Turkiye parazitolojii dergisi最新文献

Objective: Entamoeba histolytica is a major parasitic cause of acute gastroenteritis. In this study, hematological inflammatory indices were assessed in adhesin-positive amoebiasis cases.

Methods: Adhesin test results and hemogram parameters were evaluated simultaneously in cases who were referred to Necmettin Erbakan University Faculty of Medicine, Medical Parasitology laboratory with suspicion of amoebiasis and whose Entamoeba histolytica specific adhesin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test was found to be positive between January 2022 and December 2023. In this study, the indices were calculated using haemogram parameters. Age- and sex-matched groups were formed, consisting of cases with adhesin test-positive acute gastroenteritis (APAG) and those with adhesin test-negative acute gastroenteritis (ANAG). In addition to common statistical analyses, the diagnostic performance of various hematologic inflammatory parameters in predicting adhesin positivity was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Results: The results of 340 cases were analyzed, including 136 cases under the age of 18. Blood lymphocyte and monocyte levels were significantly lower in the APAG group compared to the ANAG group (p=0.004 and p=0.048, respectively), while no significant differences were observed in the remaining haemogram parameters. There was also no statistically significant difference in C-reactive protein levels between the groups (p=0.061). Among the calculated indices, only the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) showed a significant difference between groups (p=0.017). In the gender-based subgroup analysis of the APAG group, red blood cell levels were found to be lower in female cases (p=0.026), while no significant differences were observed in the calculated indices.

Conclusion: This study evaluated the predictive performance of various hematologic inflammatory parameters in determining adhesin test positivity. Although the PLR showed a statistically significant difference between groups, the positive and negative predictive values of all evaluated parameters remained moderate. These findings suggest that the diagnostic utility of these biomarkers is limited.

Objective: Many studies have been conducted to determine the distribution map of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in our country. However, there is no data from Uşak province in the literature. One of the aims of our study is to present the first hospital data on CE disease from Uşak province. Clinical findings, radiologic, and serologic methods are used in the diagnosis. Many studies have been conducted on the role of these identification methods in the diagnosis of CE. Another aim of our study was to evaluate the contribution of indirect hemagglutination (IHA) method and radiologic imaging results to the diagnosis of CE.

Methods: In our study, IHA results of 320 patient serum sent to our laboratory with suspected CE were obtained through the hospital information management system. Demographic data such as age, gender and imaging reports such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography were accessed from the hospital information system. Statistical analysis of the data obtained was evaluated using SPSS 25 package program.

Results: Hospital data from Uşak province were presented for the first time and the prevalence was calculated as 19.37%. Unlike previous studies, IHA positivity was statistically higher (p<0.001) in the 21-40 age range compared to other age groups in our study. In the diagnosis of CE, the IHA test was found to be inadequate in early [World Health Organization (WHO) type 1] and late stage (WHO type 4-5) cases, while this correlation was better in active lesions.

Conclusion: We think that it would be useful to recommend titer follow-up instead of reporting patients with IHA results of 1/80 and 1/160 as negative and that the use of serologic methods as a supportive tool for radiologic imaging methods in the diagnosis of CE will contribute to accurate diagnosis and treatment follow-up.

Myiasis is a rare ectoparasitic infestation characterized by the invasion of living tissue by fly larvae of the order Diptera. While larvae typically target wounded skin, ocular, nasopharyngeal, and gastrointestinal regions, oral myiasis is a less frequently reported but clinically significant site of infestation. Herein, we report a case of oral myiasis in a 68-year-old male patient who was intubated and managed in the intensive care unit following a high-altitude fall resulting in a Type III odontoid fracture. A tracheostomy was subsequently performed and during routine replacement of a nasogastric tube, multiple motile larvae were observed in the oral cavity. The larvae were mechanically removed, and the affected area was thoroughly irrigated with a sodium bicarbonate solution. Parasitological examination, including both macroscopic and microscopic analysis, identified the larvae as third-instar forms of the Calliphoridae family. Despite ongoing intensive supportive care, the patient developed sepsis and multiorgan failure, culminating in cardiopulmonary arrest and death. This case suggests that oral myiasis may occur even under strict adherence to standard infection control measures. It highlights the necessity for individualized risk assessment and the implementation of advanced, targeted prevention strategies in vulnerable intensive care unit populations, considering the complex interplay of host, environmental, and systemic factors.

