Browsing by Author "Aydin, Mehtap"

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After a Workshop on the Novel Antivirals for Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection (4-6 December 2015, Istanbul)
(2016) Tekin, Suda; Aygen, Bilgehan; Aydin, Mehtap; Simsek, Funda
Bloodstream Infections: Etiologic Agents and Their Antibiotic Resistance Rates
(2016) Aydin, Mehtap; Kasikcioglu, Cemre; Nargiz-Kosucu, Sibel; Timurkaynak, Funda; Arslan, Hande; 0000-0002-5708-7915; ABG-7034-2021
Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate the etiological agents of bloodstream infections (BSIs) and their antibiotic resistance rates. Methods: The rates of antibiotic resistance of the microorganisms isolated from blood cultures in the microbiology laboratory between 2012 and 2013 were evaluated retrospectively. Blood cultures were performed by using BACTEC (TM) 9120 (Becton Dickinson, Sparks, MD, USA) automated system. Microorganisms that were isolated were identified by routine microbiological methods. Results: In our study, BSIs were most frequently detected in the cardiovascular surgery clinic. Out of 95 bacteria isolated from blood culture, 61 (64.2) were Gram-negative bacteria (46% enteric, 18% nonfermentative), 20 (21%) were Candida spp. and 14 (15%) were Gram-positive bacteria. The most effective antibiotics for enteric bacteria were found as colistin, followed by imipenem, meropenem and amikacin and for nonfermentative Gram-negative bacteria as colistin, cefepime, piperacillin-tazobactam, imipenem and amikacin. Conclusions: When the resistance rates were compared within two years, significant increases in resistance were observed for quinolones and ceftazidime in nonfermentative bacteria, and for carbapenems in enteric bacteria. Regular monitoring of etiological agents of BSIs and their antibiotic resistance rates will guide the selection of empiric therapy.
Changes in Antimicrobial Resistance and Outcomes of Health Care-Associated Infections
(2021) Aydin, Mehtap; Azak, Emel; Bilgin, Huseyin; Menekse, Sirin; Asan, Ali; Mert, Habibe Tulin Elmaslar Habibe Tulin Elmaslar; Yulugkural, Zerrin; Altunal, Lutfiye Nilsun; Hatipoglu, Cigdem Ataman; Ertem, Gunay Tuncer; Altunok, Elif Sargin; Demirkaya, Melike Hamiyet; Ceviker, Sevil Alkan Sevil Alkan; Akgul, Fethiye; Memis, Zeynep; Konya, Petek; Azap, Alpay; Aydin, Gule; Korkmaz, Derya; Karakoc, Zehra Cagla; Yapar, Derya; Karakecili, Faruk; Gunal, Ozgur; Keske, Siran; Kapmaz, Mahir; Kader, Cigdem; Demirel, Aslihan; Ergonul, Onder; 33586014
To describe the change in the epidemiology of health care-associated infections (HAI), resistance and predictors of fatality we conducted a nationwide study in 24 hospitals between 2015 and 2018. The 30-day fatality rate was 22% in 2015 and increased to 25% in 2018. In BSI, a significant increasing trend was observed for Candida and Enterococcus. The highest rate of 30-day fatality was detected among the patients with pneumonia (32%). In pneumonia, Pseudomonas infections increased in 2018. Colistin resistance increased and significantly associated with 30-day fatality in Pseudomonas infections. Among S. aureus methicillin, resistance increased from 31 to 41%.
