Epidemiology of Tularemia

Tularemia is considered to have existed in Anatolia for several thou-sand years. There are suspicions regarding its use in biological war-fare in the Neshite-Arzawan conflict. The causative agent of tularemia may have first been used as a biological weapon in 1320-1318 BC. The disease has recently become a significant re-emerging disease globally as well as in Turkey. In the period of 2001-2010, Kosovo had the highest annual incidence in Europe at a rate of 5.2 per 100,000. Sweden, Finland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Norway, Serbia-Mon-tenegro, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Croatia follow with rates of 2.80, 1.19, 1.0, 0.81, 0.42, 0.4, 0.36, 0.21, and 0.15 per 100,000 people, respectively. Tularemia in Turkey was first reported in the soldiers living in the region very close to the Kaynarca Stream of Thrace in 1936. It has started to gain more and more importance, especially in recent decades in Turkey, due to a very high number of cases and its spread throughout the country. A total of 431 tularemia cases were re-corded in Turkey in 2005, but a significant reduction was observed in the number of the cases in the next three years; the number of patients decreased to 71 in 2008. The number of cases increased again in 2009 and continued in subsequent years. The number of cases reached 428, 1531, 2151, and 607 in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively. The number of cases peaked in 2011 in Turkey, and was in fact higher than the total number of cases in all European Union countries. The number of cases is higher in females than males in Turkey. In Turkey, 52% of cases of tularemia diagnoses occur from December to March and the most common clinical presentation is the oropharyngeal form caused by contaminated water. Rodents are the most likely sources of tularemia outbreaks in Turkey as well as in Kosovo. Organisms such as ticks, flies and mosquitoes are vectors of tularemia transmission to mammals. Because ticks can carry the bacteria by both transovarial and transstadial transmission, they play a role in the life cycle of tularemia as both reservoir and vector

A Case Report on Aspergillus lentulus Pneumonia

Background: Aspergillus lentulus was described as a new species in 2005 but it was isolated from Turkey for the first time. Case report: A. lentulus was isolated as the cause of pneumonia from a patient who had renal transplantation 4 months ago. The patient received immunosuppressive treatment after transplantation. A. lentulus was isolated from his sputum as an agent in pneumonia developed 4 months after the transplantation. Leukocytes, blastospores, and hyphae were seen in both Gram- and Giemsa-stained smears of the sputum. The isolate was identified by using the Maren A. Klich algorithm and molecular methods and confirmed by the reference laboratory of the CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre (The Netherlands). In the susceptibility tests of the isolate, minimal inhibitory concentrations for amphotericin B, voriconazole, posaconazole, and caspofungin were found to be 0.5 µg/mL, 0.25 µg/mL, 0.125 µg/mL, and 0.25 µg/mL, respectively. The patient recovered with voriconazole treatment (2x200 mg/day).Conclusion: The use of the molecular tests is important for identification of A. lentulus strains because they are very easily confused with A.fumigatus strains according to phenotypic characteristics

Antifungal susceptibilities of aspergillus SPP. strains isolated from invasive aspergillosis cases

