Prognostic value of neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels for geriatric patients with COVID-19.

AIM: In this study it was aimed to evaluate the prognostic factors for the geriatric patients with confirmed COVID-19 in a tertiary-care hospital at Kastamonu region of Turkey. METHOD: Patients (≥65-year-old) who had PCR positivity for COVID-19 between March 2020 and April 2020 in our center were recorded retrospectively. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Ethical committee approval was given from the Bolu University with decision number 2020/176. RESULTS: There were a total of 100 patients (44% female). In-hospital mortality was recorded as 7%. In univariate analysis for 1 month mortality, diabetes mellitus (p = 0.038), leucocyte count (p = 0.005), neutrophile count (p = 0.02), neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p < 0.001), thrombocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (TLR) (p = 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.002), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (p = 0.001), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (p = 0.001) and qSOFA score (p = 0.002) were found as independent risk factors. On admission, one point increase of NLR (p = 0.014, odds ratio (OR) = 1.371, 95% CI = 1.067-1.761) and one point increase of LDH (p = 0.047, OR = 1.011, 95% CI = 1.001-1.023) were associated with mortality on day 30 according to logistic regression analysis. The cut-off values were found as > 7.8 for NLR (83.33% sensitivity, 97.7% specificity) and > 300 U/L for LDH (100% sensitivity, 79.31% specificity) regarding the prediction of 30-day mortality. CONCLUSION: In order to improve clinical management and identify the geriatric patients with COVID-19 who have high risk for mortality, NLR and LDH levels on admission might be useful prognostic tools.

Pathogenicity determinants and antibiotic resistance profiles of enterococci from foods of animal origin in Turkey.

In this study, the presence of genes responsible for the pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance profile of enterococci isolated from various foodstuffs of animal origin was investigated. The percentage prevalence of enterococci was 54.1% (203/375) and the average count was found to be 3.81 log cfu/ml-g. Species-specific primers revealed Enterococcus faecalis as the predominant species carrying one or more virulence-associated traits of efa, gelE, ace, esp and agg genetic markers. Only one E. faecium isolate (from milk) was positive for the esp gene. Regarding antibiotic resistance, the highest frequency of resistance was observed for tetracycline (21.7%), followed by quinupristin/dalfopristin (13.3%), ciprofloxacin (2.0%), penicillin (2.0%), linezolid (1.0%), ampicillin (1.0%), streptomycin (1.0%), and gentamicin (0.5%). Enterococcus faecalis showed a higher prevalence of antibiotic resistance than other enterococci. The percentage of multidrug resistance among the isolates was 3.4%. Twenty-nine E. faecalis isolates (26.6%) carrying one of the virulence-associated traits were at the same time resistant to at least one antibiotic. Our results show that foods of animal origin, including ready-to-eat products, may be reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant and potentially virulent enterococci.

[National Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (NAMRSS) external quality assessment studies: 2011-2016]. / Ulusal Antimikrobiyal Direnç Sürveyans Sistemi (UAMDSS) Dis Kalite Degerlendirme Çalismalari: 2011-2016.

Establishment of sustainable and evidence-based surveillance systems are recommended for prevention of microbial resistance by the World Health Organization (WHO). As a necessity of these surveillance systems, participants are recommended to implement an external quality assessment (EQA) program. In this scope, National Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (NARSS) has been established within the Public Health Institute of Turkey (PHIT) in our country since 2011. In the scope of this surveillance, NARSS EQA program has been implemented in a cycle per year and four isolates were sent to participants per cycle every year since 2011. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the six years results of the EQA programs being implemented on NARSS participants between 2011 and 2016. The surveillance system consisted of 118 laboratories. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecium/faecalis and Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria included in scope of the surveillance were sent to participants. Identification of bacteria to the species level, verification of the antibiotic susceptibility test results and existence of specified resistance of the isolates performed with valid test methods required from the participants. Identified isolates were cultured with routine microbiological methods and sent to participants in ambient temperature in triple carrying pouches inside suitable carrying media via PTT Cargo. The results were entered by means of passwords prepared by PHIT and sent to the web based system. The analysis of results were made with SPSS program. A total of twenty-three isolates were sent to participants between 2011 and 2016. It was determined that participants commonly preferred automated systems for bacterial identification and antibiotic sensitivity test results. The use of MALDI TOF MS system was determined to be raised up to 15.65% in 2016. It has been determined that usually little mistakes were done in bacterial identification but the error rate was high especially in antimicrobial susceptibility test results with close clinical threshold values. Although not required for antibiotic susceptibility test results, it was determined that phenotypic tests have been used more widely in determining the specific resistance mechanisms that are important for epidemiological data. It was determined that 80% of participants have used EUCAST standards in 2016. As a result of this research, we have observed that EQA studies of NARSS EQA are a good performance tool for sustainable and evidence based surveillance studies, that the national antimicrobial resistance data quality is sufficiently good and that the data can be shared on international platforms. In addition, the regular maintenance of national surveillance studies shown that laboratories have positive reflections on self improvement in achieving up to date and accurate results.

