Four Human Mpox Cases from Turkey.

Human mpox (formerly monkeypox) disease has recently been reported in a number of European countries among individuals with no history of international travel or animal contact, causing global epidemic concerns. We describe the demographic, clinical characteristics, and laboratory data of four male patients with mpox disease, three of whom were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive, and one who was HIV-negative but had type 1 diabetes mellitus and a recent history of urological surgery. The HIV-negative patient attracted interest because he had no history of suspected sexual contact; however, he used shared bathrooms and towels at work, which could explain the potential transmission route. The remaining three male patients engaged in sexual activity with men recently. All four patients had prodromal symptoms such as short-term fever, myalgia, or fatigue, followed by a vesicular-pustular rash that began in the genital area, and two also had lesions on other parts of their bodies. Mpox is not generally considered in the differential diagnosis intitally because it is rare in Turkey; however, the diagnosis should be considered in patients with pustular umbilicated lesions and a history of risky sexual behavior.

Mortality-associated factors of candidemia: a multi-center prospective cohort in Turkey.

Candidemia may present as severe and life-threatening infections and is associated with a high mortality rate. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with 30-day mortality in patients with candidemia. A multi-center prospective observational study was conducted in seven university hospitals in six provinces in the western part of Turkey. Patient data were collected with a structured form between January 2018 and April 2019. In total, 425 episodes of candidemia were observed during the study period. Two hundred forty-one patients died within 30 days, and the 30-day crude mortality rate was 56.7%. Multivariable analysis found that SOFA score (OR: 1.28, CI: 1.154-1.420, p < 0.001), parenteral nutrition (OR: 3.9, CI: 1.752-8.810, p = 0.001), previous antibacterial treatment (OR: 9.32, CI: 1.634-53.744, p = 0.012), newly developed renal failure after candidemia (OR: 2.7, CI: 1.079-6.761, p = 0.034), and newly developed thrombocytopenia after candidemia (OR: 2.6, CI: 1. 057-6.439, p = 0.038) were significantly associated with 30-day mortality. Central venous catheter removal was the only factor protective against mortality (OR: 0.34, CI:0.147-0.768, p = 0.010) in multivariable analysis. Candidemia mortality is high in patients with high SOFA scores, those receiving TPN therapy, and those who previously received antibacterial therapy. Renal failure and thrombocytopenia developing after candidemia should be followed carefully in patients. Antifungal therapy and removing the central venous catheter are essential in the management of candidemia.

An outbreak of tularemia in southwestern Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: Tularemia has reemerged and spread throughout Turkey, and the number of cases has increased. In this study, we report on a waterborne outbreak of tularemia in the spring of 2013 in a region which was previously disease-free, and we investigated the reasons for the outbreak. METHODOLOGY: The index case, a 17-year-old male, was diagnosed with oropharyngeal tularemia. An outbreak investigation was initiated after receiving information from other patients with similar symptoms from the same village along with Balkica, Tavas, and Denizli. An epidemiological and environmental investigation was conducted. Tonsil swab specimens/lymph node aspirates collected from patients, and water samples collected from unchlorinated drinking water sources, were cultured. Additionally, a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed on these samples. Serum samples from patients were analyzed for antibody response. RESULTS: A total of 7 patients were found in this outbreak investigation. The attack rate was found to be 1% among the people of the village and 25% among patients' family members. The drinking-water system was contaminated with F. tularensis during this outbreak. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of appropriate water infrastructure and sanitation was the primary reason for this tularemia outbreak in Turkey. Improving the water source infrastructure and sanitation should be the primary approach to preventing tularemia outbreaks.

A short course of antimicrobial therapy for asymptomatic bacteriuria is safe and effective before urologic procedures.

INTRODUCTION: In the presence of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) before the urological procedure, the duration of antimicrobial treatment is controversial. This study aims to evaluate whether a short course of antimicrobial therapy is safe and effective in cases with ASB before urological procedures. METHODOLOGY: We retrospectively reviewed adult patients who had ASB before undergoing several urological procedures between 2011 and 2019. The patients received a single dose of an appropriate parenteral antibiotic, determined by antimicrobial sensitivity testing, 30 to 60 minutes before the urological procedure. If a urinary catheter was placed post-procedure, a second dose was given. RESULTS: A total of 293 patients who had ASB before undergoing several urological procedures were included in the study. The total number of procedures was 328. Female/male ratio was 92 (31.4%)/201 (68.6%). The mean age was 63.7 ± 14.9 years. The most common isolated microorganisms were Escherichia coli (155 [47%]), Klebsiella pneumoniae (38 [11.6%]), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (28 [8.5%]). The most common antimicrobial used was ertapenem. A second dose antimicrobial was given for 290 procedures due to a urinary catheter after a urological procedure. The mean hospitalization time was 3.97 ± 3.42 days. None of the patients developed infectious complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that a single dose of parenteral antimicrobial drug administered 30-60 minutes before the urologic procedures and a second dose in the presence of a post-procedure catheter, was adequate to prevent post-procedure septicemia and urinary tract infection.

