ÖZ İnsan sıtması, insanlık tarihini derinden etkileyen en önemli enfeksiyon hastalıklarından biri... more ÖZ İnsan sıtması, insanlık tarihini derinden etkileyen en önemli enfeksiyon hastalıklarından biridir ve halen tüm dünya genelinde sağlık sorunlarına ve mortaliteye neden olmaktadır. Hamile kadınlarda ciddi sıtma, dolayısıyla ciddi komplikasyonlar gelişme riski daha yüksektir. Çalışmamızda, sıtma tanısı almış 22 yaşında Demokratik Kongo Cumhuriyeti uyruklu 6 aylık hamile kadın hasta sunulmuştur. Yüksek ateş, baş ağrısı, iştahsızlık ve ishal semptomları bulunan hastamızın ikinci kez ateş nöbeti geçirdiği tespit edilmiştir. Kan yaymalarında Plasmodium parazitlerine ait genç trofozoit (taşlı yüzük) formlarının görülmesi üzerine, sıtma hızlı antijen testi yapılmış ve Plasmodium falciparum açısından pozitif saptanmıştır. On dört (14) gün önce ülkesinden Kuzey Kıbrıs'a gelmiş olan hastamız, artemeter/lumefantrin ile tedavi edilmiş ve doğru tedavi ile ciddi komplikasyonların gelişmesi önlenmiştir. Tedavi seçiminde, CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Hastalık Kontrol ve Önleme Merkezleri)'nin 'Sıtma Tedavi Rehberi'ndeki kriterler göz önüne alınmıştır. Bu olgu, sıtmanın eradike edildiği bölgelerde bile hastalığı akılda tutmanın ve doğru tedavinin önemini göstermektedir.
Propionibacterium acnes is commonly recognized for its acne pathogenesis. P. acnes produces chemo... more Propionibacterium acnes is commonly recognized for its acne pathogenesis. P. acnes produces chemotactic substances and activates the complement system. Resistant P. acnes strains were explained more than 40 years ago. For that reason, new antimicrobial agents for the topical treatment of skin infections have been researched, and it has been determined that plant extracts may be an alternative treatment for acne. In this review, antimicrobial studies of P. acnes have been reviewed.
Differential diagnosis and establishment of the etiopathogenesis of periorbital edema is importan... more Differential diagnosis and establishment of the etiopathogenesis of periorbital edema is important for physicians, particularly the dermatologists and ophthalmologists. It may be the symptom of a broad spectrum of diseases. Although it was defi ned as one of the prodromal signs of infectious mononucleosis (EMN), its occurrence is rare in clinical practice. In this paper, we reported a 15 year-old female patient, who admitted with periorbital edema and fever, and subsequently diagnosed as EMN and the differential diagnosis of periorbital edema and features of orbital involvement in EMN were discussed.
Background: RT-PCR is the leading method used in the diagnosis of COVID-19, caused by 2019-nCoV. ... more Background: RT-PCR is the leading method used in the diagnosis of COVID-19, caused by 2019-nCoV. CT applications also provide a fast and easy diagnosis for detecting pneumonia caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The current study, aimed to compare the lung involvement of vaccinated (two-dose CoronaVac) and unvaccinated patients in the early stage of COVID-19 disease. Methods: In the current retrospective study, which included patients diagnosed with RT-PCR COVID-19 positivity (n=651) between 01 July 2021-15 September 2021, patient information was obtained from the authorized hospital of the pandemic. Data included patients' chest CT scans and whether patients had been vaccinated (two-dose CoronaVac) information. Results: The ratio of vaccination with double-dose CoronaVac in positive patients was 74.3%. The ratio of patients with normal lung appearance was 61.8%. It was determined that the ratio of involvement in both lungs of patients who were vaccinated with a double dose was...
The number of Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus cases in community and hospitals is on... more The number of Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus cases in community and hospitals is on the rise worldwide. Hence, the study aimed to analyze transmission interventions and control strategies that could be used to prevent transmission in this manner. In this regard, compartmental mathematical model was used with and without an optimal control to visualize the effectiveness of awareness in interventions that could be applied in the prevention of transmission. A total of seven years of data gathered from hospital consisting of inpatients and outpatients of MRSA were used in this model. The results suggested that the number of cases of the four compartments: Community-acquired (CA) Staphylococcus aureus, CA Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Hospital-acquired (HA) Staphylococcus aureus, HA-MRSA in the designed mathematical model without the control were on an increasing trend. When optimal control was applied as a second model, it was determined that increasi...
