Higher rates of cefiderocol resistance among NDM producing Klebsiella bloodstream isolates applying EUCAST over CLSI breakpoints.

BACKGROUND: Cefiderocol is generally active against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella spp. (CRK) with higher MICs against metallo-beta-lactamase producers. There is a variation in cefiderocol interpretive criteria determined by EUCAST and CLSI. Our objective was to test CRK isolates against cefiderocol and compare cefiderocol susceptibilities using EUCAST and CLSI interpretive criteria. METHODS: A unique collection (n = 254) of mainly OXA-48-like- or NDM-producing CRK bloodstream isolates were tested against cefiderocol with disc diffusion (Mast Diagnostics, UK). Beta-lactam resistance genes and multilocus sequence types were identified using bioinformatics analyses on complete bacterial genomes. RESULTS: Median cefiderocol inhibition zone diameter was 24 mm (interquartile range [IQR] 24-26 mm) for all isolates and 18 mm (IQR 15-21 mm) for NDM producers. We observed significant variability between cefiderocol susceptibilities using EUCAST and CLSI breakpoints, such that 26% and 2% of all isolates, and 81% and 12% of the NDM producers were resistant to cefiderocol using EUCAST and CLSI interpretive criteria, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cefiderocol resistance rates among NDM producers are high using EUCAST criteria. Breakpoint variability may have significant implications on patient outcomes. Until more clinical outcome data are available, we suggest using EUCAST interpretive criteria for cefiderocol susceptibility testing.

Impact of vaccination on the presence and severity of symptoms in hospitalized patients with an infection of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) of the SARS-CoV-2 (subvariant BA.1).

OBJECTIVES: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants raised questions about the extent to which vaccines designed in 2020 have remained effective. We aimed to assess whether vaccine status was associated with the severity of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospitalized patients. METHODS: We conducted an international, multi-centric, retrospective study in 14 centres (Bulgaria, Croatia, France, and Turkey). We collected data on patients hospitalized for ≥24 hours between 1 December 2021 and 3 March 2022 with PCR-confirmed infection at a time of exclusive Omicron circulation and hospitalization related or not related to the infection. Patients who had received prophylaxis by monoclonal antibodies were excluded. Patients were considered fully vaccinated if they had received at least two injections of either mRNA and/or ChAdOx1-S or one injection of Ad26.CoV2-S vaccines. RESULTS: Among 1215 patients (median age, 73.0 years; interquartile range, 57.0-84.0; 51.3% men), 746 (61.4%) were fully vaccinated. In multivariate analysis, being vaccinated was associated with lower 28-day mortality (Odds Ratio [95% Confidence Interval] (OR [95CI]) = 0.50 [0.32-0.77]), intensive care unit admission (OR [95CI] = 0.40 [0.26-0.62]), and oxygen requirement (OR [95CI] = 0.34 [0.25-0.46]), independent of age and comorbidities. When co-analysing these patients with Omicron infection with 948 patients with Delta infection from a study we recently conducted, Omicron infection was associated with lower 28-day mortality (OR [95CI] = 0.53 [0.37-0.76]), intensive care unit admission (OR [95CI] = 0.19 [0.12-0.28]), and oxygen requirements (OR [95CI] = 0.50 [0.38-0.67]), independent of age, comorbidities, and vaccination status. DISCUSSION: Originally designed vaccines have remained effective on the severity of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection. Omicron is associated with a lower risk of severe forms, independent of vaccination and patient characteristics.

The Effects of Antimicrobial Resistance and the Compatibility of Initial Antibiotic Treatment on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Diabetic Foot Infection.

