Mikrobiyol Bul
-
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) which are autoimmune diseases usually questioned for their association with many infectious agents have etiopathogenesis related to genetic, immunologic, hormonal and even environmental factors. The most commonly attributed etiologic agents are herpes group viruses. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and herpes simplex (HSV) viruses in the etiology of RA and SLE. ⋯ In conclusion, no significant difference was determined for EBV and HSV serologic markers in RA and SLE patients compared to the control group. However, significantly higher rate of EBV EA/D-IgG positivity in SLE patients might have indicated a possible association between SLE and EBV infection. Larger scale, prospective studies including examination of the synovial fluid/tissue samples are required to enlighten the association between SLE and EBV.
-
Fusobacterium necrophorum is a non-spore-forming gram-negative anaerobic bacillus that may be the causative agent of localized or severe systemic infections. Systemic infections due to F.necrophorum are known as Lemierre's syndrome, postanginal sepsis or necrobacillosis. The most common clinical course of severe infections in humans is a progressive illness from tonsillitis to septicemia in previously healthy young adults. ⋯ The detailed history of the patient revealed that fish bone had stuck in his throat a week ago. Clarithromycin and linezolid were discontinued and he was recovered within six weeks of meropenem treatment. F.necrophorum infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent head and neck infections with rapidly progressive metastatic necrotic lesions especially in healthy young adults and clindamycin or metranidazol should be added to the treatment protocols.
-
Tularemia is an infection caused by Francisella tularensis with a worldwide distribution and diverse clinical manifestations. In recent years, tularemia cases are increasing in Turkey, with a special attention to Marmara, western Blacksea and Central Anatolia regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate tularemia cases admitted to our hospital during an outbreak emerged at Central Anatolia between December 2009 and September 2010, making a point for the disease. ⋯ No severe complications were observed. The patients who applied to the hospital within 10 days of the initiation of the symptoms were treated successfully, while the others that applied later were not. In conclusion, tularemia which is an endemic disease in Turkey, should be kept in mind in patients with fever, sore throat and lymphadenopathy.
-
In this study, it was aimed to determine the frequency of the symptoms of influenza-like illness during influenza A (H1N1)v pandemic in two provinces where sentinel influenza surveillance was conducted and also to obtain opinions about H1N1 influenza and vaccination, H1N1 vaccination status and factors affecting vaccination. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the provinces of Ankara (capital city, located at Central Anatolia) and Diyarbakır (located at southeastern Anatolia). It was planned to include 455 houses in Ankara and 276 houses in Diyarbakır. ⋯ Those data emphasized the insufficient awareness of our population about the importance of pandemic influenza and vaccine. It is also believed that possible case definition in H1N1 case management scheme should be revised. In conclusion an important part of pandemic preparation plans is risk communication with the public to increase awareness and to prevent the missed opportunities.
-
Nosocomial sepsis agents with multidrug resistance have led to higher morbidity and mortality in premature infants in the recent years. Acinetobacter baumannii has become a leading cause of nosocomial sepsis in several neonatal intensive care units. In this study, the demographic, clinic, microbiologic characteristics and risk factors of 21 premature infants hospitalized in newborn intensive care unit between January 2010-February 2011 and developed A.baumannii infection, have been evaluated retrospectively. ⋯ Amikacin, gentamicin, colistin and imipenem were used for treatment, however 12 infants, 8 of which due to sepsis, died. In conclusion, A.baumannii which is an important nosocomial sepsis agent with multidrug resistance, is increasing in incidence. To control Acinetobacter infections especially in low-birth weight infants, the use of invasive procedures, total parenteral nutrition and broad spectrum antibiotics should be limited and infected patients should be isolated besides establishment of other appropriate infection control measures.