Molecular investigation of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and related strains among sheep flocks from different parts of Türkiye; with a note of phylogenetic analyses of Anaplasma phagocytophilum- like 1.

Anaplasma phagocytophilum is a vector-borne zoonotic pathogen and can infect various vertebrate hosts, especially cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and dogs. Molecular-based studies have revealed that the agent has a high genetic diversity and closely related strains circulate in hosts. In this study, 618 sheep blood samples obtained from different geographic regions of Türkiye were researched for A.phagocytophilum and related strains with PCR, RFLP, and DNA sequence analyses. The DNA of these pathogens was detected in 110 (17.79%) samples. RFLP assay showed that all positive samples were infected with A.phagocytophilum-like 1, whereas A.phagocytophilum-like 2 and A.phagocytophilum were not detected. Partial parts of 16 S rRNA gene of seven randomly selected positive samples were sequenced. The phylogenetic analyses of these isolates revealed that at least two A.phagocytophilum-like 1 isolates circulate among hosts in Türkiye and around the world. A.phagocytophilum-related strains have been reported in molecular-based studies over the last few years, but there is a lack of data on the vector competence, epidemiology, clinical symptoms, and genetic diversity of these pathogens. Therefore, large-scale molecular studies are still needed to obtain detailed data on the above-mentioned topics.

Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence in Preeclampsic Pregnant.

Objective: Toxoplasma gondii is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis and is a parasite of high medical importance with a wide host variety. Bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections during pregnancy may predispose women to pregnancy complications. Preeclampsia of unknown etiology causes special conditions such as systemic vascular endothelial damage due to insufficient trophoblastic invasion and abnormal placentation. There are data of an association between various maternal infections and preeclampsia/eclampsias. The aim of the study was to compare and analyze the relationship between the presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgM and anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and in normotensive healthy pregnant women who were in the control group. Methods: In this study, 176 pregnant women who applied to our hospital between January 2019 and December 2020 were included. 88 (50%) of the pregnant women had pre-eclampsia and 88 (50%) were normotensive. The presence of anti-Toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies in blood taken from pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and control group was investigated using ELISA. Results: Because of the study, both groups were found to be seronegative in terms of anti-Toxoplasma IgM by ELISA. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG was found to be seropositive in 24 (27.3%) pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and 18 (20.5%) normotensive pregnant women. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of anti-Toxoplasma IgM and anti-Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity (X2=0.289, p>0.05) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Because of the study, no statistically significant difference was found between pregnant women with pre-eclampsia and those with toxoplasmosis. It was thought that further studies should be conducted to discuss the hormonal, vascular, etc. factors occurring in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia of T. gondii effect of preparing the ground for the changes and to reveal the existence of a possible relationship between pre-eclampsia and T. gondii seropositivity.

Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii Seroprevalence in People Keeping Cats and Not Keeping Cats at Their Home in Sivas

Objective: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan and its definitive host is the Felidae family. Toxoplasmosis can be transmitted to humans in many ways. The purpose of the study was to investigate the anti-Toxoplasma IgM and anti-Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity with the ELISA method in people who have cats at home and do not have cats at home, and to reveal the possible relationship between toxoplasmosis and people who keep/contact cats for a long time for any reason at home. Methods: Between March 2021 and June 2021, blood samples were taken from 91 people who had a cat in their home for at least a year and 91 people who had never had a cat or had no contact with a cat, in Sivas province. Anti-Toxoplasma IgM and anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were investigated in serum samples by the ELISA method. Age, gender, and other socio-demographic criteria were not considered. RESULTSResults: Because of the study, all samples were found to be negative for anti-Toxoplasma IgM. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity was detected in 20 (22.0%) of those who had cats at home and 40 (44.0%) of those without cats at home. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of anti-Toxoplasma IgM seropositivity. However, anti-Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity was found to be statistically significant (p=0.002) (p<0.01). Conclusion: Because of the study, anti-Toxoplasma IgG positivity was found to be higher in those who did not feed/contact cats at home and it was statistically significant. It brings to mind that the reason for the high rate of seropositivity in those without cats at home, may not be only the oocysts excreted from cats, but also the transmission by other non-cat transmission routes may still be important.