Journal of Infectious Diseases and Treatment, 2018
The aim of this study is to detect the correlations between ESBL-producing, and the pattern, and ... more The aim of this study is to detect the correlations between ESBL-producing, and the pattern, and extensiveness of MDR of other common nonbetalactam antibiotics in Enterobacteriaceae strains. Methods: A total of 170 ESBL-producer strains and the same amount of ESBL-non-producer Enterobacteriaceae strains were collected as study and control groups from our Clinical Microbiology Laboratory. Antibiotic susceptibility tests and ESBL detection were conducted on both microorganism groups by routine bacteriologic methods. The antibiotic susceptibilities have been listed on a strain basis, and they were classified according to the extensiveness of resistances. Results: When comparing the ESBL-producer to the ESBLnonproducer strains, higher individual resistance rates were detected to fluoroquinolones, trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole, aminoglycosides, piperacillin/ tazobactam, nitrofurantoin and carbapenems in various percentages (69. 40% vs 23. 50%; 68.20% vs 30%; 34. 70% vs 5. 30%; 27. 20% vs 4.73%; 23.50% vs 1.90 and 18.90% vs 5.20% respectively). The three to six-drug MDRs in the same isolate has been found in 36 different strains of ESBL-p, although no strains were detected in the control group (21% vs 0). The three most prevalent triplet co-existences of MDR were sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim+fluoroquinolones +aminoglycosides, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim +fluoroquinolones+piperacillin/tazobactam, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim+fluoroquinolones +carbapenem resistance combinations in both groups, but, their proportions were statistically higher in the study group (43 vs 4, 31 vs 3, and 22 vs 1 strains). Conclusions: ESBL and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae control the other wide range of nonbeta-lactam antibiotic resistance in various combinations, according to our study.
BACKGROUND In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir-based the... more 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.
Tularemia is a zoonotic infectious disease in the Northern Hemisphere, which is caused by gram-ne... more Tularemia is a zoonotic infectious disease in the Northern Hemisphere, which is caused by gram-negative Francisella tularensis bacteria with four subtypes. In this article, a case of a 5-year-old girl with oculoglandular, oropharyngeal, and typhoid tularemia accompanied by lymph nodes in the abdomen has been presented. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid treatment was first applied to the patient who had high fever, neck lymphadenopathy, and crypts in the tonsils.Intramuscular ceftriaxone therapy was started after the expected response could not be obtained. As a result, as there was no improvement in response to both the treatments in the clinical condition of the patient, and the patient was hospitalized. Physical examination revealed the presence of cervical and submandibular lymphadenopathy and left otitis media. Hepatosplenomegaly and bilateral periorbital edema developed on the day after admission to the hospital. The most frequent diseases in the age group of the patient that may cause the observed findings were tried to be excluded by laboratory and radiological data.Upon learning that the patient had contact with the suspected infected rabbit during treatment, Francisella tularensis antibody was ordered for differential diagnosis of tularemia. The test result was reported as 1:80 titre positive. The patient's treatment was changed to a combination of ciprofloxacin plus amikacin. A gradual improvement was observed, and a follow-up evaluation two weeks later revealed that the patient had recovered with no complication. This case is the first proven case feature and is worthy of showing the importance of getting detailed anamnesis.
Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) belong to the Herpesviridae family. Close contact is the primary mo... more Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) belong to the Herpesviridae family. Close contact is the primary mode of transmission for both HSV-1 and HSV-2, leading to a persistent lifelong infection. HSVs are widely recognized as causative agents of viral infections affecting the central nervous system, capable of presenting as both meningitis and encephalitis. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the predominant viral cause of encephalitis, accounting for the majority of cases. Here, a rare co-infection case of meningoencephalitis, associated with HSV-1 and rickettsia is described. A 42-year-old man presenting with non-remitting headache for 6 days, fever, sweating, and muscle aches was admitted to the Emergency Department. His Weil-Felix test was positive for Proteus OX2 indicating rickettsial infection. Therapy started promptly however patient’s condition deteriorated. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis, and elevated protein concentration. CSF molecular analy...
