Browsing by Author "Cikman, Aytekin"

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Absence of the Mecc Gene in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Isolated From Various Clinical Samples: the First Multi-Centered Study in Turkey
(Elsevier Science London, 2019) Cikman, Aytekin; Aydin, Merve; Gulhan, Baris; Karakecili, Faruk; Kurtoglu, Muhammet G.; Yuksekkaya, Serife; Ozekinci, Tuncer
Background: mecA is a predefined gene causing methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolates; however, it has been shown that some methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains do not carry this gene. Recently, in isolates found to be MRSA-positive but mecA-negative, a new resistance gene called mecC, which is a homolog of mecA, has been reported. This study aimed to investigate the mecC and mecA genes in MRSA strains isolated from different geographic regions in Turkey. Methods: The sample of the study consisted of 494 MRSA strains isolated from seven geographical regions in Turkey between 2013 and 2016. The strains were obtained from 17 centers, comprising 13 university hospitals, three education and research hospitals, and one state hospital. Methicillin resistance in S. aureus strains was determined using the agar disk diffusion method with a cefoxitin disk and the agar dilution method with oxacillin. The mecC and mecA genes in MRSA strains was investigated by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Results: Of the MRSA strains investigated, 47.9% were isolated from intensive care units. Concerning sample type, 36.7% were detected in the respiratory tract (tracheal aspirate, sputum, etc.), 24.8% in blood, 18.7% in skin and soft tissues, 9.3% in nasal swabs, 5.4% in urine, 4.1% in ears, and 1% in sterile body fluid. Using PCR, mecC was not identified in any of the S. aureus strains isolated from different clinical microbiology laboratories. mecA gene positivity was found in 315 of the MRSA strains (63.8%). Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec ( SCCmec) type was identified in 232 strains (46.9%), of which 136 (58.7%) were type II, 75 (32.4%) were type IV, 12 (5.1%) were type Mb, six (2.5%) were type I, and three (1.3%) were type III. Conclusion: This is the first multi-centered study to investigate MRSA strains isolated from different regions in Turkey. The mecC gene was not detected in any of the MRSA strains. We believe that this study will constitute an important basis for monitoring possible future changes. (C) 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Limited on behalf of King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences.
Antibiotics Resistance of Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia Strains Isolated From Various Clinical Specimens
(Makerere Univ, Coll Health Sciences,sch Med, 2016) Cikman, Aytekin; Parlak, Mehmet; Bayram, Yasemin; Guducuoglu, Huseyin; Berktas, Mustafa
Background: A limited number of antibiotics are recommended for the therapy of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections due to therapy difficulties caused by its numerous mechanisms of resistance. Objectives: In this study conducted over a period of approximately 5 years we aimed to determine resistance rates of S. maltophilia based on drug classification recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Methods: A total of 118 S. maltophilia strains isolated from various clinical specimens between January 2006 and June 2012 were included in the study. BD Phoenixautomated microbiology system (Becton Dickinson, USA) was utilized for species level identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Results: Sixty seven of S. maltophilia strains were isolated from tracheal aspirate isolates, 17 from blood, 10 from sputum, 10 from wound and 14 from other clinical specimens. Levofloxacin was found to be the most effective antibiotic against S. maltophilia strains with resistance rate of 7.6%. The resistance rates to other antibiotics were as follows: chloramphenicol 18.2%, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 20.3% and ceftazidime 72%. Conclusion: The study revealed that S. maltophilia is resistant to many antibiotics. The treatment of infections caused by S. maltophilia should be preferred primarily as levofloxacin, chloramphenicol, and TMP-SXT, respectively.
