Mehmet Koroglu

Demographic and microbial characteristics of extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases diagnosed in Malatya, Turkey, 2001-2007

BackgroundExtrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) has an increasing rate in Turkey. The reason remains largely unknown. A better understanding of the demographic and microbial characteristics of EPTB in the Turkish population would extend the knowledgebase of EPTB and allow us to develop better strategies to control tuberculosis (TB).MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated clinical and laboratory data of 397 bacteriologically-confirmed TB cases diagnosed during an eight year-period using by chi-square analysis and multivariate logistic regression model.ResultsOf the 397 study patients, 103 (25.9%) had EPTB and 294 (74.1%) had pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). The most commonly seen two types of EPTB were genitourinary TB (27.2%) and meningeal TB (19.4%). TB in bone/joints, pleural cavity, lymph nodes, skin, and peritoneal cavity occurred at a frequency ranging from 9.7% to 10.7%. The age distribution was significantly different (P < 0.01) between PTB and EPTB, with patients older than 45 years tending to have an increased risk of EPTB. Furthermore, the distribution of different types of EPTB differed significantly among age groups (P = 0.03). Meningeal and bone and/or joint TB were more commonly observed among the male patients, while lymphatic, genitourinary, and peritoneal TB cases were more frequently seen among females. Unique strain infection was statistically significantly associated with EPTB (OR: 2.82, 95% CI [1.59, 5.00])ConclusionsEPTB accounted for a significant proportion of TB cases in Malatya, Turkey between 2001 and 2007. The current study has provided an insight into the dynamics of EPTB in Malatya, Turkey. However, the risk factors for having EPTB in Malatya, Turkey remain to be assessed in future studies using population-based or randomly selected sample.

Detection and Typing of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases in Clinical Isolates of the Family Enterobacteriaceae in a Medical Center in Turkey

To determine and type the extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) among the family Enterobacteriaceae in a medical center, a total of 668 clinical isolates were screened. Of the 668 isolates, the 80 strains were presumptively defined as ESBL producers according to the result of disk method using ESBL marker antibiotics (aztreonam, ceftazidime, and cefoxitin). These 80 strains were retested with the double-disk synergy test (DDST), the E-test ESBL strip, a 5-microg ceftazidime disk, and agar dilution MICs of ceftazidime with and without clavulonic acid. Isoelectric focusing was performed to confirm ESBL production and type the beta-lactamases. By evaluation of the results of all tests used for ESBL detection together with isoelectric focusing, 33 (4.9%) of the 668 isolates were described as ESBL producer. The positive results of the agar dilution test, DDST, the E-test strip, and 5-microg ceftazidime disk were 32, 26, 27, and 26 of the 33 strains, respectively. ESBL positivity was 48.8% in Klebsiella species, 15.4% in Citrobacter species, 4.9% in Enterobacter species and 1.1% in Escherichia coli strains. The ESBL enzymes frequently determined were SHV-2/6-like (pI 7.6), SHV-5-like (pI 8.2), SHV-4-like (pI 7.8), and SHV-3-like (pI 7). SHV-derived enzymes were commonly observed in Klebsiella spp whereas TEM-related enzymes were seen in E. coli strains. The results of this study indicated that SHV-2/6-derived (pI 7.6) ESBL expression among the isolates of the family Enterobacteriaceae is an important problem in our medical center.

Investigation of Antibacterial Activity and Biofilm Formation of Silicones Coated With Minocycline-Rifampicin, Silver Nitrate, and Nitrofurantoin for Short-term Utilization in In Vitro Urinary System Models.

