Refractory Giardiasis in an Immunosuppressed Patient in Turkey

Giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis. In immunocompetent patients the infection is usually self-limited and no treatment may be needed. Immunodeficiency, however, is a predisposing factor for the development of severe Giardia infection. In this report, a case of recurrent giardiasis refractory to nitroimidazoles and nitazoxanides presented. A 28-year-old male patient with hypogammaglobulinemia admitted to our hospital because of chronic diarrhoea. Microscopic examination of stool revealed a high number of Giardia trophozoites and cysts. Treatment with higher doses and a longer course of metronidazole, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ornidazole and albendazole failed. Administration of nitazoxanide, which has been reported to be effective against Giardia duodenalis refractory to nitroimidazoles, was commenced, but his symptoms persisted and stool samples demonstrated Giardia trophozoites and cysts again.WoSScopu

Effect of Mixing Techniques on Bacterial Attachment and Disinfection Time of Polyether Impression Material

Objective: The aim of this study was 2-fold. The first aim was to evaluate the effects of mixing technique (hand-mixing or auto-mixing) on bacterial attachment to polyether impression materials. The second aim was to determine whether bacterial attachment to these materials was affected by length of exposure to disinfection solutions. Materials and Methods: Polyether impression material samples (n = 144) were prepared by hand-mixing or auto-mixing. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used in testing. After incubation, the bacterial colonies were counted and then disinfectant solution was applied. The effect of disinfection solution was evaluated just after the polymerization of impression material and 30 min after polymerization. Differences in adherence of bacteria to the samples prepared by hand-mixing and to those prepared by auto-mixing were assessed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests. For evaluating the efficiency of the disinfectant, Kruskal-Wallis multiple comparisons test was used. Results: E. coli counts were higher in hand-mixed materials (P 2.394). Conclusion: The methods used for mixing polyether impression material did not affect bacterial attachment to impression surfaces. In contrast, the disinfection procedure greatly affects decontamination of the impression surface.PubMedScopu

The Investigation Of Strongyloides Stercoralis Seroprevalence In Immunosupressed Patients In Turkey

Background/aim: In immunosuppressed patients, strongyloidiasis can be lifethreatening because of hyperinfection or dissemination. Therefore, diagnosis of S. stercoralis is important in immunosuppressed patients with chronic strongyloidiasis. In this study, our objective was to investigate the presence of S. stercoralis antibodies by an ELISA method in immunosuppressed patients. Materials and methods: A total of 100 immunosuppressed patients' sera were included in the study. Forty-two of the patients were receiving immunosuppressive therapies for cancer or being treated for hematopoietic malignancies, 38 of the patients were receiving immunosuppressive drugs for rheumatic diseases, 14 were receiving immunosuppressive therapies for liver transplantation. Two of the patients were being treated for HIV infection and 4 were being treated for hypogammaglobulinemia. As control group, 50 individuals without a known disease were included in the study. The presence of IgG antibodies against S. stercoralis was investigated with a commercial ELISA kit. Results: S. stercoralis antibody test was positive in 4 of 100 (4%) sera from immunosuppressed patients. All control patients were negative for S. stercoralis. Conclusion: Strongyloidiasis can be a lifelong chronic infection if not treated. In patients who are going to receive immunosuppressive therapy, it should be tested before treatment, as it can become a disseminated and life-threatening infectious disease.WoSScopu

Heat Shock Protein 60 Antibody - A New Marker For Subsequent Atrialfibrillation Development

Objective: To examined the pre- and post-operative anti-HSP60 antibodies of serum from patients in preoperative sinus rhythm. Methods: We prospectively studied 45 consecutive patients admitted for elective CABG from 2004 to 2005. We randomly selected 10 patients developing AF (study sample [Group A]) and 10 postoperative patients without AF (control [Group B]. The study took place at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey. Results: Anti-HSP60 IgG value was 27.76 +/- 12.69 absorbance units (AU) in Group A preoperatively and decreased to 13.73 +/- 5.51 AU postoperatively. Controversially, preoperative value of anti-HSP60 IgG was 9.94 +/- 2.92 AU and decreased to 6.72 +/- 1.89 AU, postoperatively in Group B. Statistical analysis showed significant difference regarding preoperative anti-HSP60 IgG levels in Group A compared to Group B, which might be interpreted as an association between postoperative AF and preoperative levels of anti-HSP60 IgG. Conclusion: We provide the first evidence demonstrating the association of pre- and post-operative circulating anti-HSP60 antibodies with postoperative AF. These results suggest that serum HSP60 antibody levels may be a marker for subsequent development of AF.Wo

Prevalence of nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in children with diabetes mellitus: Trends between 2005 and 2013

The aim of this prospective study was to establish the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization rates in pediatric outpatients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, while also evaluating changes in colonization rates over time. There was no significant difference between 2005 and 2013 patients in terms of demographic and clinical findings. MRSA colonization rates were 0.7% (in 101 patients) and 0.9% (in 134 patients) (P =.84). Although increased MRSA colonization has become a significant problem worldwide, it does not seem to be a major issue in our diabetic outpatient population

Effects of Regular Kefir Consumption on Gut Microbiota in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Several health-promoting effects of kefir have been suggested, however, there is limited evidence for its potential effect on gut microbiota in metabolic syndrome This study aimed to investigate the effects of regular kefir consumption on gut microbiota composition, and their relation with the components of metabolic syndrome. In a parallel-group, randomized, controlled clinical trial setting, patients with metabolic syndrome were randomized to receive 180 mL/day kefir (n = 12) or unfermented milk (n = 10) for 12 weeks. Anthropometrical measurements, blood samples, blood pressure measurements, and fecal samples were taken at the beginning and end of the study. Fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure showed a significant decrease by the intervention of kefir (p ≤ 0.05, for each). However, no significant difference was obtained between the kefir and unfermented milk groups (p > 0.05 for each). Gut microbiota analysis showed that regular kefir consumption resulted in a significant increase only in the relative abundance of Actinobacteria (p = 0.023). No significant change in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria or Verrucomicrobia by kefir consumption was obtained. Furthermore, the changes in the relative abundance of sub-phylum bacterial populations did not differ significantly between the groups (p > 0.05, for each). Kefir supplementation had favorable effects on some of the metabolic syndrome parameters, however, further investigation is needed to understand its effect on gut microbiota composition.PubMedWoSScopu