[Serological evaluation of Bordetella pertussis infection in adults with prolonged cough]. / Uzamis öksürügü olan eriskinlerde Bordetella pertussis enfeksiyonunun serolojik olarak degerlendirilmesi.

Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable disease that is transmitted from infected to susceptible individuals by respiratory route. Bordetella pertussis infection may occur at any age as neither vaccine nor natural infection induced immunity lasts life-long. This study was planned to demonstrate the serological evidence of infection among adults, to raise awareness among clinicians and to provide data for the development of strategies to protect vulnerable infants. A total of 538 patients (345 female, 193 male) ages between 18-87 years who had a complain of prolonged cough for more than two weeks were included in the study. Anti-pertussis toxin (PT) IgG and anti-filamentous hemagglutinin (FH) IgG levels from single serum samples were measured by an in-house ELISA test which was standardized and shown to be efficient previously. Anti-PT IgG antibody levels of ≥ 100 EU/ml were considered as acute/recent infection with B.pertussis. In our study, 9.7% (52/538) of the patients had high levels of anti-PT IgG (≥ 100 EU/ml) and among those patients 43 (43/52; 82.7%) also had high (≥ 100 EU/ml) anti-FHA IgG levels. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of age, gender, education level, DPT (diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus) vaccination history, smoking history or average daily cigarette consumption (p> 0.05) between the cases with high antibody levels (n= 52). When the symptoms and the presence of cases with high antibody levels were evaluated, it was detected that no one parameter was significantly different from others, except that 24.1% of the cases with inspiratory whooping had high anti-PT levels. There was also no statistically significant difference between high anti-PT levels ≥ 100 EU/ml and the patients with risk factors [smoking (21/200; 10.5%), presence of disease that cause chronic cough and/or drug usage (19/171; %11.1), and whole factors which cause chronic cough (32/306; %10.5)] and without risk factors (p= 0.581; p= 0.357; p= 0.249, respectively). The distribution of anti-PT IgG geometric mean titer (GMT) according to the age groups, was as follows; 32.41 in 18-30 years; 36.28 in 31-50 years; 36.82 in 51-70 years and 31.15 in ≥ 71 years. Our results indicated that B.pertussis infections are also present among adult population with a frequency not to be underestimated (9.7%) and the results also emphasized that since typical whooping cough symptoms may not be seen in adults, pertussis infection should be considered as a differential diagnosis in adults with prolonged cough, even if there are some other underlying factors of cough. The data obtained from this study was also considered to be helpful in the development of adult vaccination policies for the protection of infants who have not completed the vaccination schedule yet.

[Investigation of carbapenemases in carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated in 2014 in Turkey]. / Türkiye'de 2014 yili içinde izole edilen karbapeneme dirençli Escherichia coli ve Klebsiella pneumoniae izolatlarinda karbapenemaz varliginin arastirilmasi.