We aimed to determine pathogen microorganisms, their antimicrobial resistance patterns, and the effect of initial treatment on clinical outcomes in patients with diabetic foot infection (DFI). Patients with DFI from 5 centers were included in this multicenter observational prospective study between June 2018 and June 2019. Multivariate analysis was performed for the predictors of reinfection/death and major amputation. A total of 284 patients were recorded. Of whom, 193 (68%) were male and the median age was 59.9 ± 11.3 years. One hundred nineteen (41.9%) patients had amputations, as the minor (n = 83, 29.2%) or major (n = 36, 12.7%). The mortality rate was 1.7% with 4 deaths. A total of 247 microorganisms were isolated from 200 patients. The most common microorganisms were Staphylococcus aureus (n = 36, 14.6%) and Escherichia coli (n = 32, 13.0%). Methicillin resistance rates were 19.4% and 69.6% in S aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp., respectively. Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected in 4 of 22 (18.2%) isolates. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Gram-negative bacteria were detected in 20 (38.5%) isolates of E coli (14 of 32) and Klebsiella spp. (6 of 20). When the initial treatment was inappropriate, Klebsiella spp. related reinfection within 1 to 3 months was observed more frequently. Polymicrobial infection (p = .043) and vancomycin treatment (p = .007) were independent predictors of reinfection/death. Multivariate analysis revealed vascular insufficiency (p = .004), hospital readmission (p = .009), C-reactive protein > 130 mg/dL (p = .007), and receiving carbapenems (p = .005) as independent predictors of major amputation. Our results justify the importance of using appropriate narrow-spectrum empirical antimicrobials because higher rates of reinfection and major amputation were found even in the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials.

Comparison of ceftazidime-avibactam susceptibility testing methods against OXA-48-like carrying Klebsiella blood stream isolates.

Ceftazidime-avibactam exhibits good in vitro activity against carbapenem resistant Klebsiella carrying OXA-48-like enzymes. We tested two hundred unique carbapenem resistant Klebsiella blood stream isolates (71% with single OXA-48-like carbapenemases, including OXA-48, n = 62; OXA-232, n = 57; OXA-244, n = 17; OXA-181, n = 5) that were collected as part of a multicentre study against ceftazidime-avibactam using Etest (bioMérieux, Marcyl'Étoile, France), 10/4 µg disc (Thermo Fisher) and Sensititre Gram Negative EURGNCOL Plates (Lyophilized panels, Sensititre, Thermo Fisher) with the aim of comparing the performances of the Etest and disc to that of Sensititre. Ceftazidime-avibactam MIC50/90 was 2/>16 mg/L for the entire collection and was 2/4 mg/L for single OXA-48-like producers. Categorical and essential agreements between the Etest and Sensititre were 100% and 97%, respectively. Categorical agreement between the disc and Sensititre was 100%. Etest and 10/4 µg discs are suitable alternatives to Sensititre for ceftazidime-avibactam sensitivity testing for OXA-48-like producers.

Characteristics and outcomes of carbapenemase harbouring carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella spp. bloodstream infections: a multicentre prospective cohort study in an OXA-48 endemic setting.

A prospective, multicentre observational cohort study of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella spp. (CRK) bloodstream infections was conducted in Turkey from June 2018 to June 2019. One hundred eighty-seven patients were recruited. Single OXA-48-like carbapenemases predominated (75%), followed by OXA-48-like/NDM coproducers (16%). OXA-232 constituted 31% of all OXA-48-like carbapenemases and was mainly carried on ST2096. Thirty-day mortality was 44% overall and 51% for ST2096. In the multivariate cox regression analysis, SOFA score and immunosuppression were significant predictors of 30-day mortality and ST2096 had a non-significant effect. All OXA-48-like producers remained susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam.

High prevalence of ArmA-16S rRNA methyltransferase among aminoglycoside-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream isolates.

