Comparison of Candida colonization in intensive care unit patients with and without COVID-19: First prospective cohort study from Turkey.

Candida species are the primary cause of fungal infections in intensive care units (ICUs). Despite the increasing prevalence of Candida-related infections, monitoring the progression of these infections from colonization in COVID-19 ICU patients lacks sufficient information. This study aims prospectively to compare 62 COVID-19 and 60 non-COVID-19 ICU patients from admission to discharge in terms of colonization development, rates, isolated Candida species, risk factors, and Candida infections during hospitalization. A total of 1464 samples were collected at specific time intervals from various body sites [mouth, skin (axilla), rectal, and urine]. All samples were inoculated onto CHROMagar Candida and CHROMagar Candida Plus media, and isolates identified using MALDI-TOF MS. COVID-19 patients exhibited significantly higher colonization rates in oral, rectal, and urine samples compared to non-COVID-19 patients, (p < 0.05). Among the Candida species, non-albicans Candida was more frequently detected in COVID-19 patients, particularly in oral (75.8%-25%; p < 0.001) and rectal regions (74.19% - 46.66%; p < 0.05). Colonization with mixed Candida species was also more prevalent in the oropharyngeal region (p < 0.05). Mechanical ventilation and corticosteroid use emerged as elevated risk factors among COVID-19 patients (p < 0.05). Despite the colonization prevalence, both COVID-19-positive and negative patients exhibited low incidences of Candida infections, with rates of 9.67% (n = 6/62) and 6.67% (n = 3/60), respectively. Consequently, although Candida colonization rates were higher in COVID-19 ICU patients, there was no significant difference in Candida infection development compared to the non-COVID-19 group. However, the elevated rate of non-albicans Candida isolates highlights potential future infections, particularly given their intrinsic resistance in prophylactic or empirical treatments if needed. Additionally, the high rate of mixed colonization emphasizes the importance of using chromogenic media for routine evaluation.

This is the first prospective cohort study comparing Candida colonization features including species and body sites from the time of admission to the externalization in intensive care unit patients with and without COVID-19. It provides key points that can be referenced for fungal approaches in future disasters.

[An Important Problem in AdV-36 Seropositive Obesity Patients: Leptin Resistance]. / AdV-36 Seropozitif Olan Obez Hastalarda Önemli Bir Sorun: Leptin Direnci.

Adenoviruses are naked viruses with an icosahedral nucleocapsid containing a 36 kb linear double-stranded DNA genome that encodes 30-40 proteins. The word "obesity" in Latin means "because of feeding". Obesity is an energy metabolism pathology that paves the way for physical and psychological problems with excessive fat accumulation that can impair health. Body mass index (BMI), unaffected by gender and age, is the most useful indicator of overweight and obesity at the population level. The concept of infectobesity was first introduced in 1978 after the data showed that viruses might also play a role in obesity cases. In the same year, adenovirus 36 (AdV-36) was isolated from the stool of a six-year-old girl with diabetes who was admitted to the hospital with the complaint of enteritis. One of the adipokines important for obesity is leptin. Leptin regulates food intake and energy metabolism by having a "negative feedback" effect on the hypothalamus. Leptin acts as a sensor that acutely regulates energy metabolism by creating hunger and satiety signals and it also regulates the amount of body fat and the required weight of the person by adjusting its concentration in the plasma according to the nutritional status. Changes in body weight and metabolic status are often associated with acute or chronic inflammatory processes. Human cells infected by AdV-36 showed greater differentiation and higher lipid accumulation than uninfected control cells, which increases the prevalence of obesity. There are two fractions of serum leptin, protein-bound and free form. The balance between these two fractions depends on serum leptin and soluble leptin receptor (sLR) plasma concentration, which is adversely affected by BMI. AdV-36 infection reduces norepinephrine and leptin levels. These two effects contribute to obesity by increasing appetite and food intake. In this study, it was aimed to determine the presence of immunoglobulin G against AdV-36 in the blood serum of obesity patients (BMI≥ 30) and healthy weight individuals (18.5≤ BMI≤ 25), and also aimed to determine and compare the leptin and soluble leptin receptor levels of these individuals. In this study, 10 ml of blood was collected on an empty stomach from obese individuals (n= 101; BMI≥ 30) and healthy individuals (n= 96; 18.5≤ BMI≤ 25) between the ages of 18-55. All participants consisted of who were not taking any medication and were not immunosuppressed. Blood samples separated into their serum were analyzed for AdV-36 IgG, leptin, and soluble leptin receptor levels. Mean, standard deviation, and percentage values were calculated by descriptive statistical analysis. The data with normal distribution were evaluated with the paired and independent sample t-test and data with abnormal distribution were evaluated with the paired and independent sample Mann-Whitney U test. Findings with a p-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. In conclusion, leptin levels in obese individuals who were not infected with Adv-36 were found to be low, in line with the principle that "insufficient leptin synthesis has a role in the pathophysiology of obesity". When AdV-36 infection is added to the obesity picture, it may be due to the fact that it increases leptin synthesis in patients and the level of soluble leptin receptors increases in response to the increased leptin level, that AdV-36 suppresses the binding of the leptin molecule to its receptor, which leads to leptin resistance.

