Yıldız Yeğenoğlu

Synthesis of new triazolyl-N,N-dialkyldithiocarbamates as antifungal agents.

N,N-Dialkylditihiocarbamate derivatives have been well known as broad-range fungicides. In this study, the triazole derivatives of ten newN,N- disubstituted dithiocarbamates (3a-j) were synthesized and their structures were identified by spectral and elemental analysis. Results of the antifungal activity studies showed that some of the compounds tested were active againstM. canis, M. gypseum, andT. rubrum at the concentration of 12.5 μg/mL when clotrimazol was used as a standard.

In vitro susceptibility of yeasts isolated from patients in intensive care units to fluconazole and amphotericin B during a 3-year period

Fungal infections have increased dramatically in recent years and candidemia is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality in intensive care units (ICUs). Candidemia has been considered to be a nosocomial infection that is strongly associated with neutropenia, recent surgery or presence of intravascular lines, and previous colonization is an independent risk factor. We evaluated the in vitro efficacy of fluconazole and amphotericin B against yeasts isolated from various clinical specimens of colonized or infected patients treated in the ICUs of the Institute of Cardiology, Istanbul University. A total of 1397 ICU patients were treated at the Institute of Cardiology between January 2000 and December 2002. A total of 117 yeasts isolated from 97 patients were included in this study. These ICU patients were hospitalized for a mean of 29 days. All yeasts were identified by conventional methods and using the API (20C AUX, ID 32C) system (Bio Meriéux, France). Susceptibility to fluconazole and amphotericin B was evaluated using the E‐test (AB Biodisk, Solna, Sweden). The most commonly isolated yeast was Candida albicans (72.6%), followed by Candida tropicalis (16.2%), Candida kefyr, Candida krusei, Candida parapsilosis, Trichosporon mucoides and Geotrichum spp. Fluconazole and amphotericin B MIC90 values were 0.75 μg/ml; 0.19 μg/ml and 1 μg/ml; 0.38 μg/ml for C. albicans and C. tropicalis, respectively. All Geotrichum spp. were found to be susceptible‐dose dependent (SDD) (MIC=16–32 μg/ml) to fluconazole. Two C. albicans, two C. tropicalis, one C. krusei and one Geotrichum spp. had a MIC value of ≥0.38 μg/ml for amphotericin B. The rate of colonization was 3.36% (47/1397). Only 10 (0.71%) patients out of a total of 1397 developed candidemia during the period of the investigation. Of these, 7 (70%) were caused by non‐albicans Candida spp.

The epidemiology of onychomycoses in Istanbul, Turkey

Between September 1995 and September 1997, 1840 patients attending our mycology department were suspected as having onychomycoses. Of the patients 985 were females and 855 were males. A total of 426 finger nail and 1414 toe nail scrapings were examined. Both microscopic and culture tests were carried out for each specimen. In 759 cases positive fungal cultures were found and 1081 cases were determined as negative. One fungal species was isolated from 715 specimens, in 44 of the cases two different species were found.

Heterotrophic Bacteria and Filamentous Fungi Isolated from a Hospital Water Distribution System

In recent years, hospital infections caused by opportunist micro-organisms in immunosupressed patients groups have become increasingly important. These micro-organisms grow easily in water distribution systems even to the extent of producing bio-film. In the present study the aim was to determine microbial populations in water samples collected from the distribution system of a big hospital. Water samples were collected from one hundred different points around the water distribution system in different sections of the hospital. To analyse the water a membrane filter method was used. In eighty-four samples heterotrophic bacteria were isolated. The most frequent bacteria determined were Bacillusspp. (77%), Bacillus cereus (11%), Pseudomonasspp. (5%) and Staphylococcus spp. (4%). In fifteen samples more than one species of bacteria were isolated. In fifty-one samples, sixteen species of fungi were isolated, the most frequent being Penicilliumspp. (24%), Aspergillusspp. (8%) and Acremoniumspp. (5%). In thirteen samples more than one type of fungi was determined. In only six samples was no growth of fungi or bacteria observed. Over all the one hundred samples the counts of heterotrophic bacteria were not significantly correlated with the filamentous fungi counts (rs 012, p 0.05). Differences in the level of isolation or the concentration of bacteria and fungi between water from three old buildings and water from four new buildings were not significant (p 0.05).

