Topical Vancomycin is More Efficient than Povidone-Iodine Treatment in Controlling Bacterial Growth in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Keratitis Model in Rabbits.

To evaluate the efficacy of topical vancomycin and povidone iodine (PI) application on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) keratitis model in rabbits.MRSA keratitis was induced by injecting 0.1 mL MRSA containing 1000 colony-forming units (CFU) into central cornea of right eyes of 24 New Zealand White rabbits. Animals were divided into four groups (n = 6): control (treated with balanced salt solution), 50 mg/mL topical vancomycin, 5% topical PI, and combination; examined before and after treatment, and corneal tissues were harvested for analysis at 9th hour of treatment.Bacterial load was determined as: 7.63 ± 0.82 log10 CFU/g in control group, 6.95 ± 1.66 log10 CFU/g in PI group, 4.67 ± 0.77 log10 CFU/g in combination group, and 4.33 ± 0.71 log10 CFU/g in vancomycin group (p = 0.001). Median of total clinical score increased significantly from 7 [range: 5-8] to 11.5 [range: 11-15] (p = 0.001) in control group, did not change (6 [range: 5-8] to 7 [range: 5-7]; p = 0.695) in vancomycin group, increased significantly from 7 [range: 5-8] to 12.5 [range: 10-14] (p < 0.001) in PI group, increased significantly from 6.5 [range: 5-7] to 8 [range: 7-9] in combination group (p = 0.002). Post-treatment clinical scores for chemosis, conjunctival injection, iritis, hypopyon, epithelial erosion, and corneal infiltrate were significantly lower in vancomycin-treated groups compared to others (p < 0.05). In PI-treated groups, especially scores for chemosis, conjunctival injection, epithelial erosion and corneal infiltrate were significantly higher than vancomycin (p < 0.05).Topical vancomycin significantly inhibited bacterial growth in MRSA keratitis. However, PI was ineffective in controlling this growth; additionally, exerted toxic effect on ocular surface. When vancomycin was combined with PI, no additional increase in efficacy of treatment was detected compared to only vancomycin.

Applying nano-HA in addition to scaling and root planing increases clinical attachment gain.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the efficacy of treating periodontitis using subgingival nano-hydroxyapatite powder with an air abrasion device (NHAPA) combined with scaling and root planing (SRP). METHODS: A total of 28 patients with stage III periodontitis (grade B) were included in this study, although 1 was lost during follow-up and 3 used antibiotics. The patients were divided into a test group and a control group. All patients first received whole-mouth SRP using hand instruments, and a split-mouth approach was used for the second treatment. In the test group, the teeth were treated with NHAPA for 15 seconds at 70% power per pocket. Subgingival plaque samples were obtained from the 2 deepest pockets at the test and control sites before treatment (baseline) and 3 months after treatment. The full-mouth plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and at 1- and 3-month post-treatment. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the colonisation of Treponema denticola (Td), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in the subgingival plaque. RESULTS: From baseline to the first month, the test group showed significantly larger changes in BOP and CAL (43.705%±27.495% and 1.160±0.747 mm, respectively) than the control group (36.311%±27.599% and 0.947±0.635 mm, respectively). Periodontal parameters had improved in both groups at 3 months. The reductions of PI, GI, BOP, PD, and CAL in the test group at 3 months were greater and statistically significant. The total bacterial count and Td and Pg species had decreased significantly by the third month in both groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Applying NHAPA in addition to SRP improves clinical periodontal parameters more than SRP alone. Subgingival NHAPA may encourage clot adhesion to tooth surfaces by increasing surface wettability.

Intrastromal Administration of Vancomycin to Maximize Its Early Effect on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Keratitis: A Rabbit Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the early efficacy of intrastromal injection of vancomycin in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). METHODS: Twenty-four eyes of 24 New-Zealand White rabbits were included in the study. MRSA keratitis was induced in the right eye of each rabbit. On the 24th hour after the inoculation of MRSA, eight rabbits received topical vancomycin therapy, eight rabbits received intrastromal vancomycin therapy, and eight rabbits received balanced salt solution and served as the control group. RESULTS: The pre-post differences in epithelial erosion score and total clinical score were higher in the topical vancomycin group than in the intrastromal vancomycin group (p = .033 and 0.016, respectively). The eyes treated topically had higher bacterial load compared with those treated intrastromally (6.97 ± 0.82 vs. 6.14 ± 0.63 log10 CFU/g, p = .039). CONCLUSION: A single dose of intrastromal vancomycin is more effective than the standard loading dose of topical vancomycin in reducing bacterial load.

