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Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is among the common bacterial infections in pediatric patients. These infections are more common in girls over one year old. This study aimed to investigate the bacterial distribution and drug resistance status in urine cultures of pediatric patients in our center. Materials and Methods: Urine culture results of patients who were presented to the outpatient clinics or were admitted to the Sivas Cumhuriyet University hospital between January 2017 and December 2022 were included in the study. The hospital automation system, patient files, and laboratory information management system were examined retrospectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 22.0 software. A P-value of <0.05 was deemed significant. Results: Significant growth was observed in the urine cultures of a total of 1287 pediatric patients, 889 (69.1%) girls and 398 boys (30.9%). The patients included in the study were between the ages of 0-17, and children aged 1-6 (37.6%) were diagnosed with UTI more frequently than other ages. The most common UTI agent in the pediatric age group was Escherichia coli (56.6%). The first agent isolated in girls and boys is E.coli. Additionally, the prevalence of K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis and K. oxytoca bacteria was higher in boys (p < 0.05). E. coli isolates showed minimal resistance to such as amikacin (0.6%), fosfomycin (1.0%), nitrofurantoin (1.4%), ertapenem (2.4%), imipenem (0.7%) and meropenem (0.9%). Conclusion: In this study, low resistance levels were detected for amikacin, fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin and carbapenem group antibiotics, which are important alternatives in the empirical treatment of UTI. On the other hand, due to the high resistance levels detected, it is thought that more caution should be exercised in the empirical use of amoxicillin-clavulanate, trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole and cefixime. If these antibiotics are to be preferred, waiting for the antibiogram results is an appropriate approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is among the common bacterial infections in pediatric patients. These infections are more common in girls over one year old. This study aimed to investigate the bacterial distribution and drug resistance status in urine cultures of pediatric patients in our center. Materials and Methods: Urine culture results of patients who were presented to the outpatient clinics or were admitted to the Sivas Cumhuriyet University hospital between January 2017 and December 2022 were included in the study. The hospital automation system, patient files, and laboratory information management system were examined retrospectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 22.0 software. A P-value of <0.05 was deemed significant. Results: Significant growth was observed in the urine cultures of a total of 1287 pediatric patients, 889 (69.1%) girls and 398 boys (30.9%). The patients included in the study were between the ages of 0-17, and children aged 1-6 (37.6%) were diagnosed with UTI more frequently than other ages. The most common UTI agent in the pediatric age group was Escherichia coli (56.6%). The first agent isolated in girls and boys is E.coli. Additionally, the prevalence of K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis and K. oxytoca bacteria was higher in boys (p < 0.05). E. coli isolates showed minimal resistance to such as amikacin (0.6%), fosfomycin (1.0%), nitrofurantoin (1.4%), ertapenem (2.4%), imipenem (0.7%) and meropenem (0.9%). Conclusion: In this study, low resistance levels were detected for amikacin, fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin and carbapenem group antibiotics, which are important alternatives in the empirical treatment of UTI. On the other hand, due to the high resistance levels detected, it is thought that more caution should be exercised in the empirical use of amoxicillin-clavulanate, trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole and cefixime. If these antibiotics are to be preferred, waiting for the antibiogram results is an appropriate approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: It was aimed to explore the correlation between demographic characteristics and the presence of comorbidity in the antibody response after the second dose of vaccination in healthcare workers in this study. In addition, the third and fourth dose approaches of the participants and the protection of the antibody levels formed by the two doses of vaccine against COVID-19 were examined observationally. Methods: Health workers, whose NCP and S protein antibody levels were detected on the 30th day after the second dose of the CoronaVac vaccine, were followed up in terms of being vaccinated for the third and fourth doses and having COVID-19. Results: Higher levels of S antibodies were detected in women after two doses of vaccination (p=0.001). It was pointed out that smoking has a negative effect on the antibody response after vaccination (p=0.008). People who had pre-vaccine COVID-19 had higher NCP antibody levels after two doses of vaccination (p=0.013). Of the participants, 152 (97.4%) were vaccinated with the third