Çevrede ve hastane ortamında yaygın olarak bulunan Aspergillus türleri, özellikle bağışıklık sistemi yetersiz ya da baskılanmış hastalarda ciddi morbidite ve mortalite etkenidir. Bu retrospektif çalışmada, hastanede yatan hastaların klinik örneklerinden etken olarak izole edilen Aspergillus spp. suşlarının antifungal duyarlılıklarının araştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmaya, Ocak 2002-Ekim 2007 tarihleri arasında mantar enfeksiyonu şüphesi ile laboratuvarımıza gönderilen 569 hastaya ait toplam 678 örnek (420 solunum yolu örneği, 202 steril vücut sıvısı örneği, 56 biyopsi/doku örneği) dahil edilmiştir. Örnekler, beyin kalp infüzyonlu kanlı agar ve Sabouraud dekstroz agara ekilerek 25°C ve 35°C’de inkübe edilmiş; ayrıca tüm örneklerden hazırlanan Gram ve Giemsa boyalı preparatlar direkt mikroskobik olarak incelenmiştir. Küf mantarı üreyen örneklerde tanımlama konvansiyonel yöntemlerle yapılmış; olgularda “invazif aspergilloz” tanımı ise, Avrupa Kanser Araştırma ve Tedavi Kuruluşu, İnvazif Fungal Enfeksiyon Çalışma Grubunun aspergilloz tanı kriterlerine göre yapılmıştır. Çalışmada, tümünde malignite gibi altta yatan bir faktör olan 12 (%2.1) olgunun klinik örneklerinden (9 alt solunum yolu, birer asit, beyin biyopsisi ve plevral sıvı örneği) Aspergillus spp. izole edilmiş ve bu suşlar A.fumigatus (n= 8), A.flavus (n= 2) ve A.niger (n= 2) olarak tanımlanmıştır. İzolatların, kaspofungin, vorikonazol, itrakonazol ve amfoterisin B’ye karşı duyarlılıkları buyyon mikrodilüsyon yöntemiyle, posakonazole karşı duyarlılıkları ise E-test (AB Biodisk, İsveç) yöntemi ile araştırılmıştır. Aspergillus spp. suşlarında en düşük minimum inhibitör konsantrasyonu (MİK) değerleri kaspofungin ve posakonazol için (≤ 0.125 µg/ml); en yüksek MİK değerleri ise amfoterisin B için (≥ 1 µg/ml) tespit edilmiştir. Vorikonazol ve itrakonazol için, biri hariç tüm suşlarda MİK değerleri ≤ 0.5 µg/ml saptanırken, sadece bir A.niger suşunda itrakonazol için 2 µg/ml değeri elde edilmiştir. Diğer türlerin sayısının az olması nedeniyle, MİK50 değerleri sadece A.fumigatus için hesaplanmış ve A.fumigatus için en yüksek MİK50 değeri amfoterisin B (2 µg/ml) için saptanırken, en düşük MİK50 değerleri sırasıyla; posakonazol (0.064 µg/ml), kaspofungin (0.064 µg/ml), itrakonazol (0.25 µg/ml) ve vorikonazol (0.25 µg/ml) için belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, suş sayımızın az olmasına rağmen, kaspofungin ve posakonazol için en düşük MİK değerlerinin tespit edilmiş olması, bu yeni antifungallerin hastanemizde aspergillozlu olguların tedavisinde akılda tutulması gereken seçenekler olduğunu vurgulamaktadır.Aspergillus species found abundantly in the outer environment and hospital setting may lead to serious morbidity and mortality particularly in patients with suppressed immunity This retrospective study was aimed to investigate the antifungal susceptibilities of Aspergillus spp isolated from aspergillosis cases being hospitalized Aspergillus spp. isolated from samples of the patients with suspected fungal infections between January of 2002 and October of 2007, were investigated A total of 678 samples (420 lower respiratory tract, 202 sterile body fluids, and 56 biopsy/tissue specimens) from 569 patients were included in the study. The samples were incubated in 25 degrees C and 35 degrees C on brain-heart-infusion agar supplemented with blood and on Sabouraud dextrose agar Gram and Giemsa stained samples were also examined by microscopy Mold type of fungi were identified by conventional techniques "Invasive aspergillosis" was described according to criteria of Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. A.fumigatus (n= 8), A.flavus (n= 2) and A niger (n= 2) were isolated from 12 patients' samples (2.1%), 9 of them were lower respiratory tract and one of each was ascid, brain biopsy and pleural fluid specimens. All of those patients have had an underlying diseases such as malignancy The susceptibility of the isolates to caspofungin, voriconazole, itraconazole and amphotericin B was tested by broth microdilution susceptibility testing and to posaconazole by E-test (AB Biodisk, Sweden). The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ( 1 mu g/ml) MIC values of the all strains except one, were detected as <= 0 5 mu g/ml for voriconazole and itraconazole In one A niger strain itraconazole MIC value was 2 mu g/ml Since the number of other species was low, MIC(50) value was determined only for A fumigatus strains and it was found that the highest MIC(50) value was for amphotericin B (2 mu g/ml) and the lowest MIC(50) values were for posaconazole (0.064 mu g/ml), caspofungin (0 064 mu g/ml), itraconazol (0 25 mu g/ml) and voriconazol (0.25 mu g/ml). Since caspofungin and posaconazole revealed the lowest MIC values, they should be taken into consideration in choice of therapy of aspergillosis cases in our hospital