Causative Agents of Urinary Tract Infections in Elderly Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: a Microbiological Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an important risk factor for urinary tract infections. In this study, the causative agents of urinary tract infections were isolated from urine samples of benign prostatic hyperplasia patients aged 65 and older. Bacteremia risk and the patterns of antibiotic resistance were investigated to guide clinicians in empirical antibiotic treatment. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2019, cultures of bacteria and yeast were made from urine samples from 655 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The patients were divided into three groups based on age: 65 - 74, 75 - 84, and ≥ 85. The identification and antibiotic susceptibility tests of microorganisms were performed using the BD Phoenix (Becton Dickinson, USA) and the VITEK®2 Compact (bioMérieux, France) automated systems, as well as traditional methods. RESULTS: Microbial growth was detected in 24% of the patients. No significant differences were found concerning age (p = 0.15). The most commonly isolated microorganism was Escherichia coli (47.8%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (22%), Enterococcus faecalis (8.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.7%), and Candida albicans (4.4%). Escherichia coli showed no resistance to carbapenems. On the other hand, resistance values of 1% for amikacin, 5% for fosfomycin, 11% for nitrofurantoin, 13% for piperacillin/tazobactam, and 24% for gentamicin were detected. Resistance value for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefixime, cefuroxime, and ampicillin were more than 50%. Also, bacterial growth occurred in 9% of blood culture samples made simultaneously with urine culture from 55 patients. CONCLUSIONS: High resistance rates to some antibiotics frequently used in empirical antibiotic treatment of urinary tract infections have reached alarming levels in elderly male patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Therefore, identifying resistance patterns is important to contribute to rational antibiotic use policies. In addition, the risk of Candida-related urinary tract infections and bacteremia should be considered in these patients.

Comparison of Anti HCV Signal-to-Cutoff Ratio with HCV RNA Results.

BACKGROUND: Anti-HCV antibody level screening is used in the diagnosis of HCV. However, a positive (S/Co > 1) result in the anti-HCV test does not always reflect true positivity. Antibody level results of S/Co ratio > 1 have to be validated through HCV RNA. In this study, we aimed to compare the signal-to-cutoff ratios of patients with positive (> 1) HCV antibody levels with the results of HCV RNA by PCR. METHODS: In total, 17,021 samples were tested for anti HCV between January 2017 and December 2019. HCV antibody (anti HCV) was performed with a fully automated chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA, Abbot®, Architect System). Real Time PCR test (Anatolia Geneworks HCV, Turkey) was used as nucleic acid amplification method. RESULTS: Of the 17,021 patients, 16,706 (98.15%) tested negative and 315 (1.85%) tested positive in the anti-HCV assay. An additional HCV RNA test was requested for these 315 patients with positive anti-HCV assay results (S/Co ≥ 1) of which 23.81% (75/315) were positive for HCV RNA in serum, with a median (IQR): 5.43 log10 IU/mL (4.75 - 6.01 log10 IU/mL). Patients who tested positive for HCV RNA had significantly higher S/Co values compared to patients who tested negative (median (IQR): 13.38 (12.30 - 14.57) vs. 1.79 (1.34 - 1.79), p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: When S/Co ratios of patients who tested anti-HCV positive and HCV RNA positive were evaluated, it was assumed that high S/Co values were more relevant to true positivity. It was also concluded that low S/Co ratios needed to be verified through PCR.