Background The most common symptoms of coronavirus infections are fever, cough, shortness of brea... more Background The most common symptoms of coronavirus infections are fever, cough, shortness of breath, headache, ache of joints, a loss of smell and loss of taste, and etc. Early studies suggested that smell and taste receptors were associated with pathogenic detection and immunity. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the expression pro le of gene receptors that are related to taste, smell, and appetite control in COVID-19 patients and their putative correlation with SARS-CoV-19 variants. Method Gene expression levels of TAS1R2, TAS1R3, TAS2R38, OR51E1, LEPR, GHRL were analyzed in 100 COVID-19 patients and 100 SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR negative group. Results The expression levels of TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 genes were signi cantly decreased in COVID-19 patients who were infected with Delta variant. However, the TAS2R38 gene expression level was signi cantly lower when compared to the control group. The TAS1R2 gene expression was positively correlated with TAS1R3, and TAS2R38 genes (p = 0.001, p = 0.025, respectively). Conclusion TAS1R2, TAS1R3, and TAS2R38 gene expression levels were decreased in the Delta variant compared to the Omicron BA.1 variant in the studied groups. These results provided a signi cant clue for the temporary taste loss, especially in patients infected with the Delta variant, which is the most disruptive and symptomatic variant causing hospitalizations, and deaths compared to other variants may be because ACE2 is expressed in the taste buds and high replication of SARS-CoV-2 in the infected gustatory cells in the taste bud generates in ammation and then could eventually destroy the cells. This gustatory cell damage may cause malfunction of the gustatory system.
Antibiotic resistance is becoming one of the threats to global health. This crisis has been attri... more Antibiotic resistance is becoming one of the threats to global health. This crisis has been attributed to the over-the-counter and overuse of antibiotics leading bacteria to gain the ability to resist and survive even in the presence of antimicrobial agents. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the major gram-negative bacteria that are the representative indicators of antibiotic resistance. One of the mechanisms of gaining antibiotic resistance is the ability of E. coli to gain the production of extendedspectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL). In this study, Near East University Hospital data from 2016 to 2019 were used to study the dynamics of ESBL-producing (ESBL +) and non-ESBL-producing (ESBL −) E. coli infections by using a mathematical model. In our study, the aim was to evaluate the distribution of infections caused by resistant E. coli strains in later years and to increase the success of treatment in patients infected with E. coli by reducing the problem of antibiotic resistance. By using the mathematical model and data of the patients, basic reproduction number (R 0) values were calculated to study epidemiologic dynamics of the disease. The R E
Middle black sea journal of health science, May 31, 2022
The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence rate of the Rickettsiae infection during the... more The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence rate of the Rickettsiae infection during the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic according to years. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out during 2016 to 2020. Weil-Felix test is based on cross-reactions which occur between antibodies produced in acute rickettsial infections with antigens of OX (OX 19, OX 2, and OXK) strains of Proteus species. On a lam surface, a small 100 μL of the patient's serum is placed. A single drop of the desired antigen (OX19, OX2 ve OXK) is added, and the resulting suspension is mixed and then rotated for one minute. Visible agglutination is indicative of a positive result and corresponds roughly to a titer of 1:20. Statistical analysis of the data obtained was conducted with SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) Demo Ver 22.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) program. Results: Total patient number were 369 (Male: 192, 52%; Female: 177, 48%) and the mean age was 33.40±21.37. The number of patients who found as positive for any of the Rickettsiae infection (OX19, OX2 and OXK) were 15.4% in
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, Jun 24, 2020