Objective: Due to the potential development of resistance to amphotericin B (AmpB), a widely used drug in leishmaniasis treatment, monitoring drug susceptibility has become increasingly important. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of a modified version of the disk elution method-originally developed for detecting colistin resistance in bacteria-for the first time in determining AmpB susceptibility in Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) isolates.

Methods: The minimum parasiticidal concentration (MPC) of AmpB against L. infantum was determined using the broth microdilution method. Additionally, the disk elution method was modified for use with Leishmania. Disks impregnated with AmpB were placed into indicator-containing culture tubes, and parasite viability was visually assessed based on a color shift from purple to yellow. The MPC was recorded as the lowest concentration at which complete parasite death occurred.

Results: In both methods, AmpB exhibited complete parasiticidal activity at concentrations of ≥0.5 μg/mL. Statistical comparison using the Mann-Whitney U test revealed no significant difference between the two methods at 48 and 72 hours (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The findings indicate that the modified disk elution method provides comparable reliability to the standard broth microdilution technique. Its low cost, ease of implementation, and visual interpretability make it a promising alternative for drug susceptibility testing, especially in resource-limited laboratories or field settings. Moreover, the use of commercially prepared AmpB disks could facilitate standardization and broader adoption. This study introduces an innovative approach that may simplify routine drug susceptibility screening in Leishmania isolates and support wider surveillance of anti-leishmanial resistance.

In this study, Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis) detected in the necropsy of an Izci Kopegi Zagar breed dog in Ilgaz, Çankırı was reported. After being attacked by stray dogs, the owner of an 8-year-old male Izci Kopegi Zagar from Ilgaz, Çankırı presented to the veterinary clinic with serious injuries. The dog did not get well even after receiving treatment. Two nematodes were found in the dog's right heart chamber after postmortem investigation. Light microscopic examination revealed that these parasites were adult female D. immitis. As far as the authors' knowledge, this is the first observation of dogs residing in Ilgaz, Çankırı. Furthermore, it was noteworthy that the affected dog only had two female parasites. Due to occult infection, veterinarians are recommended to perform serological tests as well as blood examinations on dogs suspected of having heartworm.

Objective: Due to the limitations of current therapeutic approaches in treating parasitic diseases, there is a growing need for new and effective products, prompting interest in alternative approaches such as medicinal plants. Flavonoids, including luteolin, have shown promise in the treatment of many diseases due to their natural properties and pharmacological effects. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro activity of luteolin against Acanthamoeba castellanii (A. castellanii), Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica), and Leishmania tropica (L. tropica).

Methods: The reference parasite strains were tested for antiparasitic activity using luteolin concentrations ranging from 200 to 1.5 μg/mL. Positive controls included chlorhexidine, metronidazole, and glucantime, while dimethyl sulfoxide and parasite specific culture medium served as negative controls. Parasite mortality was assessed XTT [2,3-bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulphenyl)-(2H)-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide] and trypan blue dye exclusion assays. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and median lethal dose (LD₅₀) values were determined via non-linear regression analysis.

Results: Luteolin exhibited significant activity, with MIC values of 100 μg/mL for A. castellanii and E. histolytica, and 12.5 μg/mL for L. tropica. LD₅₀ analysis revealed effective concentrations of 3.125 μg/mL for E. histolytica and 1.5 μg/mL for A. castellanii, while L. tropica displayed an LD₅₀ below 1.5 μg/mL, indicating the highest sensitivity.

Conclusion: Luteolin demonstrated potent antiprotozoal effects in vitro, with L. tropica being the most susceptible, followed by A. castellanii and E. histolytica. Notably, luteolin's anti-leishmanial activity was comparable to glucantime. In conclusion, luteolin demonstrates significant potential as a broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent, and comprehensive in vivo studies are recommended to further evaluate its therapeutic efficacy.

