Detection of permethrin resistance and phylogenetic clustering of turkish head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis; De Geer, 1767 populations.

Head lice infestation caused by Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer, 1767 is one of the most common public health problems. The relationship between humans and head lice dates back millions of years ago that differentiated into different phylogenetic clades. Treatment of head lice infestation usually based on insecticide-based products, which promotes the resistance in the head lice populations. In the present study, we aimed to screen the presence of permethrin resistance among collected P. h. capitis specimens in Turkey. Three mutation sites (T917I, L920F, and M815I) were screened using real-time PCR and resistance was identified by melt analysis. Of the studied specimens, resistance allele frequency (RAF) was found 0.98 for T917I, 0.99 for L920F, and 1.00 for M815I. The phylogenetic study revealed that Clade A and Clade B are present and overlap in Turkey. The present study is first to screen the resistance among Turkish head lice specimens. To not stimulate the pyrethroids resistance in head lice populations, early detection of resistance is crucial and will help the health professionals to choose suitable formula in the treatment. We suggest that the resistance status needs to be screened in randomly selected populations before any treatment application is given.

Investigation of Intestinal Parasites in Living Nursing Home

Objective: Intestinal infections are common in the elderly, presented with atypical symptoms and may be the cause of mortality with a more severe clinical manifestation. The weakening of cellular and humoral immunity by aging affects the intestinal flora and increases the risk of infection in the presence of chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of possible parasitic agents in the intestinal system of ≥65-year-old nursing home residents through fecal examination, and to determine the demographic features (age and gender) of this elderly group. Methods: A total of 82 stool samples were examined (100x, 40x) with saline and iodine preparations, formol-ethyl acetate concentration process, trichrome and modified Erlich Ziehl Neelsen stained preparations. Results: One or more parasitological agents were detected in 17 (20.7%) of the 82 stool samples examined. The most common agent was Blastocystis spp. (13.4%), followed by Cryptosporidium spp. (2.4%) and Dientamoeba fragilis (2.4%). Conclusion: In this study, it was determined that attention should be given to elderly population with regard to intestinal parasitic infections. Because of changes in the immune system, more opportunistic factors could be detected. More frequent screening in public areas such as nursing homes is important for preventing infections.

Investigation of in vitro antileishmanial activity of moxifloxacin, linezolid and caspofungin on Leishmania tropica promastigotes.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the potential in vitro anti-leishmanial activities of moxifloxacin, linezolid and caspofungin against Leishmania tropica. METHODS: In vitro effects of all agents were studied by using the microdilution method. For this purpose, serial dilutions of the aforementioned agents were prepared in concentrations between 4096 µg/mL-0.008 µg/mL. Afterwards, promastigotes incubated in suitable medium were counted with the hemocytometer and adjusted as having a last concentration of 2.5 x 10(6) cells/mL in wells containing medium+antibiotic or antifungal. After incubation live promastigotes were counted with the hemocytometer and inhibitor concentrations (IC(50)) were determined by comparing with the control that contained no antibiotics or antifungal. RESULTS: IC(50) values of moxiloxacin, linezolid and caspofungin were found as 194.7 µg/mL, 896 µg/mL and 235.7 µg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION: As a result, moxifloxacin was found to be effective in lower concentrations than the other studied agents against L. tropica promastigotes.