Could interleukin-33 and its suppressor of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) receptor have a role in cervical human papillomavirus (HPV) infections?

Why most women can clear human papillomavirus (HPV) infections while others can develop permanent infections. The stimulation of immunotolerance of the immune system of the host by the persistent HPV infection may be the answer to this question. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) may play a role in the pathogenesis of HPV infection, this hypothesis was thought to be due to the rapid release of IL-33 from damaged cells following tissue damage, necrosis, and activation of the inflammasome. Thus, in this study, the role of IL-33/suppressor of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) was emphasized in HPV positive and HPV negative cervical tissues. A total of 80 were assessed. The reduced levels of IL-33 and ST2 are associated with cervical HPV infections. There was a statistically significant 42% positive correlation between IL-33 and ST2 in the HPV-positive group. Surprisingly, our data showed no significant difference between the expression levels of IL-33 or ST2 and working status, type of delivery, pre- and post-operative pathology, cigarette, educational status, locality, birth control method, gynecological, and colposcopic findings. We found that as a result of our study; low IL-33 and ST2 levels were associated with HPV infections.

Evaluation of epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics and mortality rate of patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in the northeast region of Turkey.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: : Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), an illness characterized by fever and hemorrhage, is caused by a CCHF virus (CCHFV). It is an important public health problem in Turkey. The objective of this study was to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics and mortality rates of CCHF patients in the northeast region of Turkey. METHODS: : A total of 206 patients, diagnosed with CCHF, from northeast region of Turkey were included and evaluated between 2011 and 2017. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence (IFA) methods were used for the diagnoses. RESULTS: : Of the patients included in the study, 77.2% were farmers/livestockers, while 22.8% had other occupations. The incidence of tick bite or tick contact with bare hands was 52.9%. About 94.2% of the patients were living in rural areas and 5.8% in city centers. However, all the patients living in city centers had a history of visit to rural areas. The disease was more common in May, June, and July months. The most common symptoms at the time of admission included fatigue, fever, and widespread body pain, while laboratory findings were thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and anemia. Bleeding, tachycardia, and rash were the most common findings on physical examination. Of all the patients, 95.6% were identified by RT-PCR and 4.4% by IFA methods. Severe cases constituted 22.3% (46) of the included patients. Throughout the course of this study, 7 (3.4%) patients died, and the remaining 96.6% (199) patients were discharged with a full recovery. Disease severity was significantly correlated with mortality rate and duration of hospitalization (p <0.001 and p = 0.013). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: : In this study, the mortality rate observed was lower than that reported in the literature because of accessibility of early supportive therapy. It would be beneficial in CCHF treatment to recognize the disease at an early stage, begin supportive treatment quickly, and educate the people living in high-risk areas as well as health care personnel working in these areas.

The seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in Erzincan, Turkey: Identification of the risk factors and their relationship with geographical features.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) bacterium, the causative agent of Q fever has regained importance due to the increasing cases of infections and outbreaks. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in human populations of Erzincan province located in the eastern Turkey, identify the risk factors, and to explore the relationship between geographical features. METHODS: A total of 368 people residing in the rural (306) and urban (62) areas of the province were included in the study. Serum samples were analyzed for the presence of C. burnetii phase II IgG antibody using ELISA (Virion/ Serion, Wurzburg, Germany). Spatial analyses were performed to evaluate correlations between seroprevalence and geographical features. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of C. burnetii was found to be 8.7% (32/368). In rural residents it was 8.5% (26/306), while in urban population it was 9.7% (6/62). Cattle breeding and contact with animal afterbirth waste were found to be major risk factors, and were significantly correlated with seropositive cases (p<0.05). The seropositive cases were only observed in the areas between 1067 and 1923 masl. Of the total seropositive cases, 65.6% were within 1000 m and 87.5% within 4000 m of rivers and their main tributaries. Around 59.4% cases were observed in areas with a slope of 0 to 5°. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that C. burnetii seroprevalence was higher than expected, and significantly differs according to geographical features of a region. Significant risk factors include raising cattle and exposure to infected animals or their birth products/secretions. It is also more frequent in areas with higher number of rivers and streams, higher altitude and lower slope.

