded as the difference of lesions in bursa, pectoral muscles or other visceral organs with the exception of group C and D. The study suggests that broiler chicks may be vaccinated at days 8, 15 and 23 with live attenuated vaccine or live attenuated vaccine followed by inactivated vaccine at days
  Pakistan Veterinary Journal 03/2012; 32(4):539-542. · 1.25 Impact Factor
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  Available from: Adnan Khan

  Article: Presence of Helicobacter pylori in drinking water of Karachi, Pakistan.

  Adnan Khan, Amber Farooqui, Shahana Urooj Kazmi
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  ABSTRACT: Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is an increasing problem in developing countries. Several environmental factors such as overcrowding, poverty, contaminated drinking water and food are considered to contribute toward transmission of infection; however, little is known about their definitive roles. The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of H. pylori in drinking water samples of Karachi, Pakistan. Samples of drinking water were collected from 18 different towns located in the metropolitan area of Karachi. Samples were concentrated by membrane filtration method and subjected to PCR for the detection of H. pylori. Two out of 50 (4%) samples collected from two different densely populated town areas were found to be positive for H. pylori. The study provides evidence for the presence of H. pylori in municipal drinking water of Karachi.
  The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 01/2012; 6(3):251-5. · 1.19 Impact Factor
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  Available from: Faisal Aziz

  Article: Study on biofilm-forming properties of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus.

  Yasmeen Taj, Farhan Essa, Faisal Aziz, Shahana Urooj Kazmi
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  ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to observe the formation of biofilm, an important virulence factor, by isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in Pakistan by different conventional methods and through electron microscopy. We screened 115 strains of S. aureus isolated from different clinical specimens by tube method (TM), air-liquid interface coverslip assay method, Congo red agar (CRA) method, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Out of 115 S. aureus isolates, 63 (54.78%) showed biofilm formation by tube method. Biofilm forming bacteria were further categorized as high producers (n = 23, 20%) and moderate producers (n = 40, 34.78%). TM coordinated well with the coverslip assay for strong biofilm-producing strains in 19 (16.5%) isolates. By coverslip method, weak producers were difficult to differentiate from biofilm negative isolates. Screening on CRA showed biofilm formation only in four (3.47%) strains. Scanning electron micrographs showed the biofilm-forming strains of S. aureus arranged in a matrix on the propylene surface and correlated well with the TM. Biofilm production is a marker of virulence for clinically relevant staphylococcal infections. It can be studied by various methods but screening on CRA is not recommended for investigation of biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus. Electron micrograph images correlate well with the biofilm production as observed by TM.
  The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 01/2012; 6(5):403-9. · 1.19 Impact Factor
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  Available from: Adnan Khan

  Article: Antibiotic resistance and cagA gene correlation: A looming crisis of Helicobacter pylori Online Submissions

  Adnan Khan, Amber Farooqui, Hamid Manzoor, Syed Shakeel Akhtar, Shahana Urooj Kazmi, Muhammad Saeed Quraishy
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  ABSTRACT: Author contributions: Khan A preformed the experiments and wrote the manuscript; Farooqui A contributed in experimental design and analyzed the data; Manzoor H, Akhtar SS performed clinical sampling; Quraishy MS supervised the clinical part of the study and provided samples; Kazmi SU supervised the study and revised the manuscript. Supported by The grants of Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and University of Karachi awarded to Adnan Khan Correspondence to: Adnan Khan, �h�, Assistant �ro�es� Adnan Khan, �h�, Assistant �ro�es� sor, Abstract AIM: To determine antibiotic resistance o� Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in �akistan and its correlation with
  World Journal of Gastroenterology 01/2012; 14(18):2245--2252. · 2.47 Impact Factor
• Article: Antibacterial activity in spices and local medicinal plants against clinical isolates of Karachi, Pakistan.

  Nafisa Hassan Ali, Shaheen Faizi, Shahana Urooj Kazmi
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  ABSTRACT: Development of resistance in human pathogens against conventional antibiotic necessitates searching indigenous medicinal plants having antibacterial property. Twenty-seven medicinal plants used actively in folklore, ayurvedic and traditional system of medicine were selected for the evaluation of their antimicrobial activity for this study. Eleven plants chosen from these 27 are used as spices in local cuisine. Evaluation of the effectiveness of some medicinal plant extracts against clinical isolates. Nonedible plant parts were extracted with methanol and evaporated in vacuo to obtain residue. Powdered edible parts were boiled three times and cooled in sterile distilled water for 2 min each and filtrate collected. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of plant extracts and filtrates/antibiotics was evaluated against clinical isolates by microbroth dilution method. Water extract of Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae) buds, methanol extracts of Ficus carica L. (Moraceae) and Olea europaea L. (Oleaceae) leaves and Peganum harmala L. (Nitrariaceae) seeds had MIC ranges of 31.25-250 µg/ml. S. aromaticum inhibited growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. F. carica and O. europaea inhibited growth of S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and S. pyogenes whereas P. harmala was effective against S. aureus, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Candida albicans. Ampicillin, velosef, sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline and ceftazidime, cefotaxime, cefepime, which are used as control, had MIC ≥ 50 and 1.5 µg/ml, respectively, for organisms sensitive to extracts. Mono/multiextract from identified plants will provide an array of safe antimicrobial agents to control infections by drug-resistant bacteria.
  Pharmaceutical Biology 08/2011; 49(8):833-9. · 0.88 Impact Factor
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  Available from: Faisal Rasheed