Characteristics And Outcomes Of Carbapenemase Harbouring Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella Spp. Bloodstream Infections: A Multicentre Prospective Cohort Study In An OXA-48 Endemic Setting
(2022) Isler, Burcu; Ozer, Berna; Cinar, Gule; Aslan, Abdullah Tarik; Vatansever, Cansel; Falconer, Caitlin; Dolapci, Istar; Simsek, Funda; Tulek, Necla; Demirkaya, Hamiyet; Menekse, Sirin; Akalin, Halis; Balkan, Ilker Inanc; Aydin, Mehtap; Tigen, Elif Tukenmez; Demir, Safiye Koculu; Kapmaz, Mahir; Keske, Siran; Dogan, Ozlem; Arabaci, Cigdem; Yagci, Serap; Hazirolan, Gulsen; Bakir, Veli Oguzalp; Gonen, Mehmet; Chatfield, Mark D.; Forde, Brian; Saltoglu, Nese; Azap, Alpay; Azap, Ozlem; Akova, Murat; Paterson, David L.; Can, Fusun; Ergonul, Onder; 35301623
A prospective, multicentre observational cohort study of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella spp. (CRK) bloodstream infections was conducted in Turkey from June 2018 to June 2019. One hundred eighty-seven patients were recruited. Single OXA-48-like carbapenemases predominated (75%), followed by OXA-48-like/NDM coproducers (16%). OXA-232 constituted 31% of all OXA-48-like carbapenemases and was mainly carried on ST2096. Thirty-day mortality was 44% overall and 51% for ST2096. In the multivariate cox regression analysis, SOFA score and immunosuppression were significant predictors of 30-day mortality and ST2096 had a non-significant effect. All OXA-48-like producers remained susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam.
Comparison Of Ceftazidime-Avibactam Susceptibility Testing Methods Against OXA-48-Like Carrying Klebsiella Blood Stream Isolates
(2022) Isler, Burcu; Vatansever, Cansel; Ozer, Berna; Cinar, Gule; Aslan, Abdullah Tarik; Stewart, Adam; Simos, Peter; Falconer, Caitlin; Bauer, Michelle J.; Forde, Brian; Harris, Patrick; Simsek, Funda; Tulek, Necla; Demirkaya, Hamiyet; Menekse, Sirin; Akalinj, Halis; Balkan, Ilker Inanc; Aydin, Mehtap; Tigen, Elif Tukenmez; Demir, Safiye Koculu; Kapmaz, Mahir; Keske, Siran; Dogan, Ozlem; Arabaci, Cigdem; Yagci, Serap; Hazirolan, Gulsen; Bakir, Veli Oguzalp; Gonen, Mehmet; Saltoglu, Nese; Azap, Alpay; Azap, Ozlem; Akova, Murat; Ergonul, Onder; Paterson, David L.; Can, Fusun; 35843111
Ceftazidime-avibactam exhibits good in vitro activity against carbapenem resistant Klebsiella carrying OXA-48-like enzymes. We tested two hundred unique carbapenem resistant Klebsiella blood stream isolates (71% with single OXA-48-like carbapenemases, including OXA-48, n = 62; OXA-232, n = 57; OXA-244, n = 17; OXA-181, n = 5) that were collected as part of a multicentre study against ceftazidime-avibactam using Etest (bioMerieux, Marcyl'Etoile, France), 10/4 mg disc (Thermo Fisher) and Sensititre Gram Negative EURGNCOL Plates (Lyophilized panels, Sensititre, Thermo Fisher) with the aim of comparing the performances of the Etest and disc to that of Sensititre. Ceftazidime-avibactam MIC50/90 was 2/> 16 mg/L for the entire collection and was 2/4 mg/L for single OXA-48-like producers. Categorical and essential agreements between the Etest and Sensititre were 100% and 97%, respectively. Categorical agreement between the disc and Sensititre was 100%. Etest and 10/4 mg discs are suitable alternatives to Sensititre for ceftazidime-avibactam sensitivity testing for OXA-48-like producers. (C) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Comparison of Haematologic Side Effects of Different Pegylated Interferon-α Molecules Combined With Ribavirin
(2014) Aydin, Mehtap; Aksoz, Elif; Korkut, Oguzhan; Akhan, Sila; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4044-9366; HLX-0937-2023
Objective: Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with pegylated interferon (PegIFN) and ribavirin causes haematological side effects such as anemia, neutropenia and trombocytopenia. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the haematological side effects of PegIFN alpha-2a and PegIFN alpha-2b with ribavirin in the treatment of chronic HCV infection. Methods: 103 patients treated with PegIFN alpha-2b plus ribavirin and 70 patients treated with PegIFN alpha-2a plus ribavirin were included in this retrospective study. Patients' haematological parameters in first and third month's visits were compared with pretreatment test results. Results: In all patients, 21.2% had anemia (haemoglobin <10 g/dL), 3.8% had neutropenia (<750/mm(3)) and 6.2% had thrombocytopenia (<75x10(9)/L) at the end of the third month. When compared with initial levels, significant decreases in haemoglobin, neutrophil and thrombocyte counts were observed at first and third months in both groups. There wasn't a significant decrease in thrombocyte counts in the first month between two groups, however, a more significant decrease in thrombocyte counts were observed in patients who received PegIFN alpha-2a plus ribavirin than the patients receiving PegIFN alpha-2b plus ribavirin during the third month. Conclusions: PegIFN alpha-2b seems to have similar haematologic side effects, compared with PegIFN alpha-2a except the effects on the thrombocyte counts during the third month.
