Characteristics and outcomes of carbapenemase harbouring carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella spp. bloodstream infections: a multicentre prospective cohort study in an OXA-48 endemic setting.

A prospective, multicentre observational cohort study of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella spp. (CRK) bloodstream infections was conducted in Turkey from June 2018 to June 2019. One hundred eighty-seven patients were recruited. Single OXA-48-like carbapenemases predominated (75%), followed by OXA-48-like/NDM coproducers (16%). OXA-232 constituted 31% of all OXA-48-like carbapenemases and was mainly carried on ST2096. Thirty-day mortality was 44% overall and 51% for ST2096. In the multivariate cox regression analysis, SOFA score and immunosuppression were significant predictors of 30-day mortality and ST2096 had a non-significant effect. All OXA-48-like producers remained susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam.

[Immunotherapy and multidisciplinary approach to treatment in lung cancer]. / Akciger kanserinde immünoterapi ve tedavide multidisipliner yaklasim.

Lung cancer remains as the main cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Over the last two decades, information about biology and pathogenesis of cancer has increased, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been introduced, and thus a significant period has started in treatment of solid cancers. This review discussed lung cancer in the framework of innovations in treatment, immunotherapy, and multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was the focal point of this article as it is the most frequent lung cancer type and the type of lung cancer which can ideally benefit from ICI treatment due to its characteristics. This review is the first review in Turkish language, which aimed to raise the multidisciplinary awareness about immunotherapy approach in lung cancer treatment in all branches, primarily in chest diseases, and to provide information about its management. Moreover, this review has importance as it presents the remarkable results of recent clinical trials on the use of ICIs in NSCLC treatment. Immunotherapy has initiated a new era in cancer treatment; the specific mechanism of action of ICIs has resulted in a group of some new adverse events, among which pneumonitis is particularly important and when necessary, patients are needed to be consulted with relevant specialties about adverse events. Lung cancer treatment should be planned specific to each patient by considering patient characteristics, histological features, and genetic status and specialty areas of chest diseases, thoracic surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, and radiology should collaborate together for diagnostic evaluation and optimal treatment of a lung cancer patient. Moreover, family physicians may have an important role in early diagnosis of lung cancer and in preventing lung cancer by encouraging their patients regarding tobacco cessation. Moreover, screening studies for lung cancer should be targeted to create awareness in society and for early diagnosis.

Portraying infective endocarditis: results of multinational ID-IRI study.

Infective endocarditis is a growing problem with many shifts due to ever-increasing comorbid illnesses, invasive procedures, and increase in the elderly. We performed this multinational study to depict definite infective endocarditis. Adult patients with definite endocarditis hospitalized between January 1, 2015, and October 1, 2018, were included from 41 hospitals in 13 countries. We included microbiological features, types and severity of the disease, complications, but excluded therapeutic parameters. A total of 867 patients were included. A total of 631 (72.8%) patients had native valve endocarditis (NVE), 214 (24.7%) patients had prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE), 21 (2.4%) patients had pacemaker lead endocarditis, and 1 patient had catheter port endocarditis. Eighteen percent of NVE patients were hospital-acquired. PVE patients were classified as early-onset in 24.9%. A total of 385 (44.4%) patients had major embolic events, most frequently to the brain (n = 227, 26.3%). Blood cultures yielded pathogens in 766 (88.4%). In 101 (11.6%) patients, blood cultures were negative. Molecular testing of vegetations disclosed pathogens in 65 cases. Overall, 795 (91.7%) endocarditis patients had any identified pathogen. Leading pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus (n = 267, 33.6%), Streptococcus viridans (n = 149, 18.7%), enterococci (n = 128, 16.1%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 92, 11.6%)) displayed substantial resistance profiles. A total of 132 (15.2%) patients had cardiac abscesses; 693 (79.9%) patients had left-sided endocarditis. Aortic (n = 394, 45.4%) and mitral valves (n = 369, 42.5%) were most frequently involved. Mortality was more common in PVE than NVE (NVE (n = 101, 16%), PVE (n = 49, 22.9%), p = 0.042).

