Diagnostic approach of tuberculous lymphadenitis in a multicenter study.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLN) is the most common infectious etiology of peripheral lymphadenopathy in adults, in Turkiye. This study aimed to identify the demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables that differentiate TBLN from non-tuberculous lymphadenitis (NTBLN), as well as the etiology of lymphadenopathy in adults. METHODOLOGY: Patients who were over 18 years old and were referred to the infectious disease outpatient clinics with complaints of swollen peripheral lymph nodes, and who underwent lymph node biopsy between 1 January 2010 and 1 March 2021, were included in this multicenter, nested case-control study. RESULTS: A total of 812 patients at 17 tertiary teaching and research hospitals in Turkiye were included in the study. TBLN was the most frequent diagnosis (53.69%). The proportion of patients diagnosed with TBLN was higher among females; and among those who had a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive purified protein derivative test, and positive interferon-gamma release test result (p < 0.05). However, TBLN was less frequent among patients with generalized lymphadenopathy, bilateral lymphadenopathy, axillary lymphadenopathy, inguinal lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, leukocytosis, and moderately increased C reactive protein levels (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Identifying the variables that predict TBLN or discriminate TBLN from NTBLN will help clinicians establish optimal clinical strategies for the diagnosis of adult lymphadenopathy.

Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Compliance in Turkey: Data from the Prospective, Observational, Multicenter Survey Including 7,978 Surgical Patients.

Background: Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) is the peri-operative administration of antimicrobial agents. Compliance rates vary worldwide from 15% to 84.3%, with studies in Turkey not exceeding 35%. The aim of this multicenter study was to determine the rate of appropriate antibiotic class, timing, and duration as well as discharge prescriptions in Turkey. Thus, we aimed to determine the rate of full compliance with SAP procedures in our country Patients and Methods: This multicenter, prospective, observational, descriptive study was conducted in 47 hospitals from 28 provinces in seven different regions of Turkey. Patients over 18 years of age in all surgical units between June 6, 2022, and June 10, 2022, were included in the study. Results: Of the 7,978 patients included in the study, 332 were excluded from further analyses because of pre-existing infection, and SAP compliance analyses were performed on the remaining 7,646 cases. The antibiotic most commonly used for SAP was cefazolin (n = 4,701; 61.5%), followed by third-generation cephalosporins (n = 596; 7.8%). The most common time to start SAP was within 30 minutes before surgery (n = 2,252; 32.5%), followed by 30 to 60 minutes before surgery (n = 1,638; 23.6%). Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis duration was <24 hours in 3,516 (50.7%) patients and prolonged until discharge in 1,505 (21.7%) patients. Finally, the actual proportion of patients compliant with SAP was 19% (n = 1,452) after omitting 4,458 (58.3%) patients who were prescribed oral antibiotic agents at discharge as part of a prolonged SAP. Conclusions: Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis compliance rates are still very low in Turkey. Prolonged duration of SAP and especially high rate of antibiotic prescription at discharge are the main reasons for non-compliance with SAP.

Molecular epidemiological investigation of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from intensive care unit patients of six geographical regions of Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: Klebsiella pneumonia causes serious infections in hospitalized patients. In recent years, carbapenem-resistant infections increased in the world. The molecular epidemiological investigation of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates was aimed in this study. METHODOLOGY: Fifty carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates from six geographical regions of Turkey between September 2019-2020 were included in the study. The disk diffusion method was used for the antibiotic susceptibility testing. The microdilution confirmed colistin susceptibility. Genetic diversity was investigated by MLST (Multi-Locus Sequence Typing). RESULTS: The resistance rates were as follows: 49 (98%) for meropenem, 47 (94%) imipenem, 50 (100%) ertapenem, 30 (60%) colistin and amoxicillin-clavulanate, 49 (98%) ceftriaxone, 48 (96%) cefepime, 50 (100%) piperacillin-tazobactam, 47 (94%) ciprofloxacin, 40 (80%) amikacin, 37 (74%) gentamicin. An isolate resistant to colistin by disk diffusion was found as susceptible to microdilution. ST 2096 was the most common (n:16) sequence type by MLST. ST 101 (n:7), ST14 (n:6), ST 147 and ST 15 (n:4), ST391 (n:3), ST 377 and ST16 (n:2), ST22, ST 307, ST 985, ST 336, ST 345, and ST 3681 (n:1) were classified in other isolates. In Istanbul and Ankara ST2096 was common. Among Turkey isolates, the most common clonal complexes (CC) were CC14 (n:26) and CC11 (n = 7). CONCLUSIONS: In Turkey, a polyclonal population of CC14 throughout the country and inter-hospital spread were indicated. The use of molecular typing tools will highlight understanding the transmission dynamics.