Complicated left-sided infective endocarditis in chronic hemodialysis patients: a case report
(2017) Gulmez, Oyku; Aydin, Mehtap; 0000-0002-9429-5430; 28106022; ABC-7134-2021; AAE-6201-2021
Infective endocarditis (IE) is a serious infectious condition with high morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). It has been particularly associated with recurrent bacteremia due to vascular access via lumen catheters. The most common pathogen is Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, and most affected valve is mitral valve, which frequently calcified. Two patients with ESRD who received hemodialysis treatment via tunneled catheters, aged 56 and 88 years, were admitted with fever and high troponin level. Blood cultures revealed growth of S. aureus. Good quality transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) displayed calcified mitral and aortic valves with no vegetation or abscess formation. Myocardial necrosis as result of catheter infection was considered. Both patients had persistent positive blood cultures 3 and 5 days after initiation of antibiotic treatment. Therefore, transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) was scheduled. Results revealed perivalvular abscess in the older patient, and highly mobile vegetation in the younger patient. The older patient refused surgery and died soon after due to refractory shock. Mitral valve surgery was planned for the other patient; however, she developed left ventricular failure and bleeding, and also subsequently died as result of refractory shock. Patient evaluations were particularly unfavorable: they had catheter infection as primary focus, and TTE did not detect vegetation or annular abscess. Diagnosis of IE in patients with ESRD using Duke criteria is problematic; we have to keep use of TEE in mind to detect vegetation or abscess formation when there is clinical suspicion regarding ESRD patients even after good quality TTE.
Effect of initial antifungal therapy on mortality among patients with bloodstream infections with different Candida species and resistance to antifungal agents: A multicentre observational study by the Turkish Fungal Infections Study Group
(2020) Dogan, Ozlem; Yesilkaya, Aysegul; Menekse, Sirin; Guler, Ozlem; Karakoc, Cagla; Cinar, Gule; Kapmaz, Mahir; Aydin, Mehtap; Keske, Siran; Sahin, Suzan; Haciseyitoglu, Demet; Yalcin, Demet; Tekin, Suda; Atac, Nazli; Albayrak, Ozgur; Aksu, Ekin Deniz; Can, Fusun; Ergonul, Onder; 32335275
This study aimed to describe the effect of initial antifungal therapy on patient mortality and to detail the current distribution and resistance patterns of Candida spp. among patients with candidaemia. A prospective observational study was performed among consecutive patients with candidaemia from 10 Turkish medical centres between January 2015 and November 2018. The primary outcome was 10-day mortality. Species were identified using MALDI-TOF/MS. A total of 342 patients with candidaemia were included, of which 175 (51.2%) were male and 68 (19.9%) were aged <18 years. The most common species were Candida albicans (47.4%), Candida parapsilosis (26.6%), Candida tropicalis (9.6%) and Candida glabrata (7.6%). Among all Candida spp., the 10-day case fatality rate (CFR) was 32.2%. The CFR was highest in patients with C. albicans (57.3%) and lowest in patients with C. parapsilosis (21.8%). The resistance rate to fluconazole was 13% in C. parapsilosis, with no significant effect on mortality. No resistance to echinocandins was detected. In the multivariate analysis, being in the ICU [OR = 2.1 (95% CI 1.32-3.57); P = 0.002], renal failure [OR = 2.4 (1.41-3.97); P = 0.001], total parenteral nutrition [OR = 2 (1.22-3.47); P = 0.006], C. albicans infection [OR = 1.7 (1.06-2.82); P = 0.027] and echinocandin as primary agent [OR = 0.6 (0.360.99); P = 0.047] were significantly associated with mortality. Candidaemia is a deadly infection. Fluconazole resistance is emerging, although it was not significantly related to mortality. Using an echinocandin as the primary agent could be life-saving. (c) 2020 Elsevier B.V. and International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.