  Article: Emerging Antimicrobial Resistance in Helicobacter pylori Strains Isolated from Gastric Disease Patients in Karachi, Pakistan

  Faisal Rasheed, Adnan Khan, Amber Farooqui, Tanvir Ahmad, Hamid Manzoor, Syed Shakeel Akhtar, Mohammed Saeed Quraishy, Shahana Urooj Kazmi
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  ABSTRACT: In the assessment of the antimicrobial susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from gastric biopsies of patients with gastric diseases against commonly prescribed antibiotics in Pakistan, 31 strains were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using disk diffusion method against seven antimicrobial agents. Most of the isolates showed resistance to metronidazole (93.5%), while only 6.5% isolates were resistant to ofloxacin. The isolates also exhibited variable resistance to other five antibiotics including clindamycin (61.3%), tetracycline (48.4%), erythromycin (41.9%), clarithromycin (38.7%) and amoxicillin (29.0%). Multiple drug resistance in local H. pylori isolates was also observed.
  Pakistan journal of scientific and industrial research 04/2011;
• Article: Emergence of antimicrobial resistance in Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from gastric disease patients in Karachi, Pakistan

  Faisal Rasheed, Adnan Khan, Amber Farooqui, Tanvir Ahmad, Hamid Manzoor, Syed Shakeel Akhtar, MUhammad Saeed Quraishy, Shahana Urooj Kazmi
  Pakistan journal of scientific and industrial research 02/2011;
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  Available from: Saeed Khan

  Article: Concentrated epidemics of HIV, HCV, and HBV among Afghan refugees.

  Muhammad Rafiq Khanani, Amna S Ansari, Saeed Khan, Mehreen Somani, Shahana Urooj Kazmi, Syed H Ali
  The Journal of infection 11/2010; 61(5):434-7. · 4.13 Impact Factor
• Article: Current pattern of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus clinical isolates and the emergence of vancomycin resistance.

  Yasmeen Taj, Farhan Essa Abdullah, Shahana Urooj Kazmi
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  ABSTRACT: To determine the pattern of antibiotic resistance in the clinical isolates of Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, Methicillin Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and define the possible emergence of Vancomycin resistant S. aureus (VRSA) in Karachi. An observational study. Essa Laboratories and Department of Molecular Genetics, Ziauddin Hospital, from January to December 2009. Staphylococcal isolates from different clinical specimens, pus, urine, blood, high vaginal swab and other secretions received at Ziauddun laboratories and Dr.Essa laboratories were collected. The specimens were inoculated on blood agar, MacConkey agar and Chrom agar. Antibiotic susceptibility to conventional antibiotics was done by disc diffusion, and E-test. Methicillin resistance was tested by using Oxacillin and Methicillin disks and confirmed by gold standard PCR for presence of mecA gene. All MRSA strains were subjected in addition to Vancomycin screen agar test. Out of the 450 S. aureus isolates 174 (38.6%) were found to be MRSA. In those isolates, high resistance was found to Cefixime (100%) Doxicycline (100%) Oxacillin (96.5%) Gentamicin, (96.3%), Timethoprim/Sulfametoxazole (95.6%) Chloramphenicol (93%) Tobramicin (81.03%), Ofloxacin (72.4%) and Ciprofloxacin (63.7%). Low resistance was found to Ceftazidine (36%), Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (32.7%), Fosfomycin (31%), Cefroxime (24%), Amikacin (17.2%) and Meropenem (13%). One isolate was found to be Vancomycin resistant (MIC 32 μg/ml). Four isolates had intermediate resistance, with two strains having MIC of 16μg/ml and two having MIC of 8μg/ml. These strains were also resistant to all the other tested antibiotics except Linezolid to which all isolates were susceptible. Antibiotic resistance to all the conventionally used antibiotics was high in the tested isolates. All the strains were susceptible to Linezolid which is an expensive alternative with adverse side effects. Judicious use of antibiotics focused on the compliance and formation of antibiotic policy guide lines is highly recommended.
  Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan: JCPSP 11/2010; 20(11):728-32. · 0.34 Impact Factor
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  Available from: Adnan Khan

  Article: Microbial contamination of raw meat and its environment in retail shops in Karachi, Pakistan.

