Comparative validation and clinical performance data are essential for the reliable interpretation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody test results. This study ...aimed to assess the performance of six SARS-CoV-2 IgG immunoassays in the context of different disease severities. Four automated chemiluminescence immunoassays (Access Beckman Coulter, Architect Abbott, Atellica-IM Siemens, and Elecsys Roche) as well as two ELISA assays (SARS-CoV-2 IgG-S1-based and NCP IgG Euroimmun) were evaluated using samples from 143 patients as well as 50 pre-pandemic control serum samples. Accuracy and precision tests were performed for validation purposes. Overall sensitivity ranged between 73.38–88.65% and was higher in spike protein-based assays, while the specificity was ≥98% in all immunoassays. The clinical performance of the immunoassays differed depending on disease severity and target antigen. For instance, the IgG response was lower for samples taken <20 days post-symptom onset (87.30%) compared with those taken ≥20 days post-symptom onset (94.80%). Moreover, moderate disease levels led to the highest levels of IgG. Higher levels of antibodies were detected in the clinically moderate disease group. In asymptomatic and mild groups, more antibody positivity was detected with spike protein-based assays. All the assays tested could be used to detect SARS-CoV-2 IgG. However, spike-based assays revealed relatively higher sensitivity rates than nucleoprotein-based assays, particularly in cases of asymptomatic and mild disease.
Aims
Chronic osteomyelitis, including implant-related prosthetic joint infection, is extremely difficult to cure. We develop vancomycin containing release systems from poly(
d
,
l
-lactide) (PDLLA) ...and poly(
d
,
l
-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) composites with beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) to treat methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
osteomyelitis. We ask whether vancomycin containing PDLLA/β-TCP and PLGA/β-TCP composites will prevent early biofilm formation, allow cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, and stimulate osteogenic signaling molecules in the absence of an osteogenic medium.
Methods
Composites were produced and characterized with scanning electron microscopy.
In vitro
vancomycin release was assessed for 6 weeks. Biofilm prevention was calculated by crystal violet staining. Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) and osteosarcoma cell (SaOS-2) proliferation and differentiation were assessed with water soluble tetrazolium salt and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction defined osteogenic signaling molecules for hBM-MSCs.
Results
Totally, 3.1 ± 0.2 mg and 3.4 ± 0.4 mg vancomycin released from PDLLA/β-TCP and the PLGA/β-TCP composites, respectively, and inhibited early biofilm formation. hBM-MSCs and SaOS-2 cells proliferated on the composites and stimulated ALP activity of cells. Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and SRY-Box transcription Factor 9 (SOX9) expressions were, however, lower with composites when compared with control.
Conclusion
Vancomycin containing PDLLA/β-TCP and PLGA/β-TCP composites inhibited early biofilm formation and proliferated and differentiated hBM-MSCs and SaOS-2 cells, but osteogenesis-related RUNX2 and SOX9 transcription factors were not strongly expressed in the absence of an osteogenic medium for 14 days.
Its rising incidence, virulence factors and antibiotic resistance rate makes it difficult to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. The aim of this study was to compare virulence factors and ...antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa isolates from cystic fibrosis (CF) and other lower respiratory tract infections. Isolates from patients (n=125) were divided into two groups. The isolates in the first group were from CF patients (n=64). And in the other group isolates were from lower respiratory tract samples, from patients that did not have CF (n=61). The antibiotic susceptibility tests were done by using disc diffusion method. As phenotypic tests; DNase, protease, elastase, hemolysis, and motility test were performed. The mucoid form of P. aeruginosa was detected in 29.7% of CF patients’ isolates, whereas in the other group (non-CF) this rate was 9.8% (p=0.011). Motility in the CF patients’ isolates was lower (84.4%) then the other group (96.7%). The presence of DNase was significantly low in CF patients’ isolates when compared to the other group (p=0.009). When the antibiotic resistance was compared; ceftazidime, imipenem and meropenem and piperacillin resistance was found significantly low in CF patients compared to isolates from the other group (p≤0.05). Information about virulence factor patterns and antibiotic resistance of P. aeruginosa isolates from patients with cystic fibrosis and the patients without cystic fibrosis can prevent the unnecessary usage of antibiotics and lead the way to new approaches in treatment.
To identify changes in hepatitis B epidemiology after the implementation of the nationwide vaccination program in Turkey, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and related tests performed over a period of 11 years ...(2000-2010) at a reference centre were retrospectively overviewed and statistically analysed for trends.