Assessment of Directigen™ Ez Flu a Plus B Rapid Antigen Diagnostic Test for Pandemic Influenza a (H1n1)
(Ortadogu Ad Pres & Publ Co, 2011) Berktas, Mustafa; Cikman, Aytekin; Yaman, Gorkem; Guducuoglu, Huseyin
Objective: Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) cases that has begun to be seen in Southern hemisphere at the beginning of summer 2009 is gradually increasing also in Northern hemisphere nowadays, at the beginning of winter. A few diagnostic tests have been developed for diagnosis of this viral disease that is difficultly detected due to its novel antigenic structure. Although sensitivity and specifity of these molecular tests are high, they may not commonly be used as they are expensive. Rapid tests that have been developed alternatively to these tests are criticized because of their low sensitivity although they are cheap. In this study, effectiveness of Directigen EZ Flu A+B test, one of the rapid tests, was investigated for diagnosis of pandemic influenza A (H1N1). Material and Methods: In the study, nasopharyngeal and pharyngeal smears concurrently obtained from 52 patients who were admitted to our hospital with suspicion of pandemic influenza were examined using Infl/H1 LC/RG Real Time-PCR test (Kit, Qiagen, Rotor-gene Q Japan) together with rapid Directigen EZ Flu A+B antigen test (Becton Dickinson, USA). Results: Positivity was detected with Directigen TM EZ Flu A+B in 17 (33%) out of 52 patients included in the study and in 35 (67%) with RT-PCR. Influenza A was detected to be positive with rapid diagnostic test in 17 (49%) of 35 patients in whom H1N1 was detected to be positive with PCR and rapid test results were negative for all patients whose results were negative with PCR. Sensitivity of Directigen TM EZ Flu A+B test for H1N1 was found as 49% and specifity was found as 100%. Conclusion: According to these results, we may conclude that Directigen TM EZ Flu A+B may be used as a screening and prediagnosis test for diagnosis of pandemic influenza A (H1N1). Although positive results are diagnostic, negative results should be confirmed with molecular microbiologic methods.
Evaluation of Colistin-ampicillin/Sulbactam Combination Efficacy in Imipenem-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii Strains
(Ankara Microbiology Soc, 2013) Cikman, Aytekin; Ceylan, Mehmet Resat; Parlak, Mehmet; Karahocagil, Mustafa Kasim; Berktas, Mustafa
The increasing emergence of multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains as nosocomial pathogens lead to the use of antimicrobial combinations in the treatment of infections due to these bacteria. The aim of this study was to determine the MIC values of colistin and ampicillin/sulbactam and their in vitro synergistic activities by E-test in order to evaluate the effect of this combination against imipenem-resistant A.baumannii isolates. A total of 33 A.baumannii strains isolated from clinical specimens as etiologic agents of nosocomial infections and identified as imipenem-resistant were included in the study. Identification of the isolates was performed by conventional methods and their imipenem resistance was detected with BD Phoenix automated system (Becton Dickinson, USA). MIC values and in vitro synergistic activity of colistin and ampicillin/sulbactam combination were analyzed by E-test (AB Biodisk, Sweden) on Mueller-Hinton agar medium. Synergistic, additive, indifferent and antagonist effects of A.baumannii strains were evaluated by fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index. The combination was considered to be synergistic when the FIC index was <= 0.5, additive when it was 1- > 0.5 and antagonistic when >= 2. Of the 33 strains included in the study, 21 were resistant to colistin; 30 were resistant and 3 were moderately susceptible to ampicillin/sulbactam. MIC50 and MIC90 values and MIC range of A.baumannfi strains for colistin were 8, 32 and 0.13-128 mu g/ml; for ampicillin/sulbactam those values were 48, 256 and 12-256 mu g/ml, respectively. According to the FIC indices, 15 strains showed synergistic, four additive, five indifferent and nine antagonistic activity to colistin and ampicillin/sulbactam combination. Among the 12 colistin-susceptible strains, nine showed antagonistic, two indifferent and one synergistic activity to the tested combination while among the 21 colistin-resistant strains 14 showed synergistic, four additive and three indifferent activity. As a result, the combination of colistin with ampicillin/sulbactam, demonstrated high synergistic activity in vitro. While the synergistic effect of this combination was more significant in colistin-resistant strains, antagonistic effect of colistin-susceptible strains was found to be notable. Therefore, colistin resistance should be primarily determined before using colistin and ampicillin/sulbactam combination in A.baumannfi infections since this combination seemed to be more effective in case of colistin resistance. However, these data should be supported by further advanced clinical studies.