A meta-analysis of antibiotic resistance rates in Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated in blood cultures in Turkey between 2007 and 2017.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa has remained stable in recent years, and resistant strains has increased dramatically. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to analyze the P. aeruginosa strains isolated from blood cultures in Turkey during the last 11 years and to reveal their antimicrobial susceptibility. METHODS: Data collected between 2007 and 2017 were divided into two groups as Group-1; 2007-2011 and Group-2; 2012-2017. The differences in antibiotic resistance rates between Group-1 and Group-2 were analyzed. The study data were included according to PRISMA criteria, then meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 30 study data from 25 studies were included in the study. The prevalence rate of meropenem (MEM) resistance in P. aeruginosa in Turkey was 25.1% (95% Cl: 20.65-29.83) according to a meta-analysis of 637 isolates. MEM resistance rates in Group-1 and Group-2 were 23.4% (95% Cl: 18.34-28.99) and 29.3% (95% Cl: 21.23-38.23), respectively. The prevalence rate of imipenem (IMP) resistance in P. aeruginosa in Turkey was 26.8% (%95 Cl: 23.40-30.35) according to a meta-analysis of 1421 isolates. IMP resistance rates in Group-1 and Group-2 were 26.2% (95% Cl: 22.41-30.27) and 28.4% (95% Cl: 21.57-35.88), respectively. Ciprofloxacin (CIP) resistance rate was 27.04% (95% Cl: 21.88-32.52) in 1388 isolates. CIP resistance rates in Group-1 and Group-2 were 30.8% (95% Cl: 24.35-37.56) and 18.6% (95% Cl: 10.72-28.11), respectively. The prevalence rate of piperacillin-tazobactam (TZP) resistance in P. aeruginosa in Turkey was 29.2% (95% Cl: 21.058-38.088) according to a meta-analysis of 1030 isolates. TZP resistance rates in Group-1 and Group-2 were 26.1% (95% Cl: 17.76-35.31) and 38.2% (95% Cl: 18.48-60.27), respectively. CONCLUSION: There is a remarkable increase in resistance rates in P. aeruginosa to MEM and TZP in Turkey due to frequent use. Other antibiotics with antipseudomonal effect should be prioritized in the treatment of these infections.

Fever of unknown origin (FUO) on a land on cross-roads between Asia and Europa; a multicentre study from Turkey.

AIMS: The differential diagnosis of Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) is still a major clinical challenge despite the advances in diagnostic procedures. In this multicentre study, we aimed to reveal FUO aetiology and factors influencing the final diagnosis of FUO in Turkey. METHODS: A total of 214 patients with FUO between the years 2015 and 2019 from 13 tertiary training and research hospitals were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The etiologic distribution of FUO was infections (44.9%), malignancies (15.42%), autoimmune/inflammatory (11.68%) diseases, miscellaneous diseases (8.41%) and undiagnosed cases (19.62%). Brucellosis (10.25%), extrapulmonary tuberculosis (6.54%) and infective endocarditis (6.54%) were the most frequent three infective causes. Solid malignancies (7.1%) and lymphoma (5.6%), adult-onset still's disease (6.07%) and thyroiditis (5.14%) were other frequent diseases. The aetiological spectrum did not differ in elderly people (P < .05). Infections were less frequent in Western (34.62%) compared with Eastern regions of Turkey (60.71%) (P < .001, OR: 0.31, 95% Cl: 0.19 to 0.60). The ratio of undiagnosed aetiology was significantly higher in elderly people (p: 0.046, OR: 2.34, 95% Cl: 1.00 to 5.48) and significantly lower in Western Turkey (P: .004, OR: 3.07, 95% Cl: 1.39 to 6.71). CONCLUSIONS: Brucellosis, extrapulmonary tuberculosis and infective endocarditis remain to be the most frequent infective causes of FUO in Turkey. Solid tumours and lymphomas, AOSD and thyroiditis are the other common diseases. The aetiological spectrum did not differ in elderly people, on the other hand, infections were more common in Eastern Turkey. A considerable amount of aetiology remained undiagnosed despite the state-of-the-art technology in healthcare services.

Demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics for differential diagnosis of peripheral lymphadenopathy (LAP) and the etiologic distribution of LAP in adults; a multicenter, nested case-control study including 1401 patients from Turkey.

Peripheral lymphadenopathy (LAP) is an important and common abnormal finding of the physical exam in general medical practice. We aimed to reveal the LAP etiology and demographic, clinical and laboratory variables that may be useful in the differential evaluation of LAP. This multicenter, nested case-control study including 1401 patients between 2014 and 2019 was conducted in 19 tertiary teaching and research hospitals from different regions in Turkey. The ratio of infectious, malign and autoimmune/inflammatory diseases was 31.3%, 5% and 0.3%, respectively. In 870 (62%) of patients had nonspecific etiology. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (n: 235, 16.8%) was the most frequent cause of LAP. The ratio of infective etiology of LAP was significantly lower in patients older than 65 years-old compared to younger patients with the rate of 66.67% and 83.84%, respectively (p 0.016, OR 0.386, 95% Cl 0.186-0.803). The probability of malign etiology was higher both in patients who are older than 45 years-old (p < 0.001, OR 3.23, 95% Cl 1.99-5.26) and older than 65 years-old (p 0.002, OR 3.36, 95% Cl 1.69-6.68). Age, localization and duration of LAP, leukocytosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, CRP and sedimentation rate were important parameters to differentiate infections. Size of lymph node and splenomegaly in addition to the parameters above were useful parameters for differentiating malign from benign etiology. Despite the improvements in diagnostic tools, reaching a definite differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy is still challenging. Our results may help clinicians to decide in which cases they need an aggressive workup and set strategies on optimizing the diagnostic approach of adulthood lymphadenopathy.

Evaluation of 170 Followed-up Cases Treated for Hydatid Disease: A Multicentre Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical characteristics of patients with cystic echinococcosis and the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches used. METHODS: This is a multicentre, retrospective study. Patients from six centres who were diagnosed with hydatid cysts in the last five years were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 45.4±17.4 years, and 54.7% were female. The most common complaints were abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and the most common physical examination finding was abdominal tenderness. Most patients were diagnosed within 2-6 months. Anaemia and eosinophilia were the most common laboratory findings. The liver was the most commonly involved organ (n=153, 90%). One hundred twenty-five (73.5%) patients underwent ultrasonography. The largest cyst was present in the liver at stage four, and its diameter was 160x170 mm. The rates of the negative, grey zone and positive results were 9.4%, 8.8% and 81.8%. Surgery was more common (n=72, 42.4%) than puncture, aspiration, injection, and re-aspiration treatments (n=14, 8.2%). Of the 47 patients who had a recurrence, 22 (46.8%) had a history of hydatid cyst treatment. CONCLUSION: Hydatid disease, which is endemic in our country, is diagnosed at a late stage. In terms of disease diagnosis, serological tests may be misleading. It was not possible to compare the success rates according to the treatment choices because of the lack of randomisation of stages and sizes of the lesions.

Difference in Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence Rates Due to Low and High CD4 Counts in Patients with HIV/AIDS

Objective: Since symptomatic toxoplasmosis in in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) almost always occurs as a result of reactivation of chronic infection, screening Toxoplasma serology has an important role in the follow up of the main disease in these populations. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to reveal the difference in the seroprevalence rates of Toxoplasma gondii infection between groups in relation to CD4 counts (CD4-counts ≥200 and <200 cells/mm3) HIV-infected population. Methods: The meta-analysis was performed by searching for the studies in English that were published in the last 20-year period in databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, Science Direct and Web of Science. The process of searching was carried out using the keywords: "Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome", "AIDS", "Human immunodeficiency virus", "HIV", "Toxoplasma", "Toxoplasmosis", "Toxoplasma gondii", "seroprevalence", "prevalence" and "immunoglobulin G". Results: A total of 16 studies including 3982 seropositive samples of T. gondii, 2792 of which were in first group (HIV positive patients with CD4-counts ≥200 cells/mm3) and 1190 were in second group (HIV positive patients with CD4-counts <200 cells/mm3), were included in the meta-analysis. The seroprevalence of T. gondii was 40.03% in HIV-positive patients with CD4 counts ≥200 cells/mm3, and 43.5% in the group with CD4 counts <200 cells/mm3. Seroprevalence rates in the studies included in the meta-analysis showed variability (heterogeneity) in both groups and heterogeneity between studies was higher in group 1 [Group 1; Cochran Q=994.16, DF=15, I²=98.49%, p<0.0001 and group 2; Cochran Q=368.50, DF=15, I²=95.93%, p<0.0001]. Conclusion: We concluded that HIV/AIDS patients with low CD4 counts have higher epidemiological risk as well as immunological risk of toxoplasmosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis evaluating the seroprevalence of T. gondii in AIDS/HIV population by comparing the seroprevalance of T. gondii in subgroups formed according to CD4 counts.

