Browsing by Author "Yilmaz, Hasan"

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Association of Demodicosis With Acne Rosacea
(Professional Medical Publications, 2010) Cengiz, Tas Z.; Yilmaz, Hasan; Akdeniz, Necmettin; Cicek, Mutalip; Ozkol, Halil; Calka, Oemer
Objectives: Demodex spp of humans are encountered frequently all over the world. The role of these parasites is controversial in the causation of skin diseases. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and the association of Demodex spp with acne rosacea. Methodology: The study was conducted between the years of 2005-2008 in the output clinic of Dermatology and Parasitology Laboratory of Health Research and Training Hospital of Yuzuncu Yil University. One hundred two patients (patient group) composing of 59 females and 43 males with acne rosacea and randomly selected 50 healthy subjects (control group) were examined for Demodex spp. Twenty seven patients were under the age of 35, and 75 patients were aging 35 years old and over. Samples were plucked out from surface of nose and forehead of patients with acne rosacea and healthy subjects by standardized surface skin biopsy (SSSB) method in the Laboratory. The preparations prepared in Hoyer solution were examined under 4X and 10X objectives of light microscope. Results: The detected parasites were higher in the patient group with acne rosacea (67.65%) than the control group (6%), in females (76.27%) than males (55.81%) and in patients aging 35 years old and over (74.67%) than the patients under 35 years of age (48.15%). Significant relationships were detected between acne rosacea and demodicosis, sex and demodicosis, and age and demodicosis (p<0.001, p<0.05 and p<0.05, respectively). Conclusion: It was concluded that there is a relationship between the demodicosis and acne rosacea, and dermatologists should take into consideration the Demodex spp. in the etiology of acne rosacea.
Clinical Significance and Prevalence of Blastocystis Hominis in Van, Turkey
(Saudi Med J, 2015) Beyhan, Yunus E.; Yilmaz, Hasan; Cengiz, Zeynep T.; Ekici, Abdurrahman
Objectives: To determine the associated clinical symptoms and prevalence of Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis). Methods: Stool samples of 50,185 patients (26,784 males and 23,401 females) who were received at the Parasitology Laboratory of Yuzuncu Yil University Faculty of Medicine, Van, Turkey in the last 5 years were inspected microscopically using saline and iodine-stained wet-mount preparations. Age, gender, and symptoms of patients were recorded and their significance was evaluated. Results: The prevalence of B. hominis in the total sample was 0.54% (275/50185). Out of 275 infected patients, 143 (52%) were males, and 132 (48%) were female (chi(2)=0.884; p=0.348). The distribution of B. hominis infection was high in 7-13 aged children (34.9%) (chi(2)=306.8; p=0.001). Blastocystis was higher among symptomatic patients (70.2%) compared with asymptomatic patients (29.8%) (chi(2)=107.13; p=0.001). The most frequent clinical symptoms associated with the disease were abdominal pain (27.3%) and diarrhea (19.6%) followed by anorexia, fever, saliva, anal itching, and nausea. Conclusion: Blastocystis hominis is considered a causative agent of human disease in patients with recurrent symptoms. Due to the significant risk for zoonotic transmission, molecular techniques must be used to determine the route and source of infection.
The Effect of Nigella Sativa Oil Against Aspiculuris Tetraptera and Hymenolepis Nana in Naturally Infected Mice
(Saudi Med J, 2007) Ayaz, Erol; Yilmaz, Hasan; Ozbek, Hanefi; Tas, Zeynep; Orunc, Ozlem
Objectives: To investigate the antiparasitic effect of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on Aspiculuris tetraptera (A. tetraptera) and Hymenolepis nana (H.nana) in mice in January 2005. Methods: Mice were obtained from the animal house facility of the Faculty of Medicine, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey. The natural infections were determined by the cellophane tape method and the centrifugal flotation method of stool samples. The infected mice with A. tetraptera and H. nana were divided into 4 groups; 2 treatment and 2 control groups. Nigella sativa oil was given at the dose of 250 mu l/kg body weight orally for 2 consecutive days in the 2 treatment groups. All the mice were sacrificed on the seventh day after the last treatment. Gastrointestinal tract of the sacrificed animals was opened and washed with a serum physiologic. The contents were examined under a stereo microscope for counting and identifying of the parasites. The treatment and the control groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U-Test. Results: Nigella sativa oil reduced both A. tetraptera and its eggs. The difference was significant between Group 1 and Group 3 (p < 0.05). Nigella sativa oil reduced H.nana eggs starting from second day of the treatment until necropsy day during 5 days, but it was not significant between Group 2 and Group 4 (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Antiparasitic effect of NSO is related to its stimulating immune system.
