Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels after COVID-19 vaccine in chronic hepatitis B patients.

AIM: The aim was to compare SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels in chronic hepatitis B patients and healthcare personnel selected as the control group and to determine factors such as age, gender, vaccine type, and number of vaccines that may affect the antibody levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 87 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients followed in Ankara Training and Research Hospital Infectious Diseases Clinic and Mamak State Hospital Infectious Diseases outpatient clinic and 89 healthcare personnel selected as the control group were included in the study.SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels in the serum samples of patients and healthcare personnel who received the COVID-19 vaccine were studied with the ELISA method in the Microbiology Laboratory of Ankara Training and Research Hospital, using a commercial ELISA kit (Abbott, USA) in line with the recommendations of the manufacturer. In the study, SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were compared in CHB patients and healthcare personnel. In addition, the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 antibody level, gender, average age, natural history of the disease, number of vaccinations, vaccine type (Coronavac TM vaccine alone, BNT162b2 vaccine alone or Coronavac TM and BNT162b2 vaccine (heterologous vaccination)), treatment duration of CHB was investigated. Statistical analyses were made in the SPSS program. A value of p≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. FINDINGS: A total of 167 people, including 87 CKD patients and 80 healthcare personnel as the control group, were included in the study. SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels were detected above the cut-off level in the entire study group, regardless of the vaccine type. No difference was detected in SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers after COVID-19 vaccination between CHB patients and healthcare personnel. There was a statistically significant difference in SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels among individuals participating in the study according to vaccine types. Compared to those who received Coronavac TM vaccine alone, the average SARS-CoV-2 IgG level was found to be statistically significantly higher in those who received BNT162b2 vaccine alone or heterologous vaccination with Coronavac TM + BNT162b2 vaccine. There was no difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, number of vaccinations, natural transmission of the disease, and duration of antiviral therapy in the CHD patient group. CONCLUSION: As a result, SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels above the cut-off value were achieved with Coronavac TM and BNT162b2 vaccines in both CHD patients and healthy control groups. however, both CHD patients and healthcare personnel had higher antibody levels than those who received BNT162b2 alone or those who received heterologous vaccination had higher antibody levels than those with Coronavac TM alone. Therefore, if there are no contraindications, BNT162b2 vaccine may be preferred in CHB and health personnel (Tab. 2, Ref. 14).

Changes in antimicrobial resistance and outcomes of health care-associated infections.

To describe the change in the epidemiology of health care-associated infections (HAI), resistance and predictors of fatality we conducted a nationwide study in 24 hospitals between 2015 and 2018. The 30-day fatality rate was 22% in 2015 and increased to 25% in 2018. In BSI, a significant increasing trend was observed for Candida and Enterococcus. The highest rate of 30-day fatality was detected among the patients with pneumonia (32%). In pneumonia, Pseudomonas infections increased in 2018. Colistin resistance increased and significantly associated with 30-day fatality in Pseudomonas infections. Among S. aureus methicillin, resistance increased from 31 to 41%.

[Evaluation of Histological Response in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Tenofovir or Entecavir Therapy]. / Tenofovir veya Entekavir Tedavisi Alan Kronik Hepatit B Hastalarinda Histolojik Yanitlarin Degerlendirilmesi.

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is an important public health problem in the world and Turkey. The aim of this study was to evaluate the histological, virological, serological and biochemical response rates in CHB patients receiving tenofovir or entecavir therapy. Control liver biopsies were performed on patients who received tenofovir or entecavir therapy for one year or longer. Histopathological grading was scored according to the modified Knodell system. Eighty-seven CHB patients were included in this study, 56 patients were receiving tenofovir and 31 patients were receiving entecavir therapy. Patients in two treatment groups were similar in terms of baseline parameters (p> 0.05). At the end of the treatment, there was a significant decrease in mean values of HBV DNA, alanine aminotransferase and necroinflammatory scores for both groups (p<0.001); however, no statistically significant change was observed in fibrosis scores (p> 0.05). Histological responses were obtained 66.1% from the tenofovir group and 54.8% from the entecavir group. Treatment with tenofovir and entecavir resulted with improvement in Ishak fibrosis scores in 12.5% and 12.9% of the patients, respectively. For 14.3% of the tenofovir-treated patients and for 22.6% of the entecavir-treated patients, the Ishak fibrosis scores worsened. Baseline intermediate/ advanced fibrosis stage (Ishak fibrosis score: 3-6) was found as independent determinant factor on histological response and improvement of fibrosis score (OR= 3.99, p= 0.01; OR= 31.67, p= 0.002; respectively) and treatment duration longer than five years is an independent determinant for improvement of necroinflammatory score (OR= 5.79, p= 0.02). There was no significant difference in the virological, serological, biochemical and, histological responses and improvement of necroinflammatory and fibrosis scores between tenofovir and entecavir groups (p> 0.05). Similar histological, virological, serological and biochemical responses were obtained in patients with CHB receving tenofovir and entecavir treatments. Further studies involving a large number of patients receiving long-term therapy should be done to understand the effects of antiviral treatments on healing of liver histology.