Epidemiology, Species Distribution, Clinical Characteristics and Mortality of Candidaemia in A Tertiary Care University Hospital in Turkey, 2007-2014
(2017) Yesilkaya, Aysegul; Azap, Ozlem; Aydin, Mehtap; Ok, Mehtap Akcil; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0225-6416; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3171-8926; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4044-9366; 28338249; A-8902-2013; AAK-4089-2021; HLX-0937-2023; AAZ-8170-2020
Candidaemia still continues to be a serious medical concern and the epidemiology of candidaemia varies according to geographical areas. We aim to determine the incidence, local epidemiology, Candida species distribution and crude mortality rates of candidaemia. We retrospectively evaluated candidaemia episodes in between January 2007 and August 2014. We compared demographic, clinical, microbiological findings and mortality rates of episodes caused by Candida albicans and non-albicans Candida species. Overall the candidaemia incidences were 1.23 episodes/1000 admissions. A significant negative slope among candidaemia episodes and years was determined. Overall C. albicans (54.6%) was the most common species followed by Candida glabrata, Candida tropicalis and Candida parapsilosis respectively. Preinfection hospital stay and length of hospital stay were statistically longer in patients with non-albicans Candida candidaemia than in patients with C.albicans candidaemia. The source of candidaemia was unknown in 52.5% of all episodes. Central venous catheters among non-albicans Candida candidaemia episodes and urinary system among C.albicans candidaemia episodes were common source of candidaemia compared to each other. Previous antifungal therapy preceding candidaemia and concomitant bacteraemia were significantly associated with non-albicans Candida candidaemia. Continuous local surveillance will preserve its pivotal importance in formulating empirical antifungal therapy and improving management of candidaemia.
Factors Affecting Responsiveness to Hepatitis B Immunization in Dialysis Patients
(2017) Asan, Ali; Demirhan, Huriye; Sorkun, Hulya Cetin; Ozkan, Sevgi; Aydin, Mehtap; Akin, Davut; Tatar, Bengu; Catak, Binali; Sener, Alper; Kose, Sukran; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4044-9366; 28620716; HLX-0937-2023
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are widespread health problems all over the world and have high morbidity and mortality. Hemodialysis patients are more frequently exposed to these viruses as they have poor immune system and frequently undergo parenteral interventions. The vaccination against HBV prevents infection and it has been recommended for the prevention of HBV infection in all susceptible dialysis patients. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections and analyzed the factors affecting inadequate response to HBV vaccine in dialysis patients. The data for 584 dialysis patients that were followed up at seven dialysis centers were analyzed. The patients received four doses of 40 mu g recombinant hepatitis B vaccine at 0, 1, 2, and 6 months and were tested for anti-HBs titer after one month of completion of vaccination. If patients showed a titer of anti-HBs < 10 IU/mL, an additional 40 mu g in four vaccine doses was administered immediately and they were retested for the anti-HBs following the same schedule. The patients were divided into two groups: responders and non-responders. HBsAg and anti-HCV seroprevalence was 3.4% and 10.3%, respectively. After vaccination schedule, 264 (83.5%) patients had antibody response to HBV vaccine and 52 (16.5%) had no response. Hepatitis B vaccine unresponsiveness is more common in the patients with hepatitis C positivity (p = 0.011), BMI > 30 (p = 0.019), over the age of 65 years (p = 0.009), and duration of dialysis treatment > 5 years (p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between gender, causes of renal disease, erythropoietin treatment, and the type of dialysis. Hepatitis C infection, obesity, being elderly, and having long hemodialysis period reduced the hepatitis B vaccination response in hemodialysis patients.