dose and 110 (70.5%) with the fourth dose. Conclusion: The antibody response after two doses of inactivated CoronaVac® vaccination probe is significantly higher in women, younger people, non-smokers, and people who have not been previously infected with the SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Parvovirus B19 can cause conditions such as Erythema Infectiosum in children, transient aplastic crises in individuals with chronic hemolytic anemia, permanent anemia in immunosuppressed patients, and hydrops fetalis in pregnant women. Joint complaints may be seen in patients due to primary infection or as a complication of Erythema Infectiosum. The incidence of joint complaints in individuals infected with Parvovirus B19 may vary depending on age. While 8% of infected children have joint complaints; this percentage may increase to 60-80% in adults. On the other hand, it has been reported that information on the prevalence of joint complaints due to viral causes such as Parvovirus B19 is limited and epidemiological data may show regional differences. In our study, it was aimed to investigate the presence of Parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM antibodies in patients admitted to our hospital and to determine the percentages of Parvovirus B19 seropositivity in the patient group with joint complaints. Methods: In the study, Parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM test results obtained from serum samples sent to the Medical Microbiology Laboratory between 2010-2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 679 patients with joint complaints, including 437 women (64.4%) and 242 men (35.6%), were included in this study. Parvovirus B19 IgG test result was positive in 364 (53.6%) of these patients. Parvovirus B19 IgG seropositivity percentage was found to be higher in patients with joint complaints (53.6%) than in patients without joint complaints (38.4%) (p<0.0001). Parvovirus B19 IgG seropositivity percentage was 32.1% in children with joint complaints and 62.3% in adults (p<0.0001). In addition, this percentage was found to be higher in women (58.1%) with joint complaints compared to men (45.5%) (p=0.002). On the other hand, the Parvovirus B19 IgM seropositivity percentage was determined as 3.2% for these patients. This percentage was 1% in children and 4.1% in adults. Conclusion: In particular, the possibility of a primary infection or complication due to Parvovirus B19 should be kept in mind for adult patients with joint complaints. We think that the results of the serological test (IgG-IgM) for Parvovirus B19 in this patient group will contribute to the differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Cancer patients are a high-risk population for infections caused by various bacterial agents. Specifically, bloodstream infections (BSIs) can lead to severe complications and even mortality in cancer patients. This study aimed to identify the predominant bacterial species causing bacteremia and assess the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among cancer patients receiving treatment at our hospital. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on data from cancer patients diagnosed between January 2020 and June. The microorganisms isolated from blood cultures of cancer patients were identified using the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) Biotyper Microflex LT device. The antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the bacteria were examined using the BD Phoenix 100. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 22.0 program. Results: The study included a total of 158 bacterial isolates grown from blood cultures of 133 patients across different populations. Gram-positive bacteria were detected in 54.4% (86) of the isolates, while gram-negative bacteria were found in 40.5% (64) of the isolates. The extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) positivity rate was 41.2% (14/34) in Escherichia coli isolates and 25% (3/12) in Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was identified in only one bacterial strain. Nine (26.5%) E. coli isolates and three (25%) K. pneumoniae isolates were determined to be multi-drug resistant (MDR). Conclusion: BSIs remain a significant health issue in cancer patients. Analyzing MDR isolates and resistance profiles through routine bacterial surveillance in cancer patients can provide guidance for antimicrobial therapy. Furthermore, regularly sharing the obtained data can enhance treatment success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative microaerophilic bacterium that is associated with diseases such as peptic ulcer, chronic gastritis, gastric MALT lymphoma, and gastric cancer. H. pylori infection is more common in developing countries. The high socioeconomic conditions and elimination of bacterial carriage by antimicrobial treatment reduce the prevalence of H. pylori in developed countries. The fecal H. pylori antigen test has been widely used recently. This test with high sensitivity and specificity constitutes a significant diagnostic method alternative due to its cost-effectiveness and rapid results. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the presence of H. pylori antigen in the stool samples of patients with gastroduodenal complaints from laboratory records. Methods: Test results of patients who underwent H. pylori antigen rapid cassette test from fresh fecal samples between January 2018 and May 2022 in the Medical Microbiology Laboratory were included in the study. Fresh fecal samples from patients were analyzed using H. pylori Antigen Rapid Test Cassette (Acro Biotech Inc, USA) kits. The statistical analysis of the research was made with IBM-SPSS 25.0 (IBM Co., USA). The chi-square test was used to evaluate the research data. P<0.05 value was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 5,718 patients, 3,285 (57.5%) women with gastroduodenal complaints, were included in the study. Fecal H. pylori antigen test positivity was determined in 1,429 (25%) of these patients. The antigen positivity rate was found to be higher in women (26.6%) compared to men (22.9%) (p<0.05). In addition, this rate was higher in adult patients (27.4%) than in pediatric patients (10.1%). In addition, this rate was higher in adult patients (27.4%) compared with pediatric patients (10.1%) (p<0.01). Conclusion: The regional prevalence data are informative about the development levels of countries in socioeconomic issues such as urbanization, infrastructure services, and access to clean water. In addition, these data may provide insight into the future prevalence of H. pylori-related diseases. We think that this study, in which the data of our region is shared, contributes to the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a Gram-negative microaerophilic bacterium that is associated with diseases such as peptic ulcer, chronic gastritis, gastric MALT lymphoma, and gastric cancer. H. pylori infection is more common in developing countries. The high socioeconomic conditions and elimination of bacterial carriage by antimicrobial treatment reduce the prevalence of H. pylori in developed countries. The fecal H. pylori antigen test has been widely used recently. This test with high sensitivity and specificity constitutes a significant diagnostic method alternative due to its cost-effectiveness and rapid results. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the presence of H. pylori antigen in the stool samples of patients with gastroduodenal complaints from laboratory records. Methods: Test results of patients who underwent H. pylori antigen rapid cassette test from fresh fecal samples between January 2018 and May 2022 in the Medical Microbiology Laboratory were included in the study. Fresh fecal samples from patients were analyzed using H. pylori Antigen Rapid Test Cassette (Acro Biotech Inc, USA) kits. The statistical analysis of the research was made with IBM-SPSS 25.0 (IBM Co., USA). The chi-square test was used to evaluate the research data. P<0.05 value was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 5,718 patients, 3,285 (57.5%) women with gastroduodenal complaints, were included in the study. Fecal H. pylori antigen test positivity was determined in 1,429 (25%) of these patients. The antigen positivity rate was found to be higher in women (26.6%) compared to men (22.9%) (p<0.05). In addition, this rate was higher in adult patients (27.4%) than in pediatric patients (10.1%). In addition, this rate was higher in adult patients (27.4%) compared with pediatric patients (10.1%) (p<0.01). Conclusion: The regional prevalence data are informative about the development levels of countries in socioeconomic issues such as urbanization, infrastructure services, and access to clean water. In addition, these data may provide insight into the future prevalence of H. pylori-related diseases. We think that this study, in which the data of our region is shared, contributes to the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The incidence of Candidemia, which is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, is increasing. Patients with a diagnosis of malignancy, who use immunosuppressants, and who require follow-up in the intensive care unit are at high risk for Candidemia. The incidence and resistance patterns of Candida species may vary depending on population, geographical location, and previous antifungal exposure. It was aimed to identify Candida spp. isolated from blood culture samples of patients diagnosed with malignancy for the species level, and to determine their antifungal drug susceptibility, in this study. Materials and Methods: In this study, the results of the samples with growth in blood cultures between January 2016 and July-2022 were examined retrospectively. The patients with a diagnosis of Candida spp. fungal growth in at least one blood culture set during hospitalization and the patients with a diagnosis of malignancy defined as candidemia and treated with antifungal were included in the study. Results: Candida albicans growth was detected in 43.5% (10) of the blood cultures included in the study. Nonalbicans species were isolated in a total of 13 blood cultures (56.5%): 30.4% (7) C. parapsilosis; 17.4% (4) C. glabrata; 4.3% (1) C. tropicalis; 4.3% (1) C. krusei. Very low resistance rates were determined against many antifungals such as Amphotericin B (0%), Micafungin (0%), Fluconazole (10%), Posaconazole (0%), Voriconazole (0%), and Anidulafungin (25%) for C. albicans isolates in our study. On the other hand, higher levels of resistance