Browsing by Author "Aydemir, S."

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The Bibliometric Analysis of the Postgraduate Theses Written on Medical Parasitology in Türkiye
(2024) Aydemir, S.; Barlık, F.; Abdurrahman, E.; Yılmaz, H.; Kaçak, K.
Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the theses prepared in the field of medical parasitology in Türkiye and to reveal the importance given to the science of parasitology in the groves of academe and to raise awareness in this field. Methods: Council of Higher Education's National Thesis Center database has been analyzed postgraduate these documents conducted in the field of medical parasitology from January 1985 to September 2022. Results: As a result of the examining, 393 theses made in the field of medical parasitology were detected. It was determined that 52.9% of the theses prepared were master, 28% of PhD and 19.1% were the thesis of medical specialty thesis and 61.3% of the theses prepared were related to protozoa, 16.5% of helminths, 8.6% arthropods and 12.2% of intestinal parasites (helminth and protozoa). The top five types of parasites in the theses were Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania spp., Echinococcus spp., Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, it was of the opinion that more importance should be given to the field of medical parasitology in Türkiye.; Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’de tıbbi parazitoloji alanında hazırlanan tezlerin analizini yaparak, akademik camiada parazitoloji bilimine verilen önemi ortaya koymak ve bu alanda bir farkındalık oluşturmaktır. Yöntemler: Çalışmaya, Yükseköğretim Kurulu Ulusal Tez Merkezi’nin online uygulamasından arama yapılarak, Ocak 1985-Eylül 2022 tarihleri arasında tıbbi parazitoloji alanında yapılmış tezler dahil edildi. Bulgular: Arama sonucunda tıbbi parazitoloji alanında yapılmış 393 tez saptandı. Tezlerin %52,9’unun yüksek lisans, %28’inin doktora ve %19,1’inin tıpta uzmanlık tezi olduğu belirlendi. Tezlerin yapıldığı alanlarının dağılımı incelendiğinde, tezlerin %61,3’ünün protozoonlar, %16,5’inin helmintler, %8,6’sının artropodlar ve %12,2’sinin bağırsak parazitleri (helmint ve protozoonlar) ile ilgili olduğu saptandı. Tezlerde en çok çalışılan ilk beş parazit türünün sırasıyla Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania spp., Echinococcus spp., Giardia intestinalis ve Cryptosporidium spp. olduğu belirlendi. Sonuç: Sonuç olarak, Türkiye’de tıbbi parazitoloji alanına daha çok önem verilmesi gerektiği kanaatine varıldı.
Bibliometric Assessment of Thelaziosis Research in Europe From 1970-2023
(University of Tabriz, 2023) Tahmaz, A.; Alkan, S.; Aydemir, S.
Given the increase in cases of thelaziosis in recent years, especially in Europe, we evaluate the publication patterns of research focusing on Thelazia. We also discuss the results of published articles and how more clinical and epidemiological information on Thelazia is still needed. All the documents registered in Web of Science with the subject of Thelazia between 1970 and 31 March 2023 were analyzed, using the Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology and the VOS viewer as tools. Between 1970 and March 2023, there were 336 publications on Thelazia. During the same period, these documents were mentioned 5597 times, averaging 16.66 times for each record. Thelazia's first publications appeared in 1970, and 55.95% of all publications were published after 2010. Regarding total publication numbers, the most influential country was Italy (n = 87), followed by the United States (n=57). The most prolific author in this field was "Domenico Otranto" (n = 77), while the journals that drew the most papers were Parasites & Vectors (n = 30) and Veterinary Parasitology (n = 29). The findings of this article will be useful in defining research priorities related to Thelazia and diagnosing the importance of scientific production associated with this pathogen. © 2023, Published by University of Tabriz.
Determination of the Occurrence Frequency of Cryptosporidium Sp. in Children Brought To the Hospital With the Complaint of Diarrhea Using Different Methods
(Aloki Applied Ecological Research and Forensic inst Ltd, 2021) Ekici, A.; Unlu, A. H.; Halidi, A. G.; Aydemir, S.; Yilmaz, H.
