Identifcation and control potential of entomopathogenic nematodes against the black cutworm, Agrotis ipsilon (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in potato‑growing areas of Turkey

The black cutworm (BCW), Agrotis ipsilon (Hufnagel, 1766) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is one of the major pests of potato, and its outbreaks frequently occur in potato-growing areas of Turkey. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in the families of Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae are known as an important biocontrol agent to many insects including BCW. In 2020 and 2021, surveys of EPNs were conducted in major potato-growing areas of seven provinces of Turkey, including Afyonkarahisar, Konya, İzmir, Sivas, Bolu, Kayseri, and Niğde, in the sake to find a new sustainable biological control option for BCW. Out of the 400 collected soil samples, 48 samples (12%) consisted of EPNs. Based on the morphological, morphometric, and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), 34 isolates were identified as Steinernema feltiae Filipjev, 1934 (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), 13 isolates as Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar, 1976 (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae), 1 one isolate as Oscheius tipulae Lam and Webster, 1971 (Rhabditida: Rhabditidae). The virulence of EPN isolates was assessed on the larvae of Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and the most pathogenic isolates were further tested for their biocontrol potential against the 3rd/4th larval instar of BCW larvae at two concentrations of 50 and 100 IJs/cm2 under laboratory conditions. All selected isolates were highly effective against the larvae of BCW, and larval mortality ranged between 70 and 100% for both concentrations after 3 days of exposure time. The maximum mortality (100%) was achieved only by two isolates (H. bacteriophora AF-12 and S. feltiae KAY-4) at the higher concentration of 100 IJs/cm2. The results indicate that EPNs are abundantly present in potato-growing areas of Turkey and have the potential to be used in the biocontrol of BCW. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of Oscheius tipulae in Turkey

Education of healthcare personnel working with pediatric patients during covid-19 pandemic within the framework of infection control Covid-19 pandemisinde enfeksiyon kontrol çalışmaları çerçevesinde çocuk hastalarla çalışan sağlık personeli eğitimi

© 2020, AVES. All rights reserved.Objective: In the early stages of any epidemic caused by new emerging pathogens healthcare personnel is subject to a great risk. Pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, proved to be no exception. Many healthcare workers died in the early stages of pandemic due to inadequate precautions and insufficient protection. It is essential to protect and maintain the safety of healthcare personnel for the confinement of pandemic as well as continuity of qualified healthcare services which is already under strain. Educating healthcare personnel on appropiate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is as essential as procuring them. Material and Methods: A survey is conducted on 4927 healthcare personnel working solely with pediatric patients from 32 different centers. Education given on PPE usage were questioned and analyzed depending on age, sex, occupation and region. Results: Among four thousand nine hundred twelve healthcare personnel from 32 different centers 91% (n= 4457) received education on PPE usage. Of those who received education only 36% was given both theoretical and applied education. Although there was no differences among different occupation groups, receiving education depended on regions. Conclusion: It is essential to educate healthcare personnel appropiately nationwidely for the continuity of qualified healthcare services during the pandemic

SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity among pediatric health care personnel just after the first peak of pandemic: A nationwide surveillance.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic affected every single person on earth one way or the other. The healthcare personnel were no exception, their responsibilities as well as their risks being immense. METHODS: 4927 healthcare personnel all working in pediatric units at 32 hospitals from seven different regions of Turkey enrolled to the study to determine the seroprevalence of SARS Co-V-2 after the first peak wave. Point of care serologic lateral flow rapid test kit for IgM/IgG was used (Ecotest CE Assure Tech. Co. Ltd.). Seroprevalence and its association with demographic characteristics and possible risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Nearly 6.1% of healthcare personnel were found to be seropositive for SARS Co-V- 2. Seropositivity was more common among those who did not universally wear protective masks (10.6% vs 6.1%). Having a COVID-19 co-worker increased the likelihood of infection. The least and the most experienced personnel affected more. Most of the seropositive healthcare personnel (68%) did not have any suspicion that they had COVID-19 previously. CONCLUSIONS: Health surveillance for healthcare personnel involving routine point-of-care nucleic acid testing as well as monitoring PPE adherence would be important strategies to protect healthcare personnel from COVID-19 and to reduce nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission