Frequency of CCR5-Δ32, CCR2-64I and SDF1-3'A alleles in HIV-infected and uninfected patients in Istanbul, Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: Co-receptors involved in cell entry of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and mutations in genes encoding their ligands may play a role in the susceptibility to infection and resistance to the progression of the infection. The best studied mutations that can exist in these genes are the CCR5-Δ32, CCR2-64I and SDF1-3'A mutations. The frequency of these mutations vary from continent to continent and even from region to region. However, there is limited information on their distribution throughout the Turkish population. Istanbul is the city with the highest number of documented HIV-infected patients in Turkey, which can be attributed to the population size. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of three AIDS-related gene variants among HIV-infected and uninfected population in Istanbul, Turkey and to estimate the contribution of these variants to susceptibility or resistance to HIV. METHODOLOGY: A total of 242 healthy individuals and 200 HIV-positive patients were included in the study. CCR5 polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction. CCR2 and SDF1 polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: The allelic frequencies for CCR5-Δ32, CCR2-64I and SDF1-3'A were 4.07%, 19.8% and 28.7%, respectively. No individual was found to carry the homozygous CCR5-Δ32 mutation in either cohort. No polymorphism was found to be significantly elevated in the HIV-infected cohort compared to the healthy group. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of CCR5-Δ32, CCR2-64I, and SDF1-3'A variants does not differ between HIV-infected and uninfected patients. CCR2-64I and SDF1-3'A frequencies are relatively high where as the frequency of CCR5-Δ32 is low.

Evaluation of Human Papillomavirus Genotype Distribution in Cervical Samples.

BACKGROUND: The most common sexually transmitted infection in the world is human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for 60-80% of cervical cancers and precancerous cervical lesions worldwide. AIM: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the correlation of HPV genotype distribution with cervical cytology results in cervical smear samples and to contribute to HPV epidemiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 72 female patients. For detection of the HPV genotypes, a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method that could detect more than 25 different HPV types was used. The cervical cytology and histopathology results of the patients were also evaluated simultaneously. RESULTS: The frequency of high-risk HPV was 35% (25/72). The most common types were HPV51 (10%), HPV16 (8%), and HPV66 (8%), respectively. The most common type HPV51 and multiple HPV types were seen in 21-34 age groups. HPV DNA was detected in 21 of 43 samples that had cervical smear diagnosis grouping. Twelve samples (26%) had normal cytology. Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were the most common cytological diagnosis in HPV DNA positive samples. The most common HPV types in the patients diagnosed low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were HPV16 and HPV52. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the frequency of high-risk HPV genotypes was 35% as similar to reports of the other studies conducted in our country. The most common types were HPV51, HPV16, and HPV66, respectively. The follow-up of patients with HPV51 infection in our area could help to improve the natural course of the disease and effective prevention programs.

Syphilis seroprevalence among HlV-infected males in Istanbul, Turkey / Seroprevalencia de la sífilis entre hombres infectados con el HIV en Estambul, Turquía

