Blastocystis subtypes in irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease in Ankara, Turkey.

Blastocystis infection has been reported to be associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and chronic diarrhoea. The availability of data on the subtypes of Blastocystis found in these patient groups would be of interest in understanding the significance of Blastocystis infection in chronic illness. In this study, we identify Blastocystis subtypes found in patients presenting with IBS, IBD, chronic diarrhoea and asymptomatic patients in Ankara, Turkey. Blastocystis was detected in 11 symptomatic patients by microscopy and 19 by stool culture. Stool culture was more sensitive than microscopy in identifying Blastocystis. Using standard nomenclature adopted in 2007, Blastocystis sp. subtype 3 was the most common in all groups, followed by Blastocystis sp. subtype 2. Identical subtypes of Blastocystis are found in patients with IBS, IBD and chronic diarrhoea. These particular subtypes show low host specificity and are carried by humans and some farm animals. The subtypes of Blastocystis that are commonly found in rodents and certain wild birds were not found in these patients. We suggest a model in which the severity of enteric protozoan infection may be mediated by host factors.

Investigation of the prevalence of amoebiasis in Izmir province and determination of Entamoeba spp. using PCR and enzyme immunoassay.

Amoebiasis is a common and life-threatening disease. The discrimination of the pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica from the non-pathogenic Entamoeba dispar could be done by advanced methods such as enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and PCR. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of amoebiasis in Izmir province, and differentiate the Entamoeba species by PCR and EIA. Stool samples of 2,047 individuals were examined by direct microscopy, formalin ethyl acetate concentration, trichrome staining and culture, and those found to be positive for E. histolytica/dispar by any of these methods were further analyzed by PCR and EIA for species identification. Fifty-nine of 2,047 (2.9%) stool samples were found to be positive for E. histolytica/dispar with microscopy and/or culture. Among these positive samples, E. histolytica was detected in 14 (23.7%) and 5 (8.5%) samples with PCR and antigen-specific ELISA (EIA), respectively. E. dispar was diagnosed in 31 (52.5%) and 52 (88.1%) of 59 samples with species-specific PCR and EIA, respectively. Risk factors related to infection with Entamoeba spp. and other intestinal parasites included living in shanty houses (p < 0.01), a history of recent immigration to Izmir (p < 0.01), having no social security (p < 0.05) and living with a crowded family (p < 0.01). The results demonstrated the significance of amoebiasis as a public health problem among people with low socio-economic status in Izmir province.

Two cases of rarely recognized infection with Entamoeba moshkovskii.

We report two cases (a 36-year-old woman and 2-year-old girl) infected with Entamoeba moshkovskii in Turkey. Entamoeba moshkovskii was identified and distinguished from the morphologically identical parasites E. histolytica and E. dispar by a nested polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the small subunit ribosomal DNA gene.

Co-infection of Giardia intestinalis and Cyclospora cayetanensis in an immunocompetent patient with prolonged diarrhea: case report.

Cyclospora cayetanensis is an agent of emerging infectious disease, and a recognized cause of diarrhea in some patients. Also, the flagellated protozoan, Giardia intestinalis, induces a diarrheal illness of the small intestine. Cases of cyclosporiasis are frequently missed, primarily due to the fact that the parasite can be quite difficult to detect in human fecal samples, despite an increasing amount of data regarding this parasite. On the other hand, G. intestinalis can be readily recognized via the microscopic visualization of its trophozoite or cyst forms in stained preparations or unstained wet mounts. In this report, we describe an uncommon case of co-infection with G. intestinalis and C. cayetanensis in an immunocompetent patient with prolonged diarrhea, living in a non-tropical region of Turkey.

The scolicidal effects of honey.

Echinococcosis is a zoonosis that is caused by adult or larval tapeworms belonging to the genus Echinococcus. Until now, no studies have sought to determine the scolicidal effects of honey. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to explore the scolicidal effects of honey in different concentrations for various exposure times. Tubes that contained at least 500 protoscolices were supplemented with 1%, 5%, 10%, 25%, and 50% concentrations of honey. Tubes were maintained at room temperature for 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 min. At the end of the incubation times, the viability of protoscolices was assessed through a trypan blue exclusion test. The effective dose of honey was applied intraperitoneally to determine whether it caused an anaphylactic reaction or hyperglycemia. Honey concentrations of 10% or greater killed all protoscolices. The scolicidal effects of honey began at the end of the third minute. Honey did not cause adverse effects when applied intraperitoneally. In this study, an investigation of the scolicidal effects of honey showed that it is highly effective at a 10% concentration. On the basis of in vivo study results, the investigators concluded that honey is a potent scolicidal agent.