[Cutaneous larva migrans in Turkey: an imported case report]. / Türkiye'de kütanöz larva migrans: bir importe olgu sunumu.

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a parasitic infection most commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas. However, with the ease and increase of foreign travel to many countries around the world, the infection is not limited to these areas. CLM is an erythematous, serpiginous infection with skin eruption caused by percutaneous penetration of the larvae to the skin. In this report, a case diagnosed as imported CLM after an Amazon trip and treated with albendazole was presented. A 36 year-old male patient admitted to infectious diseases clinic with intense itching, erythematous, raised, streaklike serpiginious eruptionand some redness at bilateral foot especially at the right foot for about one week. The patient was living in Turkey, and travelled to Brazil for an Amazon trip three months ago and the lesions began immediately after this occasion. CLM was diagnosed with the typical lesions in the patient and oral albendazole treatment 2 x 400 mg/day for 3 consecutive days was carried out with oral amoxicillin/clavulanat 3 x 1 g/day for the secondary bacterial infection. The patient responded very well to oral albendazole treatment with a result of a rapid improvementof pruritus in days and no side effect was observed during the treatment period.After discharge, during his controlit was seenthat the lesions were regressed with leaving hyperpigmentation. In cases with cutaneous larva migrans, diagnosis is often made by the presence of pruritic typical lesions and tunnels, travel story to endemic regions, the story of barefoot contact with sand and soil in these regions, and the sun tanning story on the beach. The lesions are often seen in the lower extremities, especially in the dorsal and plantar surface of the foot. Laboratory findings are not specific. Temporary peripheral eosinophilia can be seen and biopsy can be done to confirm the diagnosis but usually no parasite is seen in the histopathological examination. Contact dermatitis, bacterial and fungal skin infections and other parasitic diseases should be considered in differential diagnosis. For the treatment ivermectin 1 x 200 mg/kg single dose or albendazole 400 mg/day for three days is recommended. As a result, cutaneous larva migrans should be kept in mind especially in patients with a history of travel to endemic areas and a history of bare feet contact with sandy beaches and soil in this region and with itchy, red and serpiginous skin lesions.

Evaluation of Risk Factors for Antibiotic Resistance in Patients with Nosocomial Infections Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Background. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is resistant to various antibiotics and can cause serious nosocomial infections with high morbidity and mortality. In this clinical study, we investigated the risk factors in patients who were diagnosed with P. aeruginosa-related nosocomial infection. Methods. A retrospective case control study including patients with P. aeruginosa-related nosocomial infection. Patients who were resistant to any of the six antibiotics (imipenem, meropenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, ciprofloxacin, amikacin, and ceftazidime) constituted the study group. Results. One hundred and twenty isolates were isolated. Various risk factors were detected for each antibiotic in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, previous cefazolin use was found as an independent risk factor for the development of imipenem resistance (OR = 3.33; CI 95% [1.11-10.0]; p = 0.03), whereas previous cerebrovascular attack (OR = 3.57; CI 95% [1.31-9.76]; p = 0.01) and previous meropenem use (OR = 4.13; CI 95% [1.21-14.07]; p = 0.02) were independent factors for the development of meropenem resistance. For the development of resistance to ciprofloxacin, hospitalization in the neurology intensive care unit (OR = 4.24; CI 95% [1.5-11.98]; p = 0.006) and mechanical ventilator application (OR = 11.7; CI 95% [2.24-61.45]; p = 0.004) were independent risk factors. Conclusion. The meticulous application of contact measures can decrease the rate of nosocomial infections.