The antimicrobial susceptibility of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates using three different methods and their genetic relatedness

BACKGROUND: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is inherently resistant to many antimicrobials. So far, antimicrobial susceptibility tests for S. maltophilia have not been fully standardized. The purpose of the study was to compare the susceptibility of S. maltophilia isolates against seven different antimicrobials using three different methods and to investigate their genetic relatedness. RESULTS: Although trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (SXT) and ciprofloxacin have the lowest MIC values, SXT (98.1%) and ticarcillin/clavulanate (TLc) (73.1%) were found to be the most effective antimicrobials by agar dilution method, which was in accordance with the breakpoints established by NCCLS. Disc diffusion and E-test was in agreement with agar dilution method for SXT. When the isolation dates, clinics, antibiotyping, and AP-PCR data were investigated, two small outbreaks consisting of five and three cases were determined. CONCLUSION: By using the NCCLS criteria, disc diffusion and E-test were unreliable alternative methods for S. maltophilia, except for SXT. However, the significance of these data should be confirmed by further experimental and clinical studies

Combined Effects of Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid and Glutamine on Bacterial Translocation in Obstructive Jaundiced Rats:

Background: Bacterial Translocation is believed to be an important factor on mortality and morbidity in Obstructive Jaundiced. .Aims: We investigated the probable or estimated positive effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid, which has antibacterial and regulatory effects on intestinal flora, together with glutamine on BT in an experimental obstructive jaundiced rat model. Study Design:Animal experimentation.Methods: Forty adult, male, Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study. Animals were randomised and divided into five groups of eight each: sham (Sh); control (common bile duct ligation, CBDL); and supplementation groups administered tauroursodeoxycholic acid (CBDL+T), glutamine (CBDL+G), or tauroursodeoxycholic acid plus glutamine (CBDL+TG). Blood and liver, spleen, MLN, and ileal samples were taken via laparotomy under sterile conditions for investigation of bacterial translocation and intestinal mucosal integrity and hepatic function tests on the tenth postoperative day. Results: There were statistically significant differences in BT rates in all samples except the spleen of the CBDL+TG group compared with the CBDL group (p=0.041, p=0.026, and p=0.041, respectively). Conclusion: It is essential to protect hepatic functions besides maintaining intestinal mucosal integrity in the active struggle against BT occurring in obstructive jaundice. The positive effect on intestinal mucosal integrity can be increased if glutamine is used with tauroursodeoxycholic acid, which also has hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory features

Meningitis Due to Bacillus Anthracis

The first case of haemorrhagic meningitis due to Bacillus anthracis in the European part of Turkey is reported here. B. anthracis, sensitive to penicillin, was isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid and blood cultures. Although appropriate therapy was administered, the patient died two days after hospitalization

The prevalence of pediculus humanus capitis and tinea capitis among elementary school students in Edirne