Humoral response and safety of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in children with rheumatic diseases.

OBJECTIVES: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine represents a cornerstone in tackling the pandemic and with the approval of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in December 2020, it has become a beacon of hope for people around the world, including children. This study aimed to present the data on the humoral response and safety of vaccine in a cohort of patients with paediatric rheumatic diseases receiving immunomodulatory treatments. METHODS: Forty-one children with paediatric rheumatic diseases were included and were vaccinated with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine (two doses of 30 µg administered 3-4 weeks apart). To assess the humoral response, IgG antibodies developed against the S1/Receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein at baseline and 3-4 weeks after the second dose were measured. The possible local and systemic side effects and disease activity scores were evaluated during the study period. RESULTS: After the second dose of vaccine, markedly elevated anti-RBD IgG titres were observed in all patients with a median titre of 20 474 AU/ml [interquartile range (IQR) 6534-36 151] with a good safety profile. The median disease duration was 4.3 (IQR 3.5-5.6) years. In the cohort, 14 (34.1%) received conventional DMARDs (cDMARDs), 16 (39%) received biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) and 11 (26.8%) received a combined therapy (cDMARDs and bDMARDs). Patients treated with combined therapy [median 4695 (IQR 2764-26 491)] had significantly lower median titres of anti-RBD IgG than those receiving only cDMARDs. CONCLUSION: Paediatric rheumatic diseases patients receiving immunomodulatory treatments were able to mount an effective humoral response after two dose regimens of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine safely without interrupting their current treatments.

The association of CMV infection with bacterial and fungal infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: a retrospective single-center study.

This study aims to evaluate the probable association between CMV infection and bacterial or fungalinfections in 91 consecutive adult patients who underwent autologous or allogeneic HSCT within aperiod of two years.The medical records of the patients were retrospectively reviewed. Blood cultures were evaluatedby an automated blood culture system. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performedto detect CMV DNA.CMV infection and CMV disease were detected in 42 (46%) and six (6.6%) patients, respectively. Ofthe 158 microorganisms isolated, 115 (73%) were Gram-positive bacteria. Bacteremia and fungemiadeveloped in 55 (60%) and eight (8%) patients, respectively. Concurrent CMV infection and bacteremiawere detected in 17 (18.7%) patients and concurrent CMV infection and fungal infection weredetected in five (5.5%) patients. Graft versus host disease (GVHD) developed in 15 (50%) allogeneicHSCT recipients and two (2.2%) autologous HSCT recipients. Twenty-one (23%) patients including13 (43%) allogeneic and eight (13%) autologous HSCT recipients died.The most common infection is bacteremia, and it develops concurrently with CMV infection in approximatelyone-fifth of HSCT recipients. Gram-positive bacteria are more common in bacteremia.Further studies on the follow-up and treatment of infections after HSCT will improve post-HSCTsurvival rates.

Radiological Findings in SARS-CoV-2 Viral Pneumonia Compared to Other Viral Pneumonias: A Single-Centre Study.