Effects of Acetic Acid on the Viability of Ascaris Lumbricoides Eggs Is Vinegar Reliable Enough To Clean the Vegetables
(Saudi Med J, 2016) Beyhan, Yunus E.; Yilmaz, Hasan; Hokelek, Murat
Objectives: To investigate the effects of acetic acid on durable Ascaris lumbricoides (A. lumbricoides) eggs to determine the effective concentration of vinegar and the implementation period to render the consumption of raw vegetables more reliable. Methods: This experimental study was performed in May 2015 in the Parasitology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey. The A. lumbricoides eggs were divided into 2 groups. Eggs in the study group were treated with 1, 3, 5, and 10% acetic acid concentrations, and eggs in the control group were treated with Eosin. The eggs' viability was observed at the following points in time during the experiment: 0, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. Results: The 1% acetic acid was determined insufficient on the viability of Ascaris eggs. At the 30th minute, 3% acetic acid demonstrated 95% effectiveness, and at 5% concentration, all eggs lost their viability. Treatment of acetic acid at the ratio of 4.8% in 30 minutes, or a ratio of 4.3% in 60 minutes is required for full success of tretment. Conclusion: Since Ascaris eggs have 3 layers and are very resistant, the acetic acid concentration, which can be effective on these eggs are thought to be effective also on many other parasitic agents. In order to attain an active protection, after washing the vegetables, direct treatment with a vinegar containing 5% acetic acid for 30 minutes is essential.
Evaluation of Nested Pcr for Diagnosis of Cyclospora Cayetanensis in a Sample of Immunosuppressed and Diarrheic Patients in Turkey
(Ain Shams Univ, 2021) Ekici, Abdurrahman; Unlu, Ahmet H.; Yilmaz, Hasan; Cengiz, Zeynep T. A. S.; Beyhan, Yunus E.
Background: Cyclospora cayetanensis is a food-borne coccidian parasite that causes cyclosporiasis in humans and possibly in other animals. It presents with watery diarrhea and other related symptoms. Since detection of oocysts may be difficult with histological stains, a negative result should not exclude the possibility of C. cayetanensis. PCR methods can achieve more sensitive detection of the parasite. Objective: The presence of C. cayetanensis was investigated in an immunosuppressed patient group, diarrhea patient group, and in both immunosuppressed and diarrhea patient group using the modified acid-fast staining and nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) methods. Subjects and Methods: Included in the study were 80 patients with immune suppression, 50 patients with diarrhea, and 70 patients with both immune suppression and diarrhea. The clinical findings of these patients were recorded, stool samples were collected and examined using both the modified acid-fast (AF) staining and nPCR methods. Results: The overall detection rate of C. cayetanensis was 8% and 12% using the modified AF and nPCR, respectively. C. cayetanensis was detected in 5% of immunosuppressed patients, 12%, in patients with diarrhea and 20% in patients with both immune suppression and diarrhea. Statistically significant relationships were identified between the frequency of C. cayetanensis and abdominal pain (P<0.01), nausea (P<0.01), fatigue (P<0.01), diarrhea (P<0.05), and weight loss (P<0.01). Conclusion: nPCR gave a higher rate of cyclosporiasis, and it is more appropriate especially in cases with recurrent prolonged symptoms.
