Turkiye parazitolojii dergisi最新文献

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of intestinal protozoa in disabled patients attending a rehabilitation center, thereby highlighting the significance of intestinal protozoa in individuals with disabilities.

Methods: The study included a total of 300 individuals, comprising 200 disabled patients and 100 non-disabled individuals. Stool samples were collected from all participants and examined using the native-Lugol and modified acid-fast methods.

Results: In the study, intestinal protozoa were detected in 41% of disabled individuals and in 9% of individuals in the control group (p=0.001). Blastocystis was detected in 18% of patients, Cryptosporidium spp. in 15%, Giardia intestinalis in 9%, Cyclospora cayetanensis in 5%, and Entamoeba coli in 4%. Among the subgroups, spina bifida patients had a protozoan infection rate of 83.3%, while the rates in other groups were lower. A significant relationship was detected between the presence of parasites and diarrhea, constipation, and loss of appetite (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Disabled individuals, especially those with spina bifida, are at risk for intestinal protozoa, and regular screening for opportunistic protozoa is essential for these patients.

Objective: Drug resistance in Acanthamoeba poses a significant challenge, prompting the need for alternative treatments. This research aimed to explore the combined treatment of chemical or phytomedicines and microwaves radiation.

Methods: The Acanthamoeba strain was cultivated on non-nutrient agar. Black tea extracts were prepared using the maceration method. Final concentrations of 0.75 mg/mL and 0.375 mg/mL of gentamicin and tea, respectively, were used in this study. The samples were divided into 12 groups based on drug incubation time and repeated radiation exposure, either before or after incubation. The effects of combining gentamicin and black tea extracts with microwave exposure were then evaluated on the parasite.

Results: Our results showed that the growth inhibition of Acanthamoeba was significantly higher in the combined treatment groups compared to gentamicin, black tea, or microwave radiation alone (p<0.0001-p<0.04). It seems that the microwave radiation led to an increasing trend in growth inhibition within 72 hours.

Conclusion: Microwave radiation can play a significant complementary role in the treatment of Acanthamoeba cysts by gentamicin and black tea extracts. This effect was more significant on the irradiated cysts incubated with gentamicin and also depended on the increase in incubation time and the repetition of radiation.

Objective: Leishmaniasis, caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania spp., presents significant global health challenges, with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis forms causing severe morbidity and mortality. Macrophages serve as primary host cells, where Leishmania spp. modulate immune 30 responses to ensure survival. Our study investigated gene expression changes in THP1-derived macrophages infected with L. infantum and L. tropica to elucidate host-pathogen interactions.

Methods: Macrophages were infected with stationary-phase promastigotes, and infection rates were confirmed via Giemsa staining. RNA was extracted, and real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the expression of immune-related genes (STAT1, STAT2, CCL4, IL23A, IL1R1, IL1RN).

Results: Results demonstrated significant upregulation of STAT1 and STAT2, key mediators of the JAK-STAT pathway, in both infections, aligning with prior in vivo and in vitro studies. CCL4, a chemokine linked to macrophage recruitment, was also elevated, consistent with findings in VL and canine leishmaniasis. IL23A, associated with Th17 responses, showed increased expression, supporting its role in leishmanial immune modulation. Notably, IL1RN, an anti-inflammatory mediator, was upregulated, 40 suggesting a balancing mechanism to prevent excessive inflammation.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the complex interplay between pro- and anti-inflammatory responses during Leishmania infection and underscore potential targets for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Objective: Hirudotherapy (HT), the therapeutic use of medicinal leeches, has been practised for centuries, and the interest in modern medicine has recently been renewed. This study evaluates the clinical outcomes of HT at Herba Medical Center in Azerbaijan between 2020 and 2024, focusing on its efficacy across 11 medical conditions.

Methods: A total of 181 patients were treated using disposable medicinal leeches (Hirudo orientalis) sourced from hygienic farms approved by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. Treatment protocols were tailored to disease severity, with sessions scheduled daily, every 3 days, or weekly, depending on the condition. Success rates were calculated based on post-treatment examinations, patient feedback, and physician evaluations. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation analysis and paired t-test, were used to compare treatment success rates between conditions.

Results: The overall success rate of HT was found to be 82.68±29.25%. 100% success was achieved in the treatment of osteoarthritis pain (n=50), lipoma (n=8), Raynaud disease (n=3) and scleroderma (n=2). High success rates were also observed in thyroiditis (94.44%, n=18), Baker's cyst (80%, n=25), ear diseases (80%, n=10) and diabetic foot ulcers (80%, n=5). Moderate success was achieved in eye diseases (75%, n=20), and the lowest efficacy was observed in the treatment of varicose veins (33.33%, n=30). HT effectively relieved pain and improved symptoms. However, it was limited in reversing structural deformities (e.g., hallux valgus) or tissue loss (e.g., diabetic foot ulcers).

Conclusion: These findings suggest that HT may have broader indications. We propose that HT can effectively relieve pain, regulate blood circulation, and treat some chronic diseases with fewer side effects. Further and more detailed research is needed to understand the mechanism of this treatment method better.

Objective: Juniperus communis (J. communis) (common juniper) is a plant that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. This study aims to evaluate the antiparasitic effects of ethanol, methanol, chloroform, and water extracts of J. communis fruits against Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania tropica, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Blastocystis.