Carbapenems are the choice of treatment in infections caused by multidrug resistant Enterobacteriaceae. In recent years carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolates due to carbapenemases have been increasingly reported worldwide. Multicenter studies on carbapenemases are scarce in Turkey. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of carbapenemases from different parts of Turkey as a part of the European Survey of Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacteriaceae (EuSCAPE) project. Beginning in November 2013, carbapenem-resistant isolates resistant to at least one of the agents, namely imipenem, meropenem, and ertapenem were sent to the coordinating center. Minimum inhibitory concentrations for these carbapenems were determined by microdilution tests following EUCAST guidelines. Production of carbapenemase was confirmed by combination disk synergy tests. Types of carbapenemases were investigated using specific primers for VIM, IMP; NDM, KPC and OXA-48 genes by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. In a six month period, 155 suspected carbapenemase-positive isolates were sent to the coordinating center of which 21 (13.5%) were E.coli and 134 (86.5%) were K.pneumoniae. Nineteen (90.5%) strains among E.coli and 124 (92.5%) strains among K.pneumoniae were shown to harbour at least one carbapenemase gene by molecular tests, with a total of 92.3% (143/155). Carbapenemases were determined as a single enzyme in 136 strains (OXA-48: 84.6%; NDM: 6.3%; VIM: 2.8%; IMP: 1.4%) and as a combination in seven isolates (OXA-48 + NDM: 2.1%; OXA-48 + VIM: 2.1%; VIM + NDM: 0.7%). KPC was not detected in any of the isolates. According to the microdilution test results, resistance to imipenem, meropenem and ertapenem in OXA-48 isolates were 59.5%, 52.9% and 100%, respectively. The combination disk synergy test was 100% compatible with the molecular test results. As most of the OXA-48 producing isolates were susceptible to meropenem but all were resistant to ertapenem, ertapenem seems to be the most sensitive agent in screening carbapenemases in areas where OXA-48 is prevalent and phenotypic combination tests can be useful in centers where molecular tests are not available.

Pertussis serosurveillance study in Izmir, Turkey.

Pertussis is a life-threatening, vaccine-preventable infection. Adults who can be asymptomatic may infect infants. The aim of this study is to determine the IgG antibody levels against pertussis toxin (PT) and filamentous hemagglutinin from 6 months to ≥60 years in Izmir, Turkey. A cluster sample design developed by Expanded Programme on Immunization of the World Health Organization was carried out for the selection of the study population, which consisted of 399 healthy subjects. In-house ELISA was studied in Turkish Public Health Institution. Antibody levels of <10 EU/ml, ≥10 EU/ml and ≥100 EU/ml were accepted as non-immune, immune and possible acute/recent infection, respectively. Anti-PT antibody levels were 8.5% <10 EU/ml, 68.2% 10-100 EU/ml and 23.3% ≥100 EU/ml; the latter was correlated with possible acute/recent infection. Results showed that pertussis is endemic, particularly among adolescents and adults, which is a threat for infants who have not completed their primary immunization.

Catheter-related Infections in Pediatric Patients Due to a Rare Pathogen: Herbaspirillum huttiense.

BACKGROUND: Herbaspirillum species are nonfermenting, aerobic, helical or curved, Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the class Betaproteobacteria, order Burkholderiales. To date, only a few studies have reported on the epidemiology, clinical symptoms, antibiotic susceptibility profiles, treatment and outcomes of Herbaspirillum huttiense -related infections in pediatric patients. METHODS: The aim of this study was to present 3 years of H.huntiense data, antibiotic susceptibility profiles, systemic antibiotics and antibiotic lock therapy (ALT) options and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Fourteen episodes of infection in 12 patients were included in this retrospective study. The patients had a male/female ratio of 1:1 and a median age of 160.5 months (range, 3-198 months). Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) was detected in 11 patients. Only 1 patient developed catheter-related infective endocarditis. The patient's catheter was removed, and she was successfully treated with systemic antibiotics for 4 weeks. Systemic antibiotics were used in all infections related to H. huttiense . In septic, critically ill patients, the catheter was removed, and systemic antibiotics were started. Port catheters were removed in 5 patients. ALT was performed in clinically stable patients. ALT using amikacin was administered to 6 patients through the port catheter. Two patients had a 2nd attack. After the 2nd ALT treatment, 1 patient cured, and the catheter of the other patient was removed due to persistent microbial growth in cultures. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the reported isolates showed susceptibility to meropenem (90%), ceftazidime (87%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (65%), with 92% resistance to colistin. CONCLUSION: H. huttiense is an emerging pathogen in CRBSI. Piperacillin/tazobactam, ceftazidime and meropenem appear to be good therapeutic options for the treatment of H. huttiense infections. ALT and systemic antibiotics can be used in H. huttiense -CRBSI to sterilize and preserve the central venous catheter.

Twins with meningitis due to Neisseria meningitidis.

Introduction: The incidence of invasive meningococcal disease is highest in infants and young children. Case report: Twin infants diagnosed two days apart with meningitis due to N. meningitidis serogroup B are presented. Conclusions: There has never been a report of concurrent meningococcal meningitis in twin brothers. We wanted to highlight the high likelihood of meningococcal transmission through household contacts and the importance of antibiotic prophylaxis and meningococcal vaccination recommendations for close contacts of these cases.