Background: The public health burden of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is expected... more Background: The public health burden of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is expected to increase and urgent strict measures by decision-makers is critical for the containment of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak worldwide. Aims: This study aimed to give a real-time analysis of COVID-19 presence in northern Cyprus. Methods: All official SARS-CoV-2 positive cases were tracked and reported in terms of the origin, nationality, and transmission routes. Preventive measures taken after the first reported case were analyzed for their effectiveness as control strategies. Results: The index case of SARS-CoV-2 in northern Cyprus was identified as a female German tourist. First local case had travel history from the United Kingdom after which local transmission occurred. Rapid and strict containment measures have currently delayed a peak in observed cases. Conclusions: Rapid implementation of social-distancing measures, good hygiene measures and travel/gathering bans in northern Cyprus has been effective in controlling the outbreak.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of commonly used herbal/non-fluoride with fluoride dentif... more Objective: To compare the effectiveness of commonly used herbal/non-fluoride with fluoride dentifrices in order to eliminate pathogenic oral microorganisms from denture base material. Materials and methods: Heat-polymerized acrylic resin specimens (n ¼ 288) were divided into three groups and each group inoculated with three various microorganisms (n ¼ 96 for each) Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Contaminated specimens were randomly assigned to the application of six herbal/non-fluoride and three fluoride dentifrices. These specimens were divided into two groups: negative and positive control (n ¼ 3 for each). All acrylic specimens were incubated at 37 C for 24 h for samples inoculated with bacterial strains and 37 C for 48 h for samples inoculated with yeast strains. After the incubation period, all brain-heart infusion broths that contained disinfectant acrylic specimens were cultured on 5% sheep blood agar for bacterial counts and Sabouraud dextrose agar for yeast counts. The number of colony-forming units per millilitre (CFU/mL) were calculated. The results were analysed by Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p ¼ .05). Results: Both herbal/non-fluoride and fluoride dentifrices were effective against Candida albicans. However, fluoride dentifrices were comparatively better than the herbal/non-fluoride dentifrices against Staphylococcus aureus and P. aeruginosa. Conclusions: Herbal dentifrices could be used, especially among the elderly who lack a degree of manual dexterity during the rinsing of dentifrice chemicals from their dentures.
Journal of Academic Research in Medicine, Aug 25, 2022
Objective: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), including methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), c... more Objective: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), including methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), can produce biofilm leading to increased morbidity and mortality in hospital infections. Antibiotic resistance is an inherent feature of bacterial biofilms, and the formation of biofilms is more widespread in MRSA. This study aimed to reveal the phenotypic biofilm-forming abilities of S. aureus isolates and to investigate the relationship of antibiotic resistance of biofilm-forming S. aureus with biofilm formation. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in the microbiology laboratory at the Near East University Hospital in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. A total of 67 non-duplicative samples (wound/pus, sputum, aspirate, blood and urine) for the study were collected between January 2020 and April 2021 from samples of inpatients and outpatients from various hospital departments. VITEK 2 system was used for bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing, biofilm formation was evaluated using Congo red agar (CRA). Results: It was observed that 56 (84.3%) of 67 S. aureus isolates cultured on CRA produced biofilm, while the remaining 11 (15.7%) were not biofilm producers. A statistically significant relationship was found between methicillin resistance and biofilm formation in S. aureus isolates. Accordingly, a significantly higher biofilm formation was observed in MRSAs compared to those with negative methicillin resistance (92.1% vs. 72.4%, p=0.034). A high proportion of isolates of S. aureus showed susceptibility towards tigecycline (100%) and gentamycin (100%). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that methicillin-resistant strains produced more biofilms and exhibited a high degree of resistance to most antibiotics.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first detected in December 2019,... more Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first detected in December 2019, and shortly after pandemic has been declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its unstoppable global spread. Considerable amount of effort has beenput around the World in order to develop a safe and effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Inactivated and RNA vaccines have already passed phase three studies showing sufficient efficacy and safety, respectively.Nowadays, there is a noticeable dominance of SARS-CoV-2 variants with various mutations over the wild type SARS-CoV-2. However, there is no report showing the efficacy of these vaccines on these variants. This case study describes a thirty-eight-year-old male reported to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant following two doses of inactive CoronaVac administration with a protective level of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies. The variant analysis of the virus reported to be positive for N501Y mutation.This is the first case in the literature demonstrating that inactive SARS-CoV-2 vaccine might have a lower efficacy on alpha variant.