Comparison of the effect of teicoplanin and vancomycin on experimental methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus keratitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the early efficacy and safety of intrastromal injection of teicoplanin as the alternative treatment for the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) keratitis by comparing it with vancomycin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four eyes of 24 New Zealand white rabbits were included in the study. MRSA keratitis was induced in the right eye of each rabbit by injecting 0.1 mL MRSA suspension containing 1000 colony-forming units (CFU) intrastromally to the central cornea. The rabbits were divided into three treatment groups 24 h after the inoculation of MRSA. Eight rabbits received intrastromal teicoplanin therapy, eight received intrastromal vancomycin therapy, and eight received balanced salt solution and served as the control group. Nine hours after the treatment, all rabbits were sacrificed and corneal tissues were collected for microbiological analysis. We also examined and scored all the rabbits clinically before and after the treatment. RESULTS: The control group scored higher with regard to conjunctival injection, iritis, fibrin, hypopyon, epithelial erosion, and corneal infiltrate than the vancomycin and teicoplanin groups (p = 0.031, 0.010, < 0.001, 0.029, 0.009, and < 0.001, respectively). Chemosis and corneal oedema were similar in all groups (p = 0.731 and 0.075, respectively). The severity of all clinical parameters was similar in both the vancomycin and teicoplanin groups after the treatment. The bacterial load was the highest (7.83 ± 0.71 log10 CFU/g) in the control group. The eyes treated with vancomycin and teicoplanin had similar bacterial loads (6.40 ± 0.69 vs. 6.31 ± 0.75 log10 CFU/g, p = 0.809). CONCLUSION: The efficiency of teicoplanin seems to be comparable to that of vancomycin when administered intrastromally in the early treatment of MRSA keratitis. The former may be preferred in the treatment of selected cases with vancomycin hypersensitivity or resistance.

Evaluation of Toxoplasma, Rubella, and Cytomegalovirus serological results in women of childbearing age.

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the rates of IgG and IgM antibodies against cytomegalovirus, rubella, and Toxoplasma gondii (all of which may cause congenital infections) in women of childbearing age who were admitted to Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Training and Research Hospital. METHODS Between January 2015 and December 2017, Toxoplasma gondii, rubella, and cytomegalovirus IgM and IgG antibody levels were studied using the ELISA method (Architect i2000SR, Abbott, Germany) in patients aged 15 to 45 who attended the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinics. Toxoplasma gondii and cytomegalovirus IgG avidity levels were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS A total of 13.470 tests were conducted in the laboratory. Seropositivity percentages of IgM antibodies were found to be 1.3%, 0.5%, and 1.6% for Toxoplasma (n = 3607), rubella (n = 3931), and cytomegalovirus (n = 3795), respectively. The seropositivity percentages of IgG antibodies were 22%, 94.2%, and 98.2% for Toxoplasma (n = 702), rubella (n = 693), and cytomegalovirus (n = 679), respectively. Primary infection (acute, recently acquired) was found in 7 (35%) patients with low Toxoplasma IgG avidity. One (3%) patient with low cytomegalovirus IgG avidity had a primary infection. CONCLUSION Toxoplasma gondii seronegativity was found to be high in the region. Therefore, screening women of childbearing age may be important for the prevention of congenital infections caused by Toxoplasma gondii.

Evaluation of Toxoplasma, Rubella, and Cytomegalovirus serological results in women of childbearing age

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the rates of IgG and IgM antibodies against cytomegalovirus, rubella, and Toxoplasma gondii (all of which may cause congenital infections) in women of childbearing age who were admitted to Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University Training and Research Hospital. METHODS Between January 2015 and December 2017, Toxoplasma gondii, rubella, and cytomegalovirus IgM and IgG antibody levels were studied using the ELISA method (Architect i2000SR, Abbott, Germany) in patients aged 15 to 45 who attended the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinics. Toxoplasma gondii and cytomegalovirus IgG avidity levels were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS A total of 13.470 tests were conducted in the laboratory. Seropositivity percentages of IgM antibodies were found to be 1.3%, 0.5%, and 1.6% for Toxoplasma (n = 3607), rubella (n = 3931), and cytomegalovirus (n = 3795), respectively. The seropositivity percentages of IgG antibodies were 22%, 94.2%, and 98.2% for Toxoplasma (n = 702), rubella (n = 693), and cytomegalovirus (n = 679), respectively. Primary infection (acute, recently acquired) was found in 7 (35%) patients with low Toxoplasma IgG avidity. One (3%) patient with low cytomegalovirus IgG avidity had a primary infection. CONCLUSION Toxoplasma gondii seronegativity was found to be high in the region. Therefore, screening women of childbearing age may be important for the prevention of congenital infections caused by Toxoplasma gondii.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar as taxas de anticorpos IgG e IgM contra citomegalovírus, rubéola e Toxoplasma gondii (todos os quais podem causar infecções congênitas) em mulheres em idade fértil que foram admitidas no Hospital de Pesquisa e Treinamento da Universidade Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal. MÉTODOS Entre janeiro de 2015 e dezembro de 2017, os níveis de anticorpos IgG e IgM para Toxoplasma gondii, rubéola e citomegalovírus foram estudados usando o método Elisa (Architect i2000SR, Abbott, Alemanha) em pacientes de 15 a 45 anos que compareceram a ambulatórios de obstetrícia e ginecologia. Os níveis de avidez de IgG para Toxoplasma gondii e citomegalovírus foram analisados retrospectivamente. RESULTADOS Um total de 13.470 testes foram realizados em laboratório. As porcentagens de soropositividade dos anticorpos IgM foram de 1,3%, 0,5% e 1,6% para Toxoplasma (n=3.607), rubéola (n=3.931) e citomegalovírus (n=3.795), respectivamente. As porcentagens de soropositividade dos anticorpos IgG foram 22%, 94,2% e 98,2% para Toxoplasma (n=702), rubéola (n=693) e citomegalovírus (n=679), respectivamente. Infecção primária (aguda, adquirida recentemente) foi encontrada em sete (35%) pacientes com baixa avidez para Toxoplasma IgG. Um (3%) paciente com baixa avidez para citomegalovírus IgG teve uma infecção primária. CONCLUSÃO A soronegatividade do Toxoplasma gondii foi alta na região. Portanto, testar mulheres em idade fértil pode ser importante para a prevenção de infecções congênitas causadas pelo Toxoplasma gondii.