Panton-Valentine leucocidin gene carriage among Staphylococcus aureus strains recovered from skin and soft tissue infections in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: Regardless of methicillin resistance, Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL)-positive Staphylococcus aureus isolates are associated with various types of infections and outbreaks. Limited data exist about the PVL content of S. aureus strains in Turkey. In this multicentre study, we aimed to assess the PVL positivity and antimicrobial susceptibilities of S. aureus isolates recovered from skin and soft tissue samples of both community and nosocomial origin in the study period, 2007-08. METHODS: Two hundred and forty-two [92 community-acquired (CA) and 150 hospital-acquired (HA)] isolates were included in the study. Analysis of mecA and PVL was carried out using PCR. All isolates underwent susceptibility testing according to the CLSI. RESULTS: Out of 242 isolates, 77 were mecA positive. PVL was not found among methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates, but 8 (5.3%) HA methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and 14 (15.2%) CA-MSSA, mostly isolated from furuncles (71.4%), were positive for PVL. Among PVL-positive strains, the penicillin resistance rate was 90.9%. Low resistance rates, <10%, were detected for erythromycin, fusidic acid and co-trimoxazole. PVL-positive strains showed higher rates of susceptibility to erythromycin, gentamicin and rifampicin than negative isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of this study, infection related to PVL-carrying CA-MRSA is not at an alarmingly high level, but population-based surveillance studies should be done to determine the real status.

[The presence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase, KPC-type carbapenemase and plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamase in E.coli and K.pneumoniae strains isolated from blood cultures]. / Kan Izolati E.coli ve K.pneumoniae Suslarinda Genislemis Spektrumlu Beta-Laktamaz, KPC-Tip Karbapenemaz ve Plazmid Aracili AmpC Beta-Laktamaz Varliginin Arastirilmasi

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), KPC-type carbapenemase and plasmid-mediated AmpC beta-lactamase (pAmpC) which have increased in incidence in recent years in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from the blood samples causing serious infections. Ninety nine E.coli and 114 K.pneumoniae strains which were isolated from the blood samples of patients admitted to Hacettepe University Medical Faculty, Ihsan Dogramaci Children's Hospital between January 2001 and March 2009 were investigated. The screening tests for ESBL, pAmpC beta-lactamase and KPC-type carbapenemase were performed on the same plate. Combined disk test was performed for ESBL and modified Hodge test was done for KPC-type carbapenemase confirmation according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. In addition the inhibitory-based test with boronic acid for KPC-type carbapenemase, pAmpC beta-lactamase and the modified Hodge test for pAmpC beta-lactamase were performed. Boronic acid inhibition test was performed to detect the co-presence of the three types of resistance. The frequency of the beta-lactamases in E.coli and K.pneumoniae isolates were as follows respectively: ESBL 26.2% and 61.4%; pAmpC 1% and 0.9% and ESBL + pAmpC 6% and 3.5%. ESBL was masked by pAmpC in an isolate. Ertapenem resistance was shown in three isolates and KPC-type carbapenemases were detected positive by the inhibitory- based test with boronic acid but found to be negative by the modified Hodge test. The results of modified Hodge test was considered valid according to CLSI comments. Since both ESBL and pAmpC were positive but modified Hodge test was negative in these three strains, ertapenem resistance was attributed to another mechanism. For the determination of ESBL and pAmpC beta-lactamases in the routine laboratory, reliable and sensitive susceptibility tests should be performed. The inhibitory-based test with boronic acid is easy for interpretation, and a practical method for the detremination of pAmpC beta lactamases. For KPC-type carbapenemases modified Hodge test which has been standardized by CLSI, is a reliable method. The results of this study showed that ESBL positivity rates are alarming and although the frequency of pAmpC is currently low, it is increasing together with ESBL. These data indicated the need for the establishment of urgent measures to control the increase in plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance in gram-negative enteric bacteria.