Evaluation of hepatitis B virus transmission and antiviral therapy among hepatitis B surface antigen-positive pregnant women.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess the potential risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vertical transmission among Turkish parturient women and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of antiviral agents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from 114 HBV-infected pregnant women and their infants in eight health institutions in Turkey. RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of the women were: mean age, 28.3 ± 5.2 years; alanine aminotransferase, 57.4 ± 139.0 U/L; aspartate aminotransferase, 56.6 ± 150.0 U/L; and HBV DNA, 8.3 × 10(7) ± 2.6 × 10(8) copies/mL. Family history of HBV infection was detected in 53.5% (n = 61). In total, 60 (52.6%) pregnant women received tenofovir (60.0%), lamivudine (33.3%) or telbivudine (6.7%) therapy at the median gestational age of 22.2 ± 8.5 (1-36) weeks. All infants were vaccinated and hepatitis B immune globulin was administered, with 81 of them (71.1%) available for follow-up. After completion of HBV vaccination course, 71 (87.7%) infants had protective anti-HBs levels, three (3.7%) were hepatitis B surface antigen-positive, and seven (8.6%) were hepatitis B surface antigen-negative with nonprotective anti-HBs levels. Five of the infants had low gestational birthweight but no other birth defects were observed. CONCLUSION: According to our results, viral load may not be the only effecting factor for transmission of HBV to children of infected mothers. Pregnant women with high viral load should be followed-up closely during pregnancy. They should begin to take tenofovir or telbivudine, which are category B drugs for pregnancy, at the beginning of the third trimester at the latest. We need new treatment strategies; and close follow-up of mothers and children is another important issue.

[Evaluation of Candida colonization in intensive care unit patients and the use of Candida colonization index]. / Yogun bakim ünitesinde yatan hastalarda Candida kolonizasyonunun degerlendirilmesi ve kolonizasyon indeksinin kullanilmasi

Parallel to the developments in the field of diagnosis and treatment, an increase in the incidence of fungal infections and the number of patients who are in the risk group for the development of opportunistic fungal infections have been observed in the recent years. Among the hospitalized patients, those most at risk in terms of fungal infections are intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The rate of Candida colonization of mucous membranes in hospitalized patients may reach to 80%, and this may predispose to the establishment of severe infections especially in patients under risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of Candida colonization and to use Candida colonization index in the intensive care unit patients in Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. A total of 100 adult patients (46 female, 54 male; age range: 18-93 years, mean age: 65.28 ± 17.53 years) who were hospitalized for ≥ 7 days in the neurology (n= 56), anesthesia-reanimation (n= 24) and neurosurgery (n= 20) intensive care units between September 2008 to February 2009, were included in the study. Throat, nose, skin (axilla), urine, rectal swab cultures and additionally when necessary tracheal aspirates, drain and central vascular catheter cultures were taken weekly from each patient. Candida colonies were identified by using germ tube test, CHROMagar Candida Medium (Becton Dickinson, Germany) and ID 32 C (BioMeriux, France) yeast identification kit. Candida colonization index (CI) was calculated for each patient, and CI was defined as the ratio of the number of culture-positive distinct body sites to the total number of body sites cultured. Patients with CI > 0.2 were considered as Candida colonized. In our study, Candida colonization was found in 42 of 100 (42%) patients, of them 8 were heavily colonized (CI ≥ 0.50), and 34 were slightly colonized (C I < 0.50). The highest Candida colonization was detected in throat, urine and rectal swab samples, while none of the tracheal aspirate samples yielded Candida spp. growth. Invasive Candida infections subsequently developed in 21.4% (9/42) of the colonized patients, namely candidemia in five and Candida associated urinary tract infections in four cases. Our data indicated that, the number of colonized patients were higher in the surgical (anesthesia-reanimation and neurosurgery) intensive care units (p< 0.05), in patients staying in the ICU for longer periods (p= 0.000) and in patients with higher number of application of invasive instruments (p< 0.05) compared to those of non-colonized cases. Additionally Candida colonization emerged more often in patients with bacterial sepsis and in those exposed to broad spectrum antibiotics (p< 0.05). Use of broad spectrum antibiotics in the ICU, length of stay in the ICU and having central venous catheter were found as independent risk factors for Candida colonization. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of colonization index for the detection of developing Candida infections in colonized patients were estimated as 100%, 64%, 21% and 100%, respectively. In conclusion, Candida colonization and Candida colonization index may be used as useful parameters to predict invasive Candida infections.

The Effects of Antimicrobial Resistance and the Compatibility of Initial Antibiotic Treatment on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Diabetic Foot Infection.