OBJECTIVE To analyze antimicrobial activity and biofilm formation on silicones coated with antimicrobial substances in in vivo short-term catheterization simulation using our newly developed in vitro urinary system model and to compare minocycline-rifampin (MR)-, silver nitrate-, and nitrofurantoin (NF)-coated silicone discs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Silicone discs were exposed to bacterial urine suspension for 168 hours. The antimicrobial activities were assessed in the medium, and the inhibition zone diameters were measured. The weight of the silicones was measured for biofilm growth assessment before and after the experiment, and confocal microscopy images were taken. RESULTS Although the inhibition zone diameters of silver nitrate silicones were larger than those of pure silicone (PS), MR, and NF silicones, biofilm formation could not be prevented (P < .05). MR and NF silicones were superior to PS in terms of antimicrobial efficacy and prevention of biofilm formation (P < .05). In terms of biofilm prevention, no differences were detected between NF and MR silicones apart from a slightly superior ability of MR silicones to inhibit Escherichia coli (P > .05). Biofilm formation occurred on all silicone discs. CONCLUSION In short-term urinary catheter utilization, antimicrobial efficacy and biofilm formation prevention were superior in coated silicones, regardless of the type of antibiotic used, compared with the control group (PS). As the study was conducted in an in vitro setting, the findings should be substantiated with in vivo studies on the grounds that different results may be obtained in these settings.

A Multicenter Evaluation of Blood Culture Practices, Contamination Rates, and the Distribution of Causative Bacteria

Background: The prognostic value of blood culture testing in the diagnosis of bacteremia is limited by contamination. Objectives: In this multicenter study, the aim was to evaluate the contamination rates of blood cultures as well as the parameters that affect the culture results. Materials and Methods: Sample collection practices and culture data obtained from 16 university/research hospitals were retrospectively evaluated. A total of 214,340 blood samples from 43,254 patients admitted to the centers in 2013 were included in this study. The blood culture results were evaluated based on the three phases of laboratory testing: the pre-analytic, the analytic, and the post-analytic phase. Results: Blood samples were obtained from the patients through either the peripheral venous route (64%) or an intravascular catheter (36%). Povidone-iodine (60%) or alcohol (40%) was applied to disinfect the skin. Of the 16 centers, 62.5% have no dedicated phlebotomy team, 68.7% employed a blood culture system, 86.7% conducted additional studies with pediatric bottles, and 43.7% with anaerobic bottles. One center maintained a blood culture quality control study. The average growth rate in the bottles of blood cultures during the defined period (1259 - 26,400/year) was 32.3%. Of the growing microorganisms, 67% were causative agents, while 33% were contaminants. The contamination rates of the centers ranged from 1% to 17%. The average growth time for the causative bacteria was 21.4 hours, while it was 36.3 hours for the contaminant bacteria. The most commonly isolated pathogens were Escherichia coli (22.45%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (20.11%). Further, the most frequently identified contaminant bacteria were CoNS (44.04%). Conclusions: The high contamination rates were remarkable in this study. We suggest that the hospitals’ staff should be better trained in blood sample collection and processing. Sterile glove usage, alcohol usage for disinfection, the presence of a phlebotomy team, and quality control studies may all contribute to decreasing the contamination rates. Health policy makers should therefore provide the necessary financial support to obtain the required materials and equipment.

Socioeconomic indicators are strong predictors of hepatitis A seroprevalence rates in the Middle East and North Africa

The goal of this analysis was to examine the association between age-specific hepatitis A virus (HAV) seroprevalence rates and various socioeconomic indicators within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. We conducted a systematic review of all recently published studies on HAV conducted in the MENA region and identified the highest quality studies for inclusion in our analysis. We calculated the age at midpoint of population immunity (AMPI) for each study and estimated seroprevalence rates at the ages of 5, 10, and 15 years. Next, we identified the correlations between these metrics and several socioeconomic variables. HAV data collected in or after 2000 were available for 14 of the 19 countries in the MENA region. Four of the 14 included countries had intermediate HAV endemicity (Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and UAE), five had high endemicity (Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia), and five had very high endemicity (Egypt, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen). Water and sanitation were not significant predictors of AMPI or seroprevalence, most likely because most countries in this region have high rates of access to these utilities. However, gross domestic product (GDP), gross national income (GNI), and the human development index (HDI) were all highly associated with AMPI and prevalence. The observed correlations suggest that of the MENA countries without recent HAV data, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar most likely have low endemicity, Oman likely has intermediate endemicity, and Libya likely has high endemicity. While it is unlikely that a single correlation model would be suitable for use in all world regions, the approach utilized in this analysis might provide a simple but accurate method for using economic data to impute the endemicity profiles of countries without recent data in regions where at least several neighboring countries have conducted recent serostudies.