Lack of evidence of HPV etiology of prostate cancer following radical surgery and higher frequency of the Arg/Pro genotype in Turkish men with prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the possible role of HPV in the development of prostate cancer (PCa) and investigate the distribution of the p53 codon 72 polymorphism in PCa in a Turkish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 96 tissues, which had been obtained using a radical surgery method, formalin-fixed and parafin-embedded, were used in this study. The study group consisted of 60 PCa tissues (open radical prostatectomy) and the control group contained 36 benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues (BPH) (transvesical open prostatectomy). The presence of HPV and the p53 codon 72 polymorphism was investigated in both groups using real-time PCR and pyrosequencing. RESULTS: The results of the real-time PCR showed no HPV DNA in any of the 36 BPH tissue samples. HPV-DNA was positive in only 1 of the 60 PCa samples (1.7%). The HPV type of this sample was identified as HPV-57. The distribution of the three genotypes, Arg/Arg, Arg/Pro and Pro/Pro was found to be 45.6, 45.6, and 8.8% in the PCa group and 57.1%, 34.3% and 8.6% in the control group, respectively. Compared with the control group, patients with PCa had a higher frequency of the Arg/Pro genotype and Proline allele (odds ratio (OR)=1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.68-4.09, p=0.044; OR=1.13, 95% CI=0.76-1.68, p=0.021, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study do not support the hyphothesis that prostate cancer is associated with HPV infection but indicated that Proline allele can be a risk factor in the development of PCa in the Turkish population.

[Measles outbreak in the adult age group: evaluation of 28 cases]. / Eriskin yas grubunda kizamik salgini: 28 olgunun degerlendirilmesi.

Nowadays, the age group affected from measles has widened and the disease has become more common among adolescents and young adults. The number of measles case reports have increased in our country, particularly from 2010-2011, and measles outbreaks occurred in various regions in 2012 and 2013. The aim of this study was to analyze the demographical and epidemiological characteristics, clinical and laboratory findings, and complications of adult patients with measles who were affected during the outbreak. A total of 28 patients (25 male, 3 female; age range: 19-39 years, median age: 24) who were hospitalized and followed-up in our clinic between January 2013 and June 2013, were evaluated. In the serum sample of the index case, measles-specific IgM antibodies were detected by ELISA, and measles virus RNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), then genotyping was performed to detect the epidemiological relationship. In all of the other cases, measles IgM and IgG antibodies were screened by ELISA. The most common symptoms on admission included high fever (n= 28, 100%), malaise (n= 25, 89%), sore throat (n= 25, 89%), headache (n= 20, 71%) and cough (n= 18, 64%). At physical examination, rash (n= 28, 100%), lymphadenopathy (n= 11, 39%) and conjunctivitis (n= 10, 36%) were in the foreground, and Koplik spots were detected in five (18%) cases. The most common laboratory findings were; increased level of C-reactive protein (n= 15, 54%), leukopenia (n= 12, 43%) and increased serum levels of aminotransferases (n= 12, 43%), and thrombocytopenia was detected in five (18%) patients. One or more complications (secondary bacterial pneumonia in 5, diarrhea in 4, hepatitis in 3 and otitis in 2 cases) developed in the eight (29%) patients. Measles RT-PCR and IgM tests yielded positive results for the index case, and the isolate was identified as D8 strain by genotyping. Measles lgM antibodies were also positive in all of the other cases. The hospitalization period was estimated as 3-7 days (median: 5 days), while all the patients were discharged with recovery. It appeared that, our index case had come from a troop in Amasya province three days ago and he had a history of contact with suspected measles patients. In addition, the D8 strain determined in the index case was found to be related with the strain that caused the outbreak in Amasya province. Of the cases, 20 (71.4%) were military personnel, and eight (28.6%) were civilian who had histories of contact with military personnel. Regardless of immunity status in the outbreak period, all of the healthcare staff in our hospital, especially in risky departments, was recommended to be vaccinated. Personnel vaccination was provided at a high rate, however nosocomial transmission occurred in two unvaccinated cases. In conclusion, measles is an important health problem, especially in the adult age group, because of the complications and labour loss. For outbreak management; the awareness of health personnel should be increased following the identification of index case, proper isolation measures should be taken for the hospitalized patients, and routine reporting should be carried out timely and accurately.