Overuse of prophylaxis in HBsAg and/or anti-HBc positive patients after increasing awareness to prevent reactivation in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies: How rational are our prophylaxis decisions according to the literature?

Screening prior to initiation of immunosuppressive therapy, and decision making between the initiation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) prophylaxis and monitoring with the intent of on-demand anti-HBV therapy initiation are the key determinants to prevent reactivation of HBV. Patients over 18 years of age with HBsAg and/or anti-HBc positivity, who received HBV prophylaxis due to immunosuppressive treatments between 2013 and 2019, enrolled in this retrospective descriptive study. We tried to create awareness about the reactivation of hepatitis among clinicians in our hospital from the beginning of 2017, via warnings at the hospital data management system and via in-service training activities. Changes or differences between two-time period groups (first group between 2013 and 2016, the second between 2017 and 2018) and between four reactivation risk groups (low, moderate, high and very high) were analyzed. Of 125 patients who received immunosuppressive therapies and HBV prophylaxis, 52 (41.6%) were HBsAg positive while 73 (58.4%) were anti-HBc positive/HBsAg negative. Eighteen of the patients were in the 1st-period-years and 107 were in the second. The ratio of anti-HBc positive/HBsAg negative patients increased from 22.22% (n: 4) to 64.49% (n: 69) in the 2nd period (p: 0.001). In the 1st period, 16.67% of the patients had hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs), which increased to 46.73% during the 2nd period. The ratio of patients with HBV DNA positivity was found to be 55.56% in the first period and 33.87% in the second. Patients in the moderate (1-10%) and high (10-30%) reactivation risk groups were predominant, with rates of 38.89% and 33.33% of all the patients during the 1st period, respectively. However, the number of patients with a low reactivation risk increased 19-fold (from 2 to 38) and reached a proportion of 35.51% of all patients during the 2nd period. There was also a 6.33-fold increase (from 6 to 38) in the number of patients with high reactivation risk, reaching a rate of 35.51% during the 2nd period. None of the patients developed HBV reactivation when HBV prophylaxis was initiated before (n:11), concurrently (n:81) with or after (n:33) the immunosuppressive therapy. Awareness of HBV reactivation among clinicians has significantly increased in recent years mainly due to in-service training activities in our hospital. This rapid progress in awareness resulted in increased rates of screening for HBV and therefore increased the number of anti-HBc positive/HBsAg negative patients. However, it also led to the overuse of HBV prophylaxis even in low-risk patients.

The seroprevalence of Rubella in pregnant women in Turkey: a meta-analysis research of 90988 Rubella IgM, 84398 Rubella IgG, and 522 avidity results.

OBJECTIVE: Rubella infection prevalence in pregnant women can vary from country to country, or even across regions in the same country. In this metaanalysis, the seroprevalence Rubella among pregnant women in Turkey in the last decade was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Studies conducted in Turkey between 2007 and 2017 were analyzed, and differences in seroprevalence between provinces were compared by evaluating Rubella immunoglobulin (Ig)-G, IgM, and IgG avidity results in pregnancy in this period. A data search was performed using the search terms Rubella, kizamikçik, gebe, hamile, pregnancy, Türkiye, Turkey in Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Türk Medline, and the YÖK thesis database center. RESULTS: A total of 26 articles associated with the seroprevalence of Rubella among pregnant women in Turkey were enrolled in the meta-analysis. As a result of an analysis of 84398 Rubella IgG, and 90988 Rubella IgM serology tests among pregnant women in 26 studies; Rubella IgG and IgM seroprevalence rates in pregnant woman in Turkey were found as 93.47% (95% CI: 91.72 to 95.03) and 0.783% (95% CI: 0.505 to 1.120), respectively. Rubella IgG low, intermediate, and high avidity rates were 4.66% (95% CI: 0.969 to 10.906), 7.51% (95% CI: 5.101 to 10.345), and 93.55% (95% CI: 82.584 to 99.311), respectively. CONCLUSION: The Rubella IgG seropositivity rate in Turkey among pregnant woman is high, whereas it is low for IgM. These rates may be considered as the result of successful immunization policies and practices. In a few provinces, it is necessary to revise the Rubella immunization procedures and adult vaccination strategies should be developed in order to control Rubella infections in adults, including pregnant women.