Molecular Identification of HIV-1 in the Presence of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Co-infections

Background: Because of their similar modes of transmission, the simultaneous infection of viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus are increasingly seen as a big problem related to human health. Aims: To determine the drug mutations in hepatitis B virus and/or hepatitis C virus co-infected human immunodeficiency virus-1 patients in Turkey. Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods: The present study was conducted between 2010 and 2017. HBsAg, anti-hepatitis C virus, and anti-human immunodeficiency virus were tested with ELISA. All anti-human immunodeficiency virus positive results by ELISA were verified for anti-human immunodeficiency virus positivity by a Western blot test, and Anti-human immunodeficiency virus positive patients with HBsAg and/or anti-hepatitis C virus positivity were included in the study. Subtyping and genotypic resistance analyses were performed by population sequencing of the viral protease and reverse transcriptase regions of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 pol gene. Results: We detected 3896 human immunodeficiency virus-1 positive patients whose sera were sent from numerous hospitals across the country to our polymerase chain reaction unit for detection of drug resistance mutations and whose molecular laboratory tests were completed. Viral hepatitis co-infections were detected in 4.3% (n=170) of patients. Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus co-infection were observed in 3.2% and 0.5% of all human immunodeficiency virus-1 infected patients, respectively. The major human immunodeficiency virus-1 subtype detected was group M, subtype B (62.9%). However, 13.5% of drug resistance mutation motifs were found in human immunodeficiency virus-1 genomes of patients included in the study. Conclusion: Due to similar transmission routes, HIV1 patients are at risk of hepatitis B and C virus co-infection. However, antiretroviral drug resistance mutation model is similar to patients with hepatitis negative.

Risk factors for community-onset urinary tract infections caused by extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli

Background/aim: Community-onset urinary tract infections(UTIs) caused by extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli have increased in many parts of the world. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for community-onset UTI caused by ESBL-producing E. coli. Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted between January 2012 and March 2014 in cases of community-onset UTI caused by E. coli. Patients with UTI due to ESBL-producing E. coli and patients with UTI due to non-ESBL-producing E. coliwere compared to identify risk factors for ESBL-producing E. coli in the community. Results: A total of 305 patients (116 males [46.4%]; mean age: 57.76 ± 18.06 years) were included in the study. Among these patients, 154 (50.5%) were infected with ESBL-producing E. coli. In multivariate analysis, the healthcare-associated UTI (odds ratio [OR]: 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02­3.18; P = 0.041), upper urinary tract infection (OR: 3.05; 95% CI: 1.76­5.29; P < 0.0001), use of antibiotics in the preceding 6 months (OR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.21­4.30; P = 0.011), and having two or more risk factors (OR: 4.03; 95% CI: 1.73­9.35; P = 0.001) were the significant factors associated with increased risk of community-onset UTIs due to ESBL-producing E. coli. Conclusion: The increasing prevalence ofESBL-producing E. coli makes it difficult to decide the empirical therapy in UTIs, especially in patients with two or more of the risk factors. A better understanding of the epidemiology and risk factors associated with community-onset UTIs due to ESBL-producing E. coli may have significant implications in decision-making for empirical antimicrobial treatment.

THE THICKNESSES OF CHOROID, MACULAR SEGMENTS, PERIPAPILLARY RETINAL NERVE FIBER LAYER, AND RETINAL VASCULAR CALIBER IN HIV-1-INFECTED PATIENTS WITHOUT INFECTIOUS RETINITIS.

