Frequency of norovirus in stool samples from hospitalized children due to acute gastroenteritis in Anatolia, Turkey, 2006-2007

Noroviruses are among the most common causes of sporadic enteritis in childhood. In this pilot study, the frequency of norovirus infection in children in mid-western Turkey was investigated from November 2006 to June 2007. Noroviruses were detected in 17% of samples (15/88) by a combination of 2 different RT-PCR assays, both targeting an overlapping region of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene. By sequence analysis, most strains were characterized as GIIb/Hilversum. One strain was characterized as GII.4/2006a, a variant that appeared worldwide in 2006, while another strain was characterized as a rare genotype, GII.6. This study demonstrates the importance of norovirus in paediatric diarrhoea and suggests the heterogeneity of circulating strains in Turkey. © 2009 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved

Ipomoea triloba: an alien plant threatening many habitats in Turkey

Ipomoea triloba is a plant native to tropical America and has been observed in cotton fields in Antalya Province, Turkey. Ipomoea triloba was identified in 2014 after a warning from the Centre of the Farmers’ Union (Antbirlik). Subsequent field surveys showed that this plant has been considered as a weed by farmers in this region for the last two decades; it has spread in non-agricultural habitats but due to its limited presence did not receive much attention. The spread of I. triloba has increased over the last 5 years to such an extent that it cannot be controlled by existing methods including herbicides. It has established not only in agricultural areas but also in other habitats such as roadsides, irrigation channel edges and coastal regions. This paper provides the first botanical description report of I. triloba in the defined area, an evaluation of environmental and socioeconomic impacts, current status and management activities. Based on all available information the authors concluded that pest risk analysis should be conducted on I. triloba. Furthermore, it should be regarded not only as an environmental weed but also as an agricultural weed and kept under surveillance in Turkey. © 2018 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2018 OEPP/EPP

Ionia

International audiencewhat is LBA-EIA Ionia