Evaluation of Seroprevalence and Clinical and Laboratory Findings of Patients Admitted To Health Institutions in Gumushane With Suspicion of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
(Tubitak Scientific & Technological Research Council Turkey, 2021) Gurbuz, Esra; EkIcI, Abdurrahman; Unlu, Ahmet Hakan; Yilmaz, Hasan
Background/aim: To determine the seroprevalence and evaluate clinical findings and laboratory results of patients prediagnosed with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Gumushane. Materials and methods: Included in the cross-sectional study were 362 patients (162 female, 200 male) between 0 and 94 years of age, who were followed up after receiving a preliminary diagnosis of CCHF between January 2011 and December 2019. Anamnesis, age, sex, clinical findings, laboratory results, epidemiological and clinical evaluations, severity criteria, risk factor reviews, and a comparison of the suspected negative cases with positive cases were analyzed retrospectively. Patients included in the study were evaluated as RNA positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or IgM-positive by ELISA. Results: Of the 362 patients admitted to health institutions with a preliminary diagnosis of CCHF, 242 were diagnosed as CCHFpositive (66.9%). Moreover, 196 of those CCHF-positive patients (81%) were admitted to health institutions during the summer months. Statistical analyses revealed a significant relationship between the incidence of CCHF and patients who had been in contact with animals, lived in rural areas, and had engaged in farming and animal husbandry. In addition, fever, headache, diffuse bodily pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, fever of 38 degrees C or higher, tachycardia, elevated ALT/AST, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia were detected in the CCHF-positive patients. Significant relations were found between this disease and these symptoms. However, there was no significant relationship between the statistical evaluation of the disease and bloody diarrhea, bodily bruises, rash, unconsciousness, gingival bleeding, hypotension, epistaxis, petechiae, splenomegaly, ecchymosis, hematuria, maculopapular rash, gastrointestinal system complaints, anemia, or elevation of the international normalized ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time duration, separately. Conclusion: Of the 362 patients, 66.9% (242) of those who received a preliminary diagnosis of CCHF were indeed CCHF-positive in Gumushane. It was concluded that CCHF remains an important endemic disease in Gumushane. In addition, elevated ALT/AST, CK, and LDH levels, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia in patients presenting with headache, fever, fever of 38 degrees C or higher, generalized body pain, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and tachycardia will play a pivotal role in the preliminary diagnosis of CCHF.
Evaluation of Some Chronical Diseases in Etiopathogenesis of Demodicosis
(Elsevier Taiwan, 2017) Cengiz, Zeynep Tas; Ozkol, Hatice Uce; Beyhan, Yunus Emre; Ozturk, Murat; Yilmaz, Hasan
Background: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of chronic diseases on the etiopathogenesis of demodicosis through the determination of Demodex sp. positivity in the face and eyelashes of the people with the chronic disease. Methods: This study is conducted on the patients who were referred to the Laboratory of Parasitology from the Yuzuncu Yil University, Faculty of Medicine, Outpatient Clinic of Dermatology. The samples were taken from the patients with standard skin surface biopsy. Furthermore, eyelashes of the patients were examined for Demodex sp. Result: When the patient groups are considered, demodicosis was found in the ratio of 18.5% of the patients with diabetes mellitus (p < 0.05), in 27% of those with hypertension (p < 0.01), in 25% of those with cancer (p < 0.01), in 32.5% of those with chronic renal failure (p < 0.01), in 23.7% of those with hypothyroidism (p < 0.05) and in 22.2% of the patients with hepatitis B (p < 0.05). Demodex sp. positivity was determined in the eyelashes of eight patients (p > 0.05). Conclusion: It is concluded that, in such patients the presence of this parasite should be taken into consideration in case of dermatoses occurring on the face, and these patients could be under the risk of occurring blepharitis as well. Copyright (C) 2017, Taiwanese Dermatological Association. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between Histopathological Findings in Appendectomy Specimens and Enterobius Vermicularis Infection
(Erciyes Univ Sch Medicine, 2023) Aydemir, Selahattin; Gumus, Meryem; Inceman, Merve; Cengiz, Zeynep Tas; Bayir, Mehmet Hafit; Yilmaz, Hasan