  Nafisa Hassan Ali, Amber Farooqui, Adnan Khan, Ameera Yahya Khan, Shahana Urooj Kazmi
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  ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to examine the frequency of contamination in retail meat available in Karachi, Pakistan. Raw meat samples (250) and surface swabs (90) from meat processing equipment and the surrounding environment were analyzed for microbiological contamination. Out of 340 samples, 84% were found to be contaminated with bacterial species, including Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. A total of 550 (66%) of the bacterial isolates were potential pathogens. Of these, 342 and 208 isolates were from meat and environmental samples respectively. Food-borne pathogens isolated from meat samples included Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria, Salmonella Enteritidis and Shigella species whereas environmental samples yielded Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella species. Four strains of Brucella species were also isolated from meat samples. Total aerobic counts ranged between 108 -1010 CFU/g or cm2. Resistance to a wide range of antibiotics was observed. Resistance rates to ampicillin, amoxicillin, novobiocin and cefaclor were from 62 to 75% in general. Thirty-three percent of Salmonella isolates were resistant to ampicillin. No quinolone resistance was observed. Biofilm formation was observed among 88 (16%) pathogenic bacteria including E. coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter species and Staphylococcus aureus. Food-borne pathogens found in retail shops could be sources for horizontal contamination of meat. Our data confirm the circulation of antibiotic resistant and biofilm forming pathogens in raw meat and its environment in retail shops in Pakistan, which could play a role in the spread of antimicrobial resistance amongst food-borne bacteria.
  The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 06/2010; 4(6):382-8. · 1.19 Impact Factor
• Article: Structural determination of daphnecin, a new coumarinolignan from Daphne mucronata.

  Muhammad Azam Rasool, Rehan Khan, Abdul Malik, Nazia Bibi, Shahana Urooj Kazmi
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  ABSTRACT: Daphnecin (1), a new coumarinolignan, has been isolated from the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of Daphne mucronata along with three known compounds, aquillochin (2), umbelliferone (3), and coumarin (4). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic studies.
  Journal of Asian natural products research 04/2010; 12(4):324-7. · 0.61 Impact Factor
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  Available from: sayyada ghufrana Nadeem

  Article: Use of CHROMagar Candida for the presumptive identification of Candida species directly from clinical specimens in resource-limited settings.

  Sayyada Ghufrana Nadeem, Shazia Tabassum Hakim, Shahana Urooj Kazmi
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  ABSTRACT: Identification of yeast isolated from clinical specimens to the species level has become increasingly important. Ever-increasing numbers of immuno-suppressed patients, a widening range of recognized pathogens, and the discovery of resistance to antifungal drugs are contributing factors to this necessity. A total of 487 yeast strains were studied for the primary isolation and presumptive identification, directly from clinical specimen. Efficacy of CHROMagar Candida has been evaluated with conventional methods including morphology on Corn meal-tween 80 agar and biochemical methods by using API 20 C AUX. The result of this study shows that CHROMagar Candida can easily identify three species of Candida on the basis of colonial color and morphology, and accurately differentiate between them i.e. Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei. The specificity and sensitivity of CHROMagar Candida for C. albicans calculated as 99%, for C. tropicalis calculated as 98%, and C. krusei it is 100%. The data presented supports the use of CHROMagar Candida for the rapid identification of Candida species directly from clinical specimens in resource-limited settings, which could be very helpful in developing appropriate therapeutic strategy and management of patients.
  Libyan Journal of Medicine 01/2010; 5. · 0.18 Impact Factor
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  Available from: Adnan Khan

  Article: Molecular characterization of Pakistani field isolates of infectious bursal disease virus.