Background: Thorax computed tomography (CT) imaging is widely used as a diagnostic method in the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related pneumonia. Radiological differential diagnosis and isolation of other viral agents causing pneumonia in patients have gained importance, particularly during the pandemic. Aims: We aimed to investigate whether there is a difference between CT images from patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia compared to CT images of patients with pneumonia due to other viral agents and which finding may be more effective in diagnosis. Study Design. The study included 249 adult patients with pneumonia identified by thorax CT examination and with a positive COVID-19 RT-PCR test compared to 94 patients diagnosed with non-COVID-19 pneumonia (viral PCR positive but no bacterial or fungal agents detected in other cultures) between 2015 and 2019. CT images were retrospectively analyzed using the PACS system. CT findings were evaluated by two radiologists with 5 and 20 years of experience, in a blinded fashion, and the outcome was decided by consensus. Methods: Demographic data (age, gender, and known chronic disease) and CT imaging findings (percentage of involvement, number of lesions, distribution preference, dominant pattern, ground-glass opacity distribution pattern, nodule, tree in bud sign, interstitial changes, crazy paving sign, reversed halo sign, vacuolar sign, halo sign, vascular enlargement, linear opacities, traction bronchiectasis, peribronchial wall thickness, air trapping, pleural retraction, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, cavitation, mediastinal/hilar lymphadenopathy, dominant lesion size, consolidation, subpleural curvilinear opacities, air bronchogram, and pleural thickening) of the patients were evaluated. CT findings were also evaluated with the RSNA consensus guideline and the CORADS scoring system. Data were divided into two main groups-non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 pneumonia-and compared statistically with chi-squared tests and multiple regression analysis of independent variables. Results: RSNA and CORADS classifications of CT scan images were able to successfully differentiate between positive and negative COVID-19 pneumonia patients. Statistically significant differences were found between the two patient groups in various categories including the percentage of involvement, number of lesions, distribution preference, dominant pattern, nodule, tree in bud, interstitial changes, crazy paving, reverse halo vascular enlargement, peribronchial wall thickness, air trapping, pleural retraction, pleural/pericardial effusion, cavitation, and mediastinal/hilar lymphadenopathy (p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis of independent variables found a significant effect in reverse halo sign (ß = 0.097, p < 0.05) and pleural effusion (ß = 10.631, p < 0.05) on COVID-19 pneumonia patients. Conclusion: The presence of reverse halo and absence of pleural effusion was found to be characteristic of COVID-19 pneumonia and therefore a reliable diagnostic tool to differentiate it from non-COVID-19 pneumonia.

Antibody response to two doses of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (CoronaVac) in kidney transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) has high mortality in kidney transplant recipients (KTR), and vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is vital for this population. Although the humoral response to messenger RNA vaccines was shown to be impaired in KTR, there is a lack of data regarding the antibody response to inactivated vaccines. We investigated the antibody response to two consequent doses of the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (CoronaVac; Sinovac Biotech, China). METHODS: A total of 118 patients from two centers were included. The levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin-G antibodies against the nucleocapsid and spike antigens were determined with enzyme immunoassay (DIA.PRO; Milano, Italy) before the vaccine and one month after the second dose of the vaccine. Thirty-three patients were excluded due to antibody positivity in the serum samples obtained before vaccination. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients, 47 of whom were female, with a mean age of 46 ± 12, were included in the statistical analysis. The maintenance immunosuppressive therapy comprised tacrolimus (88.2%), mycophenolate (63.6%), and low-dose steroids (95.3%) in the majority of the patients. After a median of 31 days following the second dose of the vaccine, only 16 (18.8%) patients developed an antibody response. The median (IQR) antibody level was 52.5 IU/ml (21.5-96). Age (48 vs. 38, p = .005) and serum creatinine levels (1.14 vs. 0.91, p = .04) were higher in non-responders and were also found to be independently associated with the antibody response (odds ratio (OR): 0.93, p = 0.012 and 0.15, p = 0.045, respectively) in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found the antibody response to the inactivated vaccine to be considerably low (18.8%) in KTR. Increased age and impaired renal function were associated with worse antibody response. Based on the knowledge that mRNA vaccines yield better humoral responses, this special population might be considered for additional doses of mRNA vaccination.

[First Case of COVID-19 Positive Candida auris Fungemia in Turkey]. / Türkiye'de Ilk COVID-19 Pozitif Candida auris Fungemi Olgusu.