Factors Affecting the Prevalence of House Dust Mite in Tekirdag and Istanbul Provinces in Comparison with House Dust Mite Population of Sivas Province During the Same Period

Objective: This study aimed to examine the frequency of house dust mite according to various variables and determine the house dust mite population in these provinces in house dust samples collected in the same period from Istanbul and Tekirdag provinces, which is located on the coastal part of the Marmara Region, and Sivas province, which has different climatic and geographic characteristics from these provinces. A comparison was done from each province. Methods: Between May and August 2018, a total of 100 powder samples were prepared by a lactic acid precipitation method that was examined microscopically. Besides, some variables in Tekirdag and Istanbul provinces were applied to participants by face-to-face interview method from a questionnaire. Results: House dust mite was found with a rate of 66.7% in Istanbul and 61.5% in Tekirdag; however, house dust mite was not found in Sivas province. According to survey results, the frequency of house dust mite detection is 1-4. It increased according to the fact that it is located between floors, cleaning was every 15 days, no smoking at home and insufficient sun exposure. No statistically significant difference was found according to the presence of plants and/or animals in the house and way of heating. Conclusion: Measures to be taken against house a dust mite, which is the most essential component of house dust with allergic content, are observed to be important in reducing complaints of sensitive people by especially considering the climate, geographic characteristics and general hygienic conditions. According to investigations, Baloghella melis, one of the mites detected in dust samples taken from Istanbul, has been determined to be a new record in Turkey. This study will contribute to Turkey with this aspect fauna of house dust mites.

The Distribution of Pathogenic Intestinal Parasites in Sivas Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine Research and Application Hospital between 2006-2018

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of intestinal parasites in patients admitted to our hospital with gastrointestinal complaints in our city harboring sociocultural and economic changes, and to show the relationship between these parasites and variables such as age, sex and year. Methods: The distribution of intestinal parasites in patients who suffered from gastrointestinal symptoms and were referred to our microbiology/parasitology laboratory from various clinics of the Sivas Cumhuriyet University Training and Research Hospital between January 2006 and December 2018 was determined. After macroscopic examination, 19,760 stool specimens were examined with Nativ-lugol, if necessary, flotation, sedimentation, trichrome and modified acid-fast, Certest Combo Card test Crypto + Giardia + Entamoeba (CerTest Biotec S.L., SPAIN) methods and 5,814 cellophane tape samples were examined with direct microscopy and the results were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Three protozoa and six helminth species were identified in the samples studied. The most frequent parasite was found to be Giardia intestinalis (6.9% n=1.363) from protozoa and Enterobius vermicularis (10.8% n=627) from helminths. Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (1.5% n=289), Cryptosporidium parvum (0.3% n=53), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.2% n=41), Trichuris trichiura (0.1% n=23), Hymenolepis nana (0.1% n=21), Taenia saginata (2.1% n=299) and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (0.01% n=1) were among other intestinal parasites. Conclusion: Between 2006-2018, while decreases in soil-borne parasitoses were observed, there was no statistically significant decrease in annual positive case rates. Despite the development of the infrastructure, parasitoses transmitted by lack of sanitation/cleaning, are still important in our province.

The determination of treatment effect of chitosan oligosaccharide in lambs with experimentally cryptosporidiosis.