Cryptosporidium is a parasite responsible for diarrhea in humans. Practitioners rarely routinely request Cryptosporidium diagnostic tests; thus, its prevalence is likely underrated. The prevalence of cryptosporidiosis among children brought to the hospital with the complaint of diarrhea was investigated using 3 different methods, comprising nested PCR, immunochromatographic testing, and microscopic examination with modified acid-fast staining. Cryptosporidium sp. was detected in 42/150 children with diarrhea (28%) and in 1/50 children in the control group (2%). The main complaint by children admitted to hospital with Cryptosporidium was diarrhea. Additionally, some clinical symptoms/signs like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, stool mucus, weakness, weight loss, and anorexia were correlated with cryptosporidiosis. Results from the 3 methods were compared and nested PCR and immunochromatographic testing were the most reliable. Among other pathogens and parasites found in stool samples, Cryptosporidium is a significant cause of hospitalization due to gastrointestinal disease in children in Van, Turkey.
Distribution of Toxocara Vitulorum in Cattle of Ağrı Region
(Galenos Publishing House, 2023) Afshar, M.T.; Aydemir, S.; Yılmaz, H.; Yıldız, R.; Barlık, F.; Yasul, M.
Objective: Parasitizing in the small intestines of cattle, buffalo and bison, Toxocara vitulorum is seen in countries with humid tropical and subtropical climates, including Türkiye. Adult parasites can cause digestive disorders such as loss of appetite, weakness, diarrhea or constipation, and sometimes death, especially in calves. This study was planned to investigate the distribution of T. vitulorum in cattle of the Ağrı region. Methods: In this study, stool samples of the size of a walnut were taken from the rectum of 200 calves 0-6 months old and 200 cattle older than 1 year in the province of Ağrı and its districts, and the preparations were prepared using the saturated zinc sulfate flotation method and the preparations were examined under a light microscope. Results: T. vitulorum eggs were detected in 70 (35%) of 200 calves aged 0-6 months and 21 (10.5%) of 200 cattle over one year old. The difference in positivity between cattle over one year old and calves was statistically significant (p=0.001). With fecal examination ın 22 of the calves (11%), Trichostrongylidae spp. eggs were detected. Conclusion: It was determined that the prevalence of T. vitulorum in calves was high in Diyadin, Eleşkirt, Doğubayazıt, Hamur, Taşlıçay, Tutak and Patnos districts of Ağrı province. We believe that larger-scale studies should be conducted on the spread of this parasite, which causes significant low yields in cattle breeding. © Telif hakkı 2023 Türkiye Parazitoloji Derneği-Makale metnine.
Evaluation of Amoebiosis, Giardiosis, and Blastocystosis Infections in Patients Over 18 Years of Age Followed-Up With a Diagnosis of Gastroenteritis
(Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi, 2023) Gurbuz, E.; Yurekturk, S.; Aydemir, S.; Ekici, A.
This study was conducted to evaluate amoebiosis, giardiosis, and blastocystosis infections in patients over 18 years of age followed-up with the diagnosis of gastroenteritis. The study included 3848 patients with a diagnosis of gastroenteritis who were admitted to the SBU Van Training and Research Hospital with the complaint of diarrhea between 2016 and 2019 and were hospitalized. Of the 3848 patients included in the study, Entamoeba histolytica was found in 6.8% (3848/262), Giardia intestinalis was found in 3.6% (3848/137), and Blastocystis spp. was found in 3% (3848/117). When the incidence of parasites according to the age groups of the patients was examined, it was determined that Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica were mostly seen in the age range of 50–65 years, and the difference in the incidence of Entamoeba histolytica was statistically significant (p = 0.026). It was determined that the incidence of Blastocystis spp. increased with age (p = 0.001). A statistically significant correlation was found between Entamoeba histolytica and the presence of leukocytes and erythrocytes in the stool. It was concluded that Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba histolytica are the leading parasitic infections that are still important and need to be combated in the Van region, and that the increase in the frequency of Blastocystis spp. over the years should not be ignored. © 2023, Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi. All rights reserved.
Frequency of Intestinal Parasites in Patients With Diabetes
(Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi, 2025) Şahin, M.; Cengiz, Z.T.; Halidi, A.G.; Aydemir, S.; Ekici, A.