We aimed to determine pathogen microorganisms, their antimicrobial resistance patterns, and the effect of initial treatment on clinical outcomes in patients with diabetic foot infection (DFI). Patients with DFI from 5 centers were included in this multicenter observational prospective study between June 2018 and June 2019. Multivariate analysis was performed for the predictors of reinfection/death and major amputation. A total of 284 patients were recorded. Of whom, 193 (68%) were male and the median age was 59.9 ± 11.3 years. One hundred nineteen (41.9%) patients had amputations, as the minor (n = 83, 29.2%) or major (n = 36, 12.7%). The mortality rate was 1.7% with 4 deaths. A total of 247 microorganisms were isolated from 200 patients. The most common microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus (n = 36, 14.6%) and Escherichia coli (n = 32, 13.0%). Methicillin resistance rates were 19.4% and 69.6% in S aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp., respectively. Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected in 4 of 22 (18.2%) isolates. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria were detected in 20 (38.5%) isolates of E coli (14 of 32) and Klebsiella spp. (6 of 20). When the initial treatment was inappropriate, Klebsiella spp. related reinfection within 1 to 3 months was observed more frequently. Polymicrobial infection (p = .043) and vancomycin treatment (p = .007) were independent predictors of reinfection/death. Multivariate analysis revealed vascular insufficiency (p = .004), hospital readmission (p = .009), C-reactive protein > 130 mg/dL (p = .007), and receiving carbapenems (p = .005) as independent predictors of major amputation. Our results justify the importance of using appropriate narrow-spectrum empirical antimicrobials because higher rates of reinfection and major amputation were found even in the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials.

Impact of vaccination on the presence and severity of symptoms in hospitalized patients with an infection of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) of the SARS-CoV-2 (subvariant BA.1).

OBJECTIVES: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants raised questions about the extent to which vaccines designed in 2020 have remained effective. We aimed to assess whether vaccine status was associated with the severity of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospitalized patients. METHODS: We conducted an international, multi-centric, retrospective study in 14 centres (Bulgaria, Croatia, France, and Turkey). We collected data on patients hospitalized for ≥24 hours between 1 December 2021 and 3 March 2022 with PCR-confirmed infection at a time of exclusive Omicron circulation and hospitalization related or not related to the infection. Patients who had received prophylaxis by monoclonal antibodies were excluded. Patients were considered fully vaccinated if they had received at least two injections of either mRNA and/or ChAdOx1-S or one injection of Ad26.CoV2-S vaccines. RESULTS: Among 1215 patients (median age, 73.0 years; interquartile range, 57.0-84.0; 51.3% men), 746 (61.4%) were fully vaccinated. In multivariate analysis, being vaccinated was associated with lower 28-day mortality (Odds Ratio [95% Confidence Interval] (OR [95CI]) = 0.50 [0.32-0.77]), intensive care unit admission (OR [95CI] = 0.40 [0.26-0.62]), and oxygen requirement (OR [95CI] = 0.34 [0.25-0.46]), independent of age and comorbidities. When co-analysing these patients with Omicron infection with 948 patients with Delta infection from a study we recently conducted, Omicron infection was associated with lower 28-day mortality (OR [95CI] = 0.53 [0.37-0.76]), intensive care unit admission (OR [95CI] = 0.19 [0.12-0.28]), and oxygen requirements (OR [95CI] = 0.50 [0.38-0.67]), independent of age, comorbidities, and vaccination status. DISCUSSION: Originally designed vaccines have remained effective on the severity of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection. Omicron is associated with a lower risk of severe forms, independent of vaccination and patient characteristics.

Higher rates of cefiderocol resistance among NDM producing Klebsiella bloodstream isolates applying EUCAST over CLSI breakpoints.