Evaluation of Pandemic Influenza a (H1n1) Cases in Van Region
(Nobel Ilac, 2014) Cikman, Aytekin; Berktas, Mustafa; Parlak, Mehmet; Bayram, Yasemin; Yaman, Gorkem
Objective: Influenza viruses have retained their importance throughout history by creating pandemics since the segmental structure of the RNA undergo frequent genetic changes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) cases detected our region. Material and Method: Totally 570 patients were registered with pre-diagnosis of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) infection in five different hospitals located in Van region between 15 October 2009 - 15 January 2010. After nasopharyngeal/throat swab samples were taken from patients, they were sent to Refik Saydam Hygiene Center (RSHC) in accordance with the rules of biosafety, and specimens were investigated for Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) 2009 by using Real-Time PCR method. Results: Pandemic Influenza A (HI NI) was determined by RSHC as positive for 220 patients. 36 of these patients were in intensive care conditions, 85 were hospitalized and 16 passed away. 109 patients, who were diagnosed with Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1), were within range of 6-25 years. All patients in this age range were treated and discharged. The most common symptoms of patients who were hospitalized were defined as cough and fever In these patients, the most common risk factors were as follows; being <5 years, having the cardiovascular disease, using immunosuppressive drugs and having lung disease. Conclusion: Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infections are more frequent in young adults and patients without risk factor, unlike seasonal flu. When examining its effect on the society, Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 constitutes a good opportunity in terms of preparation of inevitable struggling with pandemics in the future.
Identification and Determination of Antibiotic Susceptibilities of Brucella Strains Isolated From Patients in Van, Turkey by Conventional and Molecular Methods
(Ivyspring int Publ, 2013) Parlak, Mehmet; Guducuoglu, Huseyin; Bayram, Yasemin; Cikman, Aytekin; Aypak, Cenk; Kilic, Selcuk; Berktas, Mustafa
Purpose: Brucellosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease and still constitutes a major public health problem. In this study, we aimed to identify biovars of Brucella strains isolated from clinical specimens taken from brucellosis patients from the Eastern Anatolia region as well determine the susceptibility of these isolates to tigecycline and azithromycin, drugs that may serve as alternatives to the conventional drugs used in the therapy. Materials and methods: Seventy-five Brucella spp. isolates were included in the study. All strains were identified by both conventional and molecular methods. Brucella Multiplex PCR kit (FC-Biotech, Code: 0301, Turkey) and B. melitensis biovar typing PCR kit (FC-Biotech, Code: 0302, Turkey) were used for molecular typing. Antimicrobial susceptibilities of all strains were determined by E-tests. Results: By conventional biotyping, 73 strains were identified as B. melitensis biovar 3 and two strains as B. abortus biovar 3. Molecular typing results were compatible with conventional methods. The MIC50 and MIC90 values of doxycycline were 0.047 and 0.094; tigecycline 0.094 and 0.125; trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole 0.064 and 0.19; ciprofloxacin 0.19 for both; streptomycin 0.75 and 1; rifampin 1 and 2 and azithromycin 4 and 8. According to the MIC values, doxycycline was found to be the most effective antibiotic, followed by tigecycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin. Conclusion: Currently recommended antibiotics for the treatment of brucellosis such as doxycycline, rifampin, streptomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin were found to be still effective. While our results showed that tigecycline can be used an alternative agent in the treatment of brucellosis, azithromycin has not been confirmed as an appropriate agent for the treatment.
In Vitro Activity of Colistin in Combination With Tigecycline Against Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii Strains Isolated From Patients With Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
(Ivyspring int Publ, 2015) Cikman, Aytekin; Gulhan, Baris; Aydin, Merve; Ceylan, Mehmet Resat; Parlak, Mehmet; Karakecili, Faruk; Karagoz, Alper
Objective: This study investigated the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values and in vitro activity of colistin in combination with tigecycline against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strains isolated from patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) using the E-test method. Methods: A total of 40 A. baumannii strains, identified using the Phoenix Automated Microbiology System (Becton, Dickinson and Co., Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA) by conventional methods, were included in this study. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was performed to examine the clonal relationships between isolates. The carbapenem resistance of the strains to colistin and tigecycline was assessed using the E-test method (Liofilchem, Roseto Degli Abruzzi, Italy). The in vitro activity of colistin in combination with tigecycline was evaluated using the fractional inhibitor concentration (FIC) index. Results: While only 1 of 40 A. baumannii strains was determined to be colistin resistant, 6 were tigecycline resistant. The MIC50, MIC90, and MIC intervals of the A. baumannii strains were 0.19, 1.5, and 0.064-4 mu g/ml for colistin and 1, 8, and 0.094-256 mu g/ml for tigecycline, respectively. No synergistic effect was observed using the FIC index; 8 strains exhibited an indifferent effect and 32 exhibited an antagonist effect. Three of the six strains that were resistant to tigecycline were indifferent; the remaining three were antagonistic. The colistin-resistant strain also exhibited an antagonist effect. Conclusion: In contrast to their synergistic effect against carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii isolates, colistin and tigecycline were highly antagonistic to carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii strains isolated from patients with VAP when the drugs were administered together. Therefore, alternative treatment options should be used during the treatment of VAP attributed to A. baumannii.
Investigation of Antibiotic Resistance Patterns and Reduced Vancomycin Susceptibilities of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Isolates: a Multi-Center Study
(Ankara Microbiology Soc, 2015) Cikman, Aytekin; Aydin, Merve; Gulhan, Baris; Parlak, Mehmet; Gultepe, Bilge; Kalayci, Yildiz; Ozekinci, Tuncer
The aims of this study were to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of vancomycin, teicoplanin, daptomycin, quinupristin/dalfopristin, linezolid, tigecycline, chloramphenicol, rifampicin, ofloxacin and tetracycline and to investigate the reduced vancomycin susceptibility among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated in hospitals located in different geographical regions of Turkey. A total of 100 MRSA strains isolated from patients (of which 50% were from intensive care units) hospitalized in seven centers in Turkey [Istanbul (n= 15), Ankara (n= 15), Izmir (n= 15), Adana (n= 15), Diyarbakir (n=15), Erzincan (n= 15), Van (n= 10)], between August 201 3 August 2014, were included in the study. Fourty-three strains were isolated from blood, whereas 21 were from lower respiratory tract, 17 from wounds, eight from catheters, six from urine, four from nasal swab and one from cerebrospinal fluid samples. Methicillin resistance of the isolates was determined by using cefoxitin (30 mu g) disk with standard disk diffusion method, while the MIC values of other antibiotics were determined with E-test in accordance with the recommendations of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). MIC results obtained for quinupristin-dalfopristin (Q/D) were evaluated according to the CLSI criteria used for methicillin-susceptible S.aureus and for tigecycline according to the criteria recommended by the Food and Drug Administration for MRSA. Primarily, agar screening method (ASM) was used for determination of vancomycin-intermediate S.aureus (VISA) and heterogeneous VISA (hVISA) strains. Brain heart infusion agar containing 6 mu g/ml vanconnycin was used in ASM, and the strains with suspicion of VISA/hVISA were screened by standard E-test and macro E-test methods. All MRSA strains were susceptible to vancomycin, teicoplanin, daptomycin, Q/D and linezolid by E-test method; and their rates of susceptibility for tigecycline, chloramphenicol, rifampicin, ofloxacin and tetracycline were detected as 89%, 97%, 40%, 39% and 32%, respectively. MIC50/MIC90 values were 1.5/2 mu g/ml for vancomycin, 2/4 mu g/ml for teicoplanin, 0.19/0.38 mu g/ml for daptomycin, 0.19/0.38 mu g/ml for Q/D, 0.75/1 mu g/ml for linezolid, 0.19/0.75 mu g/ml for tigecycline, 3/6 mu g/ml for chloramphenicol, 32/32 mu g/ml for rifampicin, 32/32 mu g/ml for ofloxacin and 32/64 mu g/ml for tetracycline, respectively. For the evaluation of reduced vancomycin susceptibility, 2% (2/100) of MRSA strains were defined as VISA and 5% (5/100) as hVISA with ASM. One of those seven isolates identified as VISA/hVISA with ASM was evaluated as suspected hVISA by using both standard E-test and macro E-test methods. In conclusion, no MRSA resistant strain to vancomycin, teicoplanin, daptomycin, Q/D and linezolid was determined in our study. However tigecycline resistance (11%) was found higher than expected. As the glycopeptide resistance is increasing in the world and because of the intense use of these drugs in Turkey, the rates of vancomycin resistance among MRSA strains should be investigated periodically.
Prevalence of Hdv-Rna in Hbv-Dna Positive Patients
(Galenos Yayincilik, 2012) Berktas, Mustafa; Parlak, Mehmet; Cikman, Aytekin; Yuce, Metin; Yaman, Gorkem
Objective: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) requires Hepatitis B virus(HBV) for replication and may cause to severe acute and chronic hepatitis. HDV is more frequently detected in our region In this study, HDV-RNA frequency was investigated in HBVDNA-positive acute hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis B and HBsAg carriers. Materials and Methods: Results of 145 serum samples were examined for HDVRNA that was detected as HBV-DNA positive in our laboratory from September 2009 to June 2010. After isolation in serum samples using magnetic particle isolation technology (Easy One), the HBV-DNA (HBV Rotor Gene PCR Kit, Qiagen((R)), Hilden) and HDV-RNA (Primer Design, UK) were examined. Results: From a total of 145 patients with HBV-DNA positive serum samples, HDVRNA positivity was found in 15 (10.3%). Conclusion: Ratio that was obtained as 10.3% in this study is compatible with the data obtained from previously studies. Considering the presence of HBV DNA negative, delta IgG positive and HDV RNA negative cases with chronic Hepatitis D, it should be addressed that the given rate would further rise. Routine HDV screening in patients presenting with findings of acute or chronic liver diseases, implementation of appropriate isolation precautions for HBV and community-wide vaccination against HBV are crucial to combat with HDV infection.
Sensitization To Food and Inhalant Allergens in Healthy Children in Van, East Turkey
(Tubitak Scientific & Technological Research Council Turkey, 2016) Parlak, Mehmet; Cikman, Aytekin; Bayram, Yasemin; Ceylan, Nesrin; Calisir, Ulas; Berktas, Mustafa
Background/aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the most frequent food and inhalant allergens leading to allergic sensitization in children in Van Province of Turkey. Materials and methods: The study included 1052 serum samples with no diagnosis of allergy. The sera were tested with the Euroline Pediatric IgE test kit (EUROIMMUN, Germany). By using the EUROLineScan digital evaluation system, the intensity of bands was calculated with enzyme allergosorbent test classification. Results: Out of the 1052 tested sera, 143 were found to be cross-reactive carbohydrate determinant-positive and were discarded from the study. Of the remaining 909 sera, 513 (56%) were from males and 296 (44%) were from females. Among the food allergens, specific IgE was most frequently found against codfish, potato, cow's milk, egg yolk, egg white, and rice, and among the inhalant allergens against cats, dogs, grass mix, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and Aspergillus fumigatus, respectively. Conclusion: The finding of codfish being the most frequent allergen was related to the high consumption of trout in the region and endemicity of pearl mullet in Lake Van. The results obtained could contribute to determining the etiology of allergic diseases. Additionally, regular analysis of changes in allergen sensitization is important for prevention of allergic disease.