[A case of brucellosis and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever coinfection in an endemic area]. / Endemik bir bölgede bruselloz ve Kirim Kongo kanamali atesi koenfeksiyonu olgusu.

Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease which is especially seen in developing countries is still an important public health problem worldwide. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is another zoonotic disease that transmits to humans by infected tick bites as well as exposure to blood or tissue from infected animals. Both of the diseases are common among persons who live in rural areas and deal with animal husbandry. Since brucellosis usually presents with non-specific clinical symptoms and may easily be confused with many other diseases, the diagnosis of those infections could be delayed or misdiagnosed. In this report, a case of coinfection of brucellosis and CCHF has been presented to emphasize the possibility of association of these infections. A 70-year-old female patient with a history of dealing with animal husbandry in a rural area admitted to our hospital with the complaints of fever, malaise, generalized body and joint pains, and headache. Her complaints had progressed within the past two days. She also reported nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. She denied any history of tick bites. Her physical examination was significant for the presence of 38.8°C fever, increased bowel sounds and splenomegaly. Laboratory analysis revealed leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and high levels of liver enzymes. The patient was admitted to our service with the prediagnosis of CCHF. Serum sample was sent to the Department of Microbiology Reference Laboratory at Public Health Agency of Turkey for CCHF testing. During patient's hospitalization in service, more detailed history was confronted and it was learned that she had fatigue, loss of appetite, sweating, joint pain, and intermittent fever complaints were continuing within a month and received various antibiotic treatments. The tests for brucellosis were conducted and positive results for Brucella Rose Bengal test, tube agglutination (1/160 titers) and immune capture test with Coombs (1/320 titers) were determined. The tests performed in the reference laboratory revealed CCHF virus-specific IgM positivity by immunofluorescence assay and viral RNA positivity by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Two blood cultures remained sterile during hospitalization, this situation was considered to be the cause of antibiotic usage in the last month. Doxycycline and rifampicin therapy were initiated for brucellosis, and close monitoring with supportive therapy for CCHF. On the second day of admission, the patient was transfused with 5 units random platelets and 2 units fresh frozen plasma due to dramatic decline of platelet count (37.000/mm(3)). Early clinical response to brucellosis therapy was confirmed with resolution of fever and improved blood counts and the treatment was completed in eight weeks on an outpatient basis. No other problems were encountered during follow-ups after completion of treatment. According to accessible literature search, coinfection of brucellosis and CCHF has not been reported previously. In conclusion, as our country is endemic for both brucellosis and CCHF, it is important to consider both infections in the differential diagnosis. Physicians should keep in mind that, likewise in our case, coinfection of brucellosis and CCHF can be detected.

In vitro Activity of Colistin in Combination with Tigecycline against Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Strains Isolated from Patients with Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values and in vitro activity of colistin in combination with tigecycline against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains isolated from patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) using the E-test method. METHODS: A total of 40 A. baumannii strains, identified using the Phoenix Automated Microbiology System (Becton, Dickinson and Co., Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) by conventional methods, were included in this study. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was performed to examine the clonal relationships between isolates. The carbapenem resistance of the strains to colistin and tigecycline was assessed using the E-test method (Liofilchem, Roseto Degli Abruzzi, Italy). The in vitro activity of colistin in combination with tigecycline was evaluated using the fractional inhibitor concentration (FIC) index. RESULTS: While only 1 of 40 A. baumannii strains was determined to be colistin resistant, 6 were tigecycline resistant. The MIC50, MIC90, and MIC intervals of the A. baumannii strains were 0.19, 1.5, and 0.064‒4 µg/ml for colistin and 1, 8, and 0.094‒256 µg/ml for tigecycline, respectively. No synergistic effect was observed using the FIC index; 8 strains exhibited an indifferent effect and 32 exhibited an antagonist effect. Three of the six strains that were resistant to tigecycline were indifferent; the remaining three were antagonistic. The colistin-resistant strain also exhibited an antagonist effect. CONCLUSION: In contrast to their synergistic effect against carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolates, colistin and tigecycline were highly antagonistic to carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii strains isolated from patients with VAP when the drugs were administered together. Therefore, alternative treatment options should be used during the treatment of VAP attributed to A. baumannii.