[Detection of Bordetella pertussis infection by culture, real-time polymerase chain reaction and serologic tests among children with prolonged cough]. / Uzamis Öksürügü Olan Çocuklarda Kültür, Gerçek Zamanli Polimeraz Zincir Reaksiyonu ve Seroloji ile Bordetella pertussis Enfeksiyonunun Arastirilmasi

Pertussis is a respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It attacks all age groups. It has significantly higher mortality and morbidity among newborns and children. Adolescents and adults with symptomatic but unrecognized pertussis are often the source of the infection for pediatric cases. Therefore, it is suggested to perform laboratory diagnostic tests for B.pertussis infection in children and adolescents with prolonged cough of more than two weeks. In this study, it was aimed to identify B.pertussis infection by culture, real-time polymerase chain reaction (Rt-PCR) and serological methods among children with prolonged cough. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were obtained from 51 children (19 female, 32 male; age between 2 months-14 years; median age: 7.0), who attended the outpatient clinic of Ege University Medical Faculty Department of Pediatrics, Izmir, Turkey with prolonged cough (≥ 14 days) during December 2009-August 2010. While pertussis vaccination had been completed in 48 (94%) of the cases, three cases had not been vaccinated. Previous antibiotic treatment was reported for 38 (75%) of the cases. Cultivation was done by using 7% horse blood and charcoal containing Bordetella Agar (Becton Dickinson, Germany) and Rt-PCR targeting IS481 sequence (Roche Applied Science, Germany) was used to detect B.pertussis. In addition, in house ELISA was performed to detect titers of anti-pertussis toxin (anti-PT) IgG and anti-filamentous hemagglutinin (anti-FHA) IgG antibodies in paired sera collected in 2-4 week intervals. Fourfold titer increase of antibodies or anti-PT IgG levels of at least 100 EU/ml in one serum were evaluated as serological confirmation of B.pertussis infection. In our study, B.pertussis was isolated from one nasopharyngeal swab samples culture among the 51 patients, and IS481 Rt-PCR yielded positive results for B.pertussis in 6 (11.8%) samples. Nine (17.6%) patients were diagnosed as B.pertussis infection by serological tests. Totally 12 patients were evaluated as positive using at least one method. Among them only one had positive results with three of the tests used and two were positive with IS481 Rt-PCR assay and serologic tests. Three patients were found positive with only IS481 Rt-PCR and six were identified only with serologic diagnosis. In this study, 23.5% (12/51) of children with persistant cough were evaluated as having B.pertussis infection. The age range of these cases (5 female, 7 male) was 2 months-11 years and one case had not been vaccinated at all while four cases had not completed the vaccination schedule. It was concluded that since B.pertussis can be detected as the etiologic agent of persistant cough in a significant number of children by culture, PCR and serologic tests, diagnostic tests must be applied to evaluate B.pertussis infection. However, standardized serological methods and PCR protocols are needed for accurate and reliable diagnosis.

[Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi and tick-borne encephalitis virus in a rural area of Samsun, Turkey]. / Samsun Kirsalinda Borrelia burgdorferi ve Kene Ensefaliti Virusu Seroprevalansinin Arastirilmasi

Lyme disease or lyme borreliosis is a zoonosis caused by Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted by ticks, especially Ixodes species. Lyme borreliosis is a multi-systemic disease that invades the skin, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is an important arboviral infection caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV). The central nervous system is affected and the disease most often manifests as meningitis, encephalitis or meningoencephalitis. Previous studies have shown that B.burgdorferi and TBEV can be transmitted by the same tick species (Ixodes ricinus). Although the geographic location and climate is similar to some south-eastern European countries where lyme borreliosis and TBE have been reported, the incidence and prevalence of these diseases in Turkey still remain unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevelance of B.burgdorferi and TBEV in healthy population in Tekkeköy (41° 8-13' North; 36° 24-31' East), a district of Samsun province, Turkey with evidence of tick-borne disease and to explore the possible correlations of life styles of healthy individuals and prevelance. The cross-sectional study population included 419 people selected using a random proportional sampling method. All participants were asked at interview to complete a questionnaire and peripheral blood samples were collected. From the blood samples, B.burgdorferi IgG and IgM antibodies were evaluated using commercial ELISA (Euroimmun, Germany) and confirmed with Western blot (WB, Euroimmun, Germany). ELISA method was also used to asses IgM and IgG antibodies against TBEV, and neutralization test was used for confirmation. Of the 419 samples, 17 (4%) were positive for B.burgdorferi IgG by ELISA, however 14 (14/419; 3.3%) of them were confirmed by WB. B.burgdorferi seropositivity was higher among people living in rural areas, at an altitude of ≥ 400 meters and in locations ecologically suitable for wild boar and rabbits; seropositivity was also seen to be higher among dog owners (p= 0.001, p= 0.001, p= 0.001, p= 0.001, p= 0.018, respectively). For TBEV, two samples yielded IgG positive, and one IgM positive results by ELISA, however none of them were confirmed by neutralization assay. Nevertheless, one of those three TBEV ELISA positive samples, was found positive for West Nile virus specific antibodies with neutralization test. The results of this study emphasized the presence of tick-borne diseases in that specific region, and in this regard the need for public health interventions has been demonstrated.