Objective: This study aimed to assess the relationship between Enterobius vermicularis and appendicitis by determining the frequency of E. vermicularis in appendectomy specimens obtained after a preliminary diagnosis of appendicitis. Materials and Methods: Retrospective evaluation was conducted on the results of appendectomy specimens examined histopathologically at Van Training and Research Hospital Pathology Laboratory from March 2016 to March 2022. Hematoxylin-eosin stained slides from 7,814 appendectomy specimens were scrutinized for the presence of E. vermicularis, acute inflammation, fecaloid material, lymphoid hyperplasia, obliteration, perforation, phlegmonous appendicitis, and peritonitis. Furthermore, slides stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) from patients testing positive for E. vermicularis were re-evaluated by the author in pathology.Results: E. vermicularis was identified in the appendectomy specimens of 50 (0.64%) out of 7,814 patients who underwent appendectomies. In histopathological examina-tions, the occurrence of lymphoid hyperplasia and fibrous obliteration was higher in E. vermicularis-positive patients compared to those who teste negative. Findings revealed that the mean white blood cell count (WBC) was lower in E. vermicularis-positive patients than in negative patients, while the mean eosinophil percentage (EO%) was higher.Conclusion: These findings imply that although the parasite is not a direct causative factor for appendicitis, it may contribute to the development of factors that result in obstruction in certain cases.
Evaluation of Toxoplasma Gondii in the Etiology of Cryptogenic Epilepsy: a Case-Control Study
(Galenos Publ House, 2024) Aydemir, Selahattin; Afshar, Milad Torkamanian; Afshar, Ozlem Sari Torkamanian; Cengiz, Zeynep Tas; Kiraz, Mustafa; Baydar, Caner; Yilmaz, Hasan
Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between toxoplasmosis and cryptogenic epilepsy (CE) by comparing the rate of Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity identified in CE patients with those without any neurological disorder. Methods: The study included 200 cryptogenic patients and 164 individuals without neurological disorders. T. gondii seropositivity was studied in individuals Results: The study found T. gondii IgG in 15.50% of CE patients and 28.66% of individuals without any neurological disorder. The difference between the two Conclusion: Toxoplasmosis did not increase the risk of epilepsy in the region where this study was conducted. However, for a better understanding of the CE-T. gondii relationship, we believe that seroprevalence studies should be conducted in larger populations.
The Frequency of Cryptosporidium Spp. in Immunocompromised Patients by Modified Acid-Fast Staining, Cassette Kit and Elisa Methods: Comparison of the Diagnostic Techniques
(Ahvaz Jundishapur Univ Med Sci, 2017) Cengiz, Zeynep Tas; Yilmaz, Hasan; Sahin, Ibrahim Halil; Kapmaz, Mahir; Ekici, Pinar
Background: Cryptosporidiosis has been reported in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients from over 40 countries in six continents. Objectives: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in immunocompromised patients by methods of modified acid fast staining, ELISA and Cassette Kit, and to also compare the three methods. Methods: The patients in different age groups admitted to Bitlis state hospital between June 23, 2011 and January 13, 2015 were enrolled. The study group was composed of 300 immunocompromised volunteer patients and the control group of 100 volunteers with normal immune system. In the study group, patients with hemodialysis, chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, and cancer were enrolled. Formalin-ethyl acetate, modified acid fast staining and native-lugol were used for all stool samples; they were also investigated for Cryptosporidium antigens by the ELISA and Cassette Kit. Results: The highest prevalence rate of Cryptosporidium spp. is found to be 11.3%, which is obtained by ELISA and the lowest (0.7%) by Cassette Kit in the study group. All patients with cryptosporidiosis had diarrhea. The highest prevalence rate (20%) was observed in patients with diabetes insipidus and the second highest in patients with chronic renal failure (11.5%) by ELISA. The sensitivities and specificities of Cassette Kit and modified acid fast staining were 5.9%, 100%; and 50%, 100%, respectively. Conclusions: It is concluded that Cryptosporidium spp. should be considered in immunocompromised diarrheal patients and ELISA must be chosen for detection of this parasite. Modified acid fast staining and Cassette Kit techniques could be performed if ELISA is not available. The single use of the Cassette Kit will be inadequate for the diagnosis of cryptosporidiosis.