[Seropositivity of Borrelia burgdorferi in risky groups in Van region, Turkey]. / Van bölgesindeki riskli gruplarda Borrelia burgdorferi seropozitifl igi.

Lyme borreliosis, which is more prevalent in the northern hemisphere, is the most common tick-borne contagious disease among people living in the North America and Europe. The causative agent of Lyme borreliosis, Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted by the bites of ticks of the genus Ixodes. In Turkey, the seroprevalence of Lyme disease is increased in regions where ticks and tick-bite cases are prevalent. The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis in people at risk, living in the rural areas of Van province, which is located in the eastern region of Turkey. No previous study on this topic has been performed in our province. The study included a total of 446 subjects (mean age: 39.6±15.5 years), of them 139 were male and 307 were female, living in the rural areas of Van province between January 2012 and July 2012. The serum samples collected from participants after informed consent were screened for the presence of B.burgdorferi IgG antibodies by ELISA method. Western blot (WB) method was used for the confirmation of positive or borderline positive samples, and also for the investigation of IgM antibodies. During the study, the individuals from whom samples were taken, were questioned whether they have ever been exposed to tick or insect bite. B.burgdorferi IgG positivity was detected in 17 (3.8%) of the cases, whereas it was within the limit values in 14 cases. A total of 31 samples which yielded positive and borderline positive results were retested by WB and 4 (12.9%) were detected as positive while 10 (32.3%) of the samples were indeterminate. B.burgdorferi IgM antibody positivity was not detected in any of the samples. Considering the WB as reference method, the rate of B.burgdorferi IgG seropositivity was estimated as 0.9% (4/446). Three of these four cases were defined as tick or insect bites. The seroprevalence rate of B.burgdorferi detected in the present study was low as compared to the results of the other studies reported from Turkey. The reason of this result might be from the geographical characteristics and the differences of tick fauna in our region. As a result, it was concluded that our province is not endemic for Lyme borreliosis, however for the reduction of tick exposure, emphasis must be placed on preventive health services for the individuals at risk.

[Investigation of antibiotic resistance patterns and reduced vancomycin susceptibilities of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates: a multi-center study]. / Metisiline dirençli Staphylococcus aureus izolatlarinin antibiyotik direnci ve azalmis vankomisin duyarliliginin arastirilmasi: Çok merkezli bir çalisma.

The aims of this study were to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of vancomycin, teicoplanin, daptomycin, quinupristin/dalfopristin, linezolid, tigecycline, chloramphenicol, rifampicin, ofloxacin and tetracycline and to investigate the reduced vancomycin susceptibility among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated in hospitals located in different geographical regions of Turkey. A total of 100 MRSA strains isolated from patients (of which 50% were from intensive care units) hospitalized in seven centers in Turkey [Istanbul (n= 15), Ankara (n= 15), Izmir (n= 15), Adana (n= 15), Diyarbakir (n=15), Erzincan (n= 15), Van (n= 10)], between August 2013 - August 2014, were included in the study. Fourty-three strains were isolated from blood, whereas 21 were from lower respiratory tract, 17 from wounds, eight from catheters, six from urine, four from nasal swab and one from cerebrospinal fluid samples. Methicillin resistance of the isolates was determined by using cefoxitin (30 µg) disk with standard disk diffusion method, while the MIC values of other antibiotics were determined with E-test in accordance with the recommendations of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). MIC results obtained for quinupristin-dalfopristin (Q/D) were evaluated according to the CLSI criteria used for methicillin-susceptible S.aureus and for tigecycline according to the criteria recommended by the Food and Drug Administration for MRSA. Primarily, agar screening method (ASM) was used for determination of vancomycin-intermediate S.aureus (VISA) and heterogeneous VISA (hVISA) strains. Brain heart infusion agar containing 6 µg/ml vancomycin was used in ASM, and the strains with suspicion of VISA/hVISA were screened by standard E-test and macro E-test methods. All MRSA strains were susceptible to vancomycin, teicoplanin, daptomycin, Q/D and linezolid by E-test method; and their rates of susceptibility for tigecycline, chloramphenicol, rifampicin, ofloxacin and tetracycline were detected as 89%, 97%, 40%, 39% and 32%, respectively. MIC50/MIC90 values were 1.5/2 µg/ml for vancomycin, 2/4 µg/ml for teicoplanin, 0.19/0.38 µg/ml for daptomycin, 0.19/0.38 µg/ml for Q/D, 0.75/1 µg/ml for linezolid, 0.19/0.75 µg/ml for tigecycline, 3/6 µg/ml for chloramphenicol, 32/32 µg/ml for rifampicin, 32/32 µg/ml for ofloxacin and 32/64 µg/ml for tetracycline, respectively. For the evaluation of reduced vancomycin susceptibility, 2% (2/100) of MRSA strains were defined as VISA and 5% (5/100) as hVISA with ASM. One of those seven isolates identified as VISA/hVISA with ASM was evaluated as suspected hVISA by using both standard E-test and macro E-test methods. In conclusion, no MRSA resistant strain to vancomycin, teicoplanin, daptomycin, Q/D and linezolid was determined in our study. However tigecycline resistance (11%) was found higher than expected. As the glycopeptide resistance is increasing in the world and because of the intense use of these drugs in Turkey, the rates of vancomycin resistance among MRSA strains should be investigated periodically.