Eradication of Blastocystis in humans: Really necessary for all?

Blastocystis (initially named as Blastocystis hominis) has long been known as a protist without any clinical significance. However, there is now a huge pile of case reports where Blastocystis is blamed for the symptoms and the infection described in the patients. Introduction of the presence of as many as 17 Blastocystis subtypes while many infected individuals are non-symptomatic initially brought about the correlation between the subtypes and pathogenicity; however, the outcomes of these trials were not consistent and did not explain its pathogenicity. Today, it is mostly acknowledged that Blastocystis may colonize many individuals but the infection's onset depends on the interaction between the virulence of parasites and host's immune competence. Eradication of Blastocystis is essential in some cases where it is the only infectious agent and patient is suffering from some symptoms. In such cases, metronidazole is the drug of choice but its efficacy is relatively low in some cases. Other agents used include trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, paromomycin, and furazolidone. Recent studies on the interactions between human health and the role of gut microbiota introduces new data which may significantly change our point of view against some protists, which we tend to see as "parasites requiring urgent eradication for cure". May the presence or absence of some Blastocystis subtypes necessary for human health, or is the absence or presence of certain Blastocystis subtypes in human gut is associated with certain diseases/infections? The answers of these questions will surely guide us to select patients requiring treatment against Blastocystis infection in future.

Is the incidence of malaria decreasing in endemic area of Turkey?

Much international business and tourism travels occur, as well as the deployment of soldiers to other places. The aim of this study was both to determine incidence of malaria in the military hospital, Diyarbakir, southeast region of Turkey, and to point out the incidence of this disease. During the study period (1997-2004), 609 cases were found in a military hospital, which is in an endemic area for vivax malaria. This article review trends in current malaria status as well as possible factors for the decreasing prevalence throughout the study period.

Classification of Giardia duodenalis parasites in Turkey into groups A and B using restriction fragment length polymorphism.

PCR-RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis was used to determine the relation of Giardia duodenalis Groups A and B. Of these, 17 (85%) were found as Group A in symptomatic cases; 22 (92%) were Group B in asymptomatic cases by using PCR-RFLP (p < 0.001). Interestingly, 5 (83%) were Group A in examination of endoscopy aspirates of symptomatic cases, as 5 (83%) were Group B in asymptomatic cases.

Performance of the immunoglobulin G avidity and enzyme immunoassay IgG/IgM screening tests for differentiation of the clinical spectrum of toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis has been well known as an important human infection to consider especially in pregnant women. Although many serologic methods are available, the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis can be extremely difficult. The presence of increased levels of Toxoplasma-specific IgG antibodies indicates an infection, but it does not differentiate between a recent and past infection. The purpose of our study was to compare the performance of the ELISA T. gondii IgG/IgM test, a widely used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, to the ELISA IgG avidity method. One hundred and four serum samples (from 38 males and 66 females) were tested and evaluated from symptomatic patients (chorioretinitis, lymphadenopathy), and from women in their first trimester of pregnancy who were suspected of having toxoplasmosis. The high IgG avidity and ELISA IgG antibody levels were in agreement for 51 of the specimens (49.0%). Thirty-eight discrepant (borderline) results from the IgG avidity method were positive for IgM (3 specimens) and IgG (37 specimens). Interestingly, out of the eight serum samples that were positive for both IgG and IgM antibodies, two samples were low IgG avidity, and three samples were borderline. There was no statistically significant relation observed between the results of the IgG avidity method and the ELISA IgG test, and the IgG avidity method and ELISA IgM test (chi2 = 1.987; p = 0.370 and chi2 = 2.152; p = 0.341, respectively). The IgG avidity method was considered easy to perform and an acceptable approach for the differentiation of discrepant results (recent/chronic) and for the current detection of T. gondii antibodies. We concluded that the determination of IgG avidity is a helpful tool for the diagnosis of the ocular form of toxoplasmosis and it is a safe method for screening this disease in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Prevalence and treatment of Pediculus humanus capitis with 1% permethrin and 0.4% d-phenothrin in Turkey.

Pediculosis humanus capitis (head lice) is an important public health problem among school children. In our study, 20,612 schoolchildren (10,367 boys, 10,245 girls) were examined for Pediculus humanus capitis in 36 elementary schools between December 1996 and February 1998 in Ankara, Turkey. The prevalence of pediculosis capitis infestation was found to be 3.4% (701/20,612). Of these, 382 students were treated with application of 1% permethrin cream rinse, and 184 students with 0.4% d-phenothrin shampoo. On day 14 of the controlled trial, the success rates were 93.7% in the 1% permethrin cream rinse group and 75.5% in the 0.4% d-phenothrin shampoo group. The 1% permethrin cream rinse was also significantly more active in pediculicidal efficacy when compared to the 0.4% d-phenothrin shampoo (p<0.001). As a result, these findings demonstrate that pediculosis capitis still remains a widespread health problem.