Usefulness of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) as an inflammatory biomarker in obese children

OBJECTIVE Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) has emerged as a relatively new biomarker that reflects increased inflammatory status and been associated with cardiovascular risk. We wanted to investigate the predictive value and usefulness of suPAR as an inflammatory biomarker in obese children. METHODS AND RESULTS Of the total 136 participants, 76 (36 male, 40 female) were in obese group and 60 (24 male, 36 female) were in control group. The median age was 12.05 (6.16-17.30) years old for obese group, and 12.83 (8.00-16.75) years old for control group. Obese children had statistically significantly higher heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, EAT and LV mass than control group (p<0.01). The median suPAR level in obese group was not statistically different than in control group (0.54 vs. 0.59, p=0.26). The median hsCRP level in obese group was found statistically significantly higher than in control group (1.97 vs. 0.41, p<0.01). A significant positive correlation between hsCRP and BMI in the obese participants was found (r=0.45, p<0.01), but not a relationship between suPAR and BMI (r=-0.21, p>0.05). CONCLUSION Our research did not demonstrate the usefulness of suPAR as an inflammatory biomarker and a predictive value for future atherosclerosis in obese children. Further studies with larger sample size are required to determine whether suPAR is useful as an inflammatory biomarker in childhood obesity.

Intra-Abdominal Abscess and Primary Peritonitis Caused by Streptococcus anginosus

Introduction The Streptococcus anginosus group of bacteria are low-virulence bacteria existing as commensals in the oral flora and gastrointestinal tracts of humans. S. anginosus may spread to the blood in individuals with poor oral hygiene in cases of oral infections, such as gingivitis and tooth abscesses, that develop following the loss of mucosal unity. This may lead to infections in the whole body, primarily as brain and liver abscesses. Case Presentation A 32-year-old male patient presented with complaints of nausea, vomiting, and diffuse abdominal pain. Diffuse abdominal tenderness and rebound tenderness were detected particularly in the epigastrium and right upper quadrant. Laboratory assessment revealed a leukocyte count of 20,500/mm3. Free fluid around the liver and heterogeneous areas of abscess formation in the right lateral gallbladder were revealed on abdominal computed tomography. Diffuse adhesions between the bowel and seropurulent free liquid in the abdomen were detected on surgical exploration, and a sample was taken for cultures. The patient was discharged without complications on the sixth postoperative day and his antibiotic course was completed with 4 weeks of oral treatment. We reviewed the literature for similar cases of disseminated pyogenic infections caused by the S. anginosus group. Conclusions It should be kept in mind that the oral flora bacterium S. anginosus may cause transient bacteremia and deep-seated organ abscesses in immunodeficient patients with poor oral hygiene. Such patients with intra-abdominal abscesses should be treated with antibiotics and surgery.

Hepatitis a virus epidemiology in turkey as universal childhood vaccination begins: seroprevalence and endemicity by region

This paper presents the results of a comprehensive examination of current distribution of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) seroprevalence and endemicity in Turkey and the possible links between HAV endemicity and socioeconomic development. We performed a systematic search in online resources published between January 2000 and August 2015. The 22 provinces were able to be assigned a hepatitis A endemicity level based on this systematic review. The incidence rates for symptomatic hepatitis A infection are higher in the eastern part of Turkey than in the western and central region. These differences in socioeconomic indicators by region suggest the likelihood of lower seroprevalence rates in the western parts of the country and higher rates in the eastern region. Turkeys current policy of recommending hepatitis A immunization for all children without contraindications is an appropriate one and is likely to remain the best option for at least the next decade or two.