HBsAg, Anti-HBs and Anti-HCV Seropositivity Rates among Pregnant Women Attending a University Hospital in Zonguldak
(2015) Aynioglu, Aynur; Aynioglu, Oner; Akar, Tarik; Aydin, Mehtap; Altunok, Elif Sargin
Objective: To explore the HBV and HCV seroprevalence rates among pregnant women attending the Obstetric Outpatient Unit at the Medical Faculty of Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University and to provide contributory data to the already existing data from the other geographical regions of Turkey. Materials and Methods: HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HCV seropositivity rates were retrospectively investigated among a total of 1084 pregnant women attending the Obstetric Outpatient Unit at the Medical Faculty of Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University between January 2012 and January 2014 Serum assays were performed using a chemiluminescence immunoassay method according the manufacturer's instructions (Cobas e 411 Analyzer, Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany). Statistical analyses of the study data were performed using SPSS 18.0 software package (SPSS Inc., Chicago IL, USA). Results: The mean age of the 1084 pregnant participants was 29.12 +/- 5.48 years (min: 17, max: 46 y) and the average gestational age was 10.7 +/- 4.64 weeks. HBsAg, anti-HBs, and anti-HCV detection rates were 4% (n= 43), 7.3% (n= 79), and 0.6% (n= 7), respectively. With regard to age groups, HBsAg was positive in 3.1%, 3.7%, 4.4%, and 5.9% of the women who were below 20 years of age, between 21 and 30 years of age, between 31 and 40 years of age, and over 40 years of age, respectively. Conclusion: While similar rates of seroprevalence for HBsAg and anti-HCV were found as compared to the previous reports from Turkey, anti-HBs positivity rates were lower than that in most of the previous reports.
Increased Mortality Among Renal Transplant Patients With Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillus Infection
(2018) Balcan, Baran; Ozcelik, Umit; Ugurlu, Aylin Ozsancakli; Aydin, Mehtap; Nalcaci, Serdar; Karakayali, Feza Yarbug; 0000-0003-1073-2494; 0000-0003-3598-3986; 0000-0003-4044-9366; 0000-0002-1874-947X; 30235978; A-4721-2018; AAG-8651-2021; AAA-2925-2020; HLX-0937-2023; AAB-3888-2021
Introduction: Renal transplantation is the most effective and preferred definite treatment option in patients with end-stage renal disease. Due to long-term immunesuppressive treatment, renal transplant recipients become vulnerable to opportunistic infections, especially to fungal infections. Method: This was a single-center, retrospective observational study of 438 patients who underwent renal transplantation between 2010 and 2016. Results: Thirty-eight renal transplant recipients who had lower respiratory tract infection with median age of 41.5 years were evaluated for invasive pulmonary aspergillus (IPA). Of these, 52.6% were female and 84.2% had living donors. Eleven of 38 lower respiratory patients were found to have IPA infection, 5 with proven infection. Compared to patients who did not have fungal pulmonary infection, patients with invasive aspergillus were older and had high fever, galactomannan levels, and leukocyte counts. Mortality was also higher in those patients. Having fever at the baseline and IPA infection was significantly associated with mortality in univariate analysis and remained related in multivariate model after adjustment for age, gender, and fever. Conclusion: Invasive pulmonary aspergillus infection is highly associated with increased mortality rates in renal transplant patients. Fungal pulmonary infections in immune-suppressed patients should be diagnosed and treated immediately in order to avoid the life-threatening complications and may greatly improve prognosis.
Investigation of Antibacterial Prescribing Situations in Dentistry Faculties and Other Dental Health Institutions
(2017) Kirmizi, N. Ipek; Aydin, Mehtap; Koyuncuoglu, Cenker Z.; Aksoy, Mesil; Kadi, Esma; Alkan, Ali; Akici, Ahmet; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4044-9366; HLX-0937-2023
Objective: The relationship between the institutions where dentists work and their prescribing performance is not known. This study aimed to investigate antibacterial prescribing practices of dentists working in different healthcare institutions. Material and Method: Dentists' antibacterial-containing prescriptions were analyzed by using Prescription Information System (PIS) of Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency. Distribution of antibacterial-containing prescriptions that were prescribed by dentists in universities and other healthcare institutions, starting from January 2013 for a total of 32 months was examined in terms of diagnosis and time periods. Results: It was found that very few number of antibacterials (n=9,952) were prescribed in dentistry faculties (DF) while most of them (n=13,069,333) were prescribed in other dental health institutions (DHI). In both DF and DHI, the most common prescribed antibacterial group was "beta lactam antibacterials-penicillins" (93.7% and 71.3%, respectively) and as an antibacterial agent it was "amoxicillin + enzyme inhibitors" (69.7% and 57.9%, respectively). These were followed by amoxicillin (21.9%) and clindamycin (1.5%) in DF; spiramycin (10.4%) and amoxicillin (9.2%) in DHI. The most frequently prescribed diagnoses were "embedded teeth" and "periapical abscesses-without sinus" in DF and DHI, respectively. Conclusion: This study was the first to reveal similar and different aspects of antibacterial prescribing behaviors between the DF and DHI dentists in Turkey. Although preference of the most common drug was similar, detailed examinations showed variations in antibacterial prescribing behaviors of dentists practicing in universities and other institutions.
