Distribution and predominance of genotype 3 in hepatitis C virus carriers in the province of kahramanmaras, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) has six major genotypes and more than 100 subtypes, and the determination of the responsible genotype, collection of epidemiological data, tailoring antiviral therapy, and prediction of prognosis have an important place in disease management. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine the distribution of HCV genotypes across geographic regions and compare these data with those obtained from other geographic locations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The HCV genotypes were identified in HCV RNA positive blood samples, obtained from different centers. The HCV genotype was determined using molecular methods [Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)] in 313 patients, who were found to be positive for HCV RNA. The presence of HCV RNA was investigated using the RT-PCR method in serum samples delivered to the Microbiology Laboratory at Kahramanmaras Necip Fazil City Hospital, Kahramanmaras, Turkey, from the centers located in Kahramanmaras City center and peripheral districts of the province, between March 2010 and August 2014. The HCV genotype analysis was performed in HCV RNA positive samples, using RT-PCR reagents kit. Urine samples from the patients were tested for amphetamine with an Amphetamines II (AMPS2) kit, cocaine was tested with a Cocaine II (COC2) kit, opiates were tested with an Opiates II (OPI2) kit, and cannabinoids were tested with a Cannabinoids II (THC2) kit in Roche/Hitachi Cobas c501 device. RESULTS: The blood samples collected from 313 patients were included in the study. Of these patients, 212 (67.7%) were male and 101 (32.3%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 41.29 ± 20.32 years. In terms of HCV genotype distribution, 162 patients (51.7%) had genotype 1, 144 patients (46%) had genotype 3, four patients (1.3%) had genotype 2, and three patients (1%) had genotype 4. The results of urine drug tests were available in only 65 patients (20.2%). Of these, 61 (93.8%) patients had HCV genotype 3. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the prevalence of HCV genotype 1 was 51.7%, which was lower than the rates reported in other studies in Turkey, while the prevalence of HCV genotype 3 was 46%, which was remarkably higher than the reported Turkish data. In addition, the prevalence rate for genotype 3 reported in the present study is the highest that has ever been reported in the literature.

Evaluation of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis in immunocompetent adults: a retrospective case series analysis.

OBJECTIVE: It was the aim of this study to evaluate the demographic factors and clinical features of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) compared to those of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among adult immunocompetent patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 427 patients with clinically, radiologically and histopathologically confirmed TB were enrolled in the study, in our clinic at a tertiary care hospital in Turkey, during a 5-year period (2007-2012). Patient data were obtained retrospectively. Among the 427 patients, 55 patients with both PTB and EPTB and who were using steroids or had taken immunosuppressive drugs were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Of the 372 patients, 227 (61%) were males and 168 (45.2%) had EPTB; 204 (54.8%) patients had PTB. The most frequent sites of EPTB were the lymph nodes (n = 45, 12.1%), pleura (n = 40, 10.7%) and brain (n = 7, 1.8%). The most common symptoms were cough (n = 174, 46.7%), night sweats (n = 127, 34.1%) and fever (n = 123, 33%). Compared to EPTB patients, PTB patients were less likely to have received Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination (odds ratio 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.2-0.63; p < 0.001). Eighty-one (48.2%) of the EPTB and 146 (71.6%) of the PTB patients were males. Pulmonary involvement was more common among men (n = 146, 71.6%) than among women (n = 58, 28.2%; p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: There was a high incidence of EPTB in our study. Early diagnosis of EPTB is crucial for treatment, and atypical presentations of TB should be kept in mind for immunocompetent patients living in endemic areas. Females especially should be investigated for EPTB.

Giant nasolabial cyst.

Nasolabial (nasoalveolar) cysts are nonodontogenic soft tissue lesions derived from epithelial remanant of the nasolacrimal duct. These are generally slow-growing painless lesions. Additionally, they can cause obstruction, facial deformity and pain. This case report evaluates the facial deformity and boat-shaped resorption demonstrated on computerized tomography (CT) in a 28 years-old patient presenting with facial swelling and pain as a result of a nasolabial cyst. Nasolabial cysts must be kept in mind in patients suffering from facial deformity and infection as an underlying predisposing factor. Recurrences may be seen in cases not amenable to treatment by surgical excision.