Ambulans kaynaklı enfeksiyonlar ve hijyen

Amac: Ilk ve acil yardim hizmetlerinde, ambulans hizmetleri vazgecilmezdir. Ambulansta hem hastanin hem de saglik personelinin, ayni kabini paylasmalari ve delici kesici aletlerle zaman zaman yaralanma risklerinin olmasi nedeniyle, saglik personelinin, ambulans hijyeninin saglanmasi ve bulasici hastaliklara karsi koruyucu onlemlerin alinmasi hakkinda egitim almasinin gerektigi aciktir. Calismamizda Sakarya il merkezi ve ilcelerinde acil hizmeti veren ambulanslarda ve acil mudahaleler sirasinda kullanilan aletlerde, enfeksiyon kaynagi olabilecek patojen mikroorganizmalarin varliginin arastirilmasi ve bu ambulanslarda gorevli personelin, ambulans hizmeti sirasinda ve sonrasinda hijyen uygulamalarina yonelik bilgi tutum ve davranislarinin degerlendirilmesi amaclanmistir. Materyal-Metod: Arastirmaya, Ocak 2016- Temmuz 2016 tarihleri arasinda, Sakarya il merkez ve ilcelerinde acil hizmeti veren, toplam 25 ambulans ve bu ambulanslarda aktif olarak calisan toplam 104 kisi dahil edilmistir. Calismada ambulans hizmeti veren saglik personeline anket uygulamasi ve ayrica ambulanslarin belirlenen riskli bolgelerinden alinan suruntu orneklerinde mikroorganizma taramalari yapilmistir. Bulgular: Calismaya 57’si kadin (% 54.8) olmak uzere toplam 104 kisi katilmis olup, 62’si (%59.6) 30 yas ve altidir. Katilimcilardan 95’i (% 91.3) 112 Acil servis ambulansinda, 9’u ise hastane ambulansinda (%8.7) calismaktadir. Ambulans calisanlarindan 83’u (%79.8) tibbi atik egitimi aldigini ifade ederken, sadece 54’u (% 51.9) arkadaslarinin el hijyenine dikkat ettigini belirtmislerdir. Ambulansin hasta kabini temizlik orani her vaka sonrasinda %29.8, gunluk % 49 olarak; kullanim sonrasi temizlik orani laringoskop gibi yuksek duzey dezenfeksiyon gerektiren aletler icin %75, tansiyon aleti gibi dusuk duzey dezenfeksiyon gerektiren aletler icin ise %28.8 olarak belirlenmistir. Suruntu ornekleri degerlendirildiginde, 20 ornekte Sphingomonas paucimobilis , 2 ornekte Acinetobacter Iwoffii , 2 ornekte Staphylococcus aureus , 2 ornekte Klebsiella pneumoniae , 20 ornekte Koagulaz negatif stafilokok saptanmistir. Sonuc: Calismamiz sonucunda; ambulans calisanlarinin, hem kendilerini ve hastalari bulasici enfeksiyon hastaliklarina karsi koruma konusunda, hem de ambulans hijyeni konusunda farkindaliklarinin artirilmasi gerekliligini ortaya koymustur. Ambulansin kontaminasyon kaynagi olmasini onlemek icin, daha siki enfeksiyon kontrolu ve izleme protokolu uygulanmalidir.

Hepatitis C testing among adults born between 1945 and 1965 in Turkey: a multicentre study

OBJECTIVE Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health problem and affects large populations all over the world. Serum anti-HCV level is a valuable marker to determine HCV infection. Anti-HCV testing has been recommended for high-risk population. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention in the United States proposed a new high-risk population group - adults born between 1945-1965. Under this perspective, we designed a multicentre retrospective study to determine the seropositivity of anti-HCV among adults born between 1945 and 1965 and adults born after 1965 in Turkey. With the data collected, we aimed to determine whether there was a need for anti-HCV testing especially in people born between 1945 and 1965. METHODS We requested data from ten different medical centres in ten different provinces. Each medical centre collected the anti-HCV test results of adult patients for five-year period between 2009 and 2014 from hospital records. RESULTS A total of 974,449 anti-HCV test results were included in this study. When the seropositivity rates in the two groups of adults were compared, anti-HCV seropositivity rates were higher in nine medical centres out of ten. Anti-HCV seropositivity in adults born between 1945-1965 was significantly higher than in adults born after 1965 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS We determined that the anti-HCV seropositivity rate is significantly higher in adults born between 1945-1965 compared to the younger adults as indicated in the literature. According to data from this study together with the WHO and CDC suggestions, we believe that it is appropriate to offer anti-HCV serology testing for people over 50 years of age since the anti- HCV seroprevalence in this age group is relatively high.