Candida auris is a species of fungus that has gained importance in recent years owing to its ability to cause hospital infections and epidemics, resistant to antifungal agents and disinfection processes and frequently misidentified by commercial systems. Hospital outbreaks caused by C.auris have been reported from some countries. It has been determined that C.auris has lower virulence than Candida albicans; however, it is associated with high mortality rates in immunocompromised individuals. An increase in the incidence of invasive fungal infections which can lead to serious complications and death, has been identified in severe coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) patients or immunocompromised individuals with underlying disease. Studies demonstrated an increase in the frequency of C.auris isolation in COVID-19 patients with candidemia. In this report, the first case of COVID-19 positive C.auris fungemia detected in Turkey was presented. A 71-year-old male patient with a history of myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, donation of a single kidney and lobectomy surgery due to lung cancer was hospitalized in the pandemic thoracic surgery service due to the findings consistent with viral pneumonia on thoracic computed tomography. Favipiravir 2 x 600 mg and intravenous dexamethasone 1 x 6 mg therapy was administered. The patient tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction, and severe involvement of the left lung was detected in the following days. Antibiotics were administered, followed by insertion of a right jugular vein catheter and initation of tocilizumab. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit due to increased respiratory distress. Yeast growth was detected in the patient's hemoculture. The yeast strain could not be identified using API ID 32C (bioMerieux, France) (Sacchromyces kluyveri, Candida sake, unacceptable profile), but was identified as C.auris using the VITEK MALDI TOF MS (bioMerieux, France) (99.9%) system and confirmed by sequencing. The minimum inhibitor concentration values were detected as 3 µg/ml for amphotericin B; > 256 µg/ml for fluconazole; 0.19 µg/ml for voriconazole; 0.19 µg/ml for itraconazole; 0.016 µg/ml for posaconazole; 1 µg/ml for caspofungin and 0.094 µg/ml for anidulafungin by using the antibiotic gradient method. The patient's initial treatment comprised meropenem 3 x 1 g, vancomycin 2 x 1 g, caspofungin 1 x 70 mg, and continued as caspofungine 1 x 50 mg after the loading dose, and vancomycin 1 x 1 g/48 hours from the third day of treatment. The patient died on the ninth day after developing candidemia. The present case is the first case of fungemia caused by C.auris in a COVID-19 positive patient in Turkey, and it emphasizes the need of caution for fungemia due to C.auris in intensive care units in our country which has a high COVID-19 incidence.

Evaluation of respiratory syncytial virus IgG antibody dynamics in mother-infant pairs cohort.

RSV is one of the most important agents of lower respiratory infections in childhood. In this study, anti-RSV antibody levels in mother-infant pairs and factors related to antibody transfer ratio were investigated. One hundred and twenty-seven women that had term babies and their babies and 84 mother-infant pairs of them who continued the study after 6 months were enrolled. Anti-RSV IgG antibodies of the mothers and infants were positive in 46.5% and 61.5%, respectively. At the sixth month, anti-RSV antibodies were negative in all infants. Median of the anti-RSV antibody levels of the mothers and infants at birth were 12.08 IU/ml (1.21-119.27) and 13.78 IU/ml (3.99-108.6), respectively. There was a significant correlation between anti-RSV antibody levels of mothers and infants at birth (p: 0.0001, r: 0.667) and anti-RSV antibody levels of infants at birth and at 6th month (p: 0.0001, r: 0.343). Median ratio of infant and mother antibody levels was 1.22 (0.14-6.05). Median ratio that was detected in appropriate for gestational age infants was significantly higher than in small for gestational age or large for gestational age infants. In this study, the significant positive correlation between maternal antibody levels and infants' antibody levels at birth suggests that maternal vaccination strategies may be logical. We showed that antibody transfer rate was highest in appropriate for gestational age infants. It should be kept in mind that maternal vaccination strategies may be less effective in small for gestational age and large for gestational age infants.

The Role of Anti-Neutrophil Antibodies in the Etiologic Classification of Childhood Neutropenia: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Center.

Infections, drugs, malignancies, immunodeficiency, and autoimmunity may cause neutropenia. In primary autoimmune neutropenia, anti-neutrophil antibodies (ANeuA) bind to membrane antigens of neutrophils, which give rise to peripheral destruction of neutrophils. However, it is not always easy to detect these antibodies. This study aims to investigate the etiology of neutropenia, and at the same time to evaluate the immune mechanisms by ANeuA testing using granulocyte indirect immunofluorescence test. In our study, 310 neutropenic patients who were between 3 months and 18 years of age were evaluated. ANeuA screening tests were performed in 108 neutropenic patients (group 1), and these patients were divided into 2 subgroups as persistent neutropenia (group 1P, n=12) and recovered neutropenia (group 1R, n=96). Besides, a control group in the same age range was formed, consisting of 39 non-neutropenic children (group 2). ANeuA serum levels were also checked in these groups, and no statistically significant difference could be found between groups 1 and 2, or between groups 1P and 1R, regarding ANeuA levels. As a conclusion, our study was the first comprehensive research in Turkey investigating the large-scale etiology of neutropenia. Moreover, while ANeuA screening tests did not provide sufficient insight for immune neutropenia, we argue that it is not necessary for routine use and that further research in the etiology of neutropenia is required.