Abstract Syphilis has become a serious issue for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients worldwide in recent years; however, the studies related to HIV coinfection and syphilis reinfections in Istanbul, Turkey, are limited. Ourobjective was to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis among HIV-infected men in the city which has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Turkey. Two hundred and forty four (244) HIV-positive men were evaluated at Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Microbiology from March to June 2018. Serum samples were screened for the presence of antibodies against Treponema pallidum using the chemilumines-cent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Samples found to be positive were investigated with the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test and the T. pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA). The patients completed a questionnaire for sociodemographic data. The mean age was found to be 41.8 years; 35.6% were men who havesexwith men (MSM). The overall seroprevalence of syphilis among the patients was 19.3%. MSM had a significantly higher seroprevalence than heterosexual patients (28.7%). In Turkey, there is a high seroprevalence of syphilis in HIV-infected patients, MSM being the most affected group. Therefore, HIV-infected patients should be screened for syphilis at least annually and should be informed about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Resumen En los últimos años, la sífilis se ha convertido en un problema grave para los pacientes infectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV) en todo el mundo; sin embargo, los estudios relacionados con la coinfección por HIV y las reinfecciones por sífilis en Estambul, Turquía, son limitados. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la seroprevalencia de la sífilis entre los hombres infectados por el HIV en Estambul, ciudad con las tasas de prevalencia del HIV más altas de Turquía. Se evaluaron 244 hombres con HIV entre marzo y junio de 2018 en la Facultad de Medicina de Estambul, Departamento de Microbiología Médica. Las muestras de suero se analizaron para detectar la presencia de anticuerpos contra Treponema pallidum con un inmunoensayo de micropartículas quimioluminiscentes (CMIA). Las muestras que resultaron positivas en dicha prueba se investigaron con la prueba de reagina plasmática rápida (RPR) y el ensayo de hemoaglutinación T. pallidum (TPHA). Los pacientes completaron un cuestionario de datos sociodemográficos. La media de la edad fue de 41,8 anos; 35,6% eran hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). La seroprevalencia global de sífilis entre los pacientes fue del 19,3%. Los HSH tuvieron una seroprevalencia significativamente mayor que los pacientes heterosexuales (28,7%). En Turquía, existe una alta seroprevalencia de la sífilis en pacientes infectados por el HIV y los HSH son el grupo más afectado. Por lo tanto, los pacientes infectados por el HIV deben someterse a la detección de sífilis al menos una vez al año y deben ser informados sobre las enfermedades de transmisión sexual (ETS).

Syphilis seroprevalence among HIV-infected males in Istanbul, Turkey.

Syphilis has become a serious issue for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients worldwide in recent years; however, the studies related to HIV coinfection and syphilis reinfections in Istanbul, Turkey, are limited. Our objective was to determine the seroprevalence of syphilis among HIV-infected men in the city which has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in Turkey. Two hundred and forty four (244) HIV-positive men were evaluated at Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Microbiology from March to June 2018. Serum samples were screened for the presence of antibodies against Treponema pallidum using the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Samples found to be positive were investigated with the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test and the T. pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA). The patients completed a questionnaire for sociodemographic data. The mean age was found to be 41.8 years; 35.6% were men who have sex with men (MSM). The overall seroprevalence of syphilis among the patients was 19.3%. MSM had a significantly higher seroprevalence than heterosexual patients (28.7%). In Turkey, there is a high seroprevalence of syphilis in HIV-infected patients, MSM being the most affected group. Therefore, HIV-infected patients should be screened for syphilis at least annually and should be informed about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Clinical Findings of Pediatric HIV Infection in a Tertiary Center in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Paediatric HIV infection is different from the adult type of disease in many ways, including transmission routes, clinical findings and treatment strategies. AIMS: To evaluate clinical data of paediatric patients with HIV disease. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. METHODS: The charts of 22 paediatric patients diagnosed with HIV infection in our clinic during a 14 year period through 2001-2015 were retrospectively analysed. Clinical data, laboratory findings, treatment modalities and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of diagnosis 61.9±49.2 months and the mean follow-up period was 60.3±37.5 months. Seven patients (31.8%) were foreigners and the most common transmission route was vertical transmission (n=16, 72.7%). The most common presenting symptom and the sign were history of recurrent upper respiratory tract infections (n=8, 36.4%) and lymphadenopathy (n=12, 54.5%), respectively. Recurrent pneumonia (n=6, 27.3%), prolonged fever (n=5, 22.7%), recurrent otitis media (n=4, 18.2%), and gastroenteritis (n=4, 18.2%) were other clinical symptoms. Other than bacterial sinopulmonary infections, tuberculosis was the most frequent opportunistic infection (n=3, 13.6%). Mortality occurred in two patients (9.1%). CONCLUSION: Although mostly vertically transmitted, HIV infection may be diagnosed throughout the childhood. Frequently encountered signs and symptoms may be the reason for doctor admission. High clinical suspicion together with detailed anamnestic data and physical findings constitute the basis for pediatric HIV diagnosis.