This study aims to determine whether patients with diabetes are at risk for intestinal parasites. The study included 200 diabetics and 150 healthy i ndividuals without any chronic disease. Data such as age, gender, diagnosis, and patient laboratory test results were obtained from the hospital automation system. Stool samples were examined by native-Lugol, concentration, modified acid-fast, and trichrome staining methods. Intestinal parasites were found in 27.5% of the diabetic patients and 14% in the control group; the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.001). Out of 200 patients, Blastocystis hominis was found in 44 (22%), Cryptosporidium spp. in one (0.5%), B. hominis and Entamoeba coli in five (2.5%), Giardia intestinalis in two (1%), B. hominis and G. intestinalis in one (0.5%), Taenia spp. in one (0.5%) and Chilomastix mesnili in one (0.5%). In the diabetic patient group, statistically significant differences were found between age (p=0.043), duration of diabetes (p=0.006), fasting blood glucose (p=0.028) and HbA1c value (p=0.01) and presence of intestinal parasites. No statistically significant differences were found between place of residence, biochemical values such as cholesterol and LDL, use of insulin and antidiabetic agents, presence of another disease such as hypertension, COPD, neuropathy, nephropathy and intestinal parasite positivity. Patients with diabetes can be considered a risk group in terms of intestinal parasite infections. Furthermore, individuals with a history of diabetes of more than 10 years and poor glycemic control are at a higher risk for intestinal parasites. © 2025, Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi. All rights reserved.
Gastrointestinal Helminths and Zoonotic Importance Detected in Stray Dogs in Ağrı Province and Districts
(Galenos Publishing House, 2022) Afshar, M.T.; Yıldız, R.; Cengiz, Z.T.; Aydemir, S.; Şahin, M.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the frequency of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in stray dogs in Ağrı province and its districts and to reveal the zoonotic importance of these parasites. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from a total of 279 stray dogs in the center of Ağrı and the districts of Diyadin, Doğubayazıt, Eleşkirt, Hamur, Patnos, Taşlıçay, and Tutak. After macroscopic examination of the stool samples, they were examined microscopically by the native and multiplexing (Fulleborn flotation and Benedek sedimentation) methods. Results: Helminth eggs belonging to one or more species were detected in 80 (28.7%) of the 279 stool samples examined. In total, 31 (11.1%) T. canis, 24 (8.6%) T. leonina, 17 (6.1%) Taenia spp., 15 (5.4%) Capillaria spp., 10 (3.6%) Alaria spp., 5 (1.8%) T. vulpis, and 3 (1.1%) A. caninum egg were detected in the stool samples Conclusion: In this study, which was performed for the first time in Ağrı, it was revealed that stray dogs in Ağrı province and its districts were infected with helminths, which may consequently affect human health significantly. Therefore, necessary precautions should be taken to preserve the health of both humans and dogs. © 2022 Turkish Society for Parasitology.
The Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Intestinal Parasite Frequency: a Retrospective Study
(Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi, 2023) Aydemir, S.; Afshar, M.T.; Şahin, M.; Cengiz, Z.T.; Elasan, S.; Barlık, F.; Yılmaz, H.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, countries have closed their borders, banned travel, and restricted human mobility even outdoors in order to control the infection. It is not known whether the measures taken to control the pandemic in Türkiye affect the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalance of intestinal parasites. In the study, the parasitological data of 18,204 patients who applied to Dursun Odabaş Medical Center between June 2018 and December 2021 and whose stool samples were sent to the parasitology laboratory were evaluated retrospectively. Intestinal parasites were detected in 1214(9.89%) of 12270 patients in the pre-COVID-19 period and in 866 (14.59%) of 5934 patients during the COVID-19 period. In the statistical evaluation, it was observed that there was a significant difference between the positivity rate in the pre-COVID-19 period and the positivity rate in the COVID-19 period. On species basis, there was a decrease in the rates of pathogenic parasites G. intestinalis and E. histolytica, but an increase in the rate of B. hominis, which is discussed to be pathogenic. It has been concluded that the decrease in the rate of pathogenic parasites transmitted by fecal-oral route is since the general hygiene rules and the decrease in human-to-human contact are effective in the COVID-19 period. © 2023, Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi. All rights reserved.