Synthesis and Evaluation of New 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Derivatives as Potent Antifungal Agents.

With the goal of obtaining a novel bioactive compound with significant antifungal activity, a series of 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives (3a⁻3l) were synthesized and characterized. Due to thione-thiol tautomerism in the intermediate compound 2, type of substitution reaction in the final step was determined by two-dimensional (2D) NMR. In vitro antifungal activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated against eight Candida species. The active compounds 3k and 3l displayed very notable antifungal effects. The probable mechanisms of action of active compounds were investigated using an ergosterol quantification assay. Docking studies on 14-α-sterol demethylase enzyme were also performed to investigate the inhibition potency of compounds on ergosterol biosynthesis. Theoretical absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) predictions were calculated to seek their drug likeness of final compounds. The results of the antifungal activity test, ergosterol biosynthesis assay, docking study, and ADME predictions indicated that the synthesized compounds are potential antifungal agents, which inhibit ergosterol biosynthesis probably interacting with the fungal 14-α-sterol demethylase.

[High rate of hepatitis B virus DNA positivity in anti-HBc only-positive patients]. / Izole anti-HBc pozitif hastalarda saptanan yüksek hepatit B virusu DNA orani.

In hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, detection of only anti-HBc in the absence of HBsAg and anti-HBs is known as 'anti-HBc only' situation. In this study we investigated the rate of HBV-DNA positivity in anti-HBc only-positive 45 patients (29 male, 16 female; mean age: 39.2 +/- 12.3 years) who were followed in the outpatient clinics of a University Hospital in Düzce (located at northern west part of Turkey). HBV markers were investigated by 3rd generation ELISA (MEIA Axsym-Abbott), and HBV-DNA were searched by real-time PCR [extraction: Minielute (Qiagen, Germany); PCR kits: Florion HBV (lontek, Turkey); detection: i-cycler IQ5 (BioRad, USA)] methods. As a result, 24.4% (11/45) of the patients were found HBV-DNA positive (> 10(3) copies/ml). There was no statistically significant difference of HBV-DNA positivity rates between males (9/29; 31%) and females (2/16; 12.5%), (p= 0.15). It was concluded that there may be a serious risk of HBV transmission from anti-HBc only-positive patients since the rate of HBV-DNA positivity was found high in our study. Thus HBV-DNA screening should be performed in 'anti-HBc only' patient groups.

Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi infection among forestry workers and farmers in Duzce, north-western Turkey.

Borrelia burgdorferi infection is the most frequent tick-transmitted disease worldwide. Our aim was to assess the seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi infection among forestry workers and farmers in Duzce, in the north-west region of Turkey. Blood samples from 349 forestry workers and farmers and 193 healthy blood donors were obtained to determine the presence of antibodies to B. burgdorferi. A two-step testing strategy was used; the sera were initially tested by ELISA and then by Western blot (WB) IgG. Demographic data regarding residence, age, gender, profession, tick bite history, contact with animals, and symptoms involving the skin, nervous system, and osteoarticular system were collected by questionnaire. All results were evaluated statistically using the chi2 test. The seroprevalence of B. burgdorferi was 10.9% (n=38) in forestry workers and farmers and 2.6% (n=5) in blood donors by ELISA, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). Seropositivity rates were related to age, gender, and common risk factors for the disease. IgG seropositivity was confirmed in four (1.1%) sera by WB. In this first seroepidemiological report from the northwest region of Turkey, tick bite exposure was found to be high, whereas B. burgdorferi infection was not common. Preventive measures against tick exposure and further studies to determine the distribution of Lyme disease in Turkey are proposed.