Identification and determination of antibiotic susceptibilities of Brucella strains isolated from patients in van, Turkey by conventional and molecular methods.

PURPOSE: Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease and still constitutes a major public health problem. In this study, we aimed to identify biovars of Brucella strains isolated from clinical specimens taken from brucellosis patients from the Eastern Anatolia region as well determine the susceptibility of these isolates to tigecycline and azithromycin, drugs that may serve as alternatives to the conventional drugs used in the therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five Brucella spp. isolates were included in the study. All strains were identified by both conventional and molecular methods. Brucella Multiplex PCR kit (FC-Biotech, Code: 0301, Turkey) and B. melitensis biovar typing PCR kit (FC-Biotech, Code: 0302, Turkey) were used for molecular typing. Antimicrobial susceptibilities of all strains were determined by E-tests. RESULTS: By conventional biotyping, 73 strains were identified as B. melitensis biovar 3 and two strains as B. abortus biovar 3. Molecular typing results were compatible with conventional methods. The MIC50 and MIC90 values of doxycycline were 0.047 and 0.094; tigecycline 0.094 and 0.125; trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole 0.064 and 0.19; ciprofloxacin 0.19 for both; streptomycin 0.75 and 1; rifampin 1 and 2 and azithromycin 4 and 8. According to the MIC values, doxycycline was found to be the most effective antibiotic, followed by tigecycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin. CONCLUSION: Currently recommended antibiotics for the treatment of brucellosis such as doxycycline, rifampin, streptomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin were found to be still effective. While our results showed that tigecycline can be used an alternative agent in the treatment of brucellosis, azithromycin has not been confirmed as an appropriate agent for the treatment.

[Evaluation of Colistin-Ampicillin/Sulbactam Combination Efficacy in Imipenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Strains]. / Imipeneme Dirençli Acinetobacter baumannii Izolatlarinda Kolistin-Ampisilin/Sulbaktam Kombinasyonu Etkinliginin Degerlendirilmesi.

