Selmin Dirgen Çaylak

Prevalence and risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in a diabetic outpatient population: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization and infection. We attempted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for MRSA colonization in a population of outpatients with diabetes. METHODS This prospective cohort study enrolled patients with diabetes. Anterior nares cultures were obtained from patients with diabetes admitted to outpatient endocrinology and metabolism clinics, and risk factors for MRSA colonization were analyzed. RESULTS Out of the 304 patients evaluated, 127 (41.9%) were colonized with S aureus and 30 (9.9%) were colonized with MRSA. Overall, 23.6% of all S aureus isolates were MRSA. In multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with an increased risk of MRSA colonization included the presence of connective tissue disease (odds ratio, 7.075; 95% confidence interval, 2.157-23.209; P = .001) and insulin therapy (odds ratio, 3.910; 95% confidence interval, 1.652-9.251; P = .002). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of MRSA colonization in our sample of diabetic outpatients was 9.9%. Independent risk factors for MRSA colonization were the presence of connective tissue disease and insulin use. A better understanding of the epidemiology and risk factors for nasal MRSA colonization in the persons with diabetes may have significant implications for the treatment and prevention of MRSA infections.

Brucella Seropositivity in Veterinarians in Muğla, Turkey

Objective: This investigation has been planned in order to complete the lack of information about seropositivity of brucellosis in veterinarians and veterinary technicians in non-endemic counties of Muğla, Turkey. Methods: The study was carried out in districts (Yatağan, Köyceğiz, Marmaris, Milas, Fethiye, Bodrum) and the city center of Muğla. A total of 125 veterinarians and veterinary technicians were included in the study. A structured questionnaire was applied to the volunteers and their approximately 10 ml blood samples were collected. Serum samples were investigated using rose Bengal test, and positive samples were investigated via standard tube agglutination test. Samples ≥1/160 titers in the tube agglutination test were accepted as positive, whereas results <160 titers were investigated using Coombs test. Samples ≥1/320 titers were accepted as positive in the Coombs test. Results: At the end of the evaluation, we found Brucella seropositivity in 3 of 125 subjects and the seroprevalence in veterinarians and veterinary technicians was found to be 2.4% in Muğla region. There was no statistically significant relationship between seropositivity and different age groups or lengths of time in the occupation (p>0.05). History of brucellosis treatment were reported by 7.2% (n=9) and exposure to Brucella vaccines by needle-stick injuries or splashes or injuries to mucosal surfaces were reported by 8.8% (n=11) of participants. Conclusions: This study is important for being the first study in recent years that demonstrates the seropositivity rates in veterinarians in Muğla. We believe that more comprehensive wellcontrolled studies are required in order to further explain seroprevalance and epidemiological characteristics of brucellosis in professions at risk in Muğla. Klimik Dergisi 2015; 28(3): 108-11.