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the efficacy of chitosan oligosaccharide administrations in different doses of experimental infected lambs with Cryptosporidium parvum. 32 male lambs were used in the study and the lambs were divided into 4 groups with 8 lambs in each group. Groups 1, 2 and 3, twice a day, were administered chitosan oligosaccharide at a dose of 100, 500, and 1000 mg/kg for 7 days, respectively, with milk replacer. In group 4, lambs with cryptosporidiosis were subjected to normal feeding as control without drug administration. Clinical examinations of lambs were made before treatment (day 0) and on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 after treatment and 5 ml of blood was collected from vena jugularis for blood analysis of all lambs. Weight changes of lambs were recorded at 0, 7, 14, and 21 days. Stool specimens were collected pre-treatment (day 0) and on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 21 post-treatment to determine oocyst excretion of lambs with cryptosporidiosis. Lambs with a mean oocyte counts >10 after stool examination were included to the treatment. Changes in clinical hematology, blood gases and biochemical parameters were observed during the course of treatment, but these changes were limited. Weight loss was observed at 7th day according to 0th day the lambs with experimental cryptosporidiosis but gradually weight increase was observed at 14th and 21st days and these changes were similar in all groups. Oocyst excretion decreased in all groups during treatment. According to 0th day, there was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in oocyte excretions in the third day in group 1 and 2, and in day 5 in the group 3 and 4. Significant changes (p < 0.05) were observed in oocyst excretions on the third and fifth days among the groups. As a result, in lambs with experimental cryptosporidiosis, chitosan oligosaccharide improved in clinical signs and stool character shorter than the positive control group and the administration of chitosan oligosaccharide at doses of 100, 500 and 1000 mg/kg for 7 days significantly reduced oocyst excretion but not enough to remove cryptosporidiosis completely.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in asymptomatic food workers.

OBJECTIVE: Cryptosporidium spp. is obligatory intracellular parasite and causes intestinal infection. In intestine infections in the form of sporadic and epidemics, food and accordingly workers in food sector may play a role as the source of infection. In this study, it is aimed to reveal the existence of asymptomatic cryptosporidiosis. METHODS: In the study, stool samples of 393 workers -employed at various branches of food sector in the region of Van- are used. In order to detect Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts, Modified Ziehl Neelsen (MZN) Staining was used. RESULTS: In this study, asymptomatic cryptosporidiosis has been detected in 5 (1.27%) of 393 workers. CONCLUSION: Epidemiological findings indicate that food workers can be source of cryptosporidiosis outbreak. Thus, searching for the existence of asymptomatic cryptosporidiosis food workers -which epidemiologically has potential significance- and taking the required measures in case of its determination are significant in respect of public health.

[Distribution of intestinal parasites detected in the Tokat public health laboratory during the period from January 2007 - December 2009]. / Tokat Halk Sagligi Laboratuvarinda Ocak 2007-Aralik 2009 Yillari Arasinda Saptanan Bagirsak Parazitlerinin Dagilimi

In this study, the results of 1868 stool samples and 215 cellophane tapes examined in the Tokat Public Health Laboratory between January 2007-December 2009 and the distribution of these parasites were evaluated retrospectively. A total of 1868 stool specimens from 1146 (61.3%) males and 722 (38.7%) females were examined for intestinal parasites using direct examination and the formol-ethyl acetate concentration methods. Intestinal parasites were found in 40 (2.1%) females and 85 (4.6%) males. A total of 215 cellophane tape specimens from 86 (40%) females and 129 (60%) males were examined. Parasites were detected in 6 (2.8%) female and 11 (5.1%) male patients. The distribution of intestinal parasites detected in stool specimens was as follows: 52 (2.8%) Giardia intestinalis, 15 (0.8%) Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, 46 (2.5%) Entamoeba coli, 2 (0.1%) Hymenolepis nana, 16 (0.9%) Taenia saginata, 3 (0.2%) Ascaris lumbricoides, and 1 (0.05%) Trichuris trichiura. Parasites detected in cellophane tape specimens included 17 (7.9%) Enterobius vermicularis and 3 (1.4%) Taenia saginata. Despite being labor-intensive, parasitological examination of stool samples with necessary staining methods by experienced staff will surely help to determine both the diagnosis and exact prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in Turkey.