Management of Chronic Hepatitis in Special Hosts and Special Situations: A Consensus Report of the Study Group for Viral Hepatitis of the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
(2014) Mistik, Resit; Aydin, Mehtap; Aksoy, Suleyman; Altin, Nilgun; Altunal, Nilsun; Avsar, Kemal; Bezirgan, Selma; Buke, Cagri; Celik, Ali Kutta; Celik, Ekrem; Dikici, Nebahat; Hizel, Kenan; Iskender, Serap; Kaya, Ali; Korkmaz, Fatime; Kose, Sukran; Sacligil, Cahide; Sirmatel, Fatma; Tarakci, Huseyin; Turgut, Huseyin; Tutuncu, Ediz; Yulugkural, Zerrin; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4044-9366; HLX-0937-2023
Study Group for Viral Hepatitis of the Turkish Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases convened a meeting to develop a consensus report on management of chronic hepatitis in special hosts and special situations. Relevant literature and international guidelines were reviewed, and recommendations agreed are presented at the end of each section such as therapy of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis, prevention and therapy of recurrent hepatitis B after liver transplantation, management of fulminant hepatitis B, therapy of CHB in hemodialysis patients, management of CHB in nonliver solid organ transplant recipients, management of CHB in immunosuppressed nontransplant patients, therapy of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection, management of HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection, management of CHB in alcoholic patients and injecting drug users, therapy of CHB in pregnancy and lactation period, extrahepatic manifestations in HBV infection, HBV, HCV and hepatitis D virus coinfection, therapy of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis, treatment of patients with recurrent HCV infection following liver transplantation, therapy of CHC in hemodialysis patients, management of CHC in nonliver solid organ transplant recipients, therapy of HCV, HBV and HIV coinfection, management of CHC in immunosuppressed nontransplant patients, HCV infection and biological agents, HCV infection and chemotherapy, management of CHC in alcoholic patients and injecting drug users, fatty liver and CHC, hemoglobinopathy and CHC, CHC in pregnancy and lactation period, extrahepatic manifestations in HCV infection.
Molecular Characterization of Drug Resistance in Hepatitis B Viruses Isolated from Patients with Chronical Infection in Turkey
(2018) Aydin, Mehtap; Asan, Ali; Sayan, Murat; Akhan, Sila; Koruk, Suda Tekin; Aygen, Bilgehan; Sirmatel, Fatma; Eraksoy, Haluk; Tuna, Nazan; Kose, Sukran; Kaya, Ali; Tulek, Necla Eren; Demir, Nazlim Aktug; Mistik, Resit; Ormen, Bahar; Korkmaz, Fatime; Yildirmak, Taner; Ural, Onur; Turgut, Huseyin; Gunal, Ozgur; Demirtuk, Nese
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has a high mutation rate due to its unusual replication strategy leading to the production of a large number of virions with single and double mutations. The mutations, in turn, are associated with the development of drug resistance to nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs) in patients before and during NUCs therapy. Objectives: The current study aimed at investigating the molecular characterization of HBV in Turkish patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. Methods: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and direct sequencing procedures were used to analyze mutations. The detected drug resistance mutations were divided into the nucleos(t) ide analogs primary, partial, and compensatory resistance groups. The amino acid substitutions of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were categorized into antiviral drug - associated potential vaccine-escape mutations (ADAPVEMs) and typical HBsAg amino acid substitutions, which included hepatitis B hyperimmunoglobulin (HBIg) - selected escape mutation, vaccine escape mutation, hepatitis B misdiagnosis, and immune - selected amino acid substitutions. Results: The number of patients included in the study was 528 out of which 271 (51.3%) were treatment - naive and 351 (66.3%) were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) - negative. Moreover, 325 (61.6%) were males with a mean age of 38 years (range: 18 - 69). Primary, partial, and compensatory resistance to NUCs was reported in 174 (32.9%) patients. Six different ADAPVEM motifs were determined in both treatment - naive and treatment - experienced patients, namely, sF161L/rtI169X, sE164D/rtV173L, sL172L/rtA181T, sL173F/rtA181V, sS195M/rtM204V, and sS196L/rtM204I. The prevalence of ADAPVEMs and typical HBsAg escape mutations was 5.3% (n = 28) and 34.8% (n = 184), respectively. Conclusions: The analysis of drug resistance should constitute a fundamental part of the follow - up period of patients with CHB undergone treatment with NUCs. The surveillance of development of drug resistance mutations, while receiving treatment for hepatitis B is of paramount importance to monitor and control the emerging resistance.