BACKGROUND: Cefiderocol is generally active against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella spp. (CRK) with higher MICs against metallo-beta-lactamase producers. There is a variation in cefiderocol interpretive criteria determined by EUCAST and CLSI. Our objective was to test CRK isolates against cefiderocol and compare cefiderocol susceptibilities using EUCAST and CLSI interpretive criteria. METHODS: A unique collection (n = 254) of mainly OXA-48-like- or NDM-producing CRK bloodstream isolates were tested against cefiderocol with disc diffusion (Mast Diagnostics, UK). Beta-lactam resistance genes and multilocus sequence types were identified using bioinformatics analyses on complete bacterial genomes. RESULTS: Median cefiderocol inhibition zone diameter was 24 mm (interquartile range [IQR] 24-26 mm) for all isolates and 18 mm (IQR 15-21 mm) for NDM producers. We observed significant variability between cefiderocol susceptibilities using EUCAST and CLSI breakpoints, such that 26% and 2% of all isolates, and 81% and 12% of the NDM producers were resistant to cefiderocol using EUCAST and CLSI interpretive criteria, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cefiderocol resistance rates among NDM producers are high using EUCAST criteria. Breakpoint variability may have significant implications on patient outcomes. Until more clinical outcome data are available, we suggest using EUCAST interpretive criteria for cefiderocol susceptibility testing.

Efficacy and tolerability of antibiotic combinations in neurobrucellosis: results of the Istanbul study.

No data on whether brucellar meningitis or meningoencephalitis can be treated with oral antibiotics or whether an intravenous extended-spectrum cephalosporin, namely, ceftriaxone, which does not accumulate in phagocytes, should be added to the regimen exist in the literature. The aim of a study conducted in Istanbul, Turkey, was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of ceftriaxone-based antibiotic treatment regimens with those of an oral treatment protocol in patients with these conditions. This retrospective study enrolled 215 adult patients in 28 health care institutions from four different countries. The first protocol (P1) comprised ceftriaxone, rifampin, and doxycycline. The second protocol (P2) consisted of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, rifampin, and doxycycline. In the third protocol (P3), the patients started with P1 and transferred to P2 when ceftriaxone was stopped. The treatment period was shorter with the regimens which included ceftriaxone (4.40 ± 2.47 months in P1, 6.52 ± 4.15 months in P2, and 5.18 ± 2.27 months in P3) (P = 0.002). In seven patients, therapy was modified due to antibiotic side effects. When these cases were excluded, therapeutic failure did not differ significantly between ceftriaxone-based regimens (n = 5/166, 3.0%) and the oral therapy (n = 4/42, 9.5%) (P = 0.084). The efficacy of the ceftriaxone-based regimens was found to be better (n = 6/166 [3.6%] versus n = 6/42 [14.3%]; P = 0.017) when a composite negative outcome (CNO; relapse plus therapeutic failure) was considered. Accordingly, CNO was greatest in P2 (14.3%, n = 6/42) compared to P1 (2.6%, n = 3/117) and P3 (6.1%, n = 3/49) (P = 0.020). Seemingly, ceftriaxone-based regimens are more successful and require shorter therapy than the oral treatment protocol.

[Epidemiological and microbiological evaluation of nosocomial infections caused by Candida species]. / Candida Türlerine Bagli Nozokomiyal Enfeksiyonlarin Epidemiyolojik ve Mikrobiyolojik Açidan Degerlendirilmesi.