The Importance of Antioxidant Enzymes and Oxidative Stress in Human Fascioliasis
(Galenos Publishing House, 2023) Cengiz, Z.T.; Yılmaz, H.; Beyhan, Y.E.; Ekici, A.; Çiçek, M.; Aydemir, S.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the patients infected with Fasciola hepatica and establish whether these parameters differ among the patients with fascioliasis. Methods: The patient group consisted of 140 individuals with F. hepatica seropositive; the control group consisted of 140 healthy individuals who tested negative for this parasite and had no other diseases. The patient group consisted of individuals with no chronic diseases other than fascioliasis; in both the patient and the control groups, the subjects had no unhealthy habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption, etc. The blood samples taken to diagnose fascioliasis were evaluated by the ELISA method. The samples were studied according to the kit procedures for SOD, CAT, GPx and MDA markers. Results: In this study, 43.6% of 140 individuals in the patient group infected with F. hepatica had CAT (p=0.001), 35% had GPx (p=0.001), 12.9% had SOD (p=0.002), 90.7% had MDA (p=0.001). There was found a statistically significant difference between the patient and the control group in terms of the positivity of these four parameters. Conclusion: As a result, a statistically significant relationship was found between the increase in the SOD, GPx, CAT, and MDA levels and fascioliasis. The high rate of MDA revealed that oxidative stress occurred in patients with fascioliasis, resulting in an increased activity of SOD, GPx, and CAT. © 2023, Galenos Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Investigation of Blastocystis Hominis Frequency in Patients With Diabetes by Microscopy and Conventional Pcr Methods
(Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 2023) Şahin, M.; Taş Cengiz, Z.; Galip Halidi, A.; Aydemir, S.
Background: We aimed to determine the frequency and subtype of B. hominis in diabetic patients. Methods: One hundred and fifty diabetic patients and 100 healthy people without any chronic disease were included in the study. Stool samples were analyzed by native-Lugol, condensation, trichrome staining and PCR methods. Results: İn 150 patients with diabetes; B. hominis was detected in 38 (25.3%) by PCR, in 34 (22.7%) by native-Lugol and trichrome staining. In the control group, 14 (14%) out of 100 subjects were positive by PCR, and 10 (10%) were positive by native-Lugol and trichrome staining. In the statistical evaluation, a significant difference was found between gender (P=0.023), age (P=0.045; ≤35 and >35 comparison), duration of diabetes (P=0.04), the HbA1c value (P=0.023; <8 and ≥8 comparison), and B. hominis positivity. ST1 was determined in 76.9% of patients with diabetes, and ST2 was determined in 23.07%. Considering the 3 methods, B. hominis positivity was detected in 40 patients (26.7%) in diabetic group and in 14 participants (14%) in the control group (P=0.011). Conclusion: B. hominis is a factor to be considered in patients with diabetes. Herein, the most common subtype detected in the patients with diabetes mellitus was ST1, but this result was not considered sufficient to reveal the importance of the subtype factor in the pathogenicity of B. hominis in patients with diabetes. In this context, there is a need for more comprehensive studies in both diabetic and other immunocompromised patient groups. © 2023, Tehran University of Medical Sciences.All rights reserved.
Investigation of Coxiella Burnetii and Ehrlichia Canis by Molecular Methods in Ticks Removed From Patients Admitted To Hospital With Tick Bite Complaints
(ABADER (Adıyaman Bilimsel Arastırmalar Dernegi), 2021) Ekici, A.; Gürbüz, E.; Halidi, A.G.; Ünlü, A.H.; Aydemir, S.
Ticks have to suck blood from their hosts during their developmental stages, except for the egg period. They also transmit the pathogens to their host while feeding. A total of 100 ticks obtained from 42 female and 58 male patients admitted to a hospital were included in the study. After the morphological examination of the ticks, DNA extraction was performed. Conventional PCR for Coxiella burnetii and Nested-PCR for Ehrlichia canis were performed using species-specific primers. In the morphological examination, it was determined that all of the ticks belonged to the Ixodidae family and 95 (95%) were Rhipicephalus sanguineus and 5 (5%) were Ixodes ricinus species. C. burnetii was detected in 36 ticks and E. canis was found in 26 ticks out of 100 ticks included in the study. It was determined that 33 (91.67%) of the C. burnetii infected ticks were R. sanguineus and 3 (8.33%) were I. ricinus. It was also determined that 25 (96.15%) of the E. canis infected ticks were R. sanguineus and one (3.85%) was the I. ricinus. When the incidence of C. burnetii and E. canis was examined according to the place of residence of the patients, it was found that C. burnetii was seen at a higher rate in people living in rural areas and as a result of the statistical analysis, it was found that the difference was statistically significant. In conclusion, ticks pose a significant risk as vectors of C. burnetii and E. canis. © 2021, ABADER (Adıyaman Bilimsel Arastırmalar Dernegi). All rights reserved.
Investigation of Giardia Spp., Cryptosporidium Spp. and Cyclospora Cayetanensis in Samples Collected From Different Spring Waters Iğdır, Türkiye
(Galenos Publishing House, 2023) Akkaş, Ö.; Gürbüz, E.; Aydemir, S.; Şahin, M.; Ekici, A.
Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the physical and chemical properties of different spring waters and parasitic factors with different methods. Methods: This study was carried out on 69 water samples collected from different spring waters in and around Iğdır Province in April and June 2021. The samples were analyzed by native-Lugol, modified acid-fast staining, and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR). In addition, altitude (meter) and pressure (mmHg) measurements were made at the point where the water samples were taken. Results: One or more parasites were detected in 27.5% of the 69 water samples examined. Only C. cayetanensis was found in 13% of the samples, only Cryptosporidium spp. in 10.1%, only Giardia spp. in 1.4%, only C. cayetanensis and Giardia spp. in 1.4%, only C. cayetanensis, Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia spp. in 1.4%. Only Giardia spp. cyst (4.3%) was detected by the direct examination method. While C. cayetanensis and Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts were detected in 8.7% and 7.2% of the samples by the modified acid-fast staining method, C. cayetanensis was detected in 15.9% and Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 11.6% of the samples by nPCR. When the C. cayetanensis and Cryptosporidium spp. positivity rates were compared according to the characteristics of the water, there was no statistical difference between the altitude, salinity, pH, mmHg, and temperature (kelvin) values, but a significant correlation was found between the amount of dissolved oxygen and Cryptosporidium spp. positivity (p=0.047). Conclusion: Cryptosporidium spp., C. cayetanensis, and G. intestinalis are important waterborne pathogens that can cause epidemics. It is our belief that in order to reduce the risk of contamination of these parasitic factors with spring waters, public awareness should be raised, infrastructures should be improved, and new water treatment techniques, such as ultraviolet, ozonation and monitoring systems, should be used. © 2023 Turkish Society for Parasitology.
Investigation of Intestinal and Blood Parasites in People Returning To Turkey With a History of Traveling Abroad During the Pandemic
(Galenos Publishing House, 2022) Ekici, A.; Gürbüz, E.; Ünlü, A.H.; Yıldız, R.; Aydemir, S.; Halidi, A.G.; Yılmaz, H.
Objective: To investigate intestinal and blood parasites in people who have a history of traveling abroad during the Coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic and returning to Turkey. Methods: In this study, 104 patients with gastrointestinal system and/or fever complaints who had traveled abroad during the pandemic period and returned to Turkey were included. Parasitic agents were investigated by taking blood and stool samples from the patients. Additionally, urine samples were obtained from patients with hematuria or dysuria with the suspicion of schistosomiasis. A direct microscopic examination, the Crypto-Giardia immunochromatographic test, and ELISA methods were used in the examination of the stool samples. In order to detect Plasmodium species, blood samples were examined by preparing both the rapid diagnostic test and thick drop and thin smear preparations. Results: One or more parasite species were detected in 38 (38.5%) of 104 patients included in the study. While intestinal parasites were detected in 16 (32%) of 50 patients who traveled to Iran and 16 (33.3%) of 48 patients who traveled to Northern Iraq, blood parasites were not found. Schistosoma mansoni was detected in all 5 of the patients with a history of traveling to Sudan. Plasmodium falciparum was detected in 1 patient who traveled to the African continent. Conclusion: It is vital to take precautions to prevent parasitic diseases, such as malaria and schistosomiasis, during travels to African countries. During travels to neighboring countries of Turkey, such as Northern Iraq and Iran, hygiene should be paid attention to, so as to prevent contracting intestinal parasitic diseases. In addition, it was concluded that people who plan to travel abroad should have information about the endemic parasitic diseases of the country that they are going to. © 2022 Turkish Society for Parasitology.
Investigation of Pneumocystis Jirovecii in Lung Cancer Patients With the Nested Pcr Method
(Galenos Publishing House, 2022) Halidi, A.G.; Ölçen, M.; Gürbüz, E.; Ekici, A.; Aydemir, S.; Yılmaz, H.