Syphilis seroprevalence among HIV-infected males in Istanbul, Turkey.

Syphilis has become a serious issue for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients worldwide in recent years; however, the studies related to HIV coinfection and syphilis reinfections in Istanbul, Turkey, are limited. Our objective was to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis among HIV-infected men in the city which has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Turkey. Two hundred and forty four (244) HIV-positive men were evaluated at Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Microbiology from March to June 2018. Serum samples were screened for the presence of antibodies against Treponema pallidum using the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Samples found to be positive were investigated with the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test and the T. pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA). The patients completed a questionnaire for sociodemographic data. The mean age was found to be 41.8 years; 35.6% were men who have sex with men (MSM). The overall seroprevalence of syphilis among the patients was 19.3%. MSM had a significantly higher seroprevalence than heterosexual patients (28.7%). In Turkey, there is a high seroprevalence of syphilis in HIV-infected patients, MSM being the most affected group. Therefore, HIV-infected patients should be screened for syphilis at least annually and should be informed about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Sexually transmitted agents and their association with leucocytospermia in infertility clinic patients.

In this study, the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvumDNA were investigated using real-time multiplex PCR detection kit in the urine samples of 50 patients who presented to the infertility polyclinic. Patients were classified into two groups in accordance with the WHO leucocytospermia criteria as over 1 × 106 /ml (n = 25) and below 1 × 106 /ml (controls; n = 25). In addition, the semen sample results of the patients were evaluated. The mean leucocyte count in the leucocytospermia group was detected as 3.4 × 106 /ml. Agent positivity was found in 12 of 25 patients in the leucocytospermia group (U. parvum 10, U. urealyticum 3, M. hominis 3) and 9 of 25 patients in the control group (U. parvum 7, U. urealyticum 2, M. hominis 1). A chi-square test evaluation revealed no statistically significant difference between groups. (p = 0.390). The statistical evaluation using the Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests revealed no statistically significant negative effect of agent positivity on semen analysis parameters in either group (p > 0.05). Although no significant difference was detected between the groups, this study provides data about the prevalence of asymptomatic sexually transmitted diseases in patients presenting to the infertility polyclinic.

[Investigation of seropositivity of Bordetella pertussis in adults in a university hospital]. / Bir üniversite hastanesinde yetiskinlerde Bordetella pertussis seropozitifliginin arastirilmasi.

Whooping cough is a vaccine-preventable infectious diseases caused by Bordetella pertussis/parapertussis. Despite of routine immunization programs in the world, pertussis still remains endemic. Recently unvaccinated or partially immunized infants have infected with this pathogen and also increase of incidence was observed in adolescents and adults. The source of pertussis in newborns are attributed to household, especially due to the family members. Theaim of this study was to determine B.pertussis IgG antibody positivity by ELISA method in adults. Eighty-four of the total study population (39.6%) were anti-pertussis IgG positive, 128 (60.4%) were negative. The samples included in the study (n= 212) were divided into three groups according to ages: 19-35 years (Group 1, n= 61), 36-50 years (Group 2, n= 58), 51-65 years (Group 3, n= 93). Anti-pertussis IgG antibody positivity was 26.2% (n= 22) in Group 1, 26.2% (n= 22) in Group 2 and 47.6% (n= 40) in Group 3. According to the anti-pertussis IgG positivity results, no significant difference was observed between genders. The results were obtained as absorbance values by ELISA test, then transformed into semi-quantitative values as NovaTec Test Unit (NTU). NTU positive values were between 11.01-39.4. Ninety four percent of NTU values were in the range of 11.01 to 28.01 and 6% were between 28.01 to 39.4. It was observed that seropositivity rates peaked at ages of 27, 55 and 65. The highest NTU values were observed in the age of 32 in females and in the age of 24 in males. Relatively, low seropositivity values (NT= 15-20) were observed in both females and males to the age of 45 in Group 2. However a slight increase was observed in females after the age of 45. An increase (NTU ≥ 20) was determined in the age of 49 in males. The seropositivity rates were generally low (NT ≤ 20) in females in Group 3, but the highest values (NTU ≥ 30) were observed in 55 and 65 years of age in males in this group. The highest seropositivity (NTI ≥ 30) were in 55 and 65 years of age (NTI ≥ 30) in males and 27 years of age (NTU ≥ 30) in females while in 36-50 age range, it was relatively low (NTI ≤ 20). Routine pertussis vaccination program is not yet implemented for adults in our country. However, the causes more clearly demonstrate the need for adult pertussis vaccination since adults may be incompletely vaccinated or not vaccinated in the childhood, current vaccinations are not available in the childhood of adults, adults become more susceptible to infections as the age increases, life expectancy increases and the likelihood of encountering infections, and childhood vaccination antibodies diminish over time. According to the results of this study, a single dose of pertussis vaccine is recommended to implement for adults in our country.