Seropositivity of Borrelia Burgdorferi in Risky Groups in Van Region, Turkey
(Ankara Microbiology Soc, 2015) Parlak, Mehmet; Bayram, Yasemin; Cikman, Aytekin; Ceylan, Nesrin; Berktas, Mustafa
Lyme borreliosis, which is more prevalent in the northern hemisphere, is the most common tickborne contagious disease among people living in the North America and Europe. The causative agent of Lyme borreliosis, Borrelia burgdorfed, is transmitted by the bites of ticks of the genus lxodes. In Turkey, the seroprevalence of Lyme disease is increased in regions where ticks and tick-bite cases are prevalent. The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Lyme borreliosis in people at risk, living in the rural areas of Van province, which is located in the eastern region of Turkey. No previous study on this topic has been performed in our province. The study included a total of 446 subjects (mean age: 39.6 15.5 years), of them 139 were male and 307 were female, living in the rural areas of Van province between January 2012 and July 2012. The serum samples collected from participants after informed consent were screened for the presence of B.burgdorferi IgG antibodies by ELISA method. Western blot (WB) method was used for the confirmation of positive or borderline positive samples, and also for the investigation of IgM antibodies. During the study, the individuals from whom samples were taken, were questioned whether they have ever been exposed to tick or insect bite. B.burgdorferi IgG positivity was detected in 17 (3.8%) of the cases, whereas it was within the limit values in 14 cases. A total of 31 samples which yielded positive and borderline positive results were retested by WB and 4 (12.9%) were detected as positive while 10 (32.3%) of the samples were indeterminate. B.burgdorfed IgM antibody positivity was not detected in any of the samples. Considering the WB as reference method, the rate of B.burgdorferi IgG seropositivity was estimated as 0.9% (4/446). Three of these four cases were defined as tick or insect bites. The seroprevalence rate of B.burgdorferi detected in the present study was low as compared to the results of the other studies reported from Turkey. The reason of this result might be from the geographical characteristics and the differences of tick fauna in our region. As a result, it was concluded that our province is not endemic for Lyme borreliosis, however for the reduction of tick exposure, emphasis must be placed on preventive health services for the individuals at risk.
The Seroprevalence of Coxiella Burnetii in Erzincan, Turkey: Identification of the Risk Factors and Their Relationship With Geographical Features
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2017) Cikman, Aytekin; Aydin, Merve; Gulhan, Baris; Karakecili, Faruk; Ozcicek, Adalet; Kesik, Ozan Arif; Gultepe, Bilge
Background & objectives: Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) bacterium, the causative agent of Q fever has regained importance due to the increasing cases of infections and outbreaks. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in human populations of Erzincan province located in the eastern Turkey, identify the risk factors, and to explore the relationship between geographical features. Methods: A total of 368 people residing in the rural (306) and urban (62) areas of the province were included in the study. Serum samples were analyzed for the presence of C. burnetii phase II IgG antibody using ELISA (Virion/Serion, Wurzburg, Germany). Spatial analyses were performed to evaluate correlations between seroprevalence and geographical features. Results: The overall seroprevalence of C. burnetii was found to be 8.7% (32/368). In rural residents it was 8.5% (26/306), while in urban population it was 9.7% (6/62). Cattle breeding and contact with animal afterbirth waste were found to be major risk factors, and were significantly correlated with seropositive cases (p < 0.05). The seropositive cases were only observed in the areas between 1067 and 1923 masl. Of the total seropositive cases, 65.6% were within 1000 m and 87.5% within 4000 m of rivers and their main tributaries. Around 59.4% cases were observed in areas with a slope of 0 to 5 degrees. Interpretation & conclusion: The results of the study showed that C. burnetii seroprevalence was higher than expected, and significantly differs according to geographical features of a region. Significant risk factors include raising cattle and exposure to infected animals or their birth products/secretions. It is also more frequent in areas with higher number of rivers and streams, higher altitude and lower slope.