Introduction. Aminoglycosides are used for the treatment of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CPK) infections. 16S rRNA methyltransferases (RMTs) confer resistance to all aminoglycosides and are often cocarried with NDM.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. There is a dart of studies looking at the aminoglycoside resistance mechanisms for invasive CPK isolates, particularly in OXA-48 endemic settings.Aim. We aimed to determine the prevalence of RMTs and their association with beta lactamases and MLSTs amongst aminoglycoside-resistant CPK bloodstream isolates in an OXA-48 endemic setting.Methodology. CPK isolates (n=181), collected as part of a multicentre cohort study, were tested for amikacin, gentamicin and tobramycin susceptibility using custom-made sensititre plates (GN2XF, Thermo Fisher Scientific). All isolates were previously subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Carbapenemases, RMTs, MLSTs and plasmid incompatibility groups were detected on the assembled genomes.Results. Of the 181 isolates, 109(60 %) were resistant to all three aminoglycosides, and 96 of 109(88 %) aminoglycoside-resistant isolates carried an RMT (85 ArmA, 10 RmtC, 4 RmtF1; three isolates cocarried ArmA and RmtC). Main clonal types associated with ArmA were ST2096 (49/85, 58 %) and ST14 (24/85, 28 %), harbouring mainly OXA-232 and OXA-48 +NDM, respectively. RmtC was cocarried with NDM (5/10) on ST395, and NDM +OXA-48 or NDM +KPC (4/10) on ST14, ST15 and ST16. All RMT producers also carried CTX-M-15, and the majority cocarried SHV-106, TEM-150 and multiple other antibiotic resistance genes. The majority of the isolates harboured a combination of IncFIB, IncH and IncL/M type plasmids. Non-NDM producing isolates remained susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam.Conclusion. Aminoglycoside resistance amongst CPK bloodstream isolates is extremely common and mainly driven by clonal spread of ArmA carried on ST2096 and ST14, associated with OXA-232 and OXA48 +NDM carriage, respectively.

Assessment of Pulmonary Arterial Hemodynamic and Vascular Changes by Pulmonary Pulse Transit Time in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary arterial hypertension and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a well-known association. Pulmonary pulse transit time (pPTT) is a recent echocardiographic marker that might be used for evaluation of pulmonary arterial stiffness (PAS) in patients with HIV infection. We aimed to investigate whether pPTT elevated in patients with HIV infection compared to healthy controls and its association with echocardiographic indices of right ventricular functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty HIV (+) patients from infectious disease outpatient clinics and fifty age- and sex-matched HIV (-) healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. pPTT was measured from pulmonary vein flow velocity as the time interval between the R-wave in the electrocardiography and corresponding peak late systolic was then calculated as the mean from two separate pw-Doppler measurements. RESULTS: pPTT, tricuspid annular peak systolic excursion (TAPSE) and right ventricle fractional area change (FAC) were significantly lower in patients with HIV than control patients (177.1 ± 34.9 vs. 215.7 ± 35.7 msn, P < 0.001; 2.33 ± 0.28 vs. 2.19 ± 0.22, P = 0.039; 45 [4.25] vs. 41.1 [4.0], P = 0.032, respectively). pPTT was positively correlated with FAC, TAPSE and cluster of differentiation 4 count (r = 0.210; P = 0.036, r = 0.256; P = 0.041, r = 0.304; P = 0.044, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that pPTT, TAPSE, and right ventricle FAC levels were lower in patients with HIV infection. pPTT is an important predictor in patients with HIV expected to develop pulmonary vascular pathology.

Real-World Data from Turkey: Is Sofosbuvir/Ledipasvir With or Without Ribavirin Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis C Really Effective?

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir-based therapies in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in real-world clinical practice. METHODS: Data from patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with SOF/LDV ± RBV or SOF/RBV in 31 centers across Turkey between April 1, 2017, and August 31, 2018, were recorded in a nationwide database among infectious disease specialists. Demographics, clinical, and virological outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 552 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 51.28 ± 14.2, and 293 (55.8%) were female. The majority had HCV genotype 1b infection (65%), 75.04% of the patients underwent treatment, and non-cirrhosis was present at baseline in 381 patients (72.6%). SOF/LDV ± RBV treatment was given to 477 patients and 48 patients received SOF/RBV according to HCV genotype. The total SVR12 rate was 99% in all patients. Five patients experienced disease relapse during the study and all of them were genotype 2. In patients infected with HCV GT2, SVR12 was 77.3%. SVR was 100% in all patients infected with other HCV genotypes. All treatments were well tolerated by patients without causing severe adverse events. Side effects and side effects-associated treatment discontinuation rates were 28.2% and 0.4%, respectively. Weakness (13.7%) was the common side effect. CONCLUSION: The present real-world data of 525 patients with HCV genotypes 1, 1a, 1b, 3, 4, and 5 who underwent SOF/LDV ± RBV treatment in Turkey demonstrated a high efficacy and safety profile. HCV GT2 patients should be treated with more efficacious treatment.

