Fatih Mehmet Akıllı, Dilara Turan-Gökçe, Beste Akıllı
{"title":"Determination of the Viremia and Genotype Distribution of the Hepatitis C Virus and the Seroprevalence of HIV Co-Infection.","authors":"Fatih Mehmet Akıllı, Dilara Turan-Gökçe, Beste Akıllı","doi":"10.36519/idcm.2025.447","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36519/idcm.2025.447","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection represents a significant public health concern. In order to contribute to the epidemiological data, the present investigation aimed to examine the prevalence of antibodies against the virus, viremia, incidence rates of co-infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and the genotypes (GTs) of HCV among patients in the capital city of Turkey.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This study was conducted retrospectively at Sincan Training and Research Hospital between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2023. The patients' demographic data were obtained from the hospital database. The samples of patients were analyzed for the presence of anti-HCV by using Architect anti-HCV kit (Abbott Laboratories, USA) and MAGLUMI HIV Ab/AgCombi (SNIBE, Shenzen, China), and for the presence of HCV-RNA (QIAsymphony). They were also analyzed using the SP/AS method (Qiagen, Germany) with the QIAsymphony DSP virus/pathogen midi kit, and the polymerase chain reaction was performed by using the Rotor-Gene-Q (Qiagen, Germany) and Artus HCV QS-RGQ kit. Genotyping for HCV was conducted on all patients with detectable viral load. To confirm the presence of HIV in patients with viremia, a supplemental assay for HIV-1/2 (Bio-Rad, USA) was employed. Additionally, the HCV/HIV co-infection rate was calculated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 63,226 patient samples were analyzed. Of the 522 patients who were found to be anti-HCV positive, 267 were patients admitted from prison. Anti-HCV prevalence among inmates in 2021, 2022, and 2023 was 3.8%, 4.2%, and 2.7%, respectively. The study revealed a prevalence of 0.8% for HCV antibody positivity and a viremia prevalence of 0.4%. Among 239 patients, HCV GT3 (27.9%) was found to be the most common GT, and this was followed by GT1 (26.2%), GT2 (7%), and GT4 (4.1%). Genotyping revealed that subtype 1b was present in 36.5% of GT1 patients, and subtype 1a was present in 33.3%. HCV/HIV co-infection rates were detected as 4.1%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study will contribute to the elimination programs of HCV, an important public health problem, and the epidemiological data in our region.</p>","PeriodicalId":519881,"journal":{"name":"Infectious diseases & clinical microbiology","volume":"7 1","pages":"27-36"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11991709/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144049360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An Analysis of Bacterial Infection Distribution in the Elderly, and Their Clinical and Laboratory Profiles: Aging and Bacterial Infection.","authors":"Hanife Nur Karakoç-Parlayan, Dilek Bulut, Aslı Haykır-Solay, Semanur Kuzi, Tuğba Arıkan, İrfan Şencan","doi":"10.36519/idcm.2025.458","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36519/idcm.2025.458","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The increasing proportion of the elderly population necessitates the development of strategies for managing infections encountered by this group. We aimed to examine the distribution of bacterial infections, their clinical presentations, treatments used, and in-hospital mortality rates among elderly patients.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>We examined a cohort aged 65-79 (Group 1) and aged 80 and above (Group 2) with bacterial infections. Demographic characteristics, underlying conditions, clinical/laboratory findings, and mortality rates of the cases were compared.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 177 patients, of which 44.6% were female, and the mean age was 76.0 ± 8.8 years. Group 2 included 36.7% of the study population with a higher incidence of sepsis and urinary system infections (<i>p</i>=0.038 and <i>p</i>=0.037, respectively). On the other hand, skin and soft tissue infections (42%) emerged as the predominant cause of hospital admissions in Group 1 (<i>p</i><0.001). Fatigue and dysuria were more frequent in Group 2 (<i>p</i>=0.008 and <i>p</i>=0.044, respectively), and erythema was more common in Group 1 (<i>p</i>=0.012). Hypertension (58.2%) was the most frequently observed comorbidity. Neurological diseases/dementia were more common in Group 2 than in Group 1 (<i>p</i>=0.036). Also, a delayed procalcitonin response to antibiotics was noted in Group 2 (<i>p</i>=0.006). Beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors were the most frequently used antibiotics, and cephalosporin antibiotics were preferred to a greater extent in Group 2 (<i>p</i>=0.02).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The increased rates of urinary tract infections and sepsis in individuals over 80 underscores the need for vigilant clinical oversight. Effectively managing underlying conditions can reduce the incidence of some infections in vulnerable groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":519881,"journal":{"name":"Infectious diseases & clinical microbiology","volume":"7 1","pages":"47-57"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11991712/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144004772","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fatemeh Amirinia, Ahmad Jabrodini, Hamid Morovati, Pegah Ardi, Marjan Motamedi
{"title":"Fungal β-Glucans: Biological Properties, Immunomodulatory Effects, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications.","authors":"Fatemeh Amirinia, Ahmad Jabrodini, Hamid Morovati, Pegah Ardi, Marjan Motamedi","doi":"10.36519/idcm.2025.448","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36519/idcm.2025.448","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Research from the past to the present has shown that natural ingredients in the human daily diet play a crucial role in preventing various diseases. One well-known compound is β-glucan, a natural polysaccharide found in the cell walls of many fungi, yeasts, and some microorganisms, as well as in plants such as barley and wheat. β-glucans are widely recognized for their ability to lower cholesterol and blood glucose levels, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. In addition to their effects on lipid levels and glucose metabolism, these molecules exhibit antioxidant properties by eliminating reactive oxygen species. As a result, they help lower the risk of conditions such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders, diabetes, and cancer. Furthermore, β-glucans have been reported to possess immune-boosting and antitumor effects. By binding to specific receptors on the surface of immune cells, they stimulate immune activity. Additionally, β-glucans belong to a group of probiotics that promote the growth and activity of beneficial gut microbiota, preventing the proliferation of harmful pathogens. They play a vital role in maintaining gastrointestinal health, reducing inflammation, and lowering the risk of colon cancer. Further research on the health benefits of β-glucans may be key to improving overall well-being and preventing many chronic non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":519881,"journal":{"name":"Infectious diseases & clinical microbiology","volume":"7 1","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11991713/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144061612","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Clinical Outcomes and Microbiological Profiles of Patients with Culture-Confirmed Peritonitis.","authors":"Yusuf Emre Özdemir, Esra Ensaroğlu, Samiha Akkaya, Zeynep Çizmeci, Kadriye Kart-Yaşar","doi":"10.36519/idcm.2025.539","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36519/idcm.2025.539","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to identify pathogenic microorganisms and resistance profiles, clinical outcomes, and mortality-related risk factors in patients with culture-confirmed peritonitis.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This single-center, retrospective study included patients aged ≥18 years who were followed up with a culture-confirmed diagnosis of peritonitis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 134 patients, 54.5% (n=73) were male, and the mean age was 57.9 ± 16.1 years. Forty-three patients (32.1%) had primary peritonitis and 91 (67.9%) had secondary peritonitis. A total of 157 pathogens were isolated from 134 cases. The most common microorganisms were <i>Escherichia coli</i> (19.1%, n=9/47), coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (12.7%, n=6/47), <i>Pseudomonas</i> spp.(12.7%, n=6/47), <i>Enterococcus</i> spp. (10.6%, n=5/47), and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (10.6%, n=5/47) in primary peritonitis and <i>E. coli</i> (27.3%, n=30/110), <i>Enterococcus</i> spp. (15.4%, n=17/110), <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> (13.6%, n=15/110), <i>Pseudomonas</i> spp.(10.9%, n=12/110), and <i>Candida</i> spp. (%10.0, n=11/110) in secondary peritonitis. Among <i>E. coli</i> species, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) rates were 33% (n=3/9) in primary peritonitis and 63% (n=19/30) in secondary peritonitis. The 30-day mortality rate was 36.5% (n=49/134). Male gender (69.4% vs. 45.9%, <i>p</i>=0.009) and secondary perforation (14.3% vs. 4.7%, p=0.049) were more common in deceased patients, while peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis (2.0% vs. 11.7%, <i>p</i>=0.048) and peritonitis due to CoNS (0.0% vs. 9.4%, <i>p</i>=0.027) were less common in deceased patients than survivors. In addition, advanced age (63.6 ± 16.6 vs. 54.7 ± 14.9, <i>p</i>=0.001) and high aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (147 ± 412 vs. 135 ± 501, <i>p</i>=0.010) were associated with mortality.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights the importance of demographic characteristics, clinical features, and laboratory parameters for clinical outcomes in patients with peritonitis. Patients with secondary perforation-related peritonitis require close monitoring for clinical changes. Gram-positive bacteria and sensitive enteric bacilli for primary peritonitis and ESBL-producing Gram-negative bacteria for secondary peritonitis should be included in empirical treatment selection. Additionally, we recommend considering antifungal agents for severely ill patients with secondary peritonitis.</p>","PeriodicalId":519881,"journal":{"name":"Infectious diseases & clinical microbiology","volume":"7 1","pages":"88-96"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11991711/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144047450","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Abdurrahman Kaya, Gülhan Özdemir, Süleyman Furkan Başaran, Tuba Özgümüş, Buse Koç, Ali Mert
{"title":"A Case of HIV with Unmasked Kaposi's Sarcoma IRIS and Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis.","authors":"Abdurrahman Kaya, Gülhan Özdemir, Süleyman Furkan Başaran, Tuba Özgümüş, Buse Koç, Ali Mert","doi":"10.36519/idcm.2025.502","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36519/idcm.2025.502","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this paper, we present a case of disseminated tuberculosis in a 25-year-old male patient infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Following steroid treatment, the patient subsequently developed cutaneous lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma. A culture yielded <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> complex that was sensitive to ethambutol but resistant to isoniazid, rifampicin, and streptomycin. Despite intensive treatment, the patient eventually succumbed to organ failure in hospital.</p>","PeriodicalId":519881,"journal":{"name":"Infectious diseases & clinical microbiology","volume":"7 1","pages":"106-108"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11991703/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144061610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Barış Bulut, Ali Boray Başcı, Hürriyet Ekmel Olcay
{"title":"Declaration of Helsinki: Comparison of the 2024 Version and the 2013 Version.","authors":"Barış Bulut, Ali Boray Başcı, Hürriyet Ekmel Olcay","doi":"10.36519/idcm.2025.498","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36519/idcm.2025.498","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":519881,"journal":{"name":"Infectious diseases & clinical microbiology","volume":"7 1","pages":"112-113"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11991702/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144061113","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"<i>Candida</i> Meningitis Accompanied by Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Candidiasis in an Immunocompromised Host.","authors":"Derya Korkmaz, Rabia Karakoç, Betül Altunbaş, Neşe Demirtürk","doi":"10.36519/idcm.2025.415","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.36519/idcm.2025.415","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Candida albicans</i>, a normal component of the human skin, mouth, and respiratory tract flora, can cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals. It is a rare cause of meningitis. This study presents a case of <i>Candida</i> meningitis in a patient with psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis treated with adalimumab. The patient presented with extensive oropharyngeal candidiasis lesions extending to the larynx and esophagus and was diagnosed with <i>Candida</i> meningitis. He was treated with intravenous fluconazole and liposomal amphotericin B combination therapy for 28 days. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of fungal meningitis in immunocompromised hosts.