Tularemia seroprevalence in humans in the region of the Hittite-Arzawa War (Inner Aegean Region), where the first biological weapon was used 3300 years ago

Background/aim: According to Egyptian records, tularemia emerged in the Canaan region, where it was first identified and spread to Anatolia over the Euphrates. It was used as an active biological weapon for the first time in the Hittite-Arzawa War in 1320–1318 BC. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of tularemia in the Inner Aegean Region, which is thought to be the region where this war was fought 3300 years ago. Materials and methods: Tularemia seropositivity in humans was investigated in 27 villages/neighborhoods in 3 districts in each of Manisa, Kütahya, and Uşak provinces. Before the study, the participants were informed about the disease via posters, and their blood samples were taken following filling out the questionnaire. Microagglutination tests were performed using in-house tularemia antigen and V plate for serological experiments. Rose-Bengal test was also performed on seropositive sera. Results: Of the total of 410 people, 226 (55.12%) were male. The mean age of the volunteers was 43.72 years. The highest participation was from Kütahya Province. According to the results of the tularemia microagglutination test, seropositivity was detected in 6 cases. It was determined that all of the seropositive volunteers were in Kütahya. When the tularemia antibody titers were examined, seropositivity was determined at 1/20–1/160 titers. No positivity was detected in the Rose-Bengal test for cross-reaction. Conclusion: Kütahya has been identified as a risky region in terms of tularemia in the Inner Aegean Region. In order to use the resources in the country economically, first of all, the risk areas in terms of tularemia should be determined by serological studies in all regions. In order to increase awareness about the disease, physicians and filiation teams should be trained in risky areas. Surveillance studies should be conducted to identify and monitor possible sources in areas identified as risky

The Effect of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Testing in Education on Early Detection and Prevention of Epidemics: A Faculty Example from Trakya University

Introduction: To ensure the safe continuation of face-to-face education, there is ongoing discussion regarding the routine use of easily applicable tests. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the COVID-19 rapid antigen tests in the early diagnosis of COVID19 cases among university students studying face-to-face. Materials and Methods: Our study spanned a duration of eight weeks and included students from three different departments within a faculty. The first group of students underwent rapid antigen tests twice a week, with positive results confirmed by PCR testing. The second group was visited twice a week, and students displaying symptoms underwent both rapid antigen and PCR tests. The third group was monitored solely through the use of “Hayat Eve Sığar (Life Fits Into Home)” codes. To identify asymptomatic cases and students who did not report their symptoms in the second group, all volunteers on the final day of the study underwent screening using rapid antigen tests. The groups were compared based on the obtained results, and a questionnaire was administered to the students during each visit. This approach allowed for the investigation of factors associated with positive cases. Results: A total of 274 students participated in our study, with 114 (41.6%) in the first group, 96 (35.0%) in the second group, and 64 (23.4%) in the third group. The rate of detecting the cases in the first group was significantly higher than in the second and third groups. Conclusion: The obtained findings indicate that COVID-19 rapid antigen tests, as mentioned, can serve as a screening tool for the early detection of cases and prevention of further spread among students during face-to-face education. These results align with the criteria established by international organizations and epidemiological standards. By screening all participating students, the potential for bias is minimized, enabling the identification of asymptomatic individuals who may unknowingly transmit the virus