Quarantine and its legal dimension

Quarantine and isolation are public health measures used for centuries to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Quarantine is separation of persons who have been exposed to an infection but asymptomatic, while isolation is separation of infected patients. Voluntary quarantine is preferred, but if necessary, it can be mandatory. These implementations can lead to restrictions on individual liberties, leading to ethical and legal problems. Isolation and quarantine enforcement are regulated by laws. Those who do not follow the quarantine rules could be punished. Isolation and quarantine practices in our country are described in General Hygiene Law. In this study the importance of quarantine, when and how it is applied, and its ethical and especially legal dimension are discussed.

Current status of HIV/AIDS-syphilis co-infections: a retrospective multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: Treponema pallidum and HIV are transmitted frequently through sexual contact, these agents with epidemiological similarities co-infect the same host. The current number of HIV-infected cases in Turkey is increasing. For this reason, we aimed to reveal the characteristics of syphilis in HIV/AIDS cases. METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was performed, patients were followed up at 24 clinics in 16 cities from all seven regions of Turkey between January 2010 to April 2018. We examined the socio-demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters and neurosyphilis association in HIV/AIDS-syphilis co-infected cases. RESULTS: Among 3,641 patients with HIV-1 infection, 291 (8%) patients were diagnosed with syphilis co-infection. Most patients were older than 25 years (92%), 96% were males, 74% were working, 23% unemployed, and 3% were students. The three highest prevalence of syphilis were in Black Sea (10.3%), Mediterranean (8.4%) and Marmara Regions (7.4%). As for sexual orientation, 46% were heterosexuals, 42% men who have sex with men (MSM), and no data available for 12%. Patients with the number of CD4+ ≤ 350 mm3 reached 46%, 17% of the patients received antiretroviral therapy and neurosyphilis association reached 9%. CONCLUSION: Although HIV/AIDS-syphilis co-infection status appeared high in heterosexuals, MSM had a moderate level increase in cases. Our results suggested syphilis co-infection in HIV/AIDS cases should be integral part of monitoring in a national sexual transmitted diseases surveillance system. However, our data may provide base for HIV/syphilis prevention and treatment efforts in the future.

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.

Sonographic findings in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever.

OBJECTIVES: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) has been endemic in Turkey since 2002. Some radiologic findings are considered common by clinicians and radiologists. In this regard, we aimed to assess the sonographic findings in patents with CCHF in a pilot study to obtain basic knowledge for planning further controlled studies. METHODS: An observational descriptive study was planned. Patients with a CCHF diagnosis monitored by the infectious diseases department of a tertiary care hospital were included. Sonographic examinations were conducted by 2 radiologists for each patient, and the findings were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with CCHF were included. Hepatomegaly (40%), splenomegaly (28%), paraceliac lymphadenopathy (48%), gallbladder wall thickening (36%), increased echogenicity in the renal parenchyma (40%), and fluid/effusion in the perihepatic, perisplenic, pleural, and hepatorenal recesses of the subhepatic space (Morison pouch) as well as between the intestinal loops (52%) were the primary findings. A decrease in the gallbladder wall thickening and limited resorption of intraperitoneal and pleural effusion were noted during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatosplenomegaly, paraceliac lymphadenopathy, and gallbladder wall thickening as well as intraperitoneal and pleural effusion were the primary findings in CCHF, and they became prominent on the third day of the disease in some patients. The relationship between sonographic findings and disease severity will be investigated in an upcoming study.