  Nazir Ahmed Lone, Shafqat Fatima Rehmani, Shahana Urooj Kazmi, Rana Muzaffar, Taseer Ahmed Khan, Adnan Khan, Shakeel Ahmed Khan, Ayaz Ahmed
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  ABSTRACT: The reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RT-PCR/RFLP) technique was used to identify and characterize Pakistani field isolates of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). These isolates have caused heavy losses to the poultry industry (mortality up to 60%) during the period between 1999 and 2005. Ten samples (five local isolates and five commercial vaccines) were examined for IBDV. Nine samples were positive for IBDV as evidenced by the amplification of the 743-bp region of the VP2 gene by RT-PCR. The RT-PCR products were subjected to restriction enzyme digestion with BstNI, MboI, and SspI. The RFLP profiles of all samples on digestion with the MboI enzyme yielded a fragment size of 229 and 362 bp except for vaccine strain Bursine Plus, which yielded a profile of 229 and 480 bp. However, digestion with BstNI yielded two distinct RFLP patterns. The first profile was detected in field isolates ML-1/SPVC/2001 and NP2/SPVC/2002 with four fragments of 119, 154, 172, and 209 bp, resembling RFLP profiles of molecular group 4 isolates. NL-3/SPVC/2003, NK-4/SPVC/2004, and NPK-5/SPVC/2005 generated a different RFLP profile with fragments of 119, 172, and 424 bp, resembling the profiles of molecular group 6 isolates. However, all the field and vaccine strains showed the absence of SspI restriction sites in their genome. It can be concluded that the Pakistani isolates can be grouped in molecular groups 4 and 6 of IBDV.
  Avian Diseases 07/2009; 53(2):306-9. · 1.46 Impact Factor
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  Available from: pjps.pk

  Article: Modulation of humoral immunity by Cassia fistula and amoxy-cassia.

  Nafisa Hassan Ali, Shahana Urooj Kazmi, Shaheen Faizi
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  ABSTRACT: Immonomodulatory effect of fruit of C fistula, a traditional medicinal plant and its synergistic antimicrobial combination with amoxicillin named Amoxy-cassia (Patent # 1371240, Government of Pakistant) studied on humoral immune system of BALB/c mice. Animal immunized with sheep RBC and treated with C. fistula fruit, amoxycassia, amoxicillin and saline Number of activated anti-SRBC producing cell in spleen calculated by haemolytic plaque assay. Antibody titer in blood was measured by haemagglutination test. Number of plaques formed by the animal treated with Amoxy-cassia, amoxicillin, C.fistula, and normal saline were 191, 86, 53, 34 per 10(5) spleen cells respectively. Haemagglutinating Antibody (HA) titer was evaluated on post-immunized day 4, 6, 8, 10. Rising antibody titer was observed in all animals but Amoxy-cassia treated mice serum had the highest HA titer through out the experiment suggesting its therapeutic usefulness. But further detailed studies of mechanisms of immunomodulation and its probable use in immuno compromised individual are still to be investigated and their possible use as an adjuvant during vaccination programs in order to reduce number of non-responder to vaccines need to be studied.
  Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences 02/2008; 21(1):21-3. · 1.10 Impact Factor
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  Available from: psk.or.kr

  Article: Flavonoid glycosides from Prunus armeniaca and the antibacterial activity of a crude extract.

  Fahima Rashid, Rehana Ahmed, Azhar Mahmood, Zaheer Ahmad, Nazia Bibi, Shahana Urooj Kazmi
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  ABSTRACT: Investigations on the chemical constituents of the fruits of Prunus armeniaca have led to the isolation of two new flavonoid glycosides, 4',5,7-trihydroxy flavone-7-O-[beta-D-mannopyranosyl (1'''-->2")]-beta-D-allopyranoside (1) and 3,4',5,7-tetrahydroxy-3',5'-di-methoxy flavone 3-O-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1'''-->6")]-beta-D-galactopyranoside (2), from the butanolic fraction of the fruits. The butanolic extract exhibited antibacterial activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The structures of these compounds were elucidated through spectral studies, including 2D-NMR (COSY, NOESY, J-resolved), HMQC and HMBC experiments.
  Archives of Pharmacal Research 08/2007; 30(8):932-7. · 1.59 Impact Factor
• Article: Activity of synergistic combination Amoxy-cassia against Salmonella.

  Nafisa Hassan Ali, Shahana Urooj Kazmi, Shaheen Faizi
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  ABSTRACT: The object of this study was to formulate new, cost effective anti-microbial combination for Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica Serover Typhi (SEST) based on the synergistic activity of amoxicillin with the aqueous fruit solution of Cassia fistula (CFF), a medicinal plant found in Pakistan which when tested alone have weak antimicrobial activity against blood isolates of MDR SEST. MIC of MDR SEST for amoxicillin and CFF alone was 750 microg/ml and 3750 microg/ml. The MIC of amoxicillin in combination with CFF was 23.4-187.5 microg/ml and 0.37-1.56 microg/ml for MDR and MDS SEST respectively. Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) using chequer-board titration suggested synergism for 80% MDR and MDS SEST tested, no antagonism observed. Time kill kinetics showed difference > log2 in CFU of CFF having sub-lethal amoxicillin concentrations. This novel combination is named as Amoxy-cassia. In vivo it is found to be non toxic at 1 gm/body weight of mice.
  Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences 05/2007; 20(2):140-5. · 1.10 Impact Factor