[The investigation of intestinal parasites in two primary schools in different social-economic districts of the city of Yozgat, Turkey]. / Yozgat Il Merkezinde Farkli Sosyo-Ekonomik Bölgelerdeki Iki Ilkögretim Okulunda Bagirsak Parazitlerinin Arastirilmasi.

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of intestinal parasites among children in two primary schools in different social-economic districts in the central region of Yozgat and to educate the children about parasitic diseases. During the study, cellophane tape preparations and stool samples that had been prepared using direct mounting methods were examined. In addition the students were informed about intestinal parasites. Parasitic infection was observed in 128 (34.9%) out of 367 students and the highest rate of 16.1% was that of Entamoeba coli. The rate of Giardia intestinalis, Enterobius vermicularis, Hymenolepis nana, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Taenia saginata, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura were found to be 15.5%, 8.4%, 2.2%, 1.6%, 1.6%, 1.6% and 0.5%, respectively. In cases with parasitosis, one species of parasite was found in 68.0%, 2 species in 27.3% and 3 species in 4.7%. Thus, intestinal parasites are important among primary school children in Yozgat and it seems that there is a relationship between socio-economic conditions and the rate of intestinal parasites.

[Distribution of intestinal parasites in patients presenting at the environmental-food and medicine analysis laboratory of Sivas municipality during the years 1993-2006]. / Sivas Belediyesi Cevre-Gida ve Tibbi Tahlil Laboratuvarina 1993-2006 Yillarinda Basvuran Hastalarda Bagirsak Parazit Dagilimlarinin Incelenmesi.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate retrospectively the distribution and prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients who presented at the environmental-food and medicine analysis laboratory of the Sivas municipality, Sivas, from January 1993-December 2006. A total of 732 stool specimens were examined for intestinal parasites using native-Lugol and formol ethyl ether methods. Also, 186 cellophane tape preparations were examined directly. Out of a total of 918 total specimens, intestinal parasites were found in 85 (9.3%) females and 178 (19.4%) males. Parasites were found in 188 (25.7%) of the stool specimens, coming from 54 (7.4%) females and 134 (18.3%) males. Of the 75 positive cellophane tape specimens, 31 (16.7%) were females and 44 (23.7%), male. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was evaluated according to years, sex and ages in which cases were seen. The distribution of intestinal parasites detected in stool specimens was as follows: 101 (13.8%) Entamoeba coli, 27 (3.7%) Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, 91 (12.4%) Giardia intestinalis, 30 (4.1%) Taenia saginata, 13 (1.8%) Hymenolepis nana, 7 (1%) Ascaris lumbricoides, 2 (0.3%) Trichuris trichiura and 1 (0.1%) Dicrocoelium dentriticum. Parasites detected in cellophane tape specimens included 64 (34.4%) Enterobius vermicularis and 11 (5.9%) Taenia saginata.

[Cystic echinococcosis: a study of consciousness and creating awareness]. / Kistik ekinokokkoz: Bir toplum bilgilendirme ve farkindalik yaratma çalismasi

Study was started in November 2005 and education practices and other activities have been realized between the dates of December 2005 and 5 January 2006. A wide group has been chosen from the students who are at the level of primary and secondary education to adults as a target mass to create awareness. Correspondences related to the subject have been done with Cumhuriyet University rector ship, Sivas governs ship, Sivas manager of education, Sivas mufti and essential otorizations got. Pictorial leaflets which introduce disease and explain infection and ways of protection are prepared and sent all province and county school by means of Manager of Education. Besides, lots of leaflet is distributed to tradesmen and public. Large sized posters are published about disease to make people aware of it. It is provided that these posters are distributed to all schools and mosques. Lectures are organized to introduce the disease and emphasize the ways of protection in five fixed center by two sessions. It is provided that 89 primary and secondary school students' attendance regularly with their teachers. Besides the working of society awareness, preparing executing and treating of control programs about cystic echinococcosis are other important and necessary stages.