[Evaluation of antibiotic susceptibilities and VISA-VRSA rates among MRSA strains isolated from hospitalized patients in intensive care units of hospitals in seven provinces of Turkey]. / Türkiye'de Yedi Ildeki Hastanelerin Yogun Bakim Ünitelerinden Izole Edilen MRSA Suslarinda VISA-VRSA Arastirilmasi ve Antibiyotik Duyarlilik Durumlarinin Saptanmasi

The aim of this study was to determine whether vancomycin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) and vancomycin intermediate susceptible S.aureus (VISA) strains were present among methicillin-resistant S.aureus (MRSA) strains isolated from patients hospitalised at intensive care units (ICU) of hospitals located at different regions of Turkey and to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of teicoplanin, linezolid, tigecycline, quinupristin-dalfopristin and daptomycin, which are alternative drugs for the treatment of MRSA infections. A total of 260 MRSA clinical strains (isolated from 113 lower respiratory tract, 90 blood, 24 wound, 17 catheter, 13 nasal swabs, two urine and one CSF sample) were collected from nine health-care centers in eight provinces [Ankara (n= 52), Konya (n= 49), Antalya (n= 40), Istanbul (n= 7), Izmir (37), Diyarbakir (n= 15), Van (n= 12), Trabzon (n= 48)] selected as representatives of the seven different geographical regions of Turkey. Methicillin resistance was determined by cefoxitin disk diffusion in the hospitals where the strains were isolated and confirmed by oxacillin salt agar screening at the Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency. Screening for VISA and VRSA was conducted using the agar screening test and E-test. Susceptibility of the MRSA strains to other antibiotics was also determined by E-test method. None of the 260 MRSA strains were determined to be VRSA or VISA. All were susceptible to teicoplanin and linezolid, and susceptibility rates to daptomycin, tigecycline and quinupristin-dalfopristin were 99.6%, 96.9%, and 95%, respectively. Absence of VISA and VRSA among the MRSA strains surveyed currently seemed hopeful, however, continuous surveillance is necessary. In order to prevent the development of VISA and VRSA strains the use of linezolid, tigecycline, quinupristin-dalfopristin and daptomycin should be encouraged as alternative agents of treatment of MRSA infections.

Possible Role of Endocannabinoids in Olfactory and Taste Dysfunctions in COVID-19 Patients and Volumetric Changes in the Brain.

Introduction: COVID-19 infection develops neurologic symptoms such as smell and taste loss. We aimed to determine the volumetric changes in the brain and correlation of possible related biochemical parameters and endocannabinoid levels after COVID-19 recovery. Methods: Brain magnetic resonance images of recovered COVID-19 patients and healthy volunteers, whose olfactory and gustatory scores were obtained through a questionnaire, were taken, and the volumes of the brain regions associated with taste and smell were measured by automatic and semiautomatic methods. Endocannabinoids (EC), which are critical in the olfactory system, and vitamin B12, zinc, iron, ferritin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroxine (T4) levels, which are reported to have possible roles in olfactory disorders, were measured in peripheral blood. Results: Taste and smell disorder scores and EC levels were found to be higher in recovered COVID-19 patients compared to controls. EC levels were negatively correlated with bilateral entorhinal cortex (ENT) volumes in the COVID-19 group. Subgenual anterior cingulate cortex volumes showed correlations with gustatory complaints and ferritin in recovered COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: The critical finding of our study is the high EC levels and negative correlation between EC levels and left ENT volumes in recovered COVID-19 patients. Implications: It is possible that ECs are potential neuromodulators in many conditions leading to olfactory disorders, including COVID-19.