[Evaluation of sentinel influenza surveillance of the last two seasons: 2013-2014 and 2014-2015]. / Sentinel influenza sürveyansinda son iki sezonun degerlendirilmesi: 2013-2014 ve 2014-2015.

Flu caused by influenza viruses, is a serious public health problem all over the world with its high morbidity and mortality. Therefore World Health Organization (WHO) regularly collects the results of national influenza surveillance, evaluates the results and shares them on international portal. Thus, it provides the possibility of rapid prevention and preparation of countries that needs to be taken on the fight against the epidemic flu. Starting from 2004-2005 season until today the current flu activity in our country is also followed in accordance with sentinel surveillance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of sentinel surveillance data obtained by National Influenza Reference Laboratory in Istanbul University Faculty of Medicine, in 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons. For this purpose, nasal/nasopharyngeal swab samples taken from the patients diagnosed as influenza-like illness by the volunteer family physicians in Izmir, Istanbul, Antalya, Edirne and Bursa were included in the study. A total of 1240 samples were delivered to our laboratory in three days, in Virocult® transport culture medium according to cold chain rules. All the samples were studied by real-time polymerase chain reaction (Rt-PCR) according to the protocols of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In our study, the positivity rates of influenza viruses in 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons were detected as 31.4% (202/641) and 44.4% (289/650), respectively. In 2013-2014 season, influenza A(H3N2) virus was the predominant type with a rate of 93.1% (188/202), and the rest was influenza B virus (14/202; 6.9%). In 2014-2015 season, influenza B virus has been dominated with a rate of 60.2% (174/289), and the rates of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza A(H3N2) were 30.4% (88/289) and 9.3% (27/289), respectively. The flu season in 2013-2014 has started at 48th week and peaked at 52nd week, while it was started later in the second week in 2014-2015 season and peaked at 10th-13th week. The lineage of the influenza B viruses isolated in both seasons were identified as B/Yamagata. Antigenic characterization of influenza A viruses isolated in our laboratory was found compatible with the vaccine strains. In conclusion, surveillance studies are highly important for the determination of the effects of flu on public health and identification of the approaches for fighting with flu. In this sense, influenza surveillance of the countries are required to implement more effectively in an expanded field of scale.

[A pediatric case of HIV who diagnosed by virtue of disseminated cryptococcus infection]. / Yaygin kriptokok enfeksiyonu ile tani konulan pediatrik bir HIV olgusu.

Cryptococcus neoformans is an important opportunistic pathogen that causes serious mortality and morbidity in AIDS patients. Although its incidence has decreased with proper antiretroviral treatment (ART), it is still a major concern in areas with low socioeconomic HIV endemic countries with poor sources of therapy. In our country, pediatric HIV infection and so, HIV-related opportunistic infections are very rare. In order to pay attention to this unusual collaboration; herein, we presented a pediatric case who was diagnosed with HIV and disseminated cryptococcus infection concomitantly. A 6.5-year-old previously healthy girl has admitted to our hospital with the complaints of prolonged fever, cough and hemoptysis. On her physical examination she had oral candidiasis, generalized lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory findings were as follows; white blood cell count: 3170 µL (neutrophil: 2720 µL, lymphocyte: 366 µL), hemoglobin level: 7.8 gr/dl, hematocrit: 25.5% platelets: 170.000 µL, CRP: 15.2 mg/L and serum IgG level: 1865 mg/dl. Her anti-HIV test yielde,d positive result and confirmed by Western blot assay, together with a high viral load (HIV-RNA: 3.442.000 copies/ml). She was started ART (lamivudine, zidovudine and lopinavir/ritonavir combination) with the diagnosis of stage 3 HIV infection (AIDS). Posteroanterior chest radiograph showed mediastinal extension and nodular parenchyma. Since the patient was suspected to have pulmonary tuberculosis based on the clinical and radiological findings, empirical antituberculosis therapy was started. Because of the insistance of fever, three different blood specimens, bone marrow and gastric aspirates were collected for culture, in which all of them yielded C.neoformans growth. She was then diagnosed as disseminated cryptococcosis and treated with liposomal amphotericin B and fluconazole successfully. Although pediatric HIV infection is usually diagnosed secondary to maternal disease, it can rarely be presented later in life with opportunistic infections. In the case of unusual infectious diseases, in addition to primary immune deficiency syndromes, HIV infection should also be kept in mind. Herein, we discussed a pediatric case with two rare infectious agents reported in our country and wanted to focus on secondary immune deficiency related with pediatric HIV infection.