</p>","PeriodicalId":519881,"journal":{"name":"Infectious diseases & clinical microbiology","volume":"7 1","pages":"97-101"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11991710/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144039423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"<i>Clostridioides difficile</i> Infections and Factors Associated with Recurrence.","authors":"Sinan Çetin, Mediha Uğur","doi":"10.36519/idcm.2024.380","DOIUrl":"10.36519/idcm.2024.380","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong><i>Clostridioides difficile</i> is one of the leading causes of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Recurrent <i>C. difficile</i> infection (rCDI) is significant because of prolonged hospital stays, morbidity, and additional costs. Our study aimed to examine the characteristics of <i>C. difficile</i> infections and investigate factors associated with recurrence.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Adult patients with signs of acute gastroenteritis and gastrointestinal polymerase chain reaction (GI PCR) panel tests performed on stool material, and <i>C. difficile</i> was detected as the causative agent were included in the study. rCDI was defined as the recurrence of symptoms and re-detection of <i>C. difficile</i> in the GI PCR panel within eight weeks after the onset of the initial episode in patients whose symptoms improved with appropriate antimicrobial treatment. Variables in patients with and without recurrence were compared, and risk factors for recurrence were investigated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 59 patients with <i>C. difficile</i> infection (CDI) were diagnosed. The median age of patients was 75, and 57.6% were male. Forty-nine patients (83.1%) were diagnosed with the infection while hospitalized. The most commonly used treatment was metronidazole. rCDI was identified in eight patients. The presence of malignancy, hematological malignancy, development of CDI episode in the intensive care unit, and continuation of antibiotic treatment for non-<i>C. difficile</i> etiology after CDI diagnosis were statistically more common in the recurrence group (<i>p</i><0.05). Mortality during hospitalization occurred in a total of 11 patients (18.6%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CDI is important because of its frequent occurrence and potential for fatal outcomes. It is crucial to identify patients at risk for recurrence. In our study, the development of CDI attacks in the intensive care unit, malignancy, and continuation of antibiotic treatment for non-CDI infection after CDI diagnosis were found to be associated with recurrence. Evaluating these parameters in patient follow-up will contribute to prognostic assessment.</p>","PeriodicalId":519881,"journal":{"name":"Infectious diseases & clinical microbiology","volume":"6 4","pages":"268-275"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11687231/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142916444","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
İlker Devrim, Hıncal Özbakır, Gülhan Atakul, Deniz Ergün, Selçuk Sinan Çelik, Yeliz Oruç, Nuriye Turgut, Canan Dinç, Özlem Saraç, Hasan Ağın
{"title":"Impact of Needle-Free Connector and Prefilled Flushing Syringe Shortage on CLABSI Rates in Pediatric Intensive Care.","authors":"İlker Devrim, Hıncal Özbakır, Gülhan Atakul, Deniz Ergün, Selçuk Sinan Çelik, Yeliz Oruç, Nuriye Turgut, Canan Dinç, Özlem Saraç, Hasan Ağın","doi":"10.36519/idcm.2024.403","DOIUrl":"10.36519/idcm.2024.403","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>We aimed to discuss our experience of a higher incidence of catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) during the needle-free connector (NFC) and single-use prefilled flushing syringe (PFS) shortage.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Retrospective analyses were carried out to investigate the CLABSI rates at a tertiary training hospital from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, and the study period included a three-month shortage of NFCs and PFSs in April and June 2023.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The CLABSI rate for the three months was 5.94 per 1000 CL days from January 1 to March 31, 18.07 per 1000 CL days from April 1 to June 30, 5.42 per 1000 CL days from July 1 to September 30, and 6.52 per 1000 CL days from October 1 to December 31. Following the three-month shortage period, the rate of CLABSI significantly increased from 5.94 per 1000 CL days to 18.07 per 1000 CL days. After the shortage of needle-free connectors and single-use PFSs was resolved, the rate of CLABSI significantly decreased to 5.42 per 1000 CL days (<i>p</i><0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Even a three-month lack of NFC and PFS caused three-fold CLABSI. The efficacy and ongoing success of CLABSI prevention depend on maintaining the materials' continuity.</p>","PeriodicalId":519881,"journal":{"name":"Infectious diseases & clinical microbiology","volume":"6 4","pages":"276-281"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11687235/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142916799","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}