Evaluation and follow-up of antibody formation after CoronaVac vaccine.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to monitor the time-dependent change by evaluating the antibody levels at the 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, and 16th weeks after the second dose of the CoronaVac vaccine. METHODS: The study group (n=65) were between 21 and 60 years old and received two doses of the CoronaVac vaccine. Blood samples were collected after 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, and 16th weeks of the second dose of the vaccine administration. There was a coronavirus disease 2019 recovered group (n=29) who were SARS-CoV-2 real-time PCR test result positive before the vaccination period, and no coronavirus disease 2019 history group (n=36). Age, BMI, gender, smoking, comorbidity, coronavirus disease 2019 contact history, and working in the coronavirus disease 2019 service history of the individuals were recorded. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found in the descriptive findings of the individuals according to coronavirus disease 2019 recovered group and no coronavirus disease 2019 history group. It was observed that antibody levels in the coronavirus disease 2019 recovered group were found to be higher for each period of serum collection compared to the no coronavirus disease 2019 history group, which were statistically significant. The distribution curves of the antibody levels according to the timing of blood collection in coronavirus disease 2019 recovered group, no coronavirus disease 2019 history group, and total subjects were extrapolated, and it was observed that the estimated time for the antibodies to reach the threshold value of the test was 214, 145, and 166 days after vaccination. CONCLUSION: It is important to make booster doses, as the CoronaVac vaccine will lose its effect after the fifth month due to the decrease in Ab levels. In addition, since the antibody levels decrease later in those who have a history of coronavirus disease 2019 infection and are vaccinated, individuals who have no previous history of coronavirus disease 2019 should be given priority for vaccination.

[Establishment of an algorithm for serological testing of syphilis identification]. / Sifiliz tanisinda kullanilan serolojik testler için akis semasinin olusturulmasi.

Serological methods are widely used for the laboratory diagnosis of syphilis or for screening purposes. The aim of this study was to determine an algorithm for the application of laboratory tests that will provide accurate diagnosis of syphilis in a cheap, fast and practical way. A total of 162 serum samples were evaluated by the following tests: VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory; Omega Diagnostic, UK), TPHA (Treponema pallidum Hemagglutination Test; Omega Diagnostic, UK), ELISA IgG + IgM (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay; DiaPro Diagnostic Bioprobes, Italy), FTA-ABS (Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody-Absorption; IgG, Euroimmun, Germany) and WB (Western Blot; IgG Euroimmun, Germany). When the gold standard was considered as FTA-ABS test, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for VDRL were 77.1%, 100% 100% an 80.6%; for TPHA were 92.8%, 98.7%, 98.7% and 92.9%, for ELISA 98.8%, 98.7%, 98.8% and 98.7%, and for WB 98.8%, 100%, 100% and 98.7%, respectively. When the results of screening with VDRL together with TPHA were compared with FTA-ABS, it was observed that if both VDRL and TPHA results were positive, then there was 100% concordance between the tests. However, when both of the test results were negative, 1.3% of them yielded positive result with FTA-ABS. If either one of VDRL or TPHA results were positive (n = 24), 95.8% (n = 23) was positive with FTA-ABS. Therefore, inconsistent results obtained by VDRL and TPHA requires verification by another method. When ELISA or WB tests were used, the borderline results need verification, however, positive or negative results would be reported. The determination of an algorithm for laboratory tests also depend on the number of patients, cost, cost per positive patient and workload of the laboratory. Thus, ELISA could be selected when the number of cases is high and the results should be reported unless they are suspicious. When the number of cases is low, VDRL/TPHA should be selected, and the results should be verified if they are inconsistent. However, the demographic characteristics of patient groups are also important in test selection and work flow. False positive results are troublesome in case of marriage pre-screening and false negative results in sex workers. When all these factors are taken into consideration it may be suggested that either ELISA or VDRL together with TPHA should be performed and the results should be confirmed by a reference test in case of borderline results in ELISA or inconsistency between VDRL and TPHA results. Although screening for syphilis in the setting of blood banking is a matter of debate, if it is to be performed, then ELISA would be better since the work load is high. In case of pregnancy inconsistent VDRL and TPHA results should be verified since no risk could be afforded.

The presence of tick-borne encephalitis in an endemic area for tick-borne diseases, Turkey.

The aim of this study was to indicate the presence of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in an endemic area for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Turkey. Of 39 CCHF suspected cases, one was found to be TBE virus immunoglobulin M positive and seven were TBE virus immunoglobulin G positive. It is important to report this first appearance of the TBE virus in Turkey since 1967.

[Pertussis seroprevalence and vaccination status in three selected provinces of Turkey]. / Seçilmis üç ilde bogmaca seroprevalansi ve asilanma durumu.