[Immunotherapy and multidisciplinary approach to treatment in lung cancer]. / Akciger kanserinde immünoterapi ve tedavide multidisipliner yaklasim.

Lung cancer remains as the main cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Over the last two decades, information about biology and pathogenesis of cancer has increased, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been introduced, and thus a significant period has started in treatment of solid cancers. This review discussed lung cancer in the framework of innovations in treatment, immunotherapy, and multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was the focal point of this article as it is the most frequent lung cancer type and the type of lung cancer which can ideally benefit from ICI treatment due to its characteristics. This review is the first review in Turkish language, which aimed to raise the multidisciplinary awareness about immunotherapy approach in lung cancer treatment in all branches, primarily in chest diseases, and to provide information about its management. Moreover, this review has importance as it presents the remarkable results of recent clinical trials on the use of ICIs in NSCLC treatment. Immunotherapy has initiated a new era in cancer treatment; the specific mechanism of action of ICIs has resulted in a group of some new adverse events, among which pneumonitis is particularly important and when necessary, patients are needed to be consulted with relevant specialties about adverse events. Lung cancer treatment should be planned specific to each patient by considering patient characteristics, histological features, and genetic status and specialty areas of chest diseases, thoracic surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, and radiology should collaborate together for diagnostic evaluation and optimal treatment of a lung cancer patient. Moreover, family physicians may have an important role in early diagnosis of lung cancer and in preventing lung cancer by encouraging their patients regarding tobacco cessation. Moreover, screening studies for lung cancer should be targeted to create awareness in society and for early diagnosis.

Portraying infective endocarditis: results of multinational ID-IRI study.

Infective endocarditis is a growing problem with many shifts due to ever-increasing comorbid illnesses, invasive procedures, and increase in the elderly. We performed this multinational study to depict definite infective endocarditis. Adult patients with definite endocarditis hospitalized between January 1, 2015, and October 1, 2018, were included from 41 hospitals in 13 countries. We included microbiological features, types and severity of the disease, complications, but excluded therapeutic parameters. A total of 867 patients were included. A total of 631 (72.8%) patients had native valve endocarditis (NVE), 214 (24.7%) patients had prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE), 21 (2.4%) patients had pacemaker lead endocarditis, and 1 patient had catheter port endocarditis. Eighteen percent of NVE patients were hospital-acquired. PVE patients were classified as early-onset in 24.9%. A total of 385 (44.4%) patients had major embolic events, most frequently to the brain (n = 227, 26.3%). Blood cultures yielded pathogens in 766 (88.4%). In 101 (11.6%) patients, blood cultures were negative. Molecular testing of vegetations disclosed pathogens in 65 cases. Overall, 795 (91.7%) endocarditis patients had any identified pathogen. Leading pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus (n = 267, 33.6%), Streptococcus viridans (n = 149, 18.7%), enterococci (n = 128, 16.1%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 92, 11.6%)) displayed substantial resistance profiles. A total of 132 (15.2%) patients had cardiac abscesses; 693 (79.9%) patients had left-sided endocarditis. Aortic (n = 394, 45.4%) and mitral valves (n = 369, 42.5%) were most frequently involved. Mortality was more common in PVE than NVE (NVE (n = 101, 16%), PVE (n = 49, 22.9%), p = 0.042).

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.

Influence of multidrug resistant organisms on the outcome of diabetic foot infection.