Genetic Variability of the Serine-Rich Gene of Entamoeba Histolytica in Clinical Isolates From Turkey
(Tubitak Scientific & Technological Research Council Turkey, 2008) Tanyuksel, Mehmet; Ulukanligil, Mustafa; Yilmaz, Hasan; Guclu, Zeynep; Araz, R. Engin; Mert, Guerkan; Petri, William A., Jr.
Aim: The spectrum of clinical intestinal disease due to Entamoeba histolytica infection ranges from an asymptomatic carrier state to fulminant colitis with m array of manifestations. The extent of strain diversity for E. histolytica and the extent to which strains differ in virulence are not clearly known. in this study, we aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of E. histolytica isolates from Turkey. Materials and Methods: In order to study genetic diversity, the serine-rich gene of E. histolytica (SREHP) was investigated in 26 clinical isolates from Turkey by nested PCR amplification and restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Results: Twelve distinct DNA patterns were observed after Alul digestion of nested PCR products. The results demonstrate an extensive genetic variability among Turkish E. histolytica clinical isolates. Conclusions: Genotyping seems to be a useful epidemiologic tool to identify common-source outbreaks as well as strain-specific manifestation of an infection.
Human Infection With Dicrocoelium Dendriticum in Turkey
(K Faisal Spec Hosp Res Centre, 2010) Cengiz, Zeynep Tas; Yilmaz, Hasan; Dulger, Ahmet Cumhur; Cicek, Mutalip
Human dicrocoeliosis is reported sporadically in various parts of the world. We report a case in a 21-year-old male, who had right upper abdominal pain, weight loss, and chronic relapsing watery diarrhea three to four times daily for four weeks. The patient had abdominal tenderness to palpation in the right upper quadrant. Alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and serum immunoglobulin E levels were slightly elevated; all other biochemical and hematological findings were in their normal ranges. The duodenal biopsy samples were normal and an abdominal ultrasonography showed no biliary or hepatic abnormality. Stool microscopy revealed numerous eggs of Dicrocoelium dendriticum. As pseudoparasitosis can result from eating raw, infected animal liver, the patient was given a liver-free diet for three days, to rule out that possibility. Subsequent stool examinations showed eggs in each of the samples indicating that the infection was genuine. The patient was treated with triclabendazole 10 mg/kg in a single dose. Four weeks later, no parasite eggs were detected in the microscopic examination of the stool samples. The patient got better gradually and the symptoms disappeared. Physicians should keep in mind parasitic diseases such as the rarely encountered dicrocoeliosis.
Increase in Scabies Cases and Permethrin Nonresponse in Türkiye
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2025) Aydemir, Selahattin; Kul, Zubeyde; Barlik, Fethi; Saygin, Murat; Ekici, Abdurrahman; Yilmaz, Hasan
Background: There has been an increase in scabies cases in T & uuml;rkiye, and is considered to be an epidemic. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess scabies cases and the current status of scabies treatment by comparing patients who received scabies diagnosis and treatment before the COVID-19 pandemic, during the pandemic, and the normalization process. Materials and Methods: In this study, data of patients who applied to Van & Idot;pekyolu 1st Family Health Center and received a scabies diagnosis were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data such as age, sex, application dates, and treatment methods were received from the electronic registration database of Van & Idot;pekyolu 1st Family Health Center. Categorical variables were presented as numbers (n) and percentages (%). The "two proportions Z-test and Fisher's exact" test of the ratios were used for categorical variables. Results: Before the pandemic, among 4009 patients with dermatology complaints, 56 (1.4%) received a scabies diagnosis. An increase in scabies cases has been observed since 2018, and the annual case count has further increased during the pandemic. Before the pandemic, 10 (17.9%) out of 56 patients diagnosed with scabies and 70 (31.1%) out of 225 patients diagnosed with scabies during and after the pandemic experienced recurrence after permethrin treatment. Patients who did not respond to permethrin treatment were successfully treated with ivermectin. Conclusions: An increase in scabies cases has been identified in conjunction with the COVID-19 pandemic and the recurrence of scabies in patients treated with permethrin after the pandemic has raised concerns about the potential development of resistance to permethrin.