Seroprevalence of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever in Turkey's Van Province
(Natl inst infectious Diseases, 2017) Bayram, Yasemin; Parlak, Mehmet; Ozkacmaz, Ayse; Cikman, Aytekin; Guducuoglu, Huseyin; Kilic, Selcuk; Andac, Cenk A.
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an endemic tick-borne viral disease that affects both animals and humans. This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of CCHF in Turkey's Van province using analysis of blood samples obtained from people living in the region. Blood specimens were taken from healthy subjects living in Van province and some of the surrounding villages between January and July 2012. Blood samples were initially tested using a CCHF virus (CCHFV) IgM IgG kit for anti-CCHFV IgG, followed by anti-CCHFV IgM determination of any IgG positive blood samples. IgM-positive specimens were re-confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). One hundred and 7 men and 261 women were included in the study. Fifty-three blood specimens (14.4%) were anti-CCHFV IgG positive, and 2 of these were anti-CCHFV IgM positive. Two blood samples with anti-CCHFV IgM seropositivity tested negative using qPCR, indicating chronic infections. Locality, sex, and a history of tick bites did not significantly affect anti-CCHFV IgG seropositivity. Although the incidence of anti-CCHFV IgG in blood specimens was 14.4%, no deaths have yet been reported in Turkey's Van province. It is imperative that clinical CCHFV tests be implemented for people at high risk of developing CCHFV-related complications.
Serum Myeloperoxidase Activity and Oxidative Stress in Patients With Acute Brucellosis
(Pergamon-elsevier Science Ltd, 2012) Karahocagil, Mustafa Kasim; Aslan, Mehmet; Ceylan, Mehmet Resat; Cikman, Aytekin; Sunnetcioglu, Mahmut; Kucukoglu, Mehmet Emin; Taskin, Abdullah
Objectives: The role of infection in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has been increasingly discussed. Previous studies have suggested that increased myeloperoxidase activity plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum myeloperoxidase activity and catalase activity along with lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels in patients with acute brucellosis. Design and methods: Thirty-two patients with brucellosis and 33 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum myeloperoxidase activity, catalase activity and LOOH levels were determined. Results: Serum myeloperoxidase activity and LOOH levels were significantly higher in patients with brucellosis than controls (p<0.05, p<0.001), while catalase activity were significantly lower (p<0.001). LOOH levels were found to be significantly positively correlated with MPO activity (r = 0.297, p = 0.016) in patients. Conclusions: These results indicate that increased myeloperoxidase activity and decreased catalase activity is associated with increased oxidative stress, which may have a role in atherosclerotic processes in brucellosis patients. (C) 2012 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Serum Paraoxonase Activity, Total Thiols Levels, and Oxidative Status in Patients With Acute Brucellosis
(Springer Wien, 2015) Esen, Ramazan; Aslan, Mehmet; Kucukoglu, Mehmet Emin; Cikman, Aytekin; Yakan, Umit; Sunnetcioglu, Mahmut; Selek, Sahbettin
It is well known that paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity may decrease during the course of infection and inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate serum PON1 activity, oxidative status, and thiols levels in patients with acute brucellosis. In addition, we investigated the PON1 phenotype in patients with acute brucellosis. Thirty patients with acute brucellosis and 35 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities, thiols levels, lipid hydroperoxide levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were determined. Serum basal and salt-stimulated paraoxonase-arylesterase activities, TAC levels and thiols levels were significantly lower in patients with acute brucellosis than controls (for all, p < 0.05), while LOOH levels, TOS levels, and OSI values were significantly higher (for all, p < 0.05). We concluded that oxidative stress is increased, while serum PON1 activity is decreased in patients with acute brucellosis. These results indicate that lower PON1 activity is associated with oxidant-antioxidant imbalance.