Epidemiology of COVID-19: What changed in one year?

A coronavirus brought the first pandemic attack of this century as a flu virus did a hundred years ago. This greatest pandemic of the century brings us new opportunities to understand and explore the dynamics of a contagious disease. Nearly two years later, we are still collecting the evidence to understand the disease. Some basic epidemiological properties are still urgently needed. Not only the origin of the virus but also Ro value, possible transmission routes, epidemiologic curves, case fatality rates, seasonality, severity and mortality risk factor, effects on the risk groups, differences between countries and so on still require strong evidence prior to making final suggestions. In this review, we tried to evaluate the epidemiological evidence to scrutinize where exactly we are in this pandemic.

Epidemiology of COVID-19

It seems that coronaviruses take an important place in the 21th century history. Five of seven human coronavirus was isolated in this century. Unfortunately, last three of them entered our life with a fear of outbreak, pandemic or death. Last human coronavirus which emerged world from Wuhan China, SARS CoV-2 and its clinical expression, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) recently taken a significant place in our daily practice. Initial reports showed that, its origin was bats. It transmitted human to human by droplet and contact routes, but some doubt about airborne, fecal or intrauterine transmission also should be removed. Its R0 value is 2.3 but it could be as high as 5.7. Its case fatality rate was 6.3, but it was different in different ages and counties, and it could be over 15%. According to early models total 10­12 weeks is required to control an outbreak in the community. While different countries show different daily case numbers, total number of case, case mortality rates or R0, it seems they show a similar epidemic curve. Every day we learn new data about the current outbreak. Since the outbreak is not over yet, every detail should be evaluated carefully and the updates should be followed closely to monitor the epidemiological properties of COVID-19.

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.

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.

Tigecycline in the treatment of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii meningitis: Results of the Ege study.

OBJECTIVES: In this study we retrospectively reviewed A. baumannii meningitis cases treated with tigecycline including regimens and evaluated the efficacy of tigecycline in the therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Study was performed in seven tertiary-care educational hospitals from five cities of Turkey and one center from France. We extracted data and outcomes of all adult (aged >18) patients with culture proven A. baumannii meningitis treated with tigecycline including antibiotic therapy until April 2016. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients (15 male and eight female) fulfilled our inclusion criteria. All Acinetobacter strains were carbapenem-resistant and susceptible to tigecycline. Six cases received tigecycline monotherapy while 17 received tigecycline including combination therapy (10 with colistin, 4 with netilmicin, 3 with amikacin, 4 with meropenem). Seven of 23 cases (30%) died during the tigecycline including therapy (1 in monotherapy, 4 in colistin, 2 in netilmicin, 1 amikacin, one case received tigecycline + netilmicin followed by tigecycline + colistin). Hence, overall end of treatment (EOT) success was 70%. However, since further 27% died due to additional nosocomial infections, overall clinical success (relieved symptoms at the EOT and one-month post-therapy survival without any relapse or reinfection) decreased to 43%. CONCLUSION: We conclude that tigecycline may be an alternative in the salvage treatment of nosocomial multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter spp. meningitis. Acinetobacter spp. Meningitis.

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.

Turkey 2017 Clinical Practice Guidelines on recommendations for screening diagnosing and managing hepatitis C virus.

The present guideline updates the Turkish recommendations for the screening, diagnosis and management of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prepared by the Turkish Association for the Study of the Liver (TASL) and Viral Hepatitis Society (VHS). The aim of this guidance was to provide updates recommendations to physicians, who are interested in HCV care on the optimal screening, diagnosis and pre-treatment management for patients with HCV infection in Turkey. These recommendations, produced by panel experts, were aimed to addresses the management issues ranging from diagnosis and linkage to care, to the optimal treatment regimen in patients with HCV infection. Recommendations are based on evidence and opinions of more than 70% of the panelists. This guidance is supported by the memberships of two societies and not by pharmaceutical companies. This guidance will be updated frequently as new data become available.

Investigation of 1377C/T polymorphism of the Toll-like receptor 3 among patients with chronic hepatitis B.

The immunopathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) has not been clarified yet. Toll-like receptors (TLR) are a receptor family that initiates immunity with exogenous-endogenous ligands and plays a role in the pathogenesis of infections. In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of TLR 3 1377C/T (rs3775290) polymorphism and its role in patients with CHB. We included 50 healthy individuals as control group and 73 active and 43 inactive hepatitis B patients. All DNA samples were isolated from blood samples. For the detection of TLR 3 1377C/T single-nucleotide polymorphism, restriction fragment length polymorphism was used. A statistically significant difference was determined in Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels of CHB patients with the CC, CT, and TT genotypes (p = 0.013). The highest levels of HBV DNA were detected in individuals with TT genotypes. Additionally, the frequency of CC genotype was higher in the active CHB patients compared with that of the inactive CHB patients (p = 0.044). No statistically significant difference in TLR 3 1377C/T polymorphism was detected between healthy controls and the hepatitis B patients (p = 0.342). In conclusion, HBV DNA level was higher in the individuals with TT genotype, and CC genotype was more frequent in the active CHB patients. These results suggest a possible association between CHB and TLR 3 gene (1377C/T) polymorphism.

Risk factors for infection with colistin-resistant gram-negative microorganisms: a multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Knowing risk factors for colistin resistance is important since colistin is the only remaining choice for the treatment of infections caused by multi-drug resistant microorganisms. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate risk factors associated with infection by colistin-resistant microorganisms. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Tertiary healthcare centers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An e-mail including the title and purpose of the study was sent to 1500 infec.tious disease specialists via a scientific and social web portal named "infeksiyon dunyasi (infection world)". Demographic and clinical data was requested from respondents. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Colistin-resistance. RESULTS: Eighteen infectious disease specialists from twelve tertiary care centers responded to the invitation data was collected on 165 patients, 56 cases (39.9%) and 109 (66.0%) age- and sex-matched controls. The colistin-resistant microorganisms isolated from cases were 29 Acinetobacter baumannii (51.8%), 18 Pseudomonas aeruginosa (32.1%) and 9 Klebsiella spp. Colistin, carbapenem, and quinolone use in the last three months were risk factors for colistin resistance in the univariate analysis. Previous quinolone use in the last three months (P=.003; RR:3.2; 95% Ci:1.5-6,7) and previous colistin use in the last three months (P=.001; RR: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.63-7.99) were significant risk factors in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should limit the use of quinolones and remain aware of the possibility of resistance developing during colistin use. LIMITATIONS: The lack of a heteroresistance analysis on the isolates. no data on use of a loading dose or the use of colistin in combination.

Evaluation of Dual Therapy in Real Life Setting in Treatment-Naïve Turkish Patients with HCV Infection: A Multicenter, Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Before the introduction of direct-acting antivirals in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C patients, the combination of peginterferon alpha and ribavirin was the standard therapy. Observational studies that investigated sustained virological response (SVR) rates by these drugs yielded different outcomes. AIMS: The goal of the study was to demonstrate real life data concerning SVR rate achieved by peginterferon alpha plus ribavirin in patients who were treatment-naïve. STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter, retrospective observational study. METHODS: The study was conducted retrospectively on 1214 treatment naïve-patients, being treated with peginterferon alpha-2a or 2b plus ribavirin in respect of the current guidelines between 2005 and 2013. The patients' data were collected from 22 centers via a standard form, which has been prepared for this study. The data included demographic and clinical characteristics (gender, age, body weight, initial Hepatitis C virus RNA (HCV RNA) level, disease staging) as well as course of treatment (duration of treatment, outcomes, discontinuations and adverse events). Renal insufficiency, decompensated liver disease, history of transplantation, immunosuppressive therapy or autoimmune liver disease were exclusion criteria for the study. Treatment efficacy was assessed according to the patient's demographic characteristics, baseline viral load, genotype, and fibrosis scores. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 50.74 (±0.64) years. Most of them were infected with genotype 1 (91.8%). SVR was achieved in 761 (62.7%) patients. SVR rate was 59.1% in genotype 1, 89.4% in genotype 2, 93.8% in genotype 3, and 33.3% in genotype 4 patients. Patients with lower viral load yielded higher SVR (65.8% vs. 58.4%, p=0.09). SVR rates according to histologic severity were found to be 69.3%, 66.3%, 59.9%, 47.3%, and 45.5% in patients with fibrosis stage 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The predictors of SVR were male gender, genotype 2/3, age less than 45 years, low fibrosis stage, low baseline viral load and presence of early virological response. SVR rates to each peginterferon were found to be similar in genotype 1/4 although SVR rates were found to be higher for peginterferon alpha-2b in patients with genotype 2/3. The number of patients who failed to complete treatment due to adverse effects was 33 (2.7%). The number of patients failed to complete treatment due to adverse effects was 33 (2.7%). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that the rate of SVR to dual therapy was higher in treatment-naïve Turkish patients than that reported in randomized controlled trials. Also peginterferon alpha-2a and alpha-2b were found to be similar in terms of SVR in genotype 1 patients.