Amaç: Bu çalışmada Edirne Merkez İlköğretim Okulları öğrencilerinde pedikulus humanus kapitis ve tinea kapitisin görülme sıklığı ve tinea kapitis yapan etkenlerin saptanması amaçlandı. Olgular ve Yöntemler: 2003 yılı Nisan ve Mayıs aylarında Edirne merkezindeki 34 ilköğretim okulunda 12.868 öğrenci tarandı. Saç ve saçlı deride lezyon görülenlerin lezyonlu bölgelerinden, saç teli ve saçlı derilerinden kazıntı örneği alındı. Alınan örneklerden KOH ile direkt mikroskobik inceleme ve sikloheksimidli Sabouraud dekstroz agarda mantar kültürü yapıldı. Bulgular: Toplam 698 (%5.4) öğrencinin başında pedikulusun sirke, nimf veya olgun şekli saptandı. Kız öğrencilerdeki pozitiflik (%10.3) erkek öğrencilerdekinden (%0.9) daha yüksekti (p<0.001). Enfestasyon oranı en az yedi yaş altında (%3.4) bulundu (p<0.001). Sosyo-ekonomik düzeyi düşük ailelerin bulunduğu bölgelerde bitlenme oranı daha yüksekti (p<0.001). Hiçbir öğrencide tinea kapitise rastlanmadı. Sonuç: Pedikulus humanus kapitisin Edirne’de bir halk sağlığı sorunu olmaya devam ettiği görüldü. Eradikasyon için aileler, öğretmenler ve sağlık çalışanları tarafından öğrencilerin periyodik kontrollerinin yapılması, hasta kişilerin tedavi edilmesi, alt yapı hizmetlerinin iyileştirilmesi, etkenden nasıl korunulması gerektiği üzerine sürekli eğitim verilmesinin yerinde olacağı sonucuna varıldı.Objectives: In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalences of pediculus humanis capitis and tinea capitis and the causative agents of tinea capitis in elementary school children in Edirne. Materials and Methods: A total of 12,868 students from 34 elementary schools were scanned in April and May 2003. Samples of skin scrapings and hair roots were collected from students with hair and scalp lesions. Specimens were evaluated microscopically by KOH, and were inoculated into agar slants of Sabouraud dextrose agar with cycloheximide. Results: Eggs, nits or adult forms of head lice were detected in 698 (5.4%) students. The prevalence of head lice was significantly higher in girls (10.3%) than in boys (0.9%) (p&lt;0.001). The infestation rate was the lowest below seven years of age (3.4%, p&lt;0.001). Infestation rate was also high in families with low socioeconomic conditions (p&lt;0.001). Tinea capitis was not detected in any of the students. Conclusion: Pediculus humanis capitis was found to continue to be a public health problem in Edirne. The following conclusions were drawn for its eradication: periodic scanning of the students by families, teachers, and health professionals should be implemented; affected children should be properly treated; health facilities should be improved; and continuous education should be given to prevent its spread

A case report on aspergillus lentulus pneumonia

Bu çalışma, 03-07 Kasım 2012 tarihleri arasında Aydın[Türkiye]’da düzenlenen 35. Turkish National Congress of Microbiology’da bildiri olarak sunulmuştur.Background: Aspergillus lentulus was described as a new species in 2005 but it was isolated from Turkey for the first time. Case report: A. lentulus was isolated as the cause of pneumonia from a patient who had renal transplantation 4 months ago. The patient received immunosuppressive treatment after transplantation. A. lentulus was isolated from his sputum as an agent in pneumonia developed 4 months after the transplantation. Leukocytes, blastospores, and hyphae were seen in both Gram- and Giemsa-stained smears of the sputum. The isolate was identified by using the Maren A. Klich algorithm and molecular methods and confirmed by the reference laboratory of the CBS Fungal Biodiversity Centre ( The Netherlands). In the susceptibility tests of the isolate, minimal inhibitory concentrations for amphotericin B, voriconazole, posaconazole, and caspofungin were found to be 0.5 mu g/mL, 0.25 mu g/mL, 0.125 mu g/mL, and 0.25 mu g/mL, respectively. The patient recovered with voriconazole treatment (2x200 mg/day). Conclusion: The use of the molecular tests is important for identification of A. lentulus strains because they are very easily confused with A. fumigatus strains according to phenotypic characteristics

A Microbiology Laboratory Workflow in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Trakya University Medical Faculty Experience

Aim:The Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) epidemic first started in China and spread all over the world. In our country, pandemic management is carried out under the coordination of the Ministry of Health. With the change in the case increase rate in our province within months, the needs of our hospital were fully answered as the medical microbiology laboratory. In this study, it is aimed to convey our experiences and to make a retrospective analysis of the samples that came to the coronavirus laboratory in the first seven months of the pandemic.Materials and Methods:In order to create a safe working environment and organize the workflow during the pandemic process, some changes were made in the laboratory and it was made a guide. In addition, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests that came to the coronavirus laboratory between 21.03.2020 and 21.10.2020 were screened retrospectively.Results:A total of 73,773 SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests and 1,170 anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests were run in our laboratory. It was determined that total PCR positivity was 2.7% and antibody positivity was 1.9%.Conclusion:When the PCR positivity rates were examined, a dramatic decrease was observed after the first month with the measures taken and this decrease continued until the fifth month. It is seen that PCR positivity increased again in the sixth and seventh months with the relaxation of the measures. It is thought that our experiences in the first months of the pandemic can provide valuable information for other laboratories