ÖZ İnsan sıtması, insanlık tarihini derinden etkileyen en önemli enfeksiyon hastalıklarından biri... more ÖZ İnsan sıtması, insanlık tarihini derinden etkileyen en önemli enfeksiyon hastalıklarından biridir ve halen tüm dünya genelinde sağlık sorunlarına ve mortaliteye neden olmaktadır. Hamile kadınlarda ciddi sıtma, dolayısıyla ciddi komplikasyonlar gelişme riski daha yüksektir. Çalışmamızda, sıtma tanısı almış 22 yaşında Demokratik Kongo Cumhuriyeti uyruklu 6 aylık hamile kadın hasta sunulmuştur. Yüksek ateş, baş ağrısı, iştahsızlık ve ishal semptomları bulunan hastamızın ikinci kez ateş nöbeti geçirdiği tespit edilmiştir. Kan yaymalarında Plasmodium parazitlerine ait genç trofozoit (taşlı yüzük) formlarının görülmesi üzerine, sıtma hızlı antijen testi yapılmış ve Plasmodium falciparum açısından pozitif saptanmıştır. On dört (14) gün önce ülkesinden Kuzey Kıbrıs'a gelmiş olan hastamız, artemeter/lumefantrin ile tedavi edilmiş ve doğru tedavi ile ciddi komplikasyonların gelişmesi önlenmiştir. Tedavi seçiminde, CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Hastalık Kontrol ve Önleme Merkezleri)'nin 'Sıtma Tedavi Rehberi'ndeki kriterler göz önüne alınmıştır. Bu olgu, sıtmanın eradike edildiği bölgelerde bile hastalığı akılda tutmanın ve doğru tedavinin önemini göstermektedir.
Propionibacterium acnes is commonly recognized for its acne pathogenesis. P. acnes produces chemo... more Propionibacterium acnes is commonly recognized for its acne pathogenesis. P. acnes produces chemotactic substances and activates the complement system. Resistant P. acnes strains were explained more than 40 years ago. For that reason, new antimicrobial agents for the topical treatment of skin infections have been researched, and it has been determined that plant extracts may be an alternative treatment for acne. In this review, antimicrobial studies of P. acnes have been reviewed.
Differential diagnosis and establishment of the etiopathogenesis of periorbital edema is importan... more Differential diagnosis and establishment of the etiopathogenesis of periorbital edema is important for physicians, particularly the dermatologists and ophthalmologists. It may be the symptom of a broad spectrum of diseases. Although it was defi ned as one of the prodromal signs of infectious mononucleosis (EMN), its occurrence is rare in clinical practice. In this paper, we reported a 15 year-old female patient, who admitted with periorbital edema and fever, and subsequently diagnosed as EMN and the differential diagnosis of periorbital edema and features of orbital involvement in EMN were discussed.
Background: RT-PCR is the leading method used in the diagnosis of COVID-19, caused by 2019-nCoV. ... more Background: RT-PCR is the leading method used in the diagnosis of COVID-19, caused by 2019-nCoV. CT applications also provide a fast and easy diagnosis for detecting pneumonia caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The current study, aimed to compare the lung involvement of vaccinated (two-dose CoronaVac) and unvaccinated patients in the early stage of COVID-19 disease. Methods: In the current retrospective study, which included patients diagnosed with RT-PCR COVID-19 positivity (n=651) between 01 July 2021-15 September 2021, patient information was obtained from the authorized hospital of the pandemic. Data included patients' chest CT scans and whether patients had been vaccinated (two-dose CoronaVac) information. Results: The ratio of vaccination with double-dose CoronaVac in positive patients was 74.3%. The ratio of patients with normal lung appearance was 61.8%. It was determined that the ratio of involvement in both lungs of patients who were vaccinated with a double dose was...
The number of Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus cases in community and hospitals is on... more The number of Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus cases in community and hospitals is on the rise worldwide. Hence, the study aimed to analyze transmission interventions and control strategies that could be used to prevent transmission in this manner. In this regard, compartmental mathematical model was used with and without an optimal control to visualize the effectiveness of awareness in interventions that could be applied in the prevention of transmission. A total of seven years of data gathered from hospital consisting of inpatients and outpatients of MRSA were used in this model. The results suggested that the number of cases of the four compartments: Community-acquired (CA) Staphylococcus aureus, CA Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Hospital-acquired (HA) Staphylococcus aureus, HA-MRSA in the designed mathematical model without the control were on an increasing trend. When optimal control was applied as a second model, it was determined that increasi...