An outbreak of Fusarium solani endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in an eye training and research hospital in Istanbul

To report an outbreak of Fusarium solani endophthalmitis after uneventful cataract surgeries performed on the same day in the same operating room. Nine patients underwent phacoemulsification at 4th Clinic of Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul. Cefuroxime axetyl was injected intracamerally from the same vial to all patients at the end of surgery. All patients developed acute postoperative endophthalmitis. Presentation, cultural studies, treatment, clinical responses and risk factors were evaluated. Cultural and DNA sequence findings revealed F. solani. Antifungal therapy was begun and pars plana vitrectomy, intraocular lens and capsule extraction were performed. Corneal involvement was correlated with old age and systemic disease. Fusarium solani should be considered in acute postoperative endophthalmitis. This infection can be controlled with early and aggressive combined antifungal and surgical treatment. The patients with corneal involvement had poor prognosis. It is important to use solutions prepared separately for each patient.

Respiratory Problems in Tannery Workers in Istanbul

Tannery workers are exposed to many chemical and physical hazards. The current study involved 730 workers from 23 leather factories located in the Tuzla Organized Industry Region, Istanbul. Participants were interviewed and underwent clinical examination. After the basic physical examination, respiratory functions were measured by spirometer and the workers questioned about asthma. Health problems included gastrointestinal complaints (7.30%), bronchitis (3.11%) and asthma (3.0%). Signs of bronchial obstruction — wheeze and rhonchus — were detected in 71 (9.72%) workers. A deficit in the values of FVC%, FEV 1%, FEV1/FVC%, PEF%, FEF25— 75% was set nominally at 80% of the respiratory function test parameters. Decreased pulmonary function results were found for FVC% in 36 (4.93%) workers, FEV1 in 71 (9.72%), FEV1/FVC in 18 (2.59%), PEF in 183 (25.1%) and FEF25—75% in 204 (27.94%). The number of those with respiratory obstruction detected by spirometry was 294 cases (40.27%), more than the number of cases, 263 (36.02%), who claimed res- piratory problems in the questionnaire. This study was a contribution towards efforts to improve the factory envi- ronment and control workplace risks. Together with med- ical examinations before and during employment and provision of continuous health services and training will reduce the risk of occupational disease to a minimum. Introduction Leather production is one of the worlds oldest trades, consisting of a chemical process that turns animal hides into the much less perishable material, leather. As part of this process, after the removal of the epidermis and subcu- taneous tissue, the dermal collagen fibres are stabilized by means of chemical treatment known generically as tanning [1]. Employees who work in tanneries are liable to be affected by their exposure to lots of hazardous materials and processes during tanning. These hazards can be grouped into four categories: biological, physical and chemical hazards and work accidents.

Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Some 1,2,4-Triazole Derivatives Bearing an Antipyryl Moiety

Summary. Some novel 4-[[2-[[5-(2-furanyl)-4-alkyl/aryl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]thio]-acetyl/propionyl]-amino]-1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazoles were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 and antifungal activity against Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019, Candida krusei ATCC 6258, Candida parapsilosis, Trichophyton mentagrophytes var. erinacei NCPF 375, Microsporum gypseum NCPF 580, and Trichophyton rubrum using the microbroth dilution method. All of the compounds were found to be ineffective against the above bacteria within the applied MIC ranges. On the other hand, they were effective against fungi to different degrees. Three compounds showed high activity against C. parapsilosis and T. mentagrophytes var. erinacei NCPF 375 (MIC = 8 μg cm−3). The in vitro antimycobacterial activity of the new compounds was also investigated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37RV (ATCC 27294) in BACTEC 12B medium using a broth microdilution assay, the Microplate Alamar Blue Assay (MABA). Compounds exhibiting fluorescence were tested in the BACTEC 460 radiometric system. The most active compound was found with 66% inhibition at >6.25 μg cm−3.