The aim of this community-based seroepidemiological survey was to assess the immune status against pertussis among the healthy population in three selected provinces with different geographical and socioeconomical status (Antalya, Diyarbakir and Samsun, located at Mediterrenean, Southeast Anatolia and Black Sea regions of Turkey, respectively) in relation with DwPT (whole cell pertussis vaccine combined with diphtheria and tetanus toxoids) vaccination status. A total of randomly selected 2085 subjects ages between 6 months to > 50 years were included to the study. Serum samples have been screened for the presence of pertussis antibodies by an in house ELISA method with the use of pertussis toxin (PT) and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) antigens. The levels of > or = 10 EU/mL was accepted as positive for anti-PT and anti-FHA. Vaccination rate with 3-4 doses among children under 15 years old was significantly lower in Diyarbakir compared to the other two provinces (p< 0.05). The antibody positivity was increased with age up to the 10-14 year group and was maintained among older groups. There was no statistically significant relationship between the vaccination rate and antibody prevalence (p> 0.05). Adult females showed a significantly higher antibody-positivity rate for anti-PT than the males (p< 0.05). Our study pointed out a high prevalence of pertussis infection in those selected provinces, suggesting that the adults play a role as potential reservoirs for B. pertussis. It can be concluded that adult immunization, especially of those who are likely to have close contact with infants, should be considered.

Tetanus immunization status among women of childbearing age in Turkey.

In order to assess the effect of the neonatal tetanus elimination program in Turkey, tetanus antibody prevalence among women of childbearing age from three selected provinces was evaluated in relation to vaccination doses of the single-type tetanus vaccine. A combined method of in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and particle agglutination test was used to determine tetanus antibody titers. Among 205 women aged 20-39 years, the tetanus antibody level was higher in women with 1-3 children than those without children. The geometric mean of the log antibody titer was increased proportionally with a slope of 0.405 +/- 0.174 per dose between 0 and 3 doses (P > 0.05). However, the proportion of 20-39-year-old women with the protective antibody in the provinces ranged from 54.8 to 86.6%. Diyarbakir had the lowest immunity with a larger number of children in the household, and a lower educational level. The results of our serological study demonstrated that the neonatal tetanus elimination program in Turkey is effectively promoting immunity against tetanus in pregnant women. However, the study also revealed that the tetanus immunity among women of childbearing age was still insufficient. Intensive implementation of the supplemental immunization activities and encouraging vaccinations through neonatal care services will improve the situation.

[A field survey carried out on the confirmation of a pertussis case in a village of Kirikkale Province, Turkey]. / Kirikkale'nin bir köyünde dogrulanmis bir bogmaca olgusu nedeniyle yapilan saha arastirmasi.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the existence and the rate of pertussis infection in December 2002 among the symptomatic contacts in Konurhaciobasi village of Kirikkale province (placed in middle Anatolia, Turkey, with a population of 500 people), where a laboratory-confirmed pertussis case was defined by culture positivity. Sixty contacts with cough history of more than two weeks have been interviewed and their nasopharyngeal swabs have been collected together with the serum samples from 47 of them. "Probable case" definition included cough lasting longer than two weeks together with at least one of the following symptoms: paroxysms of cough, inspiratory "whooping" and post-tussive vomiting without other apparent cause. The samples were inoculated onto cephalexin Bordet-Gengou agar (C-BGA), and following the growth of suspected colonies identification tests including slide agglutination by using Bordetella pertussis phase 1 and B.parapertussis specific antisera, were performed. IgG antibodies against B.pertussis were searched with an in-house ELISA method by using purified pertussis toxin, and titers of > or = 100 ELISA units (EU)/ml were considered as acute/recent infection. Among the subjects 80% were children and 75% were female. Thirty-six subjects (76.6%) had a history of immunization with 3-4 doses of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) vaccine. According to questionnaires the mean household number was calculated as 5.0 +/- 0.26. Fifteen contacts (age range: 4-12 years, 11 were female) were defined as "probable cases", however all of them were found to be culture negative. All these cases had been vaccinated with DPT vaccine. Among the probable cases 12 serum samples were available, and six of them were evaluated as acute/recent pertussis infection, since their antibody titers were found as > or = 100 EU/ml. In addition, the evaluation of ELISA results of 47 individuals indicated that 27 of them had antibody titers of > or = 100 EU/ml, who could be considered as acute or recent pertussis infection. The data of this field survey indicated a possible pertussis outbreak in this village.