The prevalence of intestinal parasites in the province of Izmir, Turkey.

Stool samples of a total of 2,047 people in Izmir province were examined by wet mount, formalin ethyl acetate concentration, and trichrome staining methods with an aim to reveal the prevalence of intestinal parasites in Izmir together with related personal and environmental risk factors. Geographical mapping showing the density and variation of the species of intestinal parasites in Izmir was done after all maps were scaled, and the coordinates were determined with GeoMedia5.0. The prevalence of the intestinal parasites was found to be 25.6% in Izmir, with a variation between the districts. Blastocystis hominis was the leading parasite, and the prevalence of parasites was higher in children compared to adults; however, the difference was statistically insignificant. There was also no significant difference between the parasite prevalence and sex, marital status, education, income, frequent eating outside, and habitual raw meat eating. Significant differences were found between the parasite prevalence and crowded families, early immigrants, individuals with no social security, and people living in close contact with their livestock. The parasites were found to be less common among individuals who had been drinking bottled water and living in a house with a sewage system. The results demonstrated a correlation between the intestinal parasites and environmental conditions in our study group. We further plan to expand the study group to cover all regions of Turkey.

Case report: Isospora belli infection in a renal transplant recipent.

Isospora belli, an opportunistic protozoon, is one of the most commonly recognized causes of diarrhea in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Infection is acquired through fecal contaminated food or water, and generally diagnosed by examination of stool and/or duodenum biopsy specimens with acid-fast staining. Here, we present an uncommon case, chronic diarrhea caused by I. belli infection in a patient who is a renal transplant recipient.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of propolis samples from different geographical origins against certain oral pathogens.

Propolis is an agent having antimicrobial properties, however, its composition can vary depending on the area where it is collected. In the present study, the antimicrobial activity of five propolis samples, collected from four different regions in Turkey and from Brazil, against nine anaerobic strains was evaluated. Ethanol extracts of propolis (EEP) were prepared from propolis samples and we determined minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of EEP on the growth of test microorganisms by using agar dilution method. All strains were susceptible and MIC values ranged from 4 to 512 microg/ml for propolis activity. Propolis from Kazan-Ankara showed most effective MIC values to the studied microorganisms. MBC values of Kazan-Ankara EEP samples were ranged from 8 to 512 microg/ml. Death was observed within 4 h of incubation for Peptostreptococcus anaerobius and micros and Lactobacillus acidophilus and Actinomyces naeslundii, while 8 h for Prevotella oralis and Prevotella melaninogenica and Porphyromonas gingivalis, 12 h for Fusobacterium nucleatum, 16 h for Veillonella parvula. It was shown that propolis samples were more effective against Gram positive anaerobic bacteria than Gram negative ones. The organic chemical compositions of EEPs were determined by high-resolution gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The main compounds of EEPs were flavonoids such as pinobanksin, quercetin, naringenin, galangine, chrysin and aromatic acids such as cafeic acid. Because of increased antimicrobial resistance, propolis may be kept in mind in the treatment of oral cavity diseases.

Evaluation on scolicidal efficacy of propolis.

BACKGROUND: Propolis is a resinous material collected by bees from various plants. It has antimicrobial, antioxidative, immunostimulative, and regenerative properties. We determined the scolicidal effect of propolis in different concentrations and various exposure times. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tubes containing Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces were supplemented with different concentrations of ethyl alcohol extract of propolis. At the end of the incubation times, viability of protoscoleces was assessed by trypan blue exclusion test. We also applied 5 ml of 1 microg/ml propolis intraperitoneally for determination of side effects and mortality rates. RESULTS: We determined that 1 microg/ml concentration of propolis killed all of the protoscoleces at the end of the 3rd minute. In the in vivo part of the study, intraperitoneal application of propolis did not cause any side effects or mortality. CONCLUSION: We concluded that this natural agent can be used as a potent scolicidal agent after studies which will determine in vivo efficacy and the effects on liver and biliary tree when injected directly into the common bile duct.

Saccharomyces boulardii and infection due to Giardia lamblia.