Are there optimal alanine aminotransferase and HBV DNA thresholds for discriminating HBeAg-positive chronic infection from chronic hepatitis? An evaluation of 215 young and male cases.

OBJECTIVES: To define the importance of biochemical and virological thresholds for the prediction of significant liver diseases. METHODS: A total of 215 young and male HBeAg-positive cases followed up in a tertiary training and research hospital in Turkey between 2008 and 2017 enrolled in the retrospective diagnostic accuracy study. Results: Fibrosis scores varied between 0-4, F1 (n=81, 37.6%) and F2 (n=82, 38.1%) were the most frequent fibrosis stages. Of the patients, 58.6% (126/215) had a significant histopathological abnormality (SHA). The ratio of SHA was higher for ALT greater than 90 U/L (n=68/95; 71.6%) and HBV-DNA between 2,000,000-200,000,000 IU/mL (n=47/73; 64.4%). Thresholds for the higher odds ratio (OR) for SHA were greater than 90 U/L for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and greater than 2,000,000 IU/mL for HBV-DNA. Based on receiver operating characteristic analysis, 90.5 U/L of ALT and 22,607,500 IU/mL of HBV-DNA were levels with the optimum sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of SHA. CONCLUSION: Hepatitis B virus-DNA levels between 106 and 108 IU/mL and ALT levels of 2~3 x ULN might be considered to be good indicators for discriminating chronic hepatitis phase from chronic infection in  hepatitis B e-antigen-positive chronic hepatitis. However, we think that the current biochemical, serological and molecular markers are inadequate for differentiating chronic hepatitis phase than chronic infection, and non-invasive test and/or liver histopathology should be carried out in selected cases.

Platelet-rich plasma as an additional therapeutic option for infected wounds with multi-drug resistant bacteria: in vitro antibacterial activity study.

PURPOSE: Infected wounds, such as diabetic foot infections, are mostly polymicrobial and microorganisms have high resistance rates to antimicrobials. Infected wounds in diabetic patients have high cost, morbidity, and mortality rates. Based on these facts, there is a need for supportive localized treatment options such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) implementations. Demonstrating the in vitro antimicrobial effect, our aim was to lead up to clinical trials of localized PRP implementations in infected wounds such as diabetic foot infections. In this study, we aimed to demonstrate the in vitro antibacterial activity of PRP against methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and three more multi-drug resistant bacteria species that are important and hard-to-treat in wound infections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro antimicrobial activity of autologous PRP, platelet-poor plasma (PPP), and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp., extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa was compared by assessment of bacterial growth on agar plates and antimicrobial susceptibility test results. RESULTS: When compared to control group, PRP and PPP significantly suppressed bacterial growth of MRSA, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa at 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 10th hours of incubation (p < 0.05). VRE was the only bacteria that PRP and PPP showed limited activity against. When compared to PPP, PRP showed higher activity against MRSA, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa. However, the differences between PRP and PPP were statistically significant only against MRSA and P. aeruginosa at the first hour of incubation. CONCLUSIONS: Emerging PRP and other platelet-derived products seem to be promising alternative tools besides antibiotic treatment, debridement, negative pressure wound therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and other treatment options for treating diabetic foot infections.

Diagnostic Dilemma for Low Viremia with Significant Fibrosis; is Hepatitis B Virus DNA Threshold Level a Good Indicator for Predicting Liver Damage?