Multiple Brain Abscesses Due to Phialemonium in a Renal Transplant Recipient: First Case Report in the Literature
(2015) Aydin, Mehtap; Ozcelik, Umit; Cevik, Halime; Cinar, Ozlem; Evren, Ebru; Demirag, Alp; 0000-0003-1073-2494; 0000-0003-4044-9366; 26640919; AAG-8651-2021; HLX-0937-2023; JAZ-1759-2023
Fungal brain abscesses are a rare but serious complication in transplant recipients. Phialemonium organisms are rare causes of invasive mold infections. Here, we present the first case of a renal transplant recipient with multiple brain abscesses caused by Phialemonium infection A. A 51-year-old female kidney transplant recipient was admitted with pneumonia of an unknown cause and treated with empiric intravenous antibiotics. Her treatment was uneventful, and she was discharged 1010 days later. After 5 days, she was readmitted with fever, cerebral palsy, and speech disorder. The patient had undergone living-donor renal transplant 7 months earlier. A cranial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed for a possible cerebro vascular pathology. The magnetic resonance imaging scan showed multiple brain abscesses located at the left parietal, frontal and occipital lobes; right parietal and occipital lobes; right basal ganglia; and left cerebellum. The patient received meropenem, linezolid, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, and AmBisome for probable pathogenic infection, and immunosuppressive agents dosage was reduced increasingly immuno suppressed. We identified Phialemonium in cerebrospinal fluid culture. The patient received voriconazole 200 mg twice daily. Lesions could not be drained due to lack of capsula formation. The patient died on the 30th day of antifungal therapy. Phialemonium organisms, although a rare cause of fungal infections, are associated with a high mortality rate in immunocompromised patients. To our knowledge, this is the first case report in the literature describing multiple brain abscesses due to Phialemonium in a transplant recipient. Clinicians recipient should be alert about these rare opportunistic fungi in the differential diagnosis of brain abscess, and bronchoscopy and broncho alveolar lavage are recommended for transplant patients when they are admitted with pneumonia exclude fungal infections.
Pericarditis due to an unusual microorganism in an immunocompromised patient
(2019) Ozkalayci, Flora; Aydin, Mehtap; Altay, Hakan; Kocabas, Umut; Pehlivanoglu, Seckin; 0000-0001-6424-9399; 31483309; AAG-5856-2020
A 77-year-old man with a past medical history of myelodysplastic syndrome, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and chronic atrial fibrillation presented at the hematology outpatient clinic with progressive shortness of breath, weakness, and chest and back pain. Echocardiography was performed and the patient was diagnosed with severe pericardial effusion near the right ventricle. Pericardial drainage was performed. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was isolated from the pericardial fluid. Complications of respiratory and renal failure developed during follow-up. The clinical and laboratory findings of vegetation on the tricuspid valve, pericardial effusion, and atrial fibrillation with a low heart rate suggested possible pancarditis. A multidisciplinary treatment approach with the cardiology and infectious disease departments was critical to successful management of this case.
Rational Use of Medicine in Dentistry: Do Dentists Prescribe Antibiotics in Appropriate Indications?