Nosocomial infections due to candida species are increasingly gaining importance. In this study, we aimed to determine the risk factors associated with nosocomial candida infections and also to determine the species and antifungal sensitivity of candida strains. Candida spp. strains isolated from the clinical specimens of 92 patients who were hospitalized in Ankara Research and Training Hospital between May 2008 and September 2009 were prospectively included in the study. The demographic features, clinical and laboratory findings of the patients were recorded. Identification and antifungal sensitivities of the candida species were determined by VITEC 2 Compact System (BioMeriéux, France). Invasive candida infection was determined in 79 (85.9%) and candida colonization was found in 13 (14.1%) of the patients. Types of candida infections were as follows; urinary tract infection in 57 (72.1%), candidemia in 26 (32.9%), surgical site infection in 6 (7.5%) and intraabdominal infection in 3 (%3.8) patients. According to the univariate analysis, being female gender, duration and rate of hospitalization in the intensive care unit, use of linezolid, prolonged duration of urinary catheterization and total parenteral nutrition and the duration of central venous catheterization were found significantly higher in the urinary tract infection group. In candidemia group, carbapenem use, rates and periods of central venous catheterization and total parenteral nutrition were detected higher which were statistically significant. In multivariate analysis for urinary tract infections female gender (Odds ratio: 3; 95% CI: 1.25-7.17) and prolonged stay (p= 0.031) in intensive care unit; for candidemia use of total parenteral nutrition (OR: 16.25; 95% CI: 2.07-127.35) were found as independent risk factors. A total of 114 Candida spp. Strains were isolated from the clinical specimens. The most common isolated species were C.albicans (n= 62, 54.4%), C.glabrata (n= 16, 14%) and C.tropicalis (n= 13, 11.4%). While the resistance rates of Candida spp. To fluconazole and flucytosine were 2.6% and 1.7% respectively, there was no resistance to voriconazole. The rate of isolates with amphotericin B MIC values > 1 µg/ml was 4.4%. Consequently, the restricted use of central venous catheter and shortening the length of stay in intensive care unit may prevent the development of invasive candida infections. The local surveillance of antifungal resistance in candida strains might aid to the decision of empirical antifungal therapy.

Comparison of ceftazidime-avibactam susceptibility testing methods against OXA-48-like carrying Klebsiella blood stream isolates.

Ceftazidime-avibactam exhibits good in vitro activity against carbapenem resistant Klebsiella carrying OXA-48-like enzymes. We tested two hundred unique carbapenem resistant Klebsiella blood stream isolates (71% with single OXA-48-like carbapenemases, including OXA-48, n = 62; OXA-232, n = 57; OXA-244, n = 17; OXA-181, n = 5) that were collected as part of a multicentre study against ceftazidime-avibactam using Etest (bioMérieux, Marcyl'Étoile, France), 10/4 µg disc (Thermo Fisher) and Sensititre Gram Negative EURGNCOL Plates (Lyophilized panels, Sensititre, Thermo Fisher) with the aim of comparing the performances of the Etest and disc to that of Sensititre. Ceftazidime-avibactam MIC50/90 was 2/>16 mg/L for the entire collection and was 2/4 mg/L for single OXA-48-like producers. Categorical and essential agreements between the Etest and Sensititre were 100% and 97%, respectively. Categorical agreement between the disc and Sensititre was 100%. Etest and 10/4 µg discs are suitable alternatives to Sensititre for ceftazidime-avibactam sensitivity testing for OXA-48-like producers.

High prevalence of ArmA-16S rRNA methyltransferase among aminoglycoside-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream isolates.

Introduction. Aminoglycosides are used for the treatment of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CPK) infections. 16S rRNA methyltransferases (RMTs) confer resistance to all aminoglycosides and are often cocarried with NDM.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. There is a dart of studies looking at the aminoglycoside resistance mechanisms for invasive CPK isolates, particularly in OXA-48 endemic settings.Aim. We aimed to determine the prevalence of RMTs and their association with beta lactamases and MLSTs amongst aminoglycoside-resistant CPK bloodstream isolates in an OXA-48 endemic setting.Methodology. CPK isolates (n=181), collected as part of a multicentre cohort study, were tested for amikacin, gentamicin and tobramycin susceptibility using custom-made sensititre plates (GN2XF, Thermo Fisher Scientific). All isolates were previously subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Carbapenemases, RMTs, MLSTs and plasmid incompatibility groups were detected on the assembled genomes.Results. Of the 181 isolates, 109(60 %) were resistant to all three aminoglycosides, and 96 of 109(88 %) aminoglycoside-resistant isolates carried an RMT (85 ArmA, 10 RmtC, 4 RmtF1; three isolates cocarried ArmA and RmtC). Main clonal types associated with ArmA were ST2096 (49/85, 58 %) and ST14 (24/85, 28 %), harbouring mainly OXA-232 and OXA-48 +NDM, respectively. RmtC was cocarried with NDM (5/10) on ST395, and NDM +OXA-48 or NDM +KPC (4/10) on ST14, ST15 and ST16. All RMT producers also carried CTX-M-15, and the majority cocarried SHV-106, TEM-150 and multiple other antibiotic resistance genes. The majority of the isolates harboured a combination of IncFIB, IncH and IncL/M type plasmids. Non-NDM producing isolates remained susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam.Conclusion. Aminoglycoside resistance amongst CPK bloodstream isolates is extremely common and mainly driven by clonal spread of ArmA carried on ST2096 and ST14, associated with OXA-232 and OXA48 +NDM carriage, respectively.