Assay results for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and e antigen (HBeAg), Anti-HBs, Anti-HBe, Anti-HBc immunoglobulins and HBV DNA as well as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gama-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels, obtained via standardized commercial assays were included in the analysis. Overall, a stable anti-HBs incidence (43.6%) and male predominance in infected individuals were noted. Total Anti-HBc was detected in 43.3% of the Anti-HBs reactive population, demonstrating that the immunity against HBV has still been acquired through virus exposure. An intermediate HBsAg seroprevalence of 6.0% was observed with a significant decrease from 12.3% to 5.0% from 2000 to 2010. Anti-HBe positive infections were more frequent than those with HBe antigenemia (77.1% vs. 18.5%) with a notable increase from 2000 to 2003. HBV DNA was detected in 23.6-25.6% with serological markers of viral replication and was more prevalent in HBeAg positive individuals in parallel with AST, ALT and GGT levels. Evidence for horizontal transfer as the major transmission route was revealed with a reduction of childhood HBV infections, attributable to the ongoing vaccination efforts.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
We aimed to obtain the effects of immunosuppressive doses on the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) test results in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients. Besides this, the impact of the TB2 tube in ...QFT-Plus test was also investigated. This study included RA patients registered to HURBIO and were screened via QFT-Plus test for latent tuberculosis between January 2018 and March 2021, before the initiation of treatment of biologic/targeted-synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatismal drugs (b/ts-DMARDs). Patients using methotrexate ≥ 10 mg or leflunomide (any dose) or steroids (≥ 7.5 mg prednisolone) at the time of QFT-Plus test were classified as the “high dose” group and the rest of the patients constituted the “low dose” group. The study included 534 RA patients; 353 66.1% in the high-dose group and 181 33.9% in the low-dose group. While QFT-Plus test was positive in 10.5% (37/353) patients in the high-dose group, it was positive in 20.4% (37/181) patients in the low-dose group (
p
< 0.001). The percentage of QFT-Plus indeterminate results were similar (around 2%) in both groups. The contribution of the TB2 tube to QFT-Plus test positivity was 6.89%. During a median (inter-quartile range) follow-up period of 23 (7–38) months under treatment of b/ts-DMARDs, latent TB reactivation was not observed. Primer active tuberculosis disease developed in two patients. Positive test results of Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) could decrease as immunosuppressive treatment doses increase in patients with RA and addition of the TB2 tube could increase test sensitivity.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Introduction: There are several methods used for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infections, and there is an increasing demand for the use of non-invasive, more rapid tests. The aim of the ...present study was to compare different diagnostic methods.Methods: A total of 87 patients who had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy were included in the study. Biopsy samples obtained from these patients were used for culture, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and histopathological examination. Stool samples were also collected from these patients and were tested using the Helicobacter pylori stool antigen (HpSA) kit. Histopathological examination was accepted as the gold standard test.Results: H. pylori was identified by histological examination in 77/87 (87.5%) patients, whereas it was negative in 10/87 (12.5%) patients. Furthermore, positive results were obtained in 55 (63.2%), 71 (81.6%), and 77 (87.5%) patients using the culture method, HpSA analysis, and RT-PCR method, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of culture, HpSA, and PCR tests were determined as 71.4% and 100%, 87% and 60%, and 97.4% and 80%, respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed on 48 out of the 55 culture positive samples. Resistance to clarithromycin was found in 28 (58.3%), metronidazole in 14 (29.2%), and levofloxacin in 4 (8.3%) of the isolates. Resistance to amoxicillin and tetracycline was not observed.Conclusion: There are currently several invasive and non-invasive diagnostic tests for the detection of H. pylori infections. Each test has some advantages and disadvantages. The diagnostic method of choice should be easy and applicable to all age groups.
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The effects of gastric acid suppressors (GASs) on Clostridioides difficile infection remain controversial. Moreover, studies have shown that GASs are overused. This study was designed ...to evaluate the effects of GAS use on the risk of C. difficile-induced diarrhea (CDID) development and to investigate the appropriate use of GASs.
In this observational case–control study, patients hospitalized between January 2010 and December 2016 who had diarrhea after 3 days of hospitalization were included. The study (n = 122) and control (n = 122) groups were matched according to the patients’ hospitalization dates and departments.
No significant difference in CDID development was observed between the study and control groups. However, GAS use was excessive in the study and control groups (usage rates were 90.2% and 91.8%, respectively) (p > 0.05). Most proton pump inhibitors and histamine-2 receptor antagonists were used without an appropriate indication. Surprisingly, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 7 days and longer showed a significant difference between the study and control groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, significant differences in enteral feeding, oral nutritional support products, carbapenem, penicillin, glycopeptide antibiotics, antifungals, hypoalbuminemia, and increased leukocyte levels were observed between the study and control groups (p < 0.05).
A significant difference in CDID development was not detected. The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for 7 days and longer was a risk factor for CDID development. Additionally, an excessive inappropriate use of GASs was observed. Clinicians should be cautious of all these factors, which may increase the risk of CDID development.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Summary This paper aims to bring up the most prevalent pneumococcal serotypes and serogroups detected in recent Turkish studies. The current PCV-7 formulation covers only 37% of IPI in Turkey and if ...serotypes/groups 4, 6V, 9B, 18C in the current formulation are replaced with 1, 3, 6B and 9A in PCV-7, then the vaccination coverage will increase up to 64%, an improvement that is significant statistically. Similarly, if 11A, 12F, 15B, 17F and 22F are substituted with 6A, 9A, 9L, 19C and 23B in existing PPV-23, the new formulation will increase coverage up to 95% for Turkish population.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
The paper by Yalcin et al. is a fine designed article, but only evaluated 27 invasive isolates for children under 2 years of age and this datum is quite lacking to provide a thorough understanding ...for a 75-million populated large country. Since the publications related to pneumococcal seroepidemiology in Turkey did not discriminate the specific age groups, we were not able to categorize the serotypes according to age. According to World Health Organization, large scale surveillance studies should be held before a vaccine is implemented in a country in order to establish a baseline measurement of disease and to monitor the impact of vaccination 5.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
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