Inhibitory Effect of Thymoquinone and Capsaicin on Blastocystis Grown in Vitro
(Natl inst Science Communication-niscair, 2024) Yildiz, Saadet; Aydemir, Selahattin; Ekici, Abdurrahman; Deniz, Naziye Yildiz; Yilmaz, Hasan
Blastocystis is enteric parasites that live in both humans and animals gastrointestinal tracts. Metronidazole (MTZ) is generally preferred in the treatment of Blastocystis infection. However, it has been shown to have teratogenic and carcinogenic potential, causing various side effects. In this study, we have made an attempt to find an alternative drug with less toxic side effects in the treatment of Blastocystis . For this purpose, the antiBlastocystis activities of thymoquinone (TQ) and capsaicin (CAP) were evaluated in vitro . Blastocystis isolate was inoculated in Jones medium in 1.5 mL eppendorf tubes supplemented with fetal calf serum (FCS) and incubated at 37 degrees C. The antiBlastocystis effect of TQ and CAP was evaluated by light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both TQ and CAP had anti Blastocystis effects. It was observed that 500 ug/mL of TQ and 1000 ug/mL of CAP inhibited 100% of Blastocystis growth. In the LM and SEM images, it was observed that Blastocystis treated with TQ decreased in size and CAP had an effect on the cell surface when compared to the control group. It was concluded that TQ could be a more reliable antiBlastocystis drug compared to MTZ and CAP, but more comprehensive studies should be performed.
Investigation of Cryptosporidiosis by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Microscopy in Children With Diarrhea
(Saudi Med J, 2008) Yilmaz, Hasan; Tas-Cengiz, Zeynep; Cicek, Mutalip
Objective: To investigate the frequency of cryptosporidiosis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and microscopy and its relationship with diarrhea. Methods: The study was prospectively performed in the Parasitology Laboratory and Pediatric Outpatient Clinic of the Research Hospital, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey between 2004 and 2006. Stool samples were obtained from a total of 2000 children with diarrhea, 870 females, and 1130 males aging 015 years as study group, and 100 children of the same age were randomly selected as a control group. The flotation method was firstly carried out for all stool samples in saturated zinc sulfate solution, then staining process by modified acid-fast staining. All samples were also tested for Cryptosporidium parvum antigen by ELISA. Native-Lugol and trichrome staining were used to identify other intestinal parasites. Results: The antigen was determined in 97 (4.9%) of 2000 children by ELISA, however, the oocysts were only seen in 39 children (1.95%) by microscopy. Cryptosporidium spp. were not detected in the control group either by ELISA or by microscopy. We found a significant (p<0.001) relationship between diarrhea and cryptosporidiosis. Other intestinal parasites were detected in 713 (35.7%) of 2000 diarrheic children. Conclusion: Cryptosporidium spp. antigen searching by ELISA in stool samples should be included for diagnosis of the disease in all hospitals.