Association of clinical properties and compatibility of the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test with the tuberculin skin test in patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with psoriasis show conflicting responses to the tuberculin skin test (TST), a commonly used screening test for latent tuberculosis infection. An alternative to TST is QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube test (QFT-GIT), an in vitro interferon-gamma release assay. This study aimed to determine the effect of the clinical properties of psoriasis (disease severity and koebnerization status) on TST results and the agreement between the TST and QFT-GIT results in psoriatic patients. METHODS: One hundred patients with mild to severe psoriasis were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. Psoriasis properties, including disease severity (psoriasis area and severity index score and koebnerization status), latent tuberculosis infection risk factors, and bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination history, were recorded. All patients underwent a TST and QFT-GIT. TST positivity cut-off point was ≥10 mm for bacillus Calmette-Guérin-vaccinated patients and ≥5 mm for non-vaccinated patients. RESULTS: Psoriasis area and severity index scores and koebnerization status did not correlate with TST diameters. Only one of the 23 koebnerization-positive patients developed koebnerization in response to TST. QFT-GIT positivity was prominently higher in the TST-positive group, and this was the only factor that differed between the TST-positive and TST-negative groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Tuberculin skin test results were not affected by psoriasis severity or koebnerization status. QFT-GIT positivity was prominently higher in the TST-positive group (P < 0.001). Overall agreement between TST and QFT-GIT results was moderate (κ = 0.413). Concurrent negativity (44%) was higher than concurrent positivity (27%).

The Knowledge of the Physicians about Sepsis Bundles is Suboptimal: A Multicenter Survey.

OBJECTIVES: Sepsis is a severe condition with possible high mortality outcomes. A multicentre-survey to detect the knowledge of the physicians who are involved in sepsis management in daily work was conducted. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was held in October 2013. A questionnaire consisting of questions about sepsis bundles was prepared. Eight centers from different regions of the country were invited to join the survey. The questionnaires were introduced to physicians from infectious diseases, internal diseases, emergency (ER) and anaesthesiology departments. RESULTS: Two-hundred-and-twenty-three physicians from eight different centers were included. Of total 112 (50%) were male, median age was 30 years (24-59 years). Median working duration of participants was 5 years; 153 (69%) were residents, 70 (31%) were consultants. Of total 131 (59%) declared that they have enough knowledge on sepsis management. About the most important approach in sepsis, 151 (68%) voted for fluid replacement while 59 (26%) and 13 (6%) said early antibiotic use and inotropic support are the most important approaches respectively. Physicians from ER (56.5%) and anaesthesiology departments (55.4%) were more aware of the fluid replacement element of the bundle (30ml/kg, 3-hours bundle) in severe sepsis. The ID physicians, who routinely follow sepsis patients, were not aware of the fluid resuscitation (only 20% replied the element correctly) but almost all of them answered the question on early antibiotic use and blood culture sampling correctly. The knowledge of target CVP and MAP in severe sepsis were also below expectant among ID physicians. The overall knowledge of sepsis bundles of internal medicine physicians was poor. Almost all of the ER physicians knew that they have to measure lactate level upon admission but they were not aware of the threshold of the lactate level. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of the sepsis bundles of the physicians, who are in charge of sepsis patients in routine work, was suboptimal. Most of the participants were unaware of SSC and new bundles. Training of the physicians of all centers about sepsis bundles is suggested according to these results.

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.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Colistin-Associated Nephrotoxicity.

Polymyxins have recently reemerged as a treatment option in response to the increasing number of resistant bacterial infections seen in recent years. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the rate of and risk factors related to colistin-associated nephrotoxicity. All adult patients who had received colistimethate sodium (CMS) between 2010 and 2012 and met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. RIFLE (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of renal function and End stage of renal disease) criteria were used to evaluate nephrotoxicity. Age, sex, underlying diseases presences, daily and total CMS doses, daily blood urea and creatinine levels, as well as concurrent drug use were recorded for each patient. Nephrotoxicity occurred in 48% of patients. There was a significant difference in the baseline serum urea levels of patients who experienced nephrotoxicity and those who did not (P value (P) = 0.015). Furthermore, the multivariate analysis showed that advanced age and concomitant aminoglycoside-class antibiotic use were significantly associated with nephrotoxicity. In conclusion, colistin should be used carefully, and all patients should be monitored closely for renal nephrotoxicity.

[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.

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.

Adverse events following rabies post-exposure prophylaxis: a comparative study of two different schedules and two vaccines.