Objective: Pneumocystis jirovecii (P. jirovecii) is an opportunistic pathogen in humans. Early diagnosis and optimal treatment of patients with P. jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) remains a key priority. This study investigated P. jirovecii in patients with lung cancer using the nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and examined the relationship between P. jirovecii and clinical findings. Methods: The study included 60 patients with lung cancer and 30 patients without lung cancer. The bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples of these 90 individuals were taken for diagnostic purposes in the University of Health Sciences Turkey, Van Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Chest Diseases. Patient information was recorded. After DNA isolation from the BAL fluid samples taken from patients, the nested-PCR protocol for amplification of mtLSUrRNA in P. jirovecii was performed. Results: P. jirovecii DNA was detected in 40 (66.67%) of the lung cancer patients included in the study and in six (20%) patients without lung cancer, that is, in 46 (51.11%) patients. The rate of nested-PCR positivity in the lung cancer group was significantly higher than that in the non-lung cancer group (p=0.0001). Additionally, a statistically significant correlation was found between anorexia and weight loss, fever and sputum P. jirovecii positivity in patients with lung cancer (p<0.005). Conclusion: These findings suggest that lung cancer patients should be evaluated for PJP. © 2022 Turkish Society for Parasitology.
Investigation of Publication Trends and Hot Topics on Onchocerciasis Between 2000 and 2022
(University of Tabriz, 2023) Alkan, S.; Gürbüz, E.; Aydemir, S.
This study aimed to use bibliometric tools to investigate onchocerciasis research conducted worldwide between 2000 and 2022. This bibliometric study was carried out using the Scopus database. The analysis unit was the documents conducted on onchocerciasis between 2000 and 2022. The data obtained after the last evaluations were transferred to VOSviewer (VOSviewer 1.6.19 for Microsoft Windows systems) and biblioshiny (bibliometrix R package) programs for analysis. The present results showed that 1026 documents on onchocerciasis were indexed in the Scopus database between 2000 and 2022. 2554 authors have published this literature, and the annual growth rate was 1.34 %. Forty-one articles were published in 2000, and after 2014, there was an increase in the number of articles. The most publications were published in 2018 (n = 82). PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases (n = 97) and Parasites & Vectors (n = 46) published the most publications on onchocerciasis. Most of the publications were published by authors from the United States (n = 341), the United Kingdom (n = 228), Cameroon (n = 150), Nigeria (n = 132), and Germany (n = 120). The documents originating from the United States (n = 2372) had the highest citation numbers. The onchocerciasis research landscape between 2000 and 2022 is outlined in this report. Furthermore, the analysis offers an enhanced comprehension of the trends in onchocerciasis development over the previous 23 years, which might serve as a scientific benchmark for subsequent research. © 2023, Published by University of Tabriz.
Molecular Prevalence of Larval Stages of Fasciola Hepatica in Lymnaea Stagnalis Species Snails in the Vicinity of the Ağrı Province
(Galenos Publishing House, 2023) Ünlü, A.H.; Yıldız, R.; Aydemir, S.; Ekici, A.
Objective: Lymnaea stagnalis known as the great pond snail, is one of the intermediate hosts of Fasciola hepatica, a zoonotic parasite. In this study, it was aimed to determine the larval forms of F. hepatica by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in L. stagnalis species snails collected from the vicinity of Ağrı province. Methods: In this study, 150 L. stagnalis snails were collected from the Ağrı province. The freshwater snails brought to the laboratory were dissected, then their soft tissues were examined under a microscope. DNA extraction was performed on the dissected snails. After DNA extraction, PCR was performed using primers targeting the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene region. Results: In the microscopic examination, larval forms of F. hepatica could not be detected. However, it was concluded that two (1.3%) L. stagnalis freshwater snails were infected with the larval forms of F. hepatica in the PCR. Conclusion: It was determined that L. stagnalis served as an intermediate host to F. hepatica in the study area. © Telif hakkı 2023 Türkiye Parazitoloji Derneği.
A Parasite That Should Not Be Neglected in Patients With Ulcerative Colitis: Entamoeba Histolytica
(Galenos Publishing House, 2024) Soylu, M.; Ekici, A.; Aydemir, S.; Yürektürk, Ş.; Akkaş, Ö.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of amoebiasis, which has been neglected in recent years according to the World Health Organization, in ulcerative colitis patients and investigate the relationship between amoebiasis and ulcerative colitis. Methods: The study included 150 individuals, including 100 ulcerative colitis patients and 50 healthy individuals without gastrointestinal complaints. The samples collected were first analyzed macroscopically and then using native-Lugol, trichrome staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: In the microscopic examination, Entamoeba spp. cysts were found in 22% of the ulcerative colitis patients and 2% of those in the control group. Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) adhesin antigen was detected by ELISA in 31% of the ulcerative colitis patients and 4% of those in the control group. A significant correlation was found between the incidence of E. histolytica and ulcerative colitis in the statistical evaluation. Conclusion: E. histolytica should not be neglected in ulcerative colitis patients and should be investigated in the presence of diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, and abdominal pain. © 2024 Turkish Society for Parasitology.