Journal of Infectious Diseases and Treatment, 2018
The aim of this study is to detect the correlations between ESBL-producing, and the pattern, and ... more The aim of this study is to detect the correlations between ESBL-producing, and the pattern, and extensiveness of MDR of other common nonbetalactam antibiotics in Enterobacteriaceae strains. Methods: A total of 170 ESBL-producer strains and the same amount of ESBL-non-producer Enterobacteriaceae strains were collected as study and control groups from our Clinical Microbiology Laboratory. Antibiotic susceptibility tests and ESBL detection were conducted on both microorganism groups by routine bacteriologic methods. The antibiotic susceptibilities have been listed on a strain basis, and they were classified according to the extensiveness of resistances. Results: When comparing the ESBL-producer to the ESBLnonproducer strains, higher individual resistance rates were detected to fluoroquinolones, trimethoprim/ sulfamethoxazole, aminoglycosides, piperacillin/ tazobactam, nitrofurantoin and carbapenems in various percentages (69. 40% vs 23. 50%; 68.20% vs 30%; 34. 70% vs 5. 30%; 27. 20% vs 4.73%; 23.50% vs 1.90 and 18.90% vs 5.20% respectively). The three to six-drug MDRs in the same isolate has been found in 36 different strains of ESBL-p, although no strains were detected in the control group (21% vs 0). The three most prevalent triplet co-existences of MDR were sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim+fluoroquinolones +aminoglycosides, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim +fluoroquinolones+piperacillin/tazobactam, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim+fluoroquinolones +carbapenem resistance combinations in both groups, but, their proportions were statistically higher in the study group (43 vs 4, 31 vs 3, and 22 vs 1 strains). Conclusions: ESBL and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae control the other wide range of nonbeta-lactam antibiotic resistance in various combinations, according to our study.
BACKGROUND In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir-based the... more 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.
Tularemia is a zoonotic infectious disease in the Northern Hemisphere, which is caused by gram-ne... more Tularemia is a zoonotic infectious disease in the Northern Hemisphere, which is caused by gram-negative Francisella tularensis bacteria with four subtypes. In this article, a case of a 5-year-old girl with oculoglandular, oropharyngeal, and typhoid tularemia accompanied by lymph nodes in the abdomen has been presented. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid treatment was first applied to the patient who had high fever, neck lymphadenopathy, and crypts in the tonsils.Intramuscular ceftriaxone therapy was started after the expected response could not be obtained. As a result, as there was no improvement in response to both the treatments in the clinical condition of the patient, and the patient was hospitalized. Physical examination revealed the presence of cervical and submandibular lymphadenopathy and left otitis media. Hepatosplenomegaly and bilateral periorbital edema developed on the day after admission to the hospital. The most frequent diseases in the age group of the patient that may cause the observed findings were tried to be excluded by laboratory and radiological data.Upon learning that the patient had contact with the suspected infected rabbit during treatment, Francisella tularensis antibody was ordered for differential diagnosis of tularemia. The test result was reported as 1:80 titre positive. The patient's treatment was changed to a combination of ciprofloxacin plus amikacin. A gradual improvement was observed, and a follow-up evaluation two weeks later revealed that the patient had recovered with no complication. This case is the first proven case feature and is worthy of showing the importance of getting detailed anamnesis.
Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) belong to the Herpesviridae family. Close contact is the primary mo... more Herpes simplex viruses (HSVs) belong to the Herpesviridae family. Close contact is the primary mode of transmission for both HSV-1 and HSV-2, leading to a persistent lifelong infection. HSVs are widely recognized as causative agents of viral infections affecting the central nervous system, capable of presenting as both meningitis and encephalitis. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is the predominant viral cause of encephalitis, accounting for the majority of cases. Here, a rare co-infection case of meningoencephalitis, associated with HSV-1 and rickettsia is described. A 42-year-old man presenting with non-remitting headache for 6 days, fever, sweating, and muscle aches was admitted to the Emergency Department. His Weil-Felix test was positive for Proteus OX2 indicating rickettsial infection. Therapy started promptly however patient’s condition deteriorated. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed lymphocytic pleocytosis, and elevated protein concentration. CSF molecular analy...