PURPOSE: To evaluate choroidal, macular, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses and retinal vascular caliber alterations in HIV-1-infected patients without opportunistic infections. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 45 HIV-1-infected patients and 47 healthy subjects. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography was used for assessment of choroidal, macular, peripapillary RNFL thicknesses and retinal vascular caliber alterations. RESULTS: The mean CD4 count was 426 ± 226 cells per milliliter and the mean HIV-1 RNA level was 1.8 × 10 ± 3.6 × 10 copies/mL in HIV-infected group. Central inner plexiform, superior photoreceptor, superior and nasal retinal pigment epithelium layers were thinner in HIV-infected patients compared with control subjects (P < 0.05). The differences in sectoral retinal thicknesses lost their significance after Bonferroni correction (P < 0.01). The average thickness of pericentral retina within 3 mm was thinner in the photoreceptor layer in HIV-infected patients compared with control subjects (P = 0.033). The differences in peripapillary RNFL thickness, choroidal thickness, and retinal vascular caliber were not significant between the groups. Choroidal thickness and pericentral outer plexiform were thinner, whereas peripapillary RNFL was thicker in newly diagnosed cases (16 patients) compared with patients having treatment for at least 4 months or longer (27 patients, P < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U test). HIV-1 RNA showed negative correlation with choroidal thickness (r = -0.435, P = 0.003) and positive correlation with peripapillary RNFL in central (r = 0.323, P = 0.032) and superonasal (r = 0.369, P = 0.014) sectors. CONCLUSION: Choroidal thickness was thinner in newly diagnosed patients compared with patients on treatment. Viral load showed negative correlation with choroidal thickness. Retinal segmental alterations occurred in HIV-infected patients compared with control subjects.

Spondylodiscitis: a common complication of brucellosis.

INTRODUCTION: Brucellar spondylodiscitis is a frequent and serious complication of brucellosis. The aim of this study is to describe the brucellosis patients with spondylodiscitis and the predictive factors related to spondylodiscitis in brucellosis. METHODOLOGY: Laboratory-confirmed brucellosis patients from a low- to medium-endemic region were enrolled in the study and distributed into two groups. Group I consisted of patients with spondylodiscitis and Group II patients had no complications. Both groups were compared for predictive factors of spondylodiscitis. RESULTS: A total of 219 patients with active brucellosis were included in the study. We determined at least one complication in 91 (41.6%) patients. The most frequent complication was spondylodiscitis [n = 59 patients (26.9 %)]. In univariate analysis, age, time from symptom onset to diagnosis, presence of low back pain, increased levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and alkaline phosphatases were the most significant predictive factors for spondylodiscitis among brucellosis cases. Presence of headache and thrombocytopenia were less frequent in patients with spondylodiscitis when compared to patients without complications (p = 0.024, p = 0.006 respectively). In multivariate analysis, old age (odds ratio [OR] 1,063; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.026-1.101; p < 0.001), prolonged time between symptoms onset before diagnosis (OR 1.008; 95% CI 1.001-1.016; p = 0.031), and presence of low back pain (OR 12.886; 95% CI 3.978-41.739; p < 0.001) were indepedently associated with an increased risk of spondylodiscitis. CONCLUSIONS: Spondylodiscitis is the most frequent complication of systemic brucellosis. Patients with low back pain, older age, and longer duration of symptoms should be considered as candidates of potential spondylodiscitis in brucellosis.

The first report of Brucella suis biovar 1 isolation in human in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Brucella melitensis and B. abortus are the species generally isolated from human samples in Turkey. Several studies have also demonstrated the presence of antibodies against B. canis. CASE REPORT AND STUDY: Brucella spp. was isolated from blood culture from a 35-year-old male with clinical signs and symptoms of acute meningitis, including fever lasting for 1 week. Multiplex PCR demonstrated B. suis, and biochemical features indicated biovar 1. CONCLUSIONS: This report is the first emphasizing that B. suis should be considered among the causes of brucellosis in Turkey.

Acute Brucella melitensis M16 infection model in mice treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors.

INTRODUCTION: There is limited data in the literature about brucellosis related to an intracellular pathogen and anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNFα) medication. The aim of this study was to evaluate acute Brucella infections in mice receiving anti-TNFα drug treatment. METHODOLOGY: Anti-TNFα drugs were injected in mice on the first and fifth days of the study, after which the mice were infected with B. melitensis M16 strain. Mice were sacrificed on the fourteenth day after infection. Bacterial loads in the liver and spleen were defined, and histopathological changes were evaluated. RESULTS: Neither the liver nor the spleen showed an increased bacterial load in all anti-TNFα drug groups when compared to a non-treated, infected group. The most significant histopathological findings were neutrophil infiltrations in the red pulp of the spleen and apoptotic cells with hepatocellular pleomorphism in the liver. There was no significant difference among the groups in terms of previously reported histopathological findings, such as extramedullary hematopoiesis and granuloma formation. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in hepatic and splenic bacterial load and granuloma formation, which indicate worsening of the acute Brucella infection in mice; in other words, anti-TNFα treatment did not exacerbate the acute Brucella spp. infection in mice.

