Isolation and identification of Mycobacteria from raw milk samples in Afyonkarahisar district of Turkey.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have become a significant cause of infection with the emergence of HIV/AIDS, primarily Mycobacterium avium complex members, and NTM transmitted to humans from the environment (water, fruit, vegetables, beef, and milk). The objectives of this study were to show the presence of mycobacteria in milk and to determine their role as possible sources of human infection. For this, raw milk samples (N=35) were decontaminated with sodium dodecyl (lauryl) sulfate (SDS)-NaOH and inoculated on to Löwenstein-Jensen medium. After confirming positive 15 slides, isolated from milk by Ziehl-Neelsen technique, they were identified by PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis (PRA). Nine hospital isolates which were identified as Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex by BACTEC were used at control group. We have detected Mycobacterium terrae, Mycobacterium kansassii, Mycobacterium agri at the end of the identification. Two mycobacterial raw milk isolates were not able to be identified by PRA. PRA patterns' were found to be similar to those which obtained University Faculty of Medical by BACTEC. The results showed that raw milk is to be possible sources for human infection. That is why UHF sterilized milk should be consumed.

Determination of fungal frequency and comparison of allergic symptoms related with buildings and fungi in Afyon, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the respiratory symptoms and atopic sensitization to fungi and its relation with the building type where school children were attending. We also compared the prevalence of sensitization to different fungi and respiratory symptoms in 2 different school buildings in a particular area of Turkey. METHODS: Using simple random sampling, 301 school children aged 16-19 years attending a high school in 2 different school buildings (old and new buildings) were recruited and agreed to participate in the study. The study was conducted in Afyonkarahisar, Turkey from August 2003 to August 2004. Information on allergic diseases, building related symptoms and respiratory symptoms of the students was collected by questionnaire. Skin prick test (SPT) was performed to all students. Fungal concentrations and genera were determined by using Petri Plate Gravitational Settling Method. RESULTS: In both buildings, throughout all seasons, the most common fungi species seen were Penicillium and Cladosporium. When SPT was performed, the most allergen fungi seen in new building was Epidermophyton and Penicillium in the old building. The SPT results were also related with building related symptoms, except Alternaria. CONCLUSION: When the 2 groups were compared, it was observed that there were no statistically significant differences between them in regards with asthma, allergic diseases, building related symptoms, and respiratory symptoms. No significant difference was determined between these 2 buildings in accordance to fungus concentration, although the humidity rate was higher in new buildings.