Background The most common symptoms of coronavirus infections are fever, cough, shortness of brea... more Background The most common symptoms of coronavirus infections are fever, cough, shortness of breath, headache, ache of joints, a loss of smell and loss of taste, and etc. Early studies suggested that smell and taste receptors were associated with pathogenic detection and immunity. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the expression pro le of gene receptors that are related to taste, smell, and appetite control in COVID-19 patients and their putative correlation with SARS-CoV-19 variants. Method Gene expression levels of TAS1R2, TAS1R3, TAS2R38, OR51E1, LEPR, GHRL were analyzed in 100 COVID-19 patients and 100 SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR negative group. Results The expression levels of TAS1R2 and TAS1R3 genes were signi cantly decreased in COVID-19 patients who were infected with Delta variant. However, the TAS2R38 gene expression level was signi cantly lower when compared to the control group. The TAS1R2 gene expression was positively correlated with TAS1R3, and TAS2R38 genes (p = 0.001, p = 0.025, respectively). Conclusion TAS1R2, TAS1R3, and TAS2R38 gene expression levels were decreased in the Delta variant compared to the Omicron BA.1 variant in the studied groups. These results provided a signi cant clue for the temporary taste loss, especially in patients infected with the Delta variant, which is the most disruptive and symptomatic variant causing hospitalizations, and deaths compared to other variants may be because ACE2 is expressed in the taste buds and high replication of SARS-CoV-2 in the infected gustatory cells in the taste bud generates in ammation and then could eventually destroy the cells. This gustatory cell damage may cause malfunction of the gustatory system.
Antibiotic resistance is becoming one of the threats to global health. This crisis has been attri... more Antibiotic resistance is becoming one of the threats to global health. This crisis has been attributed to the over-the-counter and overuse of antibiotics leading bacteria to gain the ability to resist and survive even in the presence of antimicrobial agents. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is one of the major gram-negative bacteria that are the representative indicators of antibiotic resistance. One of the mechanisms of gaining antibiotic resistance is the ability of E. coli to gain the production of extendedspectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL). In this study, Near East University Hospital data from 2016 to 2019 were used to study the dynamics of ESBL-producing (ESBL +) and non-ESBL-producing (ESBL −) E. coli infections by using a mathematical model. In our study, the aim was to evaluate the distribution of infections caused by resistant E. coli strains in later years and to increase the success of treatment in patients infected with E. coli by reducing the problem of antibiotic resistance. By using the mathematical model and data of the patients, basic reproduction number (R 0) values were calculated to study epidemiologic dynamics of the disease. The R E
Middle black sea journal of health science, May 31, 2022
The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence rate of the Rickettsiae infection during the... more The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence rate of the Rickettsiae infection during the Turkish Republic of North Cyprus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic according to years. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out during 2016 to 2020. Weil-Felix test is based on cross-reactions which occur between antibodies produced in acute rickettsial infections with antigens of OX (OX 19, OX 2, and OXK) strains of Proteus species. On a lam surface, a small 100 μL of the patient's serum is placed. A single drop of the desired antigen (OX19, OX2 ve OXK) is added, and the resulting suspension is mixed and then rotated for one minute. Visible agglutination is indicative of a positive result and corresponds roughly to a titer of 1:20. Statistical analysis of the data obtained was conducted with SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) Demo Ver 22.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) program. Results: Total patient number were 369 (Male: 192, 52%; Female: 177, 48%) and the mean age was 33.40±21.37. The number of patients who found as positive for any of the Rickettsiae infection (OX19, OX2 and OXK) were 15.4% in
Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, Jun 24, 2020
Background: The public health burden of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is expected... more Background: The public health burden of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is expected to increase and urgent strict measures by decision-makers is critical for the containment of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak worldwide. Aims: This study aimed to give a real-time analysis of COVID-19 presence in northern Cyprus. Methods: All official SARS-CoV-2 positive cases were tracked and reported in terms of the origin, nationality, and transmission routes. Preventive measures taken after the first reported case were analyzed for their effectiveness as control strategies. Results: The index case of SARS-CoV-2 in northern Cyprus was identified as a female German tourist. First local case had travel history from the United Kingdom after which local transmission occurred. Rapid and strict containment measures have currently delayed a peak in observed cases. Conclusions: Rapid implementation of social-distancing measures, good hygiene measures and travel/gathering bans in northern Cyprus has been effective in controlling the outbreak.