Prevalence of Fascioliasis in Slaughtered Cattle in Ağrı Province
(Galenos Publishing House, 2023) Şahin, M.; Afshar, M.T.; Yıldız, R.; Aydemir, S.
Objective: In this study, it was aimed to reveal the frequency of fascioliasis in cattle slaughtered in the slaughterhouses of Ağrı province. Methods: The study was carried out on 230 cattle. The presence of Fasciola hepatica eggs in stool and bile fluid samples taken from each cattle was investigated by sedimentation-zinc sulfate flotation method, and the presence of adult parasites in the liver and bile ducts by postmortem examination. Results: The study was conducted on 230 cattle samples. Fasciola spp. eggs were observed in 43 (18.7%) of the stools examined. As a result of the postmortem examination of the liver and gall bladder, F. hepatica adults were found in 52 (22.6%) cattle. All cattle positive in stool examination were also positive in liver and gallbladder examination. Fasciola gigantica adults were not detected in any of the cattle, and there was no statistically significant difference in terms of gender and race. Conclusion: In this study conducted on cattle in the Ağrı region, F. hepatica was found to be significantly common. The data obtained show that in order to prevent economic losses in animal husbandry, which is an important source of livelihood of the local people, effective prevention and control programs should be planned and implemented, and both sheep and cattle breeders should be made aware of the prevention of this infection. © 2023, Galenos Publishing House. All rights reserved.
The Significance of Opportunistic Parasitosis and Blastocystosis in Patients With Gastric Cancer: a Study With Control Group
(Galenos Publishing House, 2023) Gezici, A.; Cengiz, Z.T.; Yılmaz, H.; Aydemir, S.
Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of opportunistic parasites and Blastocystis spp. in patients with gastric cancer (CA) and to determine the significance of these parasite. Methods: The patient group and the control group were composed of 100 people each. The stool samples were examined under the microscope for intestinal parasites with the native-Lugol method. Then, samples were multiplied by formol-ethyl acetate method and stained with modified acid-fast method. Results: Intestinal parasite positivity was indicated in 14% of the gastric CA, and 2% of the healthy individuals (p=0.001). Blastocystis spp. (p=0.009) was identified in 11%, Cryptosporidium spp. was identified in 4%, G. intestinalis was identified in 2%, and C. cayetanensis was identified in 1% of the patient group. There were significant differences between the intestinal parasite positivity (p=0.012), abundant Blastocystis spp. positivity (p=0.041) and all Blastocystis spp. positivity (p=0.037) in patient and control groups. Most of the patients who were positive for parasites had diarrhea. Conclusion: Based findings, it was concluded that it would be beneficial to evaluate gastric CA patients, especially those with diarrhea, for intestinal parasites. © 2023 Turkish Society for Parasitology.
Spread of Intestinal Parasites in Patients Presenting With Gastrointestinal Complaints
(Galenos Publishing House, 2023) Ekici, A.; Günay, C.; Şahin, M.; Aydemir, S.; Yılmaz, H.
Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients admitted to University of Health Sciences Türkiye (UHS) Van Training and Research Hospital. Methods: A total of 300 patients between the ages of 18-90 who applied to UHS Van Training and Research Hospital with gastrointestinal complaints and were referred to the parasitology laboratory between September 2021 and December 2021, and 100 patients without any chronic disease and gastrointestinal complaints in the control group were included in the study. Stool samples taken from patients included in the study and individuals in the control group were analyzed by native-lugol and modified acid-fast staining methods. Results: In the study, intestinal parasites were detected in 41 (13.3%) of 300 patients in the patient group and in seven (7%) of 100 individuals in the control group. The highest rate of Blastocystis species (Blastocystis spp.) (5.7%) was found in the patient group. Entamoeba coli 3%, G. intestinalis 2.7% and Cryptosporidium species (Cryptosporidium spp). 2.3% were found among the other species detected. In addition, a statistically significant correlation was found between the incidence of parasites and abdominal pain (p=0.022) and nausea (p=0.029). Conclusion: As a result; it was concluded that intestinal parasites are still an important health problem in patients with gastrointestinal complaints and intestinal parasites should definitely be considered in this patient group. © Telif hakkı 2023.