OBJECTIVES: We described the clinical outcomes of the diabetic patients who had foot infections with multidrug resistant organisms. METHODS: We included the patients with diabetic foot infections (DFI) from 19 centers, between May 2011 and December 2015. Infection was defined according to IDSA DFI guidelines. Patients with severe infection, complicated moderate infection were hospitalized. The patients were followed-up for 6 months after discharge. RESULTS: In total, 791 patients with DFI were included, 531(67%) were male, median age was 62 (19-90). Severe infection was diagnosed in 85 (11%) patients. Osteomyelitis was diagnosed in 291(36.8%) patients. 536 microorganisms were isolated, the most common microorganisms were S. aureus (20%), P. aeruginosa (19%) and E. coli (12%). Methicillin resistance (MR) rate among Staphylococcus aureus isolates was 31%. Multidrug resistant bacteria were detected in 21% of P. aeruginosa isolates. ESBL (+) Gram negative bacteria (GNB) was detected in 38% of E. coli and Klebsiella isolates. Sixty three patients (8%) were re-hospitalized. Of the 791 patiens, 127 (16%) had major amputation, and 24 (3%) patients died. In multivariate analysis, significant predictors for fatality were; dialysis (OR: 8.3, CI: 1.82-38.15, p=0.006), isolation of Klebsiella spp. (OR:7.7, CI: 1.24-47.96, p=0.028), and chronic heart failure (OR: 3, CI: 1.01-9.04, p=0.05). MR Staphylococcus was detected in 21% of the rehospitalized patients, as the most common microorganism (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Among rehospitalized patients, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus infections was detected as the most common agent, and Klebsiella spp. infections were found to be significantly associated with fatality.

Poor outcomes among elderly patients hospitalized for influenza-like illness.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Global Influenza Hospital Surveillance Network is a worldwide initiative that aims to document the burden of influenza infections among acute admissions and vaccine effectiveness in particular countries. As a partner of this platform, we aimed to determine the frequency of influenza infections among acute admissions with influenza-like illness and the outcomes of enrolled patients during the 2015-2016 influenza season in selected hospitals in Turkey. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The investigators screened the hospital admission registries, chart review or available records, and screened all patients hospitalized in the previous 24-48 hours or overnight in the predefined wards or emergency room. A total of 1351 patients were screened for enrollment in five tertiary care referral hospitals in Ankara and 774 patients (57.3% of the initial screened population) were eligible for swabbing. All of the eligible patients who consented were swabbed and tested for influenza with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based methods. RESULTS: Overall, influenza positivity was detected in 142 patients (18.4%). The predominant influenza strain was A H1N1pdm09. Outcomes were worse among elderly patients, regardless of the presence of the influenza virus. Half of the patients over 65 years of age were admitted to the intensive care unit, while one third required any mode of mechanical ventilation and one fourth died in the hospital in that particular episode. CONCLUSION: These findings can guide hospitals to plan and prepare for the influenza season. Effective influenza vaccination strategies, particularly aimed at the elderly and adults with chronic diseases, can provide an opportunity for prevention of deaths due to influenza-like illness.

Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and AIDS are known to cause cardiovascular diseases such as premature coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmias. Recently, Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio has been shown as a novel marker of ventricular repolarization. We aimed to evaluate the ventricular repolarization using Tp-e interval and Tp-e/QT ratio in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. Totally 48 patients with HIV and 60 control subjects were enrolled to the study. Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratio were measured from the 12-lead electrocardiogram. Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT ratio and Tp-e/QTc ratio were significantly higher in patients with HIV than control subjects (all p<0.01). In correlation analysis, there were positive correlation between Tp-e interval and disease duration (r=0.298, p=0.048). and inverse correlation between Tp-e interval and CD4 count(r=-0.303, p=0.036). Our study showed that Tp-e interval, Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc ratios were increased in patients with HIV than control subjects.

[Cutaneous larva migrans in Turkey: an imported case report]. / Türkiye'de kütanöz larva migrans: bir importe olgu sunumu.