were observed for almost all antifungals for non-albicans species, the incidence of which has increased in recent years. Discussion and Suggestions: The epidemiology of Candida infections has been changing in recent years. Although C. albicans is still the main reason for invasive Candidiasis in many clinical environments, a significant number of patients are now infected with non-albicans Candida species. Candida species may show differential susceptibility to commonly used antifungal agents. The susceptibility of Candida species to commonly used antifungal agents varies. As in our study, we believe that following the epidemiological data and antifungal susceptibility patterns of medical centers will allow effective empirical treatment and improve Candidemia prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The isolation of microorganisms in joint fluid samples is one of the most important laboratory findings guiding the treatment. Knowing the distribution of the isolated microorganisms allows for the correct empirical approach to treatment. The frequency of MRSA isolation from joint fluid cultures is increasing, and MRSA infections are increasing in importance among infectious arthritis cases. This study aimed to determine the distribution of microorganisms that grew in joint fluid cultures and the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of staphylococci grown in these cultures. Methods: Our study is retrospective and planned to cover the years between 2015 and 2019. Of the synovial fluid samples sent to the Microbiology Laboratory, 103 samples with growth in culture were included in the study. Bacteria isolated from the samples were identified with the MALDI-TOF MS device and were evaluated for antimicrobial susceptibility in the automated system. Results: Samples of 103 patients were included in the study. While 19 of the patients included in the evaluation had a history of joint replacement, 84 patients had natural joint involvement. Generally, S. aureus ranked first in both group samples (41.7% and 42.2%). Coagulase-negative staphylococci and streptococci came second and third, respectively. Gram-negative bacilli were in fourth place (10.8%) in samples belonging to natural joints. In comparison, only one growth (5.3%) was detected in samples of patients with a prosthetic history. However, no statistically significant difference was found between the natural joint and prosthesis in terms of pathogen distribution (p> 0.05). All MRSA isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, teicoplanin, linezolid, daptomycin, and tigecycline. No MRCNS isolate was resistant to vancomycin, tigecycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Conclusion: We think that our study will contribute to the literature on the distribution of infectious arthritis agents, the evaluation of antimicrobial resistance profiles of these agents, and empirical antimicrobial selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giriş: Günümüzde hepatit C virüsünün (HCV) bilinen yedi genotipi, yüzden fazla subtipi tanımlanmıştır. Ülkemizde en yaygın genotipin 1b olduğu bildirilmiştir. Tedavi protokollerinin genotipler arasında farklılıklardan etkilenmesinden dolayı, genotip tayini önem arz etmektedir. Bu çalışmadaki amacımız, Sivas yöresindeki HCV-ribonükleik asit (RNA), pozitif bireylerde HCV genotip dağılımına ait güncel verileri sunmakla birlikte, HCV enfeksiyonunun tedavi yönetimi ve epidemiyolojisine katkı sunmaktır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya, 2011-2020 yıllarını kapsayan dönemde hastanemiz poliklinik ve kliniklerinden Tıbbi Mikrobiyoloji laboratuvarına gönderilen, anti-HCV ve HCV-RNA testi pozitif saptanıp, genotipleri belirlenen 474 HCV hastası dahil edilmiştir. Hastalar ile ilgili demografik bilgiler ve HCV genotiplerine hastane bilgi sisteminden ulaşılarak retrospektif olarak değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular: Çalışma grubumuzda yer alan 474 hastanın 239'u (%50,4) erkek, 235'i (%49,6) kadındır. Yaş ortalaması 61,9±14,3 yıldır. HCV genotiplerine göre hastaların yaş ve cinsiyet dağılımı ayrıntılı olarak Tablo 1'de gösterilmiştir. Yaptığımız genotiplendirme çalışmaları sonucunda, hastaların 436'sı (%92) genotip 1, yedisi (%1,5) genotip 2, 25'i (%5,3) genotip 3, beşi (%1,1) genotip 4 olarak belirlenmiştir. Bir örnekte ise (%0,2) mikst tip genotip saptanmıştır (1b/4). Dört yüz yetmiş dört hastanın 399'unda (%84,2) HCV genotip 1b tespit edilmiş olup dağılımların en büyük bölümünü bu grup oluşturmuştur. Sonuç: Klinik seyir, tedaviye yanıt ve tedavi sürelerinin belirlenmesi açısından HCV genotiplerinin belirlenmesi önem taşımaktadır. Sivas yöresinde yaptığımız bu çalışmada güncel HCV genotip dağılımlarının tespit edilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmamızda bölgemizden en son 2010 yılında Çelik ve arkadaşları tarafından bildirilen sonuçla uyumlu olarak, en sık görülen HCV genotipi 1b olarak bulunmuş fakat diğer genotip prevalanslarında değişiklikler olmuştur. Bu genotip değişimlerinin ülkemize olan göçler nedeniyle olması muhtemeldir. Değişen genotip dağılımını ve buna bağlı olarak değişen tedavi rejimlerini belirlemek için bölgesel olarak genotip tayinlerinin tespit ve takip edilmesi önemlidir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]