HIV-1 subtypes and drug resistance profiles in a cohort of heterosexual patients in Istanbul, Turkey.

Turkey is seeing a steady rise in rates of HIV infection in the country. The number of individuals with HIV/AIDS was greater than 7000 in 2014 according to data released by the Ministry of Health, and heterosexual contacts were reported to be the main transmission routes. Istanbul has the highest number of reported cases of HIV infection. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance in 50 heterosexual patients from Istanbul. The most prevalent subtype was found to be subtype B (56.2 %). Resistance-associated mutations were found in 14 patients with 6/14 patients being therapy-experienced and 8/14 therapy naive at the time point of analysis. With increasing number of patients who require treatment and the rapid up-scaling of the antiretroviral therapy in Turkey, HIV-1 drug resistance testing is recommended before starting treatment in order to achieve better clinical outcomes.

[Mother-to-child transmisson of HIV: an eight-year experience]. / Anneden bebege HIV geçisi: Sekiz yillik deneyim.

Mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be prevented by prenatal, perinatal and postnatal interventions. Although the incidence of HIV infection in Turkey is low, the number of cases are increasing in years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of infants with HIV-positive mothers followed in a pediatric HIV center in Istanbul, Turkey and to describe the vertical transmission of HIV infection among the cases. Clinical and laboratory features of HIV-infected mothers and their exposed infants, followed in our department between June 2007 and February 2015 were retrieved from medical records retrospectively. The data about HIV infection and pregnancy course were confirmed with medical records when possible otherwise based on mothers' self-reports. Clinical and laboratory data about the birth and after birth of the babies in the other centers were obtained from the related centers. A total of 32 HIV-exposed infants (18 female, 14 male) were followed in eight years. HIV infection could be diagnosed in 15 (46.9%) mothers before pregnancy, in 10 (31.3%) during pregnancy and in seven (21.8%) during delivery. Nine of the mothers (28.1%) did not receive antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy. The median age for the patients at the admission were 13.5 days in which the earliest was a day and the latest was 420 (14 months) days. Three of the infants were fed with breast milk. Four infants (12.5%) did not receive antiretroviral prophylaxis. Cotrimoxazol prophylaxis were given approximately to 60% (n= 19) of the infants starting from 4-6 weeks. HIV viral load could be tested within the first 48 hours among 20 infants and except one, all was found as negative. A total of two infants (6.2%) were infected with HIV and their initial viral loads were 89.500 and 87.500 copies/ml, respectively. One of the infant was delivered vaginally and his mother's HIV status was detected during delivery. The mother of other infected infant was diagnosed only three weeks before birth and delivered with cesarean section. Both mothers had high viral loads just before delivery (> 102.000 and 67.000 copies/ml, respectively). One of the infants infected with HIV died in the 4(th) month due to pulmonary infection and sepsis. This study reveals a high rate of perinatally transmitted HIV infection and mortality. The limited number of cases involved in this one-center study should be taken into account while interpreting this result. All pediatric HIV centers in Turkey should work as partners for more precise national results. Nevertheless, our results draw attention to the lack of prenatal follow-up evaluation in women. In particular, the prompt diagnosis of HIV infection in pregnancy should be provided or not to be missed and follow-up of pregnant women with HIV should be carried out by specialist centers.

Determination of drug resistance and virus typology in HIV-1-positive pediatric patients in Istanbul, Turkey.