Risk factors for occupational brucellosis among veterinary personnel in Turkey.

Veterinarians and veterinary technicians are at risk for occupational brucellosis. We described the risk factors of occupational brucellosis among veterinary personnel in Turkey. A multicenter retrospective survey was performed among veterinary personnel who were actively working in the field. Of 712 veterinary personnel, 84 (11.8%) had occupational brucellosis. The median number of years since graduation was 7 (interquartile ranges [IQR], 4-11) years in the occupational brucellosis group, whereas this number was 9 (IQR, 4-16) years in the non-brucellosis group (p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, working in the private sector (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.55-5.28, p=0.001), being male (OR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.05-18.84, p=0.041), number of performed deliveries (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.002-1.02, p=0.014), and injury during Brucella vaccine administration (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 3.16-9.3, p<0.001) were found to be risk factors for occupational brucellosis. We suggest that all veterinary personnel should be trained on brucellosis and the importance of using personal protective equipment in order to avoid this infection.

Pulmonary mucormycosis due to Lichtheimia ramosa in a patient with HIV infection.

Mucormycosis is increasingly common in patients with risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, neutropenia, and corticosteroid therapy. However, mucormycosis seems to be less common in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection compared to patients with other risk factors. Despite their lower virulence, Lichtheimia species should be regarded as emerging pathogens among Mucoralean fungi. We report a fatal case of pulmonary mucormycosis due to Lichtheimia ramosa in a 52-year-old man with an end-stage HIV infection. He had a cachectic appearance and his CD4 count was 8 cells/mm(3). The fungal infection was diagnosed based on a positive sputum culture with histopathologic confirmation. The fungus was resistant to caspofungin, anidulafungin, and voriconazole [minimum inhibitory concentration (MCI) >32 µg/ml], whereas the E test MIC values of itraconazole, posaconazole, and amphotericin B were 0.38, 0.38, and 0.5 µg/ml, respectively. Although intravenous drug use is the main risk factor for the development of mucormycosis in HIV-infected patients, it may also develop in patients with low CD4 count, opportunistic infections and/or additional diseases, such as Kaposi's sarcoma or severe immunodeficiency, as in our case.

[Prevalence and risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization among outpatients undergoing hemodialysis treatment]. / Ayaktan Hemodiyaliz Tedavisi Alan Hastalarda Nazal Metisiline Dirençli Staphylococcus aureus Kolonizasyon Prevalansi ve Risk Faktörleri.

Infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is frequent among hemodialysis patients and lead to increased morbidity and mortality rates. It is known that nasal colonization plays an important role for the development of MRSA infections. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for MRSA colonization among outpatients undergoing hemodialysis. A total of 466 adult patients (199 female, 267 male; age range: 18-89 years, mean age: 55.8 ± 15.1 years) who were under hemodialysis between September-December 2008 in different health centers at Pamukkale/ Denizli region, Turkey, were included in the study. Swab samples obtained from anterior nares of patients were cultivated on sheep-blood agar and mannitol-salt agar media. The isolates were identified by conventional bacteriological methods. S.aureus strains were isolated from 204 (43.8%) patients and 34 (16.7%) were found methicillin-resistant. Thus the rate of MRSA colonization in hemodialysis patients was detected as 7.3% (34/466). All of the MRSA strains were found susceptible to vancomycin, linezolid and tigecycline, while the resistance rates for the other antimicrobial agents were as follows: 70.6% to azithromycin and claritromycin; 64.7% to erythromycin; %58.8 to clindamycin, gentamicin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole; 55.9% to ciprofloxacin; 44.1% to tetracycline and rifampin; 5.9% to chloramphenicol. Inducible clindamycin resistance in MRSA isolates was %23.5 (8/34), and multidrug resistance rate was 76.5% (26/34). Multivariate analysis revealed that the history of previous hospitalization within a year [odds ratio (OR), 3.426; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.595-7.361, p= 0.002] and the presence of chronic obstructive lung disease (OR, 5.181; 95% CI, 1.612-16.648, p= 0.006) were independent risk factors for MRSA colonization in this population. A better understanding of the prevalence and risk factors for nasal MRSA colonization among hemodialysis population may hold significant implications for both the treatment strategies and prevention of MRSA infections to establish appropriate infection control measures.

Is short course of antimicrobial therapy for asymptomatic bacteriuria before urologic surgical procedures sufficient?