[Comparison of GeneXpert® vanA/vanB PCR system and culture methods in the surveillance of vancomycin-resistant enterococci]. / Vankomisine dirençli enterokoklarin sürveyansinda GeneXpert® vanA/vanB PCR sistemi ile kültür yönteminin karsilastirilmasi

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are important agents of hospital infections worldwide. Early recognition of VRE colonization is important in the control of hospital infections. The aim of this study was to compare a real-time PCR (Rt-PCR) system and culture methods in the detection of VRE colonization. A total of 210 perirectal swab samples obtained from the patients (142 were in internal and 68 were in surgical intensive care units) hospitalized at Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Turkey between January-September 2013 were included in the study. The samples were simultaneously evaluated with both Rt-PCR (GeneXpert®vanA/vanB, Cepheid, USA) and the culture methods. The samples were cultivated in enterococcosel agar and incubated at 370C for culture. Culture plates were evaluated for three days on a daily basis. Bacterial identification was done by conventional methods and automated Vitek 2.0 system (BioMérieux, France). Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed by the E-test. VRE was detected in 76 (36.1%) of the samples by the Rt-PCR method; of them 70 were positive for vanA, two for vanB, and four for vanA + vanB. On the other hand, VRE was detected in 71 (33.8%) of the samples by the culture method. Out of 71 samples, colony growth was observed on the first day in 39 cases, on the second day in 29 cases, and on the third day in three cases. The two strains identified as vancomycin-sensitive enterococci by the Vitek 2 Compact system were determined as vanB positive by PCR. These samples were also confirmed as VRE by E-test. The PCR result of a sample which was found to be invalid, also yielded negative result by culture. Five out of the seven culture-negative samples were positive for vanA, and two for vanB by the GeneXpert® system. In our study, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the GeneXpert vanA/vanB PCR system were determined as 97.4%, 98.4%, 97.4%, and 97.4%, respectively. Although the GeneXpert® vanA/vanB RT-PCR method seems to be more attractive regarding the turn around time, it has a higher cost than the culture method. Thus, it was concluded that all laboratories should choose the most appropriate method for screening VRE in the hospital setting according to their own capacities.

Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease and Comparison of Risk Category Predictions of Systemic Coronary Risk Evaluation Score-2 and 4 Other Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment Tools Among People Living with Human Immunodefficiency Virus in Türkiye.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of mortality among people living with HIV (PLWH). We aimed to assess the prevalence of diagnosed CVD and the risk of CVD among PLWH using 5 different tools. METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in 20 tertiary centers in Türkiye between October 2021 and March 2022, among 1425 PLWH aged 40-75 years. About 82.7% were male, with a median age of 51. Web-based tools for each score were used for CVD risk calculations. RESULTS: Of 1425 PLWH enrolled, 10.8% had confirmed CVD, and 1132 had their risk scores evaluated. Of those participants, 42.8% had a higher risk of CVD (10-year risk of atherosclerotic CVD risk score (ASCVD) above 7.5%), and according to the European Society of Cardiology systemic coronary risk evaluation 2 (SCORE2), 71.7% had a high- to very high-risk rate. The agreement between various CVD risk tools varied, with Framingham heart study risk score (FRS), modified FRS, data collection on adverse effects of anti-HIV drugs (DAD), and SCORE2 for high-risk countries showing overall agreement rates of 82%, 94%, 91%, and 36%, respectively, compared to ASCVD. According to the 2021 European and 2019 American Cardiology guidelines, 75.3% and 47.1% of PLWH would be eligible for lipid-lowering agents, respectively. CONCLUSION: The diagnosed CVD prevalence highlighted the importance of monitoring cardiovascular health and comorbidities in this population. SCORE2 identified a greater number of individuals at high/very high risk compared to other prediction tools. The implementation of CVD prevention through lipid-lowering therapy was far from desired levels in our cohort.