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of drug resistance of HIV-1 in pediatric patients from Istanbul, Turkey. Genotypic drug resistance testing revealed transmission of drug resistance from mother to child in 20%. Due to rising numbers of children with HIV-1, baseline resistance testing is recommended for Turkey.

Investigation of the Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic Period on Respiratory Tract Viruses at Istanbul Medical Faculty Hospital, Turkey.

Aim: Respiratory viruses significantly impact public health, contributing to high morbidity and mortality rates in both children and adults. This study evaluates the distribution and incidence of respiratory tract viruses in our hospital from 2019 to 2022, focusing on changes post-COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: Utilizing molecular methods, we analyzed nasopharyngeal swabs with the FTD Respiratory Pathogens 21 kit and the QIAStat Dx Respiratory Panel kit at Istanbul Faculty of Medicine. A total of 1186 viruses were detected in 2488 samples (47.6% of the total) examined with the FTD Respiratory Pathogens 21 kit between 2019 and 2022. Results: It was determined that the detection rates were 52.8% in 2019, 44.3% in 2020, 50.0% in 2021, and 40.0% in 2022. Notable changes in prevalence were observed for pandemic influenza A (IAV-H1N1pdm2009), parainfluenza virus (PIV)-3, rhinovirus (RV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-A/B (p < 0.05). RV consistently showed the highest detection rates across all years (17.6% to 7.9%). Additionally, 1276 viruses were detected in 1496 samples using the QIAStat DX kit, with 91.3% positivity in 2021 and 78.6% in 2022, highlighting the kit's effectiveness in rapid diagnosis. Conclusions: This study enhances understanding of respiratory virus epidemiology during and after the pandemic, emphasizing the need for ongoing surveillance and strategic public health measures to address the evolving landscape of respiratory infections.

Role of clinical, molecular, and serological features in the diagnosis of parvovirus B19 infection in children.

BACKGROUND: Parvovirus B19(B19) is a DNA virus. The most common B19 disease is erythema infectiosum (fifth-disease). PCR and ELISA are sensitive for detecting of acute disease. However, it is not clear which test better and the relationship between laboratory tests and clinical findings. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the clinical and laboratory characteristics of pediatric patients infected with B19. STUDY DESIGN: 236 children were examined. Children with at least one positive molecular or serological test were included. Positive serum B19-DNA and/or B19-IgM was considered an acute B19 infection. RESULTS: B19DNA was detected in 80.8 % of acute cases. Serological tests were less positive. Acute B19 infection was observed in 24 patients. Only 17 patients were positive for B19 DNA, 3 for IgM and 4 for both. The sensitivity of B19 DNA is 87.5 %. However, this rate is 29.2 % for B19 IgM. CONCLUSION: B19-DNA and IgM together provide a better, highly accurate diagnosis.

The Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-Protein IgG, Which Is Detected Using the Chemiluminescence Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) in Individuals Having Either a History of COVID-19 Vaccination and/or SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Showed a High-Titer Neutralizing Effect.

Neutralizing antibodies plays a primary role in protective immunity by preventing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) from entering the cells. Therefore, characterization of antiviral immunity is important for protection against SARS-CoV-2. In this study, the neutralizing effect of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein IgG, which was detected using the chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA)-based SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant (Abbott, Waukegan, IL, USA) test in SARS-CoV-2 infected and/or vaccinated individuals, was investigated with a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT). In total, 120 Seropositive individuals were included in this study. They were divided into two groups: Vaccinated (n = 60) and Vaccinated + Previously Infected (n = 60). A commercial sVNT, the ACE2-RBD Neutralization Test (Dia.Pro, Milan, Italy), was used to assess the neutralizing effect. The assay is performed in two steps: screening and titration. The screening showed positive results in all seropositive samples. Low titration in 1.7%, medium titration in 5%, and high titration in 93.3% of the Vaccinated group, and medium titration in 1.7% and high titration in 98.3% of the other group, as obtained from the ACE2-RBD titration test. A strong positive and significant correlation was found between the SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant test and the ACE2-RBD titration test at the 1/32 titration level for both groups (p < 0.001 for both). This study shows that the SARS-CoV-2 IgG detected using the CMIA method after SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or vaccination has a high neutralizing titration by using the sVNT. In line with these data, knowledge that seropositivity determined by CMIA also indicates a strong neutralizing effect contributes to countrywide planning for protecting the population.