Cutaneous larva migrans (CLM) is a parasitic infection most commonly found in tropical and subtropical areas. However, with the ease and increase of foreign travel to many countries around the world, the infection is not limited to these areas. CLM is an erythematous, serpiginous infection with skin eruption caused by percutaneous penetration of the larvae to the skin. In this report, a case diagnosed as imported CLM after an Amazon trip and treated with albendazole was presented. A 36 year-old male patient admitted to infectious diseases clinic with intense itching, erythematous, raised, streaklike serpiginious eruptionand some redness at bilateral foot especially at the right foot for about one week. The patient was living in Turkey, and travelled to Brazil for an Amazon trip three months ago and the lesions began immediately after this occasion. CLM was diagnosed with the typical lesions in the patient and oral albendazole treatment 2 x 400 mg/day for 3 consecutive days was carried out with oral amoxicillin/clavulanat 3 x 1 g/day for the secondary bacterial infection. The patient responded very well to oral albendazole treatment with a result of a rapid improvementof pruritus in days and no side effect was observed during the treatment period.After discharge, during his controlit was seenthat the lesions were regressed with leaving hyperpigmentation. In cases with cutaneous larva migrans, diagnosis is often made by the presence of pruritic typical lesions and tunnels, travel story to endemic regions, the story of barefoot contact with sand and soil in these regions, and the sun tanning story on the beach. The lesions are often seen in the lower extremities, especially in the dorsal and plantar surface of the foot. Laboratory findings are not specific. Temporary peripheral eosinophilia can be seen and biopsy can be done to confirm the diagnosis but usually no parasite is seen in the histopathological examination. Contact dermatitis, bacterial and fungal skin infections and other parasitic diseases should be considered in differential diagnosis. For the treatment ivermectin 1 x 200 mg/kg single dose or albendazole 400 mg/day for three days is recommended. As a result, cutaneous larva migrans should be kept in mind especially in patients with a history of travel to endemic areas and a history of bare feet contact with sandy beaches and soil in this region and with itchy, red and serpiginous skin lesions.

Assessment of the atrial electromechanical properties of patients with human immunodeficiency virus.

The relationship between atrial fibrillation and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was evaluated. Electro-echocardiographic methods can be used to predict the development of atrial fibrillation (AF). In this study, we aimed to investigate the atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) parameters of HIV (+) patients. Forty-two HIV (+) patients and 40 HIV (-) healthy volunteers were prospectively enrolled in this study. The electromechanical properties of the subjects' atria were evaluated with tissue Doppler imaging. The left-AEMD, right-AEMD and inter-AEMD were increased in the HIV (+) patients relative to the controls (p=0.003, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). The CD4 count was inversely correlated with the inter-AEMD (r=-0.428, p<0.001). The CD4 count was an independent predictor of the inter-AEMD (ß=0.523, p=0.007). Our study demonstrated that both the inter- and intra-atrial electromechanical delays were prolonged in the patients with HIV. This non-invasive and simple technique may provide significant contributions to the assessment of the risk of atrial arrhythmia in patients with HIV.

Sandfly Fever with Skin Lesions: A Case Series from Turkey.

Sand fly fever (SF) is an arthropod-borne viral disease, also known as "Phlebotomus fever", "mosquito fever", three-day fever or "Papatacci fever". It is transmitted by Phlebotomus papatasi, starts with acute onset of high fever, and lasts for three days. We present first cases in a different district of Turkey with the clinical findings of fever, myalgia-arthralgia, headache, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea and nausea-vomiting and skin lesions (in two of them). All the patients were treated symptomatically and discharged with complete cure. These cases are indicating that sand fly fever is more common than we thought. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with fever, arthralgia-myalgia and skin lesions, especially it is important to be aware of this disease in travellers returning from endemic areas.

The efficacy of oral ribavirin on clinical and laboratory parameters inCrimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever: an observational study from Turkey.

BACKGROUND/AIM: In this observational study, the effects of oral ribavirin on clinical and laboratory parameters and blood products use in patients with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CCHF patients (n = 100) who were hospitalized between 2007 and 2010 were included. Oral ribavirin was administered to 56 patients with symptom duration less than 5 days. Forty-four patients did not receive ribavirin (control group). The patients that received ribavirin in the first 3 days following the initiation of symptoms were designated as Group 1 (n = 29) and the others were designated as Group 2. RESULTS: Ribavirin-treated and untreated groups were similar in terms of demographic and most clinical characteristics. Leukocyte and platelet counts were lower in the ribavirin group than in the control group, but values of prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine phosphokinase, and lactate dehydrogenase were higher (P = 0.011, P = 0.015, P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.021, P = 0.019, P = 0.004, respectively). Platelet concentrates use was greater in the ribavirin group (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: No positive effects of oral ribavirin on blood products use or clinical or laboratory parameters of CCHF patients were observed. Moreover, no difference was shown between early and late initiation of ribavirin.