Headache caused by the use of personal protective equipment in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Objective: Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19), the cause of the ongoing pandemic, is an acute respiratory tract infection, which has made it necessary for healthcare personnel to use protective equipment such as N95 masks, protective goggles and visors. External compression headaches caused by the compression of the pericranial soft tissues by wearing hats, helmets, or goggles (worn during swimming or diving) have been previously described. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the presence and characteristics of personal protective equipment-associated headaches in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic period and to determine the effects of such headaches. Materials and methods: A face-to-face questionnaire was delivered to 300 male and female healthcare personnel between the ages of 18-56 working in healthcare units where COVID-19 patients were evaluated and treated. The data from 296 completed questionnaires was evaluated. Results: We included 296 participants (166 females and 130 males) in our study; the mean age was 33.98 ± 8.52 years (range 18-56). One hundred ninety-six (66.22%) participants indicated that they had new onset personal protective equipment-associated headaches. Percentages of those with newly emergent headaches because of protective equipment were higher in the following participant groups: females (p = 0.045), those with COVID-19 disease history (p < 0.001), and those diagnosed with headaches before the pandemic (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Our study showed the presence of new-onset headaches associated with personal protective equipment in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Personal protective equipment-related headaches were associated with the following factors: female sex, a history of COVID-19 disease, and the presence of primary headaches diagnosed before the pandemic.

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 diagnostic methods for the catheter-related bloodstream infections in intensive care units]. / Yogun Bakim Ünitelerinde Gelisen Kateter ile Iliskili Kan Dolasimi Enfeksiyonlarinin Tanisinda Kullanilan Yöntemlerin Degerlendirilmesi.

The majority of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI) are associated with central venous catheters (CVCs) and most of them develop in patients staying at intensive care units (ICUs). The aim of this study was to assess the performance of different methods for the diagnosis of CR-BSI in neurology and neurosurgery ICUs of our hospital. This prospective study was carried out between January 2007 and January 2008 and all of the patients were followed daily for CR-BSI after the insertion of CVCs. Blood cultures were taken simultaneously from the catheter lumen and from at least one peripheral vein when there was a suspicion of CR-BSI. Additionally, from patients whose CVCs were removed, catheter tip cultures were taken and from patients with exit site infection, cultures of the skin surrounding the catheter entrance were taken. Catheter tip cultures were done by using quantitative and semiquantitative culture methods. Blood cultures taken from the catheter lumen and peripheral vein were incubated in the BACTEC 9050 (Becton Dickinson, USA) automated blood culture system. Gram and acridine orange (AO) staining were used for the smears prepared from the catheter tips and blood cultures. To evaluate the value of culture and staining methods in the diagnosis of CR-BSI; sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively) of each method were determined. A total of 148 patients (66 male, 82 female; age range: 1-94 years, mean age: 58.7 ± 21.8 years) were included in the study, of whom 67 (45.3%) were from neurology and 81 (54.7%) were from neurosurgery ICUs. One hundred ninety-nine CVC application performed in 148 patients were evaluated. Mean duration of catheterization was 8.5 ± 5.2 days. Thirty-two episodes of CR-BSI among 199 catheterizations (16%) in 29 patients among a total of 148 patients (19.6%) were determined. The most frequently isolated microorganisms were methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (8/32; 25%), penicillin-resistant Enterococcus spp. (8/32; 25%) and Candida albicans (4/32; 12.5%). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPVs of the quantitative and semiquantitative culture methods of the catheter tip and the differential time to positivity (positive result obtained at least two hours earlier in blood cultures drawn through the catheter than the peripheral blood cultures which were taken simultaneously) between blood cultures drawn through the catheter and those drawn from the peripheral vein were 100% for the diagnosis of CR-BSI. Sensitivity and NPV of the isolation method of the same microorganism from blood culture drawn through the catheter and drawn from the peripheral vein were 100%, specificity was 85% and PPV was 88% for the diagnosis of CR-BSI. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPVs of Gram and drawn simultaneously from the peripheral vein and quantitative and semiquantitative cultures of the catheter tip in patients with removed catheter, were important factors in terms of diagnosis of CR-BSI. It was also concluded that AO staining could provide additional benefit in the diagnosis of CR-BSI since it has higher sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPVs for peripheral blood cultures and catheter tip cultures compared to Gram staining.

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.

Evaluation of clinical and laboratory predictors of fatality in patients with Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in a tertiary care hospital in Turkey.

The fatality rate of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) disease has been reported as 5.4-80%. In this prospective study our aim was to evaluate the clinical and laboratory predictors of fatality in patients with CCHF. Among probable CCHF patients admitted to our clinic between 2005 and 2008, patients with positive IgM antibodies and/or polymerase chain reaction for CCHF virus were included in the study. To determine the predictors of fatality, we compared epidemiological, clinical and laboratory findings of the fatal cases with survivors. Ninety-three confirmed CCHF patients were included in the study; 56 (60.2%) of them were female. Mean patient age was 48.4+/-17.7 y and mean hospital stay was 7.9+/-3.0 days. Five patients died (5.4%). The rates of haemorrhage, diarrhoea and confusion were higher in fatal cases compared with non-fatal cases (p<0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and C-reactive protein levels were higher in fatal cases; the international normalized ratio (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were longer and mean platelet counts were lower (p<0.05). By multivariate analysis, diarrhoea, melena, haematemesis, haematuria, elevated ALT and LDH, and prolongation of aPTT were independent clinical and laboratory predictors associated with fatality. We suggest that for patients who have diarrhoea, melena, haematemesis, haematuria, elevated AST and LDH, and a prolonged aPTT, physicians should be aware of the high fatality risk.

Risk factors for linezolid-associated thrombocytopenia and negative effect of carbapenem combination.

INTRODUCTION: Linezolid is a synthetic antimicrobial agent with a broad spectrum of activity against virtually all Gram-positive bacteria. Although linezolid is generally well tolerated, the prolonged use of linezolid can lead to myelosuppression, including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. The aim of this study was investigating the risk factors for thrombocytopenia in patients who received linezolid therapy. METHODOLOGY: This retrospective study was performed on patients who received linezolid therapy between July 2007 and December 2017. Thrombocytopenia was defined as either a platelets count of < 100×109/L or a 25% reduction from the baseline platelet count. RESULTS: A total of 371 patients, (198 (53%) male and 173(47%) female were included into the study. Mean duration of therapy was 12.81 ± 5.19 days. Linezolid-induced thrombocytopenia was detected in a total of 111 patients. Using the univariate analysis advanced sex, serum urea concentration, baseline platelet level and low eGFR value were found to be risk factors for linezolid associated thrombocytopenia (p < 0.05). According to a multivariate analysis, patients undergoing carbapenem treatment combination therapy (p = 0.003) and with a baseline platelet level of < 200×109/L (p = 0.00) were found to have a high risk of developing thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSIONS: Several factors may influence of linezolid associated thrombocytopenia. Platelet count should be monitored during therapy and thrombocytopenia should be kept in mind in patients with baseline platelet level of < 200×109/L, low eGFR, linezolid-carbapenem combination therapy.

Investigation of risk factors for community-acquired urinary tract infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for community-acquired urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs) caused by extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients diagnosed with CA-UTIs caused by E. coli or Klebsiella spp. were included in the study. All of the patients were compared to demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, urinary tract pathology, history of hospitalization, use of antibiotics according to ESBL positivity. RESULTS: A total of 322 urine isolates were studied. Sixty-six patients (37.1%) of a total of 178 patients were ESBL positive E. coli and Klebsiella spp. Being over the age of sixty (odds ratio [OR], 1.90; p=0.03), history of renal stone (OR, 3.00; p=0.03), urinary tract anatomical of physiological disorder (OR, 2.17; p=0.01), urologic intervention (OR, 3.43; p<0.001), history of urinary tract surgery (OR, 3.10; p=0.01), history of urinary catheterization (OR, 3.43; p<0.001), and hospitalization for last 1 year (OR, 3.70; p=0.01) and antibiotic usage in the last 3 months (OR, 1.90; p=0.04) were found as significant risk factors for the producing of ESBL. However, gender and underlying disease were not related for ESBL production. CONCLUSIONS: In present study, high rate of ESBL positivity was detected in CA-UTIs. The increasing of infections caused by ESBL positive E. coli and Klebsiella spp. are bringing together a lot of the problem, such as antibiotic resistance and reducing treatment options for outpatients. Identification of underlying risk factors would be important for the development of preventive strategies.