(2017) Koyuncuoglu, Cenker Z.; Aydin, Mehtap; Kirmizi, N. Ipek; Aydin, Volkan; Aksoy, Mesil; Isli, Fatma; Akici, Ahmet; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4044-9366; 28462430; HLX-0937-2023
There are concerns regarding appropriate use of antibiotics in dentistry practice. Data on dental antibiotic prescribing patterns by dentists is relatively limited. This nationwide study aimed to examine dentists' antibiotic prescriptions in a diagnosis-based manner in Turkey. This retrospective study on utilization of systemic antibiotics for dental problems was based on the national health data of the dentists obtained from Prescription Information System between January 2013 and August 2015. Only those prescriptions containing single diagnosis and at least one systemic antibiotic were included in the study. Antibiotic prescribing was compared by diagnoses and expertise of dentists. A total of 9,293,410 antibiotics were detected in 9,214,956 prescriptions that contained "single diagnosis and at least one antibiotic." The number of antibiotics per prescription was 1.01. "Periapical abscess without sinus" (28.1%), "dental examination" (20.7%), and "dental caries" (16.2%) were the three most common indications in which antibiotics were prescribed by dentists. While only 3.4% of antibiotics were prescribed upon the single and appropriate "cellulitis and abscess of mouth" diagnosis, the remaining 96.6% was prescribed for irrational/uncertain indications. Consistent in all diagnoses, "amoxicillin + enzyme inhibitor" (58.6%) was the mainly prescribed antibiotic. Analysis of the most preferred "amoxicillin + enzyme inhibitor" prescriptions by expertise of dentists showed significantly much higher prescription rates among Group A specialists and Group B specialists (67.0 and 67.8%, respectively) than those in unidentified dental practitioners (58.2%, p < 0.0001). This study showed that dentists prescribed antibiotics in an arbitrary and mostly unnecessary manner. In general, their antibiotic choices for examined diagnoses could be regarded as irrational. These results indicate the urgent need for improvement of rational antibiotic prescribing habits of dentists.
Relative risk of tuberculosis in patients with rheumatic diseases managed with anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha therapy: A nationwide cohort study
(2019) Aydin, Volkan; Akici, Ahmet; Isil, Fatma; Aksoy, Mesil; Aydin, Mehtap; Gursoz, Hakki; 30763469
What is known and objective Anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-alpha) therapy is known to raise the risk of granulomatous infections, leading to development of risk management strategies at national or global level. This study aimed to determine the relative risk (RR) of tuberculosis (TB) due to anti-TNF-alpha usage in patients with rheumatologic diseases (RDs) in a nationwide basis. Method This retrospective cohort study included patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) that treated with or without anti-TNF-alpha agents, as registered in the national prescription information system between years 2013 and 2015. Two-year RR of TB after anti-TNF-alpha therapy initiation was calculated in this RD population, including main subgroups. Results and discussion The study cohort included 413 500 RD patients, where anti-TNF-alpha(+) arm (n = 2117) had mean age of 41.9 +/- 13.4 years and male distribution of 54.3%. Four patients among anti-TNF-alpha users developed TB compared to 128 patients in anti-TNF-alpha-naive group (189 vs 31 cases per 100 000 patients, respectively), yielding a 2-year RR of 6.07 (95% CI, 2.25-16.42) with an attributable risk of 0.16%. These RRs (95% CI), which were particularly pronounced, were 5.39 (1.69-7.17) in men, 6.12 (2.26-16.55) in adults, and 5.70 (1.41-23.08) in RA and 13.46 (1.58-114.40) in PsA patients. There was no difference between the anti-TNF-alpha users who developed and undeveloped TB regarding drug utilization characteristics, except significantly less immunosuppressive drug exposure in TB patients. What is new and conclusion This study is the first prescription-based nationwide study to suggest an elevated RR of TB in a comparably younger population with a broad spectrum of RDs managed with any approved anti-TNF-alpha drug in Turkey.
Results of BK Virus Screening in Renal Transplant Recipients
(2016) Ozcelik, Umit; Bircan, Huseyin Yuce; Aydin, Mehtap; Kulah, Eyyup; Karakayali, Feza Yarbug; Haberal, Mehmet; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1073-2494; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4044-9366; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1874-947X; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3462-7632; AAG-8651-2021; R-6394-2019; HLX-0937-2023; AAB-3881-2021; AAB-3888-2021; AAJ-8097-2021