Prevalence and genotyping of Chlamydia trachomatis in symptomatic male patients from Istanbul, Turkey.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and distribution of urogenital Chlamydia trachomatis genotypes in symptomatic male patients who were referred to the clinics of the Istanbul Faculty of Medicine. Of 419 urogenital swabs, 57 samples (13.6 %) were positive for C. trachomatis. Genotype distribution of C. trachomatis-positive samples identified five genetic variants namely genotype E as the most prevalent (36.4 %), followed by genotype G (23.6 %), H (21.8 %), D (16.4 %) and F (1.8 %). We believe that this is the first study on distribution of genotypes of C. trachomatis genital infections in symptomatic men in Istanbul, Turkey.

[A pediatric case of HIV who diagnosed by virtue of disseminated cryptococcus infection]. / Yaygin kriptokok enfeksiyonu ile tani konulan pediatrik bir HIV olgusu.

Cryptococcus neoformans is an important opportunistic pathogen that causes serious mortality and morbidity in AIDS patients. Although its incidence has decreased with proper antiretroviral treatment (ART), it is still a major concern in areas with low socioeconomic HIV endemic countries with poor sources of therapy. In our country, pediatric HIV infection and so, HIV-related opportunistic infections are very rare. In order to pay attention to this unusual collaboration; herein, we presented a pediatric case who was diagnosed with HIV and disseminated cryptococcus infection concomitantly. A 6.5-year-old previously healthy girl has admitted to our hospital with the complaints of prolonged fever, cough and hemoptysis. On her physical examination she had oral candidiasis, generalized lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. Laboratory findings were as follows; white blood cell count: 3170 µL (neutrophil: 2720 µL, lymphocyte: 366 µL), hemoglobin level: 7.8 gr/dl, hematocrit: 25.5% platelets: 170.000 µL, CRP: 15.2 mg/L and serum IgG level: 1865 mg/dl. Her anti-HIV test yielde,d positive result and confirmed by Western blot assay, together with a high viral load (HIV-RNA: 3.442.000 copies/ml). She was started ART (lamivudine, zidovudine and lopinavir/ritonavir combination) with the diagnosis of stage 3 HIV infection (AIDS). Posteroanterior chest radiograph showed mediastinal extension and nodular parenchyma. Since the patient was suspected to have pulmonary tuberculosis based on the clinical and radiological findings, empirical antituberculosis therapy was started. Because of the insistance of fever, three different blood specimens, bone marrow and gastric aspirates were collected for culture, in which all of them yielded C.neoformans growth. She was then diagnosed as disseminated cryptococcosis and treated with liposomal amphotericin B and fluconazole successfully. Although pediatric HIV infection is usually diagnosed secondary to maternal disease, it can rarely be presented later in life with opportunistic infections. In the case of unusual infectious diseases, in addition to primary immune deficiency syndromes, HIV infection should also be kept in mind. Herein, we discussed a pediatric case with two rare infectious agents reported in our country and wanted to focus on secondary immune deficiency related with pediatric HIV infection.

HIV-1 subtypes and drug resistance profiles in a cohort of heterosexual patients in Istanbul, Turkey.

Turkey is seeing a steady rise in rates of HIV infection in the country. The number of individuals with HIV/AIDS was greater than 7000 in 2014 according to data released by the Ministry of Health, and heterosexual contacts were reported to be the main transmission routes. Istanbul has the highest number of reported cases of HIV infection. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance in 50 heterosexual patients from Istanbul. The most prevalent subtype was found to be subtype B (56.2 %). Resistance-associated mutations were found in 14 patients with 6/14 patients being therapy-experienced and 8/14 therapy naive at the time point of analysis. With increasing number of patients who require treatment and the rapid up-scaling of the antiretroviral therapy in Turkey, HIV-1 drug resistance testing is recommended before starting treatment in order to achieve better clinical outcomes.