Therapy with metronidazole is the recommended option in giardiasis. However, some clinical trial reports suggest the appearance of drug resistance to explain therapeutic failure. Several investigations have been carried out on the effect of probiotic microorganisms for preventing or treating gastrointestinal diseases, but little is known about their efficacy against protozoal infections. The principal objective of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii against Giardia lamblia infections. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was carried out on adult patients with giardiasis. Group 1 (30 patients) included metronidazole 750 mg 3 times daily along with S. boulardii capsules (250 mg b.i.d. orally) for 10 d while group 2 (35 patients) was treated with metronidazole 750 mg 3 times daily and with empty capsules as placebo for 10 d. Patients were re-examined at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment, and stool examinations were performed. At week 2, G. lamblia cysts were detected in 6 cases (17.1%) of group 2 and none in group 1. At the end of the fourth week, presence of the cysts continued in the same 6 cases in group 2 (control group). These findings indicated that S. boulardii may be effective in treating giardiasis when combined with metronidazole therapy.

Comparison of two methods (microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) for the diagnosis of amebiasis.

Diagnosis of amebiasis is usually performed on a clinical basis alone in most endemic countries having limited economic resources. This epidemiological study was conducted using modern diagnostic tests for amebiasis in the southeastern region of Turkey, an endemic area for amebiasis. The population of this study included patients with symptomatic diarrhea/dysentery attending both Yuzuncu Yil University, Van and Harran University, Sanliurfa, Turkey. A total of 380 stool specimens were collected and examined for Entamoeba by light microscopy (fresh, lugol, and trichrome staining) and stool antigen detection based- enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (EIA) test (TechLab Entamoeba histolytica II). 24% (91/380) of stool specimens were positive for E. histolytica/Entamoeba dispar trophozoites/cysts microscopically using trichrome staining. 13% (51/380) of the stool specimens were found to be positive for E. histolytica by the EIA test, including 15% (14/91) of microscopy (+) stool specimens and 13% (37/289) of microscopy (-) stool specimens. Enteric parasites were common in these populations with 66% (251/380) of the study population harboring more than one parasite. In addition to the 13% (51/380) of patients determined to have E. histolytica by EIA, eighty-six patients (22.6%) had Blastocystis hominis, 54 (14.2%) Entamoeba coli, 44 (11.5%) Giardia lamblia, 16 (4.2%) Chilomastix mesnili, 15 (3.9%) Iodamoeba bütschlii, 12 (3.1%) Hymenolepis nana, 9 (2.3%) Endolimax nana, 9 (2.3%) Dientamoeba fragilis, and 8 (2.1%) had Ascaris lumbricoides. We concluded that E. histolytica infection was found in 13% of the patients presenting with diarrhea in Van and Sanliurfa Turkey.

Maggot debridement therapy in the treatment of chronic wounds in a military hospital setup in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: The medicinal use of maggots for the biological debridement of chronic wounds is increasing around the world, due to its efficacy, safety and simplicity. Thousands of patients have been treated in private and governmental hospitals during the last 10 years. OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of maggot debridement therapy (MDT) in the debridement of chronic wounds in a military hospital. METHODS: MDT was applied for 1-9 days to 7 male and 4 female soldiers or their family members (21-72 years old) with chronic wounds. RESULTS: Complete debridement was achieved in 10 out of 11 patients, while in 1 patient the wound could be cleaned only partially. A remarkable reduction in the odor emanating from the wound and notable granulation were observed in all debrided wounds. Increased pain was observed in 1 patient with a venous stasis ulcer. CONCLUSION: We believe that MDT is a rapid and effective method for the debridement of chronic wounds in a military environment especially in times of war in developing countries.

Laboratory diagnosis of amebiasis.

The detection of Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of amebiasis, is an important goal of the clinical microbiology laboratory. To assess the scope of E. histolytica infection, it is necessary to utilize accurate diagnostic tools. As more is discovered about the molecular and cell biology of E. histolytica, there is great potential for further understanding the pathogenesis of amebiasis. Molecular biology-based diagnosis may become the technique of choice in the future because establishment of these protozoa in culture is still not a routine clinical laboratory process. In all cases, combination of serologic tests with detection of the parasite (by antigen detection or PCR) offers the best approach to diagnosis, while PCR techniques remain impractical in many developing country settings. The detection of amebic markers in serum in patients with amebic colitis and liver abscess appears promising but is still only a research tool. On the other hand, stool antigen detection tests offer a practical, sensitive, and specific way for the clinical laboratory to detect intestinal E. histolytica. All the current tests suffer from the fact that the antigens detected are denatured by fixation of the stool specimen, limiting testing to fresh or frozen samples.