Effects of melatonin on Candida sepsis in an experimental rat model.

As an immunomodulator, melatonin reportedly exhibits protective effects in severe sepsis/shock induced by bacterial lipopolysaccharides in animal models. The present study was conducted to evaluate the possible protective effects of melatonin against experimental Candida sepsis in rats. A total of 40 adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: control, melatonin-treated control, septic, and melatonin-treated septic. Melatonin (200 microg/kg/d, intraperitoneally) injections were begun a week prior to sepsis induction and were continued daily for 3 wk until the end of the study. Cyclophosphamide was administered to animals in all groups as an immunosuppressive agent as a single dose 4 d prior to yeast inoculation. To cause sepsis, the Candida albicans (ATCC 10259) strain was administered intravenously. Amphotericin B was given as an antimycotic therapeutic agent as a single dose to septic rats. Plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and E-selectin were measured on the first and 15th days of sepsis. IL-6, TNF-alpha, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and E-selectin levels of septic rats were higher than those of controls. Melatonin reduced IL-6 levels and shortened time to improvement in animals with Candida sepsis. Levels of TNF-alpha and adhesion molecules in melatonin-treated septic rats were decreased compared with those in septic rats, but this difference was not statistically significant. In light of the current results, investigators conclude that melatonin may have therapeutic benefits in Candida sepsis and in classic antimycotic treatment because of its immune regulatory effects.

Nasal carriage of pathogenic bacteria in medical students: effects of clinic exposure on prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility.

Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of community-acquired and nosocomial infections worldwide. One important source of this pathogen for nosocomial infections is the nasal carriage of S. aureus among hospital personnel. There are only a few studies investigating the carriage of S. aureus in a community of medical students. Oral and nasal flora of 179 medical students with varying clinical exposures were determined. Oral cultures revealed no nosocomial pathogen and nasal cultures showed an increasing rate of S. aureus carriage with increasing clinical exposure. Methicillin resistance also demonstrated a tendency toward increasing with increasing clinical exposure.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in symptomatic patients and detection of clarithromycin resistance using melting curve analysis.

UNLABELLED: Abstract. BACKGROUND: Clarithromycin is often a component of combination therapies for Helicobacter pylori eradication; however, increases in resistance rates have decreased the success of the treatment. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine the prevalence of H pylori infection in symptomatic patients and to detect clarithromycin resistance rates using melting curve analysis. METHODS: Patients scheduled for upper endoscopy at the Endoscopy Unit of the Department of Gastroenterology, Duzce University, Medical Faculty Hospital, Konuralp/Duzce, Turkey, were assessed for enrollment in the study. Two pairs of gastric biopsy specimens (antrum and corpus) were obtained from each study patient. Histopathologic examination, rapid urease test, culture, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the specimens were used to identify H pylori infection. Clarithromycin resistance was detected using melting curve analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (41 women, 34 men; mean [SD]age, 42.6 [14.5] years [range, 17-70 years]) were included in the study. Using histopathology and rapid urease test, H pylori was detected in 40 (53.3%) of the 75 specimens. H pylori was detected using PCR in 40 (53.3%) specimens and by culture in 10 (13.3%) specimens. The specificity and sensitivity of PCR and culture were interpreted by comparing them with the results of histopathologic examination and urease tests. The specificity and sensitivity of PCR were 68.6% and 72.5%, respectively, and the specificity and sensitivity of culture were 97.1% and 22.5%, respectively. Of the 40 isolates, 21 (52.5%) were susceptible to clarithromycin, 12 (30.0%) were resistant, and a mixed susceptibility pattern was detected in 7 (17.5%) specimens. H pylori isolates from 19 (79.2%) of the 24 patients who had formerly used clarithromycin showed clarithromycin resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of H pylori infection was 53.3% for the symptomatic patients in this study, and 47.5% of the isolates showed clarithromycin resistance using melting curve analysis. The PCR-based system used in this study was accurate for the detection of H pylori infection as well as clarithromycin susceptibility testing directly in biopsy specimens.