Objective: Wild rodents act as important hosts and reservoirs for both zoonotic and non-zoonotic pathogens, playing a key role in maintaining and transmitting infectious agents in nature. Their presence can lead to contamination of food and water sources, affecting both humans and animals.

Methods: This study examined 138 dead rodents from six species (Microtus socialis, Rattus norvegicus, Mus musculus, Meriones libycus, Apodemus witherbyi, and Ellobius lutescens) collected from three regions in Iran. Fecal samples were analyzed for Eimeria spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. using potassium dichromate cultivation and sugar flotation for Eimeria, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining for Cryptosporidium.

Results: The infection rate for Eimeria spp. was 5.79%, and the identified species included E. falciformis, E. papillata, E. miyairii, E. musculoidei, and E. hungaryensis. For Cryptosporidium spp., a 4.34% infection rate was observed. While Eimeria infections were limited to three rodent species, Cryptosporidium was detected in all six.

Conclusion: This study presents the first morphological identification of Eimeria species in rodents in Iran, with findings consistent with host-parasite relationships reported globally. Additionally, the widespread presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in multiple rodent species emphasizes the epidemiological importance of these animals as potential reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens. These results contribute to a better understanding of protozoan diversity and distribution in rodent populations of Iran.

Objective: Demodex blepharitis is a common inflammatory eye condition caused by an overgrowth of Demodex mites on the eyelids, and lash follicles, Zeiss' glands and Meibomian glands that is often overlooked. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of ivermectin tablet oral treatment in cases unresponsive to classical Demodex blepharitis treatment.

Methods: A total of 35 patients (17 men and 18 women) with chronic symptomatic blepharitis were included in the study. Patients were admitted to Çekirge State Hospital and Bursa Dünyagöz Hospital Ophthalmology Clinics between December 12, 2017, and April 15, 2021, and were found to have Cylindrical dandruff resistant to classical Demodex blepharitis treatment. Following the classical Demodex treatment in these cases, oral ivermectin was started in two doses of 0.2 mg/kg, 30 days apart. The presence of Demodex in the eyelashes, ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score was evaluated before the classical Demodex blepharitis treatment and after the ivermectin treatment. A detailed biomicroscopic eye examination was performed in all cases.

Results: Of the total 35 patients admitted to the hospital, 17 (48.6%) were men [mean ± standard deviation (SD): 48.41±15.62, min-max: 18-75] and 18 (51.4%) were women (mean ± SD: 51.17±14.98, min-max: 19-73). There was no statistically significant difference between men and women in terms of average age (p=0.598). OSDI scoring mean ± SD values before classical Demodex blepharitis treatment and after oral ivermectin treatment were 77.47±5.74 and 6.69±4.71, respectively.

Conclusion: In the treatment of Demodex related blepharitis, the use of oral ivermectin is an effective treatment option in cases that do not respond to classical treatment.

Objective: A mouse infected with parasites is not a suitable model for use in experiments, and therefore, it is necessary to know whether it is infected. In this study, the aim is to investigate the endo and exoparasites in BALB/c laboratory mice.

Methods: In this study, the presence of parasites in 250 mice obtained from Bursa Uludağ University Experimental Animal Centre was investigated by faecal flotation and cellophane tape methods. In addition, helminths recovered during necropsy of selected mice were examined to confirm species identification.

Results: According to the results of the research, ectoparasites found in mice were mites such as Otodectes cynotis, Myobia musculi and Myocoptes musculinus, and endoparasites were nematodes of the species Syphacia obvelata, Syphacia muris and Aspiculuris tetraptera. In addition to adults of these species, many unidentified parasite eggs were also found. An Aspicularis tetraptera nematode exhibiting an unusual cervical alae structure not previously described in the literature was detected.

Conclusion: Although helminths from the Strongylidae and Heligmosomidae families were not found in the necropsy, helminth eggs belonging to this family were found in the fecal flotation. This study has presented different parasites detected in laboratory mice and original images were presented for some samples with unusual morphological structures.