Investigation of Mitochondrial Cytb Gene Region of Both Echinococcus Granulosus Eggs From Dogs and Cystic Echinococcosis Isolates Obtained From Sheep and Cattle by Molecular Methods
(Iranian Scientific Society Medical Entomology, 2024) Yildiz, Rahmi; Aydemir, Selahattin; Halidi, Ahmet Galip; Unlu, Ahmet Hakan; Yilmaz, Hasan
Background:We aimed to determine the common Echinococcus granulosus genotypes in A & gbreve;r & imath;, T & uuml;rkiye and to obtain information on the transmission of this parasite. Methods:Cystic echinococcosissamples from 100 slaughtered cattle and 100 slaughtered sheep and faecal samples from 200 stray dogs were included in 2021. Collected cyst fluid samples and faces were examined microscopically. DNA was isolated from the germinal membrane of the cysts and from the parasite eggs in the stool samples. The mitochondrial cytbgene region of the parasite was amplified by PCR. Genotypes were determined using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) after sequence analysis of PCR amplicons. Results:The highest percentage of cysts was found in the lungs of sheep and the liver of cattle. In addition, 75% of sheep cysts and 25.6% of cattle cysts were fertile. Taenia spp./Echinococcus spp. eggs werefound in 6% of the faeces of 200 dogs ex-amined microscopically. E. granulosuseggs were detected in 4 out of 50 stool sam-ples analysed by PCR. All samples analysed by sequence analysis were identified as E. granulosuss.s. G1 genotype. Sequence comparisonrevealed revealed one or more-pointmutations in different regions of the five samples. Conclusion:E. granulosuss.s. G1 genotype, known as sheep strain, is common in the A & gbreve;r & imath;, T & uuml;rkiye. The controlled slaughter of livestock, especially sheep, and the avoidance of feeding hydatid cyst organs to dogs, together with public education, were necessary to prevent the spread of the disease.
Investigation of Parasites in Food Handlers in Turkey
(Mary Ann Liebert, inc, 2023) Sahin, Maksut; Odemis, Nuriz; Yilmaz, Hasan; Beyhan, Yunus Emre
Increasing world population parallelly also brings an increase in food production and consumption. As food consumption increases, so do foodborne infections. In cases where adequate food safety and hygiene is not provided in places such as restaurants, dormitories, prisons, hospitals where mass feeding is made outside the home, many parasitic agents can be transmitted to people through food. People working in the food processing and distribution sector and who are in the position of porters play an important role in the spread of parasites, as they can transmit parasitic agents to food through fingernails and hands. Parasites such as Enterobius vermicularis, Entamoeba histolytica, and Giardia intestinalis can be transmitted to food and then to patients through nails and hands. This study was planned to investigate the presence of parasites in hospital food production and distribution workers, such as cooks and waiters, using various methods. Stool and serum samples were taken from 100 food production and distribution workers. Stool samples were examined by native-Lugol, concentration, trichrome, acid-fast staining, and cellophane tape methods. E. histolytica antigen in stool and Toxoplasma and Taenia antibodies in serum were searched by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Parasites were detected in 59% people, and 41 were evaluated as negative. This positivity was 71.9% (23/32) in the 45-61 age range. Blastocystis sp. (27%), Toxoplasma (25%), E. histolytica (10%), Taenia spp. (7%), E. vermicularis (7%), Entamoeba coli (7%), G. intestinalis (5%), Chilomastix mesnili (1%), and I. butschlii (1%) were detected in food handlers. High Toxoplasma antibody positivity (25%) suggests the possibility of transmission to kitchen workers through ways, such as infected raw meat. However, the detection of E. histolytica, Taenia spp., E. vermicularis, G. intestinalis parasites in workers at significant levels poses a significant risk for society consuming these foods. As a result, it is important to investigate the presence of parasites in the employee dealing with food production and distribution to protect patients from parasitic infections especially in hospitals where the people are immunocompromised and more susceptible, and where mass meals are eaten.
Investigation of the Relationship Between Schizophrenia and Toxoplasmosis in Van Province, Turkey
(Ain Shams Univ, 2021) Ekici, Abdurrahman; Timucin, Damla K.; Gurbuz, Esra; Unlu, Ahmet; Aydemir, Selahattin; Yilmaz, Hasan
Background: Schizophrenia is a worldwide, serious neuropsychiatric disorder of unknown cause. Previous studies showed that infectious agents may play a role in its etiology. Among them, T. gondii was strongly hypothesized. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the IgG and IgM seroprevalence of T gondii in schizophrenia patients. Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted on 190 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in Van province, Turkey. Also included as the control group were 100 healthy individuals. Anti-T gondii IgG and IgM antibody positivity was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in blood samples taken from both groups. Results: Anti-T gondii IgG antibody was detected in 120 schizophrenic patients (63.2%), and in 100 (29%) healthy controls. Anti-T gondii IgM antibody seropositivity was not detected in either group. Conclusion: In line with the data obtained in the study carried out in Van province, it was concluded that individuals infected with T gondii were more likely to develop schizophrenia. Further studies are recommended to prove the relationship between T. gondii and schizophrenia.