Etiologic agents of cervicovaginitis in Turkish women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the distribution of microbiologic agents causing cervicovaginitis. METHODS: We conducted the study between October 2002 and December 2004 in Abant Izzet Baysal University, Duzce School of Medicine Hospital, Turkey. The samples were obtained from the posterior vaginal fornix and cervix by swabs in 828 patients. Direct microscopic examination, culture and enzyme immune assay (EIA) methods were performed in all patients for diagnosis of microbiologic agents. RESULTS: Gardnerella vaginalis (G. vaginalis) were diagnosed in 254 (30.7%) patients, Candida albicans (C. albicans) in 152 (18.4%), Candida glabrata (C. glabrata) in 36 (4.3%), Candida species in 52 (6.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in 62 (7.5%), Streptococcus group B in 28 (3.4%), Escherichia coli (E. coli) in 42 (5.1%), Klebsiella species in 24 (2.9%), and Streptococcus group D in 8 (1%) patients in culture. Less frequent enterobacteria in 30 (3.6%) were: Pseudomonas species, Proteus species Enterobacter species, Hafnia alvei and Nonfermenter species. Neisseria gonorrheae (N. gonorrheae) was detected in one patient (0.1%) in culture. The Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) antigen was detected by EIA methods in 130 (15.7%) patients and Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) was observed in 8 (1%) patients by direct microscopic examination. CONCLUSION: Performing the etiologic diagnosis of cervicovaginitis is necessary in order to take appropriate therapeutic and preventive measures. Therefore, we recommend G. vaginalis, C. albicans and C. trachomatis should be investigated in patients having a diagnosis of cervicovaginitis in our population, since these were detected in a considerable number of cases. Additionally, C. glabrata and T. vaginalis should be kept in mind as possible pathogens.

Seroprevalence of varicella, measles and hepatitis B among female health care workers of childbearing age.

To evaluate the relation between infectious agents and reproductive health hazards for health care workers (HCWs), a cross-sectional study consisting of 73 HCWs and 65 bureau workers was conducted. The reproductive health problems of both groups were compared using a questionnaire, and serologic examinations for measles, varicella and hepatitis B were performed. There were no differences between the two groups according to the rate of seropositivity of measles and varicella (P > 0.05). The prevalence of anti-HBc seropositivity was significantly higher among HCWs than controls (31.5 versus 16.9%). There were no differences between seropositive and seronegative subgroups of measles, varicella and hepatitis B regarding the rates of normal delivery time, preterm and postterm delivery and stillbirth. Subjects seropositive for anti-HBc showed a higher spontaneous abortion rate than those who were seronegative (38.2 versus 16.3, P = 0.009). Although these data showed that HCWs had a high rate of anti-HBc seropositivity and that the rate of spontaneous abortion was associated with past hepatitis B virus infection, further studies including larger populations are needed. We considered that it should be strongly recommended that all HCWs be vaccinated against this virus, and future studies should be focused on the relationship between infectious diseases and reproductive health problems in HCWs.

Dermatophytoses in forestry workers and farmers.

To assess the frequency of superficial mycoses in forestry workers and farmers in the rural region of Duzce, a total of 467 residents of the rural region were examined for dermatomycosis infection. Of these, 349 were forestry workers and 118 farmers. All specimens collected were analysed by direct microscopy and culture. Tinea pedis et manus was found in 23 (19.4%), and onycomycosis in 21 (17.7%) farmers. Tinea pedis et manus was found in 50 (14.3%), and onycomycosis in 28 (8%) forestry workers. One tinea corporis, two tinea inguinalis and two erosio interdigitalis cases were determined in the farmer group but no cases of tinea corporis, tinea inguinalis, or erosio interdigitalis were found in the forestry group. In total, five tinea versicolor cases were found in the two groups on clinical examination but no agent positivity was yielded in mycological cultures. The most frequently isolated agent in the two groups was Trichophyton rubrum. The frequencies of superficial mycosis and onychomycosis were found to be higher in the farmer group than in the forestry group, although similar aetiological agents were isolated in both groups. The farmers had greater rates of contact with pathogenic fungi present in soil as well as from infected farm animals than the foresters; furthermore, animal husbandry, and the wearing of rubber shoes and nylon socks were more frequent in the farmer group. These results suggest that habits such as the wearing of rubber shoes and nylon socks, and the practice of animal husbandry may be the most important factors in determining the frequency of superficial mycoses and aetiological agents in forestry workers and farmers. To our knowledge, there is no previous report about dermatophytoses in forestry workers.