BACKGROUND: The most important difficulties about management of hepatitis B are still determining the liver damage and the right time to start antiviral therapy. AIMS: To reveal the role of hepatitis B virus DNA threshold level for prediction of liver fibrosis and inflammation in young-aged hepatitis B e-antigen negative chronic hepatitis B patients. STUDY DESIGN: Diagnostic accuracy study. METHODS: A total of 273 hepatitis B e-antigen negative young chronic hepatitis B patients with any hepatitis B virus DNA levels between 2008 and 2016, who had liver biopsy after at least 6 months follow up period, enrolled in this retrospective study. We created two groups as case and control, cases with hepatitis B virus DNA levels below 2000 IU/mL and controls with hepatitis B virus DNA levels over 2000 IU/mL. Having histological activity index ≥4 or/and fibrosis scores ≥2 were defined as significant histological abnormality. Then, we analyzed the relationship between these groups. RESULTS: We showed that significant fibrosis may occur in one third of young chronic hepatitis B patients with low viremia (30.2%, n=42/139 in cases, 55.2%, n=74/134 in controls). Among the 42 cases with low viremia and significant fibrosis, 21.4% had alanine aminotransferase level between 40-59 U/L, 42.8% had alanine aminotransferase level between 60-79 U/L, and 35.7% had alanine aminotransferase level over 80 U/L. There was weak correlation between hepatitis B virus DNA threshold level and fibrosis score (p<0.001, rho=0.253). The optimum serum hepatitis B virus DNA threshold level in our study for predicting significant fibrosis was 1293 IU/mL (p<0.001, AUC: 0.657±0.034). The optimum alanine aminotransferase threshold level for predicting significant histological activity index and fibrosis was 64.5 and 59.5 U/L, respectively. The sensitivity and the specificity of 1293 vs 2000 IU/mL hepatitis B virus DNA threshold with 60 U/L alanine aminotransferase threshold level for predicting F≥2 fibrosis score were similar (sensitivity: 0.43 and 0.38, specificity: 0.76 and 0.77, respectively). CONCLUSION: Significant fibrosis may occur even in young cases with low viremia. It is not possible to define a single threshold hepatitis B virus DNA level for differentiating inactive carriers from patients with hepatitis B e-antigen-negative chronic hepatitis. Diagnostic accuracy of hepatitis B virus DNA with alanine aminotransferase thresholds for the prediction of significant fibrosis is weak.

Changes in acute viral hepatitis epidemiology in the Turkish adult population: A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The present study aimed to determine the changes in the epidemiology of hepatitis in recent years in an adult Turkish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 852 patients with acute viral hepatitis from 17 centers were included in this study. Their sociodemographic characteristics, clinical courses, treatments, and laboratory findings were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The most commonly found microorganisms were the hepatitis B virus (55.2%) and hepatitis A virus (37.6%), and the types of acute viral hepatitis differed significantly according to the age group (p≤0.001). The most frequently reported symptom was fatigue (73.7%), and the most common complications were cholecystitis (0.4%) and fulminant hepatitis (0.4%). The median hospital stay was 9 days (range 1-373). In total, 40.8% patients with acute hepatitis B virus developed immunity. CONCLUSION: In Turkey, there are significantly large adolescent and adult populations susceptible to acute viral hepatitis. Therefore, larger vaccination programs covering these age groups should be implemented.

Withdrawal of Staphylococcus aureus from intensive care units in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: In the past, Staphylococcus aureus infections have displayed various patterns of epidemiologic curves in hospitals, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). This study aimed to characterize the current trend in a nationwide survey of ICUs in Turkey. METHODS: A total of 88 ICUs from 36 Turkish tertiary hospitals were included in this retrospective study, which was performed during the first 3 months of both 2008 (period [P] 1) and 2011 (P2). A P value ≤.01 was considered significant. RESULTS: Although overall rates of hospital-acquired infection (HAI) and device-associated infection densities were similar in P1 and P2, the densities of HAIs due to S aureus and methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) were significantly lower in P2 (P < .0001). However, the proportion of HAIs due to Acinetobacter was significantly higher in P2 (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of S aureus infections is declining rapidly in Turkish ICUs, with potential impacts on empirical treatment strategies in these ICUs.

[Case report: primary localization of a hydatid cyst in the adductor brevis muscle].

We present a rare case of primary muscular hydatidosis in the left thigh of a 20 year-old man, who presented with painless mass. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging examinations revealed a multilocular intramuscular cyst in the posteromedial compartment of the left thigh mainly occupying the adductor brevis muscle. This site of localization has not been reported previously. The patient was treated successfully by preoperative and postoperative dual treatment of albendazole together with surgery. Hydatid disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of muscular masses, regardless of its location, especially in endemic areas.