Molecular Characterization of Giardia Intestinalis and Cryptosporidium Spp. Detected in Humans in Ağrı, Türkiye
(Iranian Scientific Society Medical Entomology, 2024) Aydemir, Selahattin; Barlik, Fethi; Ekici, Abdurrahman; Barlik, Dilara Hande; Alkan, Sevil; Gurbuz, Esra; Yilmaz, Hasan
Background: We aimed to determine the prevalence of Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in patients who admitted hospital with diarrhea and to gain information about the transmission of these parasites in Agri, Turkiye. Methods: This study included 184 patients who applied to Agri-Diyadin State Hospital, Turkiye in 2022. The immunochromatographic card test was used for detection of the G. intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. Nested PCR-RFLP analysis of the COWP gene and sequence analysis of the gp60 gene were used to genotype and subtype Cryptosporidium spp., whereas Nested PCR and sequence analyses of beta-giardin gene were used genotype G. intestinalis. Results: Of the 184 stool specimens examined, 12 (14.29%) and 7 (3.80%) were positive for G. intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp., respectively. The Cryptosporidium species were identified as C. parvum belonging to the IId subtype family. The G. intestinalis were identified assemblages A. Conclusion: Assemblage A, which is associated with diarrhea, is responsible for giardiasis and C. parvum IId subtype, often found in sheep, goats and cattle, is responsible for cryptosporidiosis in Agri, Turkiye.
Molecular Characterization of Human Lung and Liver Cystic Echinococcosis Isolates in Van Province, Turkey
(Elsevier, 2020) Beyhan, Yunus Emre; Cobanoglu, Ufuk; Celik, Sebahattin; Yilmaz, Hasan; Halidi, Ahmed Galip
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic infection and could lead to significant public health problems. The genetic diversity of CE includes five species: E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) (G1-G3), Echinococcus equinus (G4), Echinococcus ortleppi (G5), Echinococcus canadensis genotypic cluster (G6, G7, G8 and G10, with the doubtful G9) and the Echinococcus felidis (lion strain). The species are important in epidemiology, pathology, control, prevention measures and vaccine/drug designs. The aim of the present study was to determine the E. granulosus genotypes in humans in the Van province in east of Turkey. In total, 102 echinococcal cysts were collected from operated patients. Genomic analyses were conducted with PCR-RFLP of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) fragment and partial PCR sequencing of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (coxl) mitochondrial DNA gene region. In total, DNAs of 96 isolates could be extracted, unfortunately six extractions failed. The PCR-RFLP analysis findings were identical in all isolates. Two bands were observed at approximately 300 bp and 600 bp. All profiles corresponded to the Gl-G3 strain. Also, 446 bp amplified gene regions were observed for coxl. Out of 20 samples, alignment of 16 sequences exhibited a total identification (100%) of granulosus sensu stricto (G1/G3). Of 16 samples, 8 were obtained in the lung and 12 were obtained in the liver; 8 belonged to male and 12 belonged to female patients. Other four samples exhibited one nucleotide substitution at different positions. Four samples had one nucleotide substitution at different positions. We detected single nucleotide variations in TRH1, TRH67, TRH85 and TRH89 isolates at the positions C240T; G330T; G211A and T157C, respectively. In conclusion, the present study was the first comprehensive molecular investigation on genetic characterization of human CE isolates in Van region. The findings demonstrated that E. granulosus s.s. was the dominant species, which indicated that the sheep-dog cycle was the source in human infections. And, probably, it would be possible to describe these mutations as "Turkey" or "lung" variants. In addition to contributing molecular epidemiological data, the present results should be considered when designing and implementing E. granulosus control programs.