The increasing emergence of multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains as nosocomial pathogens lead to the use of antimicrobial combinations in the treatment of infections due to these bacteria. The aim of this study was to determine the MIC values of colistin and ampicillin/sulbactam and their in vitro synergistic activities by E-test in order to evaluate the effect of this combination against imipenem-resistant A.baumannii isolates. A total of 33 A.baumannii strains isolated from clinical specimens as etiologic agents of nosocomial infections and identified as imipenem-resistant were included in the study. Identification of the isolates was performed by conventional methods and their imipenem resistance was detected with BD Phoenix automated system (Becton Dickinson, USA). MIC values and in vitro synergistic activity of colistin and ampicillin/sulbactam combination were analyzed by E-test (AB Biodisk, Sweden) on Mueller-Hinton agar medium. Synergistic, additive, indifferent and antagonist effects of A.baumannii strains were evaluated by fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index. The combination was considered to be synergistic when the FIC index was ≤ 0.5, additive when it was 1- > 0.5 and antagonistic when ≥ 2. Of the 33 strains included in the study, 21 were resistant to colistin; 30 were resistant and 3 were moderately susceptible to ampicillin/sulbactam. MIC50 and MIC90 values and MIC range of A.baumannii strains for colistin were 8, 32 and 0.13-128 µg/ml; for ampicillin/sulbactam those values were 48, 256 and 12-256 µg/ml, respectively. According to the FIC indices, 15 strains showed synergistic, four additive, five indifferent and nine antagonistic activity to colistin and ampicillin/sulbactam combination. Among the 12 colistin-susceptible strains, nine showed antagonistic, two indifferent and one synergistic activity to the tested combination while among the 21 colistin-resistant strains 14 showed synergistic, four additive and three indifferent activity. As a result, the combination of colistin with ampicillin/sulbactam, demonstrated high synergistic activity in vitro. While the synergistic effect of this combination was more significant in colistin-resistant strains, antagonistic effect of colistin-susceptible strains was found to be notable. Therefore, colistin resistance should be primarily determined before using colistin and ampicillin/sulbactam combination in A.baumannii infections since this combination seemed to be more effective in case of colistin resistance. However, these data should be supported by further advanced clinical studies.

Antimicrobial susceptibilities of Brucella isolates from various clinical specimens.

PURPOSE: Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease and still constitutes a major public health problem. In the study we claimed to identify Brucella species from clinical samples of patients with active brucellosis from Van region of Eastern Anatolia and to determine in vitro antimicrobial susceptibilities of these strains to commonly used anti-Brucella agents and a possible new alternative tigecycline. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 56 Brucella isolates were enrolled the study and the identification of the isolates were based on conventional methods. In vitro activities of antimicrobials were evaluated by the E test method. RESULTS: All isolates were identified as B. melitensis. MIC(90) values of doxycycline, streptomycin, rifampin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and tigecycline were 0.064 mg/L, 1 mg/L, 2 mg/L, 0.125 mg/L and 0.094 mg/L, respectively. Tigecycline had low MIC(50) and MIC(90) values against all B. melitensis strains; the highest MIC observed was 0.25 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that tigecycline can be a therapeutic alternative option for the treatment of brucellosis.

Subtype distribution and molecular characterization of Blastocystis from hemodialysis patients in Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the Blastocystis prevalence and subtypes in hemodialysis patients in Turkey. METHODOLOGY: Eighty-four patients diagnosed with end-stage renal failure who were undergoing hemodialysis and 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Blastocystis presence was investigated by native-Lugol, trichrome staining, PCR using STS primers, and DNA sequencing analysis. RESULTS: Among the stool samples from the hemodialysis patients, 9.52% (8/84) were found to be Blastocystis-positive with the native-Lugol and trichrome staining. Seven of the eight Blastocystis isolates were subtyped using STS primers. Blastocystis subtype distribution was as follows: one had ST1, two had ST2, two had ST3, two had ST3+ST6, and one was not subtyped. Blastocystis positivity was detected in two healthy control (2/20, %10), one subject had ST1, and the other was not subtyped. All subtypes identified by PCR were confirmed by the sequencing analysis. In the two samples that had mixed subtypes (ST3+ST6) when using the STS primers, only ST3 was detected in the sequencing analysis. Although some patients have multiple symptoms, the most common symptoms in Blastocystis positive patients were bloating (5/8), diarrhea (4/8), nausea and vomiting (2/8), and gas and weight loss (1/8). Also, only one patient had Giardia intestinalis. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first study to determine the Blastocystis subtypes in hemodialysis patients. A rare subtype, ST6, was identified in two of the patients. Thus, the ST6 infections were attributable to transmission from poultry infections. The presence of this unusual subtype suggests the need for further extensive studies of hemodialysis patients.

Comparison of multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction with serological tests and culture for diagnosing human brucellosis.

