Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman and Iranian Biotechnology Society Agricultural Biotechnology Journal 2228-6705 18 3 2026 08 23 The immunomodulation of Nelumbo nucifera seed extract on rabbits infected with Enterobacter cloacae complex The immunomodulation of Nelumbo nucifera seed extract on rabbits infected with Enterobacter cloacae complex 431 452 5450 10.22103/jab.2026.27100.1885 FA Fairuz Abbas Hussein Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Iraq. Ikram Abbas Al Sammaraa Department of Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Baghdad, Iraq. 0000-0003-4895-9926 Journal Article 2026 05 03 ObjectiveIn this study, isolation and identification of members of the Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) from domestic cats in Baghdad, Iraq, and determination of their susceptibility patterns to various antibiotics were conducted. This study also assessed the effect of Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) seed extract as an immunomodulator in an experimental animal model.Materials and MethodsSeventy five clinical specimens from domestic cats (feces, blood, and urine) were obtained. Preliminary isolation and identification were done based on morphological characteristics and fermentation pattern of ECC strains to lactose in select media. Confirmatory test included automatic system analysis using VITEK 2 Compact System and identification through PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene (1250 bp). Antibiotic susceptibility was determined according to guidelines. GC-MS analysis was done for ethanolic extract of N. nucifera seed. Immunomodulatory activity of lotus seed extract was tested using rabbits as the experimental animal through determination of hematological parameters and levels of interleukins IL-1β and IL-8 using ELISA.ResultsThe isolation rate of ECC was 2.7% among all cultures collected, with a higher prevalence in the feces (5.7%) than in blood and urine. Susceptibility testing showed high sensitivity to carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones, with partial resistance to β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations. In the GC-MS analysis of the lotus seed extract, linoleic acid was found to be the main active constituent. After administration of the extract in vivo at a preventive dose (200 mg/mL), there were remarkable decreases in leukocytosis and granulocytosis, as well as increases in the lymphocyte count. Moreover, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-8 were significantly reduced according to the ELISA results.ConclusionsBased on the results, domestic cats within the study population in Baghdad might constitute a limited source of ECC. The ethanolic extract of N. nucifera seeds exhibits promising immunomodulatory properties through the regulation of inflammatory responses and promoting immune balance. ObjectiveIn this study, isolation and identification of members of the Enterobacter cloacae complex (ECC) from domestic cats in Baghdad, Iraq, and determination of their susceptibility patterns to various antibiotics were conducted. This study also assessed the effect of Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) seed extract as an immunomodulator in an experimental animal model.Materials and MethodsSeventy five clinical specimens from domestic cats (feces, blood, and urine) were obtained. Preliminary isolation and identification were done based on morphological characteristics and fermentation pattern of ECC strains to lactose in select media. Confirmatory test included automatic system analysis using VITEK 2 Compact System and identification through PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene (1250 bp). Antibiotic susceptibility was determined according to guidelines. GC-MS analysis was done for ethanolic extract of N. nucifera seed. Immunomodulatory activity of lotus seed extract was tested using rabbits as the experimental animal through determination of hematological parameters and levels of interleukins IL-1β and IL-8 using ELISA.ResultsThe isolation rate of ECC was 2.7% among all cultures collected, with a higher prevalence in the feces (5.7%) than in blood and urine. Susceptibility testing showed high sensitivity to carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones, with partial resistance to β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations. In the GC-MS analysis of the lotus seed extract, linoleic acid was found to be the main active constituent. After administration of the extract in vivo at a preventive dose (200 mg/mL), there were remarkable decreases in leukocytosis and granulocytosis, as well as increases in the lymphocyte count. Moreover, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-8 were significantly reduced according to the ELISA results.ConclusionsBased on the results, domestic cats within the study population in Baghdad might constitute a limited source of ECC. The ethanolic extract of N. nucifera seeds exhibits promising immunomodulatory properties through the regulation of inflammatory responses and promoting immune balance. https://jab.uk.ac.ir/article_5450_9a6a1aaafe73c572b7374828b03a1881.pdf