Frequency of common viruses in etiology of acute respiratory tract infections.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency rate of C. pneumoniae, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus, metapneumovirus, adenovirus', parainfluenza virus and coronavirus in acute respiratory tract infections in children. METHODS: One hundred nine pediatric patients having respiratory tract infections were included in this study. Real time PCR, DFA and cell culture method were used for detection of C. pneumoniae, RSV antigen and influenza virus respectively. Multiplex PCR was used for detection of other viruses. RESULTS: No C. pneumoniae DNA was detected in the samples. Virus was detected in 43 cases from larynx swabs (43/109, 39.4 %). The frequency order of the viral agents detected were as follows; rhinoviruses 14.7 %, RSV B 7.3 %, influenza A 6.4 %, metapneumovirus 3.6 %, adenovirus 3.6 %, coronavirus 0.9 %, parainfluenzavirus type 3, 0.9 %, parainfluenzavirus type 4, 0.9 % and RSV A 0.9 %. Sensitivity of the PCR and DFA methods for the diagnosis of RSV infections were detected as 100 % and 100 %, respectively. Specificity of the PCR and DFA methods for RSV infections were detected as 97 % and 100 % respectively. Sensitivity of the PCR and cell culture methods for influenzavirus infections were detected as 100 % and 100 %, respectively. Specificity of the PCR and DFA methods for RSV infections were detected as 96 % and 100 % respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of viral agents was detected as 39.4 %. Influenza viruses and RSV were common. Metapneumovirus was also frequent (3.6 %). C. pneumoniae was not found to be a common agent for acute respiratory disease in children.

Flat-type verruciform xanthoma of the tongue and its differential diagnosis.

We present herein a case of oral verruciform xanthoma (VX) in order to discuss this relatively rare entity in light of current information. A 38-year-old woman, non-smoker, presented with a lesion at the left ventral surface of the tongue. The lesion is characterized by a mild epithelial proliferation and sub-epithelial accumulation of foam cells, which were positive for CD68, and negative for CD1a and S-100 protein. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA typing for low, intermediate, and high-risk groups was also performed and no etiological link between HPV and this lesion was found. The past medical history of the patient was unremarkable and further investigations did not reveal any biochemical abnormalities or systemic disease. Verruciform xanthoma is an uncommon benign lesion of undetermined etiology. It is a superficial normolipemic xanthoma, probably reflecting a multifactorial reactive and dystrophic process unrelated to HPV. It is noteworthy that in a small and superficial biopsy, xanthoma cells may be scanty and can be missed, especially if the pathologist is unfamiliar with the existence of this uncommon lesion. Its clinical and pathological recognition and correct diagnosis is critical because VX can occur in conjunction with other systemic and cutaneous inflammatory diseases; therefore, it necessitates further clinical assessment.

Frequency of Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children.

OBJECTIVE: Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae are among the most important pathogens of acute respiratory infections in children between the ages of 5 and 15 years. We aimed to investigate seasonal frequency of respiratory infections caused by C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae, frequency of coinfection, clinical findings and to determine relationship between clinical findings and laboratory results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Total of 284 patients (ranging 5-15 years of age), admitted to out-patient clinic with symptoms of respiratory tract infections between January 2004 and June 2005, were enrolled in the study. IgA, IgG and IgM antibodies against C. pneumoniae were quantitatively detected in all serum samples by using microimmunofluorescence (MIF). For the M. pneumoniae infection an IgM titer in the ELISA test were analyzed. Nasopharyngeal smear samples were collected for PCR detection. RESULTS: Mean age was 8 +/- 2.2 (range 5-14) years. Mycoplasma pneumoniae IgM in 86 (30.2%) cases, C. pneumoniae IgM in one (0.3%) case, IgA in six (2.1%) cases and IgG in 10 (3.5%) cases were found positive. In 10 (3.5%) cases, both C. pneumoniae IgG (a titer of >1/216) and M. pneumoniae IgM were found positive concomitantly. The M. pneumoniae IgM in winter was found significantly higher compared to other seasons. Mycoplasma pneumoniae PCR method was performed on a total of 203 samples in 33 (16.2%) of which M. pneumoniae was found positive. The false positive ratio of PCR technique was found 16.2%. In a total of 217 examined samples by PCR method, the DNA of C. pneumoniae was found positive in two patients. CONCLUSION: Mycoplasma pneumoniae was a common pathogen in respiratory infections. The otherwise C. pneumoniae infections were rarely seen in children. A Comparison of serology diagnostic tests for M. pneumoniae infections was found more sensitive and specific than PCR.