OBJECTIVE: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with various clinical presentations and early diagnosis is crucial to avoid severe complications. Due to limitations of conventional diagnostic methods, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based approaches have gained importance in diagnosis.We aimed to evaluate diagnostic value of multiplex real time-PCR (mRT-PCR) in serum samples collected from brucellosis suspected patients by comparision sensitivity of mRT-PCR with those of conventional diagnostic methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 249 serum samples collected from the suspected brucellosis patients admitted to the hospitals in three different provinces were analyzed by serological tests, culture and mRT-PCR. In laboratories of the participating hospital, serum samples were tested for the Brucella specific antibody by commercial serological kits including standart tube agglutination test (STAT), Coombs' test, and immunocapture test (ICT). Blood culture was performed for 153 of the patients in the participating hospital. All serum samples were analyzed for the presence of Brucella DNA by mRT-PCR. RESULTS: According to laboratory test results, 215 of the 249 suspected cases having comparible clinical data were identified as brucellosis cases. Of the 215 brucellosis cases, 36 were diagnosed as definitive cases, the remaning 179 patients were presumptive cases. Sensitivity of mRT-PCR in the samples that were positive by ICT, STAT, Coombs' test, and blood culture was 70.2%, 77.3%, 83%, and 97.2%, respectively. By using mRT-PCR, additional 17 suspected patients were diagnosed as presumptive cases. Among the mRT-PCR positive serum samples, Brucella abortus was detected in 3 samples (1.9%), the remaining 156 samples (98.1%) had B. melitensis DNA. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that mRT-PCR can be considered a useful diagnostic tool in patients who have negative serologic test results, and in detection of Brucella species.

Absence of the mecC gene in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from various clinical samples: The first multi-centered study in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: mecA is a predefined gene causing methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolates; however, it has been shown that some methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains do not carry this gene. Recently, in isolates found to be MRSA-positive but mecA-negative, a new resistance gene called mecC, which is a homolog of mecA, has been reported. This study aimed to investigate the mecC and mecA genes in MRSA strains isolated from different geographic regions in Turkey. METHODS: The sample of the study consisted of 494 MRSA strains isolated from seven geographical regions in Turkey between 2013 and 2016. The strains were obtained from 17 centers, comprising 13 university hospitals, three education and research hospitals, and one state hospital. Methicillin resistance in S. aureus strains was determined using the agar disk diffusion method with a cefoxitin disk and the agar dilution method with oxacillin. The mecC and mecA genes in MRSA strains was investigated by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Of the MRSA strains investigated, 47.9% were isolated from intensive care units. Concerning sample type, 36.7% were detected in the respiratory tract (tracheal aspirate, sputum, etc.), 24.8% in blood, 18.7% in skin and soft tissues, 9.3% in nasal swabs, 5.4% in urine, 4.1% in ears, and 1% in sterile body fluid. Using PCR, mecC was not identified in any of the S. aureus strains isolated from different clinical microbiology laboratories. mecA gene positivity was found in 315 of the MRSA strains (63.8%). Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec) type was identified in 232 strains (46.9%), of which 136 (58.7%) were type II, 75 (32.4%) were type IV, 12 (5.1%) were type IIIb, six (2.5%) were type I, and three (1.3%) were type III. CONCLUSION: This is the first multi-centered study to investigate MRSA strains isolated from different regions in Turkey. The mecC gene was not detected in any of the MRSA strains. We believe that this study will constitute an important basis for monitoring possible future changes.

Asymmetrical Dimethylarginine Levels in Hepatitis B Virus-Positive Patients.

BACKGROUND: High asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels have been associated with endothelial dysfunction and contribute to the development of several diseases. However, data on the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) and ADMA are limited. The aim of our study was to explore the relationship between ADMA and HBV by comparing the ADMA levels in patients with chronic active hepatitis B (CHB), inactive HBV carriers (carriers), and healthy volunteers (controls). METHODS: The participants were divided into three groups: 90 patients with CHB, 90 HBV carriers, and 90 controls. Serum ADMA levels were quantified using an ELISA kit (Cusabio, Wuhan, China). The data were analyzed using an ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test as appropriate, with P<0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Serum ADMA levels were significantly higher in patients with CHB (228.35±91.10 ng/mL) than in HBV carriers (207.80±75.80 ng/mL) and controls (207.61±89.10 ng/mL) (P=0.049). The clinical scores of the patients were positively correlated with ADMA levels. CONCLUSIONS: The elevated serum ADMA levels in patients with CHB confirm that HBV plays a role in vasculitis. Further investigation of the mechanisms contributing to the high levels of ADMA in CHB may contribute toward development of new treatment modalities.

