Karakeçili, Faruk; Cilo, Burcu Dalyan; Çikman, Aytekin; Akalin, Halis; Özakin, Cuneyt

Introduction: In the control of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), it is important to identify these bacteria rapidly and demonstrate their relationship with nosocomial outbreaks. In this study we aimed to investigate epidemiology of VRE strains by determination of clonal relationships of these bacteria. Material and Method: The VRE strains isolated from January 2001 to December 2009 were examined in terms of their distribution by year and by their clustering patterns into epidemic groups. Identification and antibiotic susceptibilities were tested by using the otomated system. Vancomycin resistance was confirmed by the E-test method. PFGE was used to determine the clonal relationship between the strains. Results: 664 VRE strains were isolated in periods of nine years. E. faecium was found to be the most prevalent species. Eigthy-three E. faecium strains isolated during the epidemic periods were characterized by PFGE types from 11 different clonal clusters. The largest of these clusters, F-2, contained 26 isolates which was isolated in 2009. There was a significant similarity between strains isolated in 2001 and 2002 epidemics. The F-4 clone containing five isolates was first identified in 2001, and then detected in 2003. The strains isolated in the other three epidemic periods displayed certain insignificant similarities. Discussion: E. faecium which has been increasing among the VRE species all over the world, was found to be the most common isolate. In this study, a significant similarity was observed between strains isolated in the epidemics of 2001 and 2002, which indicates that this clone survived for a long time and became prevalent in the hospital during this period. All the strains in the 2009 epidemic period were clustered in one clone, F-2. Since this clone had not previously been isolated in our hospital, it is considered that it spreaded in the hospital and was the only clone responsible for the epidemic of 2009. To prevent VRE spread that may result hospital epidemics, it is important to well informe and educate our staff concerning these infections and preventive measures.

Çikman, Aytekin; Berktas, Mustafa; Parlak, Mehmet; Bayram, Yasemin; Yaman, Gorkem

Objective: Influenza viruses have retained their importance throughout history by creating pandemics since the segmental structure of the RNA undergo frequent genetic changes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) cases detected our region. Material and Method: Totally 570 patients were registered with pre-diagnosis of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) infection in five different hospitals located in Van region between 15 October 2009 - 15 January 2010. After nasopharyngeal/throat swab samples were taken from patients, they were sent to Refik Saydam Hygiene Center (RSHC) in accordance with the rules of biosafety, and specimens were investigated for Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) 2009 by using Real-Time PCR method. Results: Pandemic Influenza A (HI NI) was determined by RSHC as positive for 220 patients. 36 of these patients were in intensive care conditions, 85 were hospitalized and 16 passed away. 109 patients, who were diagnosed with Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1), were within range of 6-25 years. All patients in this age range were treated and discharged. The most common symptoms of patients who were hospitalized were defined as cough and fever In these patients, the most common risk factors were as follows; being <5 years, having the cardiovascular disease, using immunosuppressive drugs and having lung disease. Conclusion: Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infections are more frequent in young adults and patients without risk factor, unlike seasonal flu. When examining its effect on the society, Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 constitutes a good opportunity in terms of preparation of inevitable struggling with pandemics in the future.

Çıkman, Aytekin; Berktaş, Mustafa; Parlak, Mehmet; Bayram, Yasemin; Yaman, Görkem

Objective: Influenza viruses have retained their importance throughout history by creating pandemics since the segmental structure of the RNA undergo frequent genetic changes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) cases detected our region.; Material and Method: Totally 570 patients were registered with pre-diagnosis of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) infection in five different hospitals located in Van region between 15 October 2009 - 15 January 2010. After nasopharyngeal/throat swab samples were taken from patients, they were sent to Refik Saydam Hygiene Center (RSHC) in accordance with the rules of biosafety, and specimens were investigated for Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) 2009 by using Real-Time PCR method.; Results: Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) was determined by RSHC as positive for 220 patients. 36 of these patients were in intensive care conditions, 85 were hospitalized and 16 passed away. 109 patients, who were diagnosed with Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1), were within range of 6-25 years. All patients in this age range were treated and discharged. The most common symptoms of patients who were hospitalized were defined as cough and fever. In these patients, the most common risk factors were as follows; being <5 years, having the cardiovascular disease, using immunosuppressive drugs and having lung disease.; Conclusion: Pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infections are more frequent in young adults and patients without risk factor, unlike seasonal flu. When examining its effect on the society, Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 constitutes a good opportunity in terms of preparation of inevitable struggling with pandemics in the future.

Vural, Mutlu; Olgun, Abdullah

Objective: Statins are widely prescribed worldwide and used by millions of people to decrease blood cholesterol level. Taste disorders are among many documented side effects of statins and reported in less than 2% of the patients who use a statin. The molecular mechanism of statin-induced taste disorders is not known. In this study, a bioinformatics approach was used for the elucidation of this mechanism. Material and Method: In order to gain insight into the mechanism of statin-induced taste disorders, we searched human protein database by using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) and 3-hydroxy-3- methylglutarylcoenzyme A reductase QiMGCR) as query.Results: Our search revealed two proteins: Polycystic kidney disease 1 like 1 (PKD1L1) and transcription factor AP-2 beta (TFAP2B) both of which are involved in taste perception. Our results suggest a possible partial interaction between statins and PKD1L1 and TFAP2B. Conclusion: Further studies such as molecular docking and identification of statin binding proteins by affinity column chromatography using statins as substrate can clarify the contribution of such an interaction to the mechanisms of statin induced taste disorders.