[A case of vancomycin resistant Leuconostoc meningitis]. / Vankomisine dirençli bir Leuconostoc menenjiti olgusu.

Although Leuconostoc species are rarely pathogenic for humans, they may sometimes give rise to serious infections. In this report, a case of meningitis caused by vancomycin resistant Leuconostoc spp. was reported. Fifty-seven years old female patient was admitted to the hospital with the complaints of headache and sudden onset of unconsciousness and hospitalized in the neurosurgery department because of subarachnoidal hemorrhage. Patient was followed up with dexamethasone treatment and daily lumbar puncture without any surgical intervention. The findings of hemorrhage were receded in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the consciousness of the patient improved gradually. However, on the ninth day of the hospitalization, the patient became febrile and confused; white blood cell count was 7920/mm3, protein level was 1952 mg/l in the CSF examination. Nosocomial meningitis was diagnosed and empirical treatment with ceftazidime (3 x 2 g/day) and vancomycin (4 x 500 mg/day) was started. CSF culture revealed growth of gram-positive cocci which were identified as Leuconostoc spp. by VITEK 2 Compact (Biomerieux, France) and Phoenix Instrument (Becton-Dickinson, USA) systems. Since the isolate was found susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin, cefotaxime, cefepime, chloramphenicol, clindamycin, erythromycin and linezolid, and resistant to vancomycin by disk diffusion and miniAPI ATB STREP 5 (Biomerieux, France) methods, the treatment was switched to linezolid (2 x 600 mg/day). Vancomycin and teicoplanin resistance was confirmed by E-test. The treatment was continued with linezolid and the patient's clinical condition improved after 14 days of treatment. The possible way of Leuconostoc transmission in this case was thought to be the lumbar punctures performed during the follow-up of subarachnoid hemorrhage. This presentation which demonstrated that Leuconostoc spp. might rarely lead to meningitis, also pointed out that when a vancomycin resistant gram-positive coccus was identified, Leuconostoc spp. should always be kept in mind.

Evaluation of the increase in invasive device associated infections in cardiovascular surgical intensive care unit.

INTRODUCTION: Infections related to the use of invasive instruments leads to the risk of treatment difficulties, prolonged hospitalization, increased health care costs, and increased mortality and morbidity rates. The present study examines the results of an infection surveillance study that showed an increased incidence of infections related to the use of invasive instruments in the cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit of the Ankara Training and Research Hospital and mitigating measures were taken following the surveillance program. METHODOLOGY: Compared with previous surveillance data, an increase was observed in the incidence of infections related to the use of invasive instruments in cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit (CVS-ICU) during the first six months of 2014. A research team was formed comprising one infectious diseases and microbiology specialist, one cardiovascular surgeon, and two infection-control nurses. Patient data was collected. The compliance of the surgeons, nurses, and other health care professionals to the infection control measures was evaluated. RESULTS: The rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia was 8.20% and the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection was 4.47% in the CVS-ICU. There were missing or inadvertent practices regarding antibiotic prophylaxis, asepsis and antisepsis and isolation measures in patient preparation and patient care before and after the operations. The rate of inappropriate antibiotic as prolonged use was 72%. CONCLUSIONS: It is one of the basic tasks to take appropriate measures to prevent outbreaks of hospital infections. It is possible to prevent an outbreak of hospital infections only by the accurate analysis of data and establishing strict infection control procedures.

Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and AIDS are known to cause cardiovascular diseases such as premature coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmias. Recently, Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio has been shown as a novel marker of ventricular repolarization. We aimed to evaluate the ventricular repolarization using Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Totally 48 patients with HIV and 60 control subjects were enrolled to the study. Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratio were measured from the 12-lead electrocardiogram. Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio and Tp-e/QTc ratio were significantly higher in patients with HIV than control subjects (all p<0.01). In correlation analysis, there were positive correlation between Tp-e interval and disease duration (r=0.298, p=0.048). and inverse correlation between Tp-e interval and CD4 count(r=-0.303, p=0.036). Our study showed that Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were increased in patients with HIV than control subjects.