Geographical Features and Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in Erzincan, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the geographical features and seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi in Erzincan, Turkey, which has a high tick population due to its geographical position and climatic conditions. METHODS: From January to December 2014, 368 people living in Erzincan, northeastern Turkey were enrolled. B. burgdorferi IgG antibodies were investigated in the collected serum samples using the ELISA method in 2015. Positive and borderline results were confirmed using the Western Blot (WB) method. RESULTS: Borrelia burgdorferi IgG positivity was found to be 4.1% by ELISA and 2.17% by WB. Of the seropositive people according to WB, 25% resided in areas within 2000m of rivers, 50% in areas with a slope of 0-5°, and 62.5% in areas with an altitude of lower than 1500 meters. CONCLUSION: The seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis was high in Erzincan, particularly among people engaged in animal husbandry in rural areas. In addition, the seroprevalence of Borrelia varied according to geographical features, increasing in areas with a lower slope and altitude.

Seroprevalence of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Turkey's Van Province.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an endemic tick-borne viral disease that affects both animals and humans. This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of CCHF in Turkey's Van province using analysis of blood samples obtained from people living in the region. Blood specimens were taken from healthy subjects living in Van province and some of the surrounding villages between January and July 2012. Blood samples were initially tested using a CCHF virus (CCHFV) IgM IgG kit for anti-CCHFV IgG, followed by anti-CCHFV IgM determination of any IgG positive blood samples. IgM-positive specimens were re-confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). One hundred and 7 men and 261 women were included in the study. Fifty-three blood specimens (14.4%) were anti-CCHFV IgG positive, and 2 of these were anti-CCHFV IgM positive. Two blood samples with anti-CCHFV IgM seropositivity tested negative using qPCR, indicating chronic infections. Locality, sex, and a history of tick bites did not significantly affect anti-CCHFV IgG seropositivity. Although the incidence of anti-CCHFV IgG in blood specimens was 14.4%, no deaths have yet been reported in Turkey's Van province. It is imperative that clinical CCHFV tests be implemented for people at high risk of developing CCHFV-related complications.

[A case of brucellosis presenting with suppurative parotitis involvement]. / Süpüratif parotis tutulumu ile seyreden bruselloz olgusu.

Brucellosis is a common zoonotic infection caused by Brucella bacteria. Brucella infections are usually presented with various clinical manifestations, and often accompanied by multiple organ involvements. In this article, we present a case of brucellosis with suppurative parotitis involvement accompanied by parotid abscess and fistula in a 60-year-old male patient. According to the literature review we conducted regarding complications of brucellosis, our case is the first case reported in the literature. Significant improvement in patient's suppurative parotitis and clinical findings was observed at the fifth week of combination antibiotic therapy. Patient's complaints resolved completely after eight weeks of treatment.

Sensitization to food and inhalant allergens in healthy children in Van, East Turkey.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the most frequent food and inhalant allergens leading to allergic sensitization in children in Van Province of Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 1052 serum samples with no diagnosis of allergy. The sera were tested with the Euroline Pediatric IgE test kit (EUROIMMUN, Germany). By using the EUROLineScan digital evaluation system, the intensity of bands was calculated with enzyme allergosorbent test classification. RESULTS: Out of the 1052 tested sera, 143 were found to be cross-reactive carbohydrate determinant-positive and were discarded from the study. Of the remaining 909 sera, 513 (56%) were from males and 296 (44%) were from females. Among the food allergens, specific IgE was most frequently found against codfish, potato, cow's milk, egg yolk, egg white, and rice, and among the inhalant allergens against cats, dogs, grass mix, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and Aspergillus fumigatus, respectively. CONCLUSION: The finding of codfish being the most frequent allergen was related to the high consumption of trout in the region and endemicity of pearl mullet in Lake Van. The results obtained could contribute to determining the etiology of allergic diseases. Additionally, regular analysis of changes in allergen sensitization is important for prevention of allergic disease.