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of commonly used herbal/non-fluoride with fluoride dentif... more Objective: To compare the effectiveness of commonly used herbal/non-fluoride with fluoride dentifrices in order to eliminate pathogenic oral microorganisms from denture base material. Materials and methods: Heat-polymerized acrylic resin specimens (n ¼ 288) were divided into three groups and each group inoculated with three various microorganisms (n ¼ 96 for each) Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Contaminated specimens were randomly assigned to the application of six herbal/non-fluoride and three fluoride dentifrices. These specimens were divided into two groups: negative and positive control (n ¼ 3 for each). All acrylic specimens were incubated at 37 C for 24 h for samples inoculated with bacterial strains and 37 C for 48 h for samples inoculated with yeast strains. After the incubation period, all brain-heart infusion broths that contained disinfectant acrylic specimens were cultured on 5% sheep blood agar for bacterial counts and Sabouraud dextrose agar for yeast counts. The number of colony-forming units per millilitre (CFU/mL) were calculated. The results were analysed by Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p ¼ .05). Results: Both herbal/non-fluoride and fluoride dentifrices were effective against Candida albicans. However, fluoride dentifrices were comparatively better than the herbal/non-fluoride dentifrices against Staphylococcus aureus and P. aeruginosa. Conclusions: Herbal dentifrices could be used, especially among the elderly who lack a degree of manual dexterity during the rinsing of dentifrice chemicals from their dentures.
Journal of Academic Research in Medicine, Aug 25, 2022
Objective: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), including methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), c... more Objective: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), including methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), can produce biofilm leading to increased morbidity and mortality in hospital infections. Antibiotic resistance is an inherent feature of bacterial biofilms, and the formation of biofilms is more widespread in MRSA. This study aimed to reveal the phenotypic biofilm-forming abilities of S. aureus isolates and to investigate the relationship of antibiotic resistance of biofilm-forming S. aureus with biofilm formation. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in the microbiology laboratory at the Near East University Hospital in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. A total of 67 non-duplicative samples (wound/pus, sputum, aspirate, blood and urine) for the study were collected between January 2020 and April 2021 from samples of inpatients and outpatients from various hospital departments. VITEK 2 system was used for bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing, biofilm formation was evaluated using Congo red agar (CRA). Results: It was observed that 56 (84.3%) of 67 S. aureus isolates cultured on CRA produced biofilm, while the remaining 11 (15.7%) were not biofilm producers. A statistically significant relationship was found between methicillin resistance and biofilm formation in S. aureus isolates. Accordingly, a significantly higher biofilm formation was observed in MRSAs compared to those with negative methicillin resistance (92.1% vs. 72.4%, p=0.034). A high proportion of isolates of S. aureus showed susceptibility towards tigecycline (100%) and gentamycin (100%). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that methicillin-resistant strains produced more biofilms and exhibited a high degree of resistance to most antibiotics.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first detected in December 2019,... more Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first detected in December 2019, and shortly after pandemic has been declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its unstoppable global spread. Considerable amount of effort has beenput around the World in order to develop a safe and effective vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Inactivated and RNA vaccines have already passed phase three studies showing sufficient efficacy and safety, respectively.Nowadays, there is a noticeable dominance of SARS-CoV-2 variants with various mutations over the wild type SARS-CoV-2. However, there is no report showing the efficacy of these vaccines on these variants. This case study describes a thirty-eight-year-old male reported to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant following two doses of inactive CoronaVac administration with a protective level of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies. The variant analysis of the virus reported to be positive for N501Y mutation.This is the first case in the literature demonstrating that inactive SARS-CoV-2 vaccine might have a lower efficacy on alpha variant.
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