Assessment of the requisites of microbiology based infectious disease training under the pressure of consultation needs.

BACKGROUND: Training of infectious disease (ID) specialists is structured on classical clinical microbiology training in Turkey and ID specialists work as clinical microbiologists at the same time. Hence, this study aimed to determine the clinical skills and knowledge required by clinical microbiologists. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out between June 1, 2010 and September 15, 2010 in 32 ID departments in Turkey. Only patients hospitalized and followed up in the ID departments between January-June 2010 who required consultation with other disciplines were included. RESULTS: A total of 605 patients undergoing 1343 consultations were included, with pulmonology, neurology, cardiology, gastroenterology, nephrology, dermatology, haematology, and endocrinology being the most frequent consultation specialties. The consultation patterns were quite similar and were not affected by either the nature of infections or the critical clinical status of ID patients. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study show that certain internal medicine subdisciplines such as pulmonology, neurology and dermatology appear to be the principal clinical requisites in the training of ID specialists, rather than internal medicine as a whole.

Assessment of Pulmonary Arterial Hemodynamic and Vascular Changes by Pulmonary Pulse Transit Time in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary arterial hypertension and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a well-known association. Pulmonary pulse transit time (pPTT) is a recent echocardiographic marker that might be used for evaluation of pulmonary arterial stiffness (PAS) in patients with HIV infection. We aimed to investigate whether pPTT elevated in patients with HIV infection compared to healthy controls and its association with echocardiographic indices of right ventricular functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty HIV (+) patients from infectious disease outpatient clinics and fifty age- and sex-matched HIV (-) healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. pPTT was measured from pulmonary vein flow velocity as the time interval between the R-wave in the electrocardiography and corresponding peak late systolic was then calculated as the mean from two separate pw-Doppler measurements. RESULTS: pPTT, tricuspid annular peak systolic excursion (TAPSE) and right ventricle fractional area change (FAC) were significantly lower in patients with HIV than control patients (177.1 ± 34.9 vs. 215.7 ± 35.7 msn, P < 0.001; 2.33 ± 0.28 vs. 2.19 ± 0.22, P = 0.039; 45 [4.25] vs. 41.1 [4.0], P = 0.032, respectively). pPTT was positively correlated with FAC, TAPSE and cluster of differentiation 4 count (r = 0.210; P = 0.036, r = 0.256; P = 0.041, r = 0.304; P = 0.044, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that pPTT, TAPSE, and right ventricle FAC levels were lower in patients with HIV infection. pPTT is an important predictor in patients with HIV expected to develop pulmonary vascular pathology.

Real-World Data from Turkey: Is Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir With or Without Ribavirin Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis C Really Effective?

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir-based therapies in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in real-world clinical practice. METHODS: Data from patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with SOF/LDV ± RBV or SOF/RBV in 31 centers across Turkey between April 1, 2017, and August 31, 2018, were recorded in a nationwide database among infectious disease specialists. Demographics, clinical, and virological outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 552 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 51.28 ± 14.2, and 293 (55.8%) were female. The majority had HCV genotype 1b infection (65%), 75.04% of the patients underwent treatment, and non-cirrhosis was present at baseline in 381 patients (72.6%). SOF/LDV ± RBV treatment was given to 477 patients and 48 patients received SOF/RBV according to HCV genotype. The total SVR12 rate was 99% in all patients. Five patients experienced disease relapse during the study and all of them were genotype 2. In patients infected with HCV GT2, SVR12 was 77.3%. SVR was 100% in all patients infected with other HCV genotypes. All treatments were well tolerated by patients without causing severe adverse events. Side effects and side effects-associated treatment discontinuation rates were 28.2% and 0.4%, respectively. Weakness (13.7%) was the common side effect. CONCLUSION: The present real-world data of 525 patients with HCV genotypes 1, 1a, 1b, 3, 4, and 5 who underwent SOF/LDV ± RBV treatment in Turkey demonstrated a high efficacy and safety profile. HCV GT2 patients should be treated with more efficacious treatment.