OBJECTIVE: Due to lack of effective treatment for rabies, post-exposure prophylaxis becomes very important. In this study, we investigated side effects developed in patients following administration of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. METHODS: A total of 1685 patients were vaccinated. 265 patients (15.7%) administered the Essen regimen with equine rabies immunoglobulin and 1420 patients (84.2%) administered Zagreb regimen. 761 (45.2%) patients were vaccinated with a verocell vaccine; Verorab and 924 patients (54.8%) were vaccinated with Abhayrab. RESULTS: All side effects were higher in female patients than those of males. The patients with chronic illness also had significantly, increased side effects; headache (12.4%), pain at site of administration (11.3%), and arthralgia (10.5%) compared to the patients without chronic illness. We grouped the patients in three as; 0-15 years, 15-60 years, and 60 years and above. In the first group; fever (21.2%), vomiting (2.4%) and coughing (2.1%); in the second group (15-60 years), headache (8.8%), arthralgia (6.7%) were significantly increased compared to the other groups. Side effects are significantly higher with schema of 2-1-1 and Abhayrab trade mark vaccine, particularly following the first doses. DISCUSSION: Second generation rabies vaccines are safe, effective and cheaper than HDCV. When fatality of rabies disease is considered, occurring side effects can be tolerated.

Antibody responses and viral load in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: a comprehensive analysis during the early stages of the infection.

This study was performed to assess viral load, viral nucleocapsid (N), and glycoprotein precursor (GPC) antibodies in consecutive samples obtained from Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever patients to reveal viral replication kinetics and antiviral immune responses during the early stages of the infection. Among 116 samples from 20 individuals, 43.9% and 76.7% were positive for viral RNA and IgM/IgG antibodies, respectively, whereas both markers could be detected in 22.4%. Mean duration of viremia was 3 days (range: 1-6 days). N-IgM antibodies were identified as the initial serological marker during the infection, becoming detectable in a median of 2-3 days after disease onset, followed by GPC-IgM (4-6 days) and IgG antibodies (5-6 days). Clearance of viremia followed or coincided N-IgM response. Partial S gene sequences amplified in viremic patients were identical or closely related to previously characterized strains and grouped within European lineage I group II viruses via neighbor-joining analysis without significant amino acid substitutions.

Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Clinical Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates With Different Genotypes.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of Acinetobacter baumannii infections is difficult. Carbapenems, sulbactam, and colistin are the most effective antibiotics. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the susceptibilities of genotypically different A. baumannii isolates to sulbactam, amikacin, netilmicin, meropenem, tigecycline and colistin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Isolates from various clinical samples of patients with hospital-acquired infections that were identified by the VITEK 2 Compact system in our hospital's microbiology laboratory between January 2010 and March 2012 were included in the study. To determine genetic relatedness of the isolates, the rep-PCR method was used. The broth microdilution method was used for amikacin, netilmicin, meropenem and colistin, while E-test was used for sulbactam and tigecycline. RESULTS: Among the 300 isolates, 30 were found to be genotypically different and were evaluated in terms of their antimicrobial susceptibilities. All isolates were susceptible to colistin. The susceptibility rates were 66.6%, 50%, 36.6%, 30%, and 10% for netilmicin, tigecycline, sulbactam, amikacin, and meropenem, respectively. For carbapenem resistant isolates, the susceptibility rates were 66.6%, 51.8%, 33.3%, and 25.9% for netilmicin, tigecycline, sulbactam, and amikacin, respectively. The sulbactam minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 50 and MIC 90 were 8 µg/mL and 12 µg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, it was concluded that determining the cut-off value for MIC breakpoints for sulbactam alone has a critical impact on the susceptibility results.

An investigation of pulmonary findings of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever patients.

AIM: Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) generally affects many organs. In this study a retrospective evaluation of the pulmonary findings of CCHF patients was made. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of patients were retrospectively analysed. For each patient an evaluation was made of age, sex, occupation, place of residence, contact with ticks, smoking history, and pulmonary radiological and laboratory findings. A confirmed diagnosis of CCHF was made on determination by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Of the 128 patients, 48.4% were female. Symptoms of coughing were determined in 18% of patients, sputum in 4.7%, chest pain in 3.9%, dyspnoea in 3.1%, and haemoptysis in 0.8%. The mortality rate was 7%. In terms of sex, place of residence, contact with ticks, smoking, findings of the respiratory system, and physical examination findings, no statistically significant difference was seen between the survivor and nonsurvivor groups (P > 0.05). The white blood cell count values of the survivors were determined to be significantly lower compared to those of the nonsurvivors and the alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, and C-reactive protein values of the nonsurvivors were significantly higher compared to those of the survivors (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CCHF can be fatal for the respiratory system. An early diagnosis of CCHF and referral to a specialised centre is therefore important.