Biological Hazards in Tannery Workers

A total of 431 workers from 14 leather factories located in the Tuzla Organized Industry Region, Istanbul were involved in the study. Subjects were interviewed and examined individually with regard to asthma symptoms. Physical examinations were undertaken and respiratory function measured by spirometer. Moreover, the atmosphere of the working areas in the factories was assessed microbiologically. The fungal genera most often detected were Penicillium spp., followed by Aspergillus spp., Alternaria spp., Scopulariopsis spp., and Cladosporium spp. multiplying at differing rates. The number of those physically examined with indications of peripheral respiratory obstruction was 176 (40.8%) while those with suspected asthma following questioning was 153 (35.5%). The obstruction demonstrated by the use of respiratory function tests was associated with the mold isolated from the environment and was included in the logistic model that was developed as a risk factor for increasing obstruction. Workers employed in tanneries encounter many health problems. These may be reduced by: improving the factory environment, environmental control of allergens, elimination of allergen reservoirs, control of humidity and reducing exposure to excessive heat or cold. In addition there should be air filtration and vacuum cleaning to control dust mites and control of other workplace risks not necessarily associated with tanning. Importantly, workers should have medical examinations before employment and periodic examinations during training and employment to reduce the risk of occupational diseases to a minimum.

Assessment of Nasal Swab Samples, Environmental Microbiological Analyses and Respiratory Function Tests of Bakery Workers Working Under Modern Conditions: A Brief Report

Studies have shown that bakery workers may develop asthma and rhinitis as a result of their occupation and approximately 30% of bakery workers and wheat farmers will become sensitised. This ratio can change depending on the exposure time and a history of atopy. The present study has looked at the relationship between nasal and environmental flora and pulmonary function in such workers to see if it can explain the occurrence of asthma and rhinitis. Workers from three of the largest bakery companies in Istanbul were recruited, a total of 372 people; 223 bakery workers and 149 administrative employees of the same companies as a control group. Face to face interviews were conducted to determine asthma status and all were given physical examinations with nasal flora samples collected by sterile swabs. Aerial samples were taken from administrative and product departments for microscopic examination. Compared to administrative staff, bakery workers had insignificantly more asthma symptoms (p> 0.05).C. albicanswas isolated from four (1.9%) nasal samples from bakery workers and one (0.7%) from the control group (p> 0.05). A statistically significant level of wheeze (X2= 4.65, p= 0.03, OR= 2.32 95% CI (1.06–5.07)), suggesting bronchial obstruction, was detected in 28 (13.1%) bakery workers and in nine people (6.1%) from the control group. Looking at smoking and non-smoking groups, a significant decrease was observed for PEF (%) in the smokers and FEV1/FVC (%) in the non-smokers. These results suggest that pulmonary function of bakery workers is slightly impaired even with modern engineering controls.

DRUG RESISTANCE PATTERNS OF MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS COMPLEX STRAINS ISOLATED DURING AN ELEVEN YEAR PERIOD IN A FACULTY HOSPITAL IN ISTANBUL

ABSTRACT One thousand eight hundred and forty three Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (M.tuberculosis) strains isolated between 1992–2002 from 27.436 clinical specimens were evaluated for their drug resistance to streptomycin (S), isoniazid (H), rifampin (R) and ethambuthol (E).The drug resistance of 1843 M.tuberculosis strains was assessed by radiometric proportion method in Bactec 460 TB system(Becton Dickinson). Resistance to one or more of the drugs was found in 594(32.23%) strains. Resistance to H among the other drugs was the most common (27.07%). The number of multidrug resistant M.tuberculosis strains was detected as 283 (15.35%) within total strains. The results obtained in this study show that the rate of resistant strains circulating in the community are very high, so, we concluded that the national tb control programme must be reexamined urgently in our country.