Brucella: a cause of peripheral neuropathy.

Brucellosis is a common infectious disease in Mediterranean countries. We evaluated the peripheral nerve involvement in patients with brucellosis. Thirty-eight patients with brucellosis were examined. Four of them were excluded because of B(12) deficiency and diabetes mellitus. Thirty-four patients were included. The average age was 43.08 +/- 15.3 years. Patients were divided into two groups according to the abnormality in their peripheral nervous system (PNS) examination. All patients underwent nerve conduction and needle electromyography EMG studies. Twenty normal healthy subjects were used as a control group. Axonal sensorimotor neuropathy was determined in 12 patients who also had abnormality in PNS examination. After 6 months of treatment, nerve conduction studies were nearly normal in these patients. The EMG findings of the remaining 22 patients were normal, as well as the clinical examination. However, the motor conduction velocities of median (p < 0.001), peroneal (p < 0.001), and ulnar (p < 0.05) nerves were decreased, F wave latencies were prolonged in the posterior tibial and peroneal nerve, and distal latency was also prolonged in the posterior tibial nerve (p < 0.05) when compared to healthy subjects. Sensory conduction velocities of the median (p < 0.001), ulnar and sural (p < 0.05) nerve were also decreased. Brucellosis may be considered as a cause of clinical or subclinical peripheral neuropathy and should be evaluated especially in endemic areas.

Infection control implementations at forensic medicine practice: a national survey in Turkey.

Because forensic medicine workers have a greater occupational risk for infectious diseases, strict rules and measures against infections must be implemented at every stage of forensic medicine practices. In this study, we aim to evaluate the infection control implementations in forensic medicine practices in Turkey.A questionnaire survey was mailed to forensic medicine specialists and residents between April and June 2005. The questionnaire consisted of 36 questions whose designed was based on standard precautions and protective barriers against infectious risks.In all, 111 doctors from 27 different cities responded to the questionnaire. Of those doctors who responded, 43.2% reported performing external examination anywhere. The percentage of doctors performing external examinations who regularly wore gloves, masks, and gowns, and washed hands with a disinfectant were 81.5%, 24.7%, 30.9%, and 81.5%, respectively. The percentage of doctors performing autopsies who regularly wore masks, protective eye-wear, gloves, special gloves, and special boots were 59.6%, 10.6%, 98.9%, 71.3%, and 36.2%, respectively. Only 2 negative pressure rooms were reported.According to these results, precautionary measures against infectious risks in forensic medicine practice in our country are insufficient. Conditions to facilitate and to improve the compliance with infection control procedures must be prepared.

Risk factors for fatality in patients with Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a potentially fatal viral disease. In this study, the aim was to investigate the prognostic factors affecting the patient's survival and risk factors to fatality. At Ondokuz Mayis University Faculty of Medicine, a tertiary referral centre near the CCHF epidemic region, patients with typical clinical findings and indicative microbiological results for IgM and/or reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction of CCHF virus were enrolled in the study, from 2004 to 2007. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to their survival outcomes; group I (n = 44) survived patients and group II (n = 6) consisted of fatal cases. The median platelet count was significantly lower in the fatal group (11000/mm(3)) when compared to the survived group (49500/mm(3)). Aspartate transferase and alanine transferase (ALT) levels were significantly higher in group II, when compared to group I. Also, the median range of serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) levels were much more elevated, and prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were prolonged in fatal cases. There was also a significant difference in median age of these two groups. Advanced age, late admission, low platelet count, increased AST, ALT, CPK and LDH levels, and prolonged PT and aPTT could be an early indicator of poor prognosis in patients with CCHF.