INTRODUCTION: Duration of treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria for patients undergoing urologic surgical procedures is undetermined. We compared the efficacy of long- versus short-course antimicrobial treatment in patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria undergoing urologic surgical procedures. METHODOLOGY: Patients were divided into two groups according to duration of antimicrobial treatment. Group A patients received a single dose of an appropriate antibiotic, determined by antimicrobial sensitivity testing, 30 to 60 minutes before the surgical procedure. If a urinary catheter was placed postoperatively, a second dose was given following the recommended dose interval. Group B patients received antimicrobial treatment prior to surgery at least until patient urine became sterile. All patients were monitored for signs and symptoms of septicemia following surgical procedures. RESULTS: None of the patients enrolled in the study developed infectious complications such as sepsis or upper urinary tract infection. In group A, 31 patients were treated with antimicrobials before 39 urological procedures. In group B, the mean treatment time for 28 patients before 30 urological procedures was 8.03 ± 3.86 days. There were also significant differences in length of stay and the cost of antimicrobial therapy between the groups (P < 0.0001). Isolation of an increased number of resistant microorganisms was associated with long course therapy in group B. CONCLUSIONS: Short course therapy protocol may be a practical, simple approach for antibiotic use; it decreases hospital stays, eliminates delayed procedure times, lowers the economic cost of antimicrobials and lessens the chance of superinfection with and spread of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms.

Evaluation of species distribution and risk factors of candidemia: a multicenter case-control study.

This study was planned to determine the risk factors of candidemia, and the most common Candida species causing bloodstream infections. A case-control study which included adult patients was conducted over a 1-year period at tertiary-care educational hospitals in Turkey. A total of 83 candidemia episodes were identified during the study period. Candida albicans was the most common species recovered (45.8%) followed by Candida tropicalis (24.1%) Candida parapsilosis (14.5%) and Candida glabrata which was isolated from only four (4.8%) patients. Presence of a urethral catheter (odds ratio [OR] 2.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-5.19; P = 0.02), previous use of antibiotics (OR 2.61; 95% CI 1.05-6.46; P = 0.03), RBC transfusions (OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.16-3.94; P = 0.01) and parenteral nutrition (OR 4.44; 95% CI 2.43-8.11; P < 0.01) were found as independent risk factors for candidemia. TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition) was an independent risk factor for both C. albicans and non-Candida albicans Candida species (P < 0.001). Most of the risk factors were invasive procedures and former medications. We conclude that a great number of candidemia cases are preventable by means of reduction of unnecessary invasive procedures and the use of antimicrobials.

[Successful treatment of a patient with multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii meningitis with high dose ampicillin-sulbactam]. / Coklu ilaç dirençli Acinetobacter baumannii menenjiti olgusunun yüksek doz ampisilin-sülbaktam ile basarili tedavisi.

Acinetobacter baumannii is an important pathogen which causes severe nosocomial infections such as meningitis. Multidrug resistance is a growing problem throughout the world. In this report a case of multidrug resistant A.baumannii meningitis, treated with high dose of ampicillin-sulbactam (SAM) was presented. Rhinorrhea and confusion developed on the postoperative seventh day in a 67 years old male patient operated for macroadenoma of the hyphophysis gland. Since the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings indicated a central nervous system infection, nosocomial meningitis was diagnosed and intravenous ceftazidime and vancomycin have started. Blood and CSF cultures of the patient revealed no growth and his general condition has improved. However, fever and confusion emerged again on the 21st day of therapy and the repeat CSF sample revealed increased pressure, purulent appearance, 510/mm3 leukocytes (90% PMNL), 58 mg/dl glucose (simultaneous blood glucose was 144 mg/dl) and 49 mg/dl protein. Direct microscopic examination of CSF revealed gram-negative coccobacilli and A.baumannii was identified in the culture. The isolate was resistant to piperacillin-tazobactam, third generation cephalosporins, aztreonam, ciprofloxacin, carbapenems and aminoglycosides, susceptible to sulbactam ampicillin and colistin. Ampicillin (12 gr) and sulbactam (6 gr) treatment was initiated and at the 72nd hour of the therapy the temperature and conciousness level of the patient returned to normal. Control CSF sample obtained on the 14th day of treatment revealed no leukocytes and no bacterial growth. The treatment was continued for 21 days and the patient recovered without any sequela. Since colistin which is one of the alternative antimicrobial treatment choices for resistant Acinetobacter infections, is not found in Turkey, sulbactam-ampicillin might be an effective and safe choice for the treatment of multi-resistant A. baumannii meningitis if the isolate was proven to be susceptible by antibiotic susceptibility tests.