Methods: The antiparasitic activities of fruit extracts prepared at room temperature using the shaking maceration method were tested against Plasmodium falciparum using the ring stage survival test, and against Leishmania tropica, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Blastocystis using the broth microdilution method.

Results: The chloroform extract of J. communis fruits was found to be effective on Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania tropica, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Blastocystis parasites at concentrations of 15, 10, 30 and 30 µg/mL, respectively.

Conclusion: The chloroform extract of J. communis fruits has shown strong antiparasitic activity against the investigated parasite species. These findings support the plant's antiparasitic potential and hold promise for future medical applications. Especially its effectiveness against metronidazole-resistant Trichomonas vaginalis strains is important for the development of alternative treatment options. This study highlights the potential use of J. communis as a medicinal plant and will contribute to the literature on research related to the isolation and structural determination of its active compounds.

Objective: Present study aimed to determine the demographic, epidemiological and pathological features of human cystic echinococcosis (CE) cases using patients' hospital based clinical history from 2012-2023.

Methods: The current retrospective study was conducted from June-December and aimed to investigate the incidence of human CE in Pakistan. A total of 74 surgically confirmed patients' data was retrieved from the hospital records. All epidemiological, radiological, histopathological and treatment characteristics of the patients were recorded.

Results: The results showed that the highest number of CE cases were recorded in 2019 (15/74, 20.2%), followed by 2018 (11/74, 14.8%). In age categories, the highest frequency of CE cases was recorded in the age group 11-20 (19/74, 25.7%), followed by 31-40 (18/74, 24.3%), 41-50, and 51-60 (9/74, 12.1%), respectively. Gender-wise findings showed that females were more infected (46/74, 62.2%) as compared to males (28/74, 37.83%). Among reported cases, most infected organs were liver (24/74, 32.4%) and the lungs (14/74, 18.9%), followed by the bone, bladder, and abdominal cavity (3/74, 4.1%), kidney, chest (2/74, 2.7%), while and others. Surgery was performed after echinococcal cyst detection by diagnostic imaging methods such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or ultrasound. All patients received albendazole anthelminthic medication after their surgical procedures.

Conclusion: The present research reveals that CE is persistently endemic in Pakistan. Lack of knowledge and dedicated work on behalf of public healthcare and veterinarians to control CE pose a challenge in Pakistan. A lot of research and strong management programs are required to combat the disease.

Objective: Fascioliasis is a trematode infection caused by Fasciola hepatica or Fasciola gigantica. Diagnosis of fascioliasis is often delayed. This study aims to contribute to reducing the incidence of the disease by determining regional epidemiology and guiding public health measures, as well as increasing awareness among physicians through the examination of clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with fascioliasis at the Infectious Diseases Clinic and Gastroenterology Clinic of Fırat University Hospital between 2011 and 2022 were included in the study. Demographic information, clinical findings, complete blood count, biochemical parameters, radiological imaging reports, treatment, and prognosis were examined. Patient data were obtained from the hospital automation system, files, and epicrisis.

Results: Of the 19 patients followed, 15 (78.9%) were female. The mean age was 62.36±12.30 years. Fifteen patients (78.9%) lived in rural areas. Seven patients (36.8%) were involved in animal husbandry. Twelve patients (63.2%) had a history of consuming watercress. The most commonly observed symptoms were loss of appetite, right upper quadrant pain, nausea-vomiting, and night sweats. All patients were treated with triclabendazole without any side effects. Statistically significant differences were found in the levels of eosinophilia, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin between the beginning of treatment and 1 month in our patients (p<0.05). One patient was lost due to intervening cardiac problems.

Conclusion: Fascioliasis is also present in our region, and a significant history of watercress consumption is noteworthy epidemiologically. Fasciola hepatica should be considered in patients presenting with abdominal pain accompanied by peripheral eosinophilia. Increasing awareness among physicians will contribute to preventing delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of intestinal parasites in patients admitted to the Microbiology Laboratory of Siirt Training and Research Hospital.

Methods: The study was conducted between 19.04.2021 and 30.11.2021 with a total of 300 patients (150 children and 150 adults) between the ages of 1-90 years who were referred to the Microbiology Laboratory with a request for stool sample analysis and who admitted to Siirt Training and Research Hospital with different complaints. The samples were evaluated by nativ-Lugol, formol-ethyl acetate concentration and modified acid-fast staining methods. The samples in which Entamoeba spp. eggs were detected were evaluated for Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar antigen using Entamoeba antigen cassette test.

Results: In this study, one or more than one type of intestinal parasite was found in 21.3% of 150 pediatric patients, 24% of 150 adult patients and 22.7% of 300 patients. The highest rate was Blastocystis (18%) and the lowest rate was Ascaris lumbricoides (0.7%). Although intestinal parasites were found at a higher rate in adults (24%) compared to pediatric age group (21.3%), there was no significant difference between the age groups in terms of parasite frequency in the statistical evaluation. There was a statistically significant difference between diarrhea (p=0.022) and anorexia (p=0.014) and intestinal parasite positivity.

Conclusion: It was concluded that it would be appropriate to evaluate patients admitted to hospitals with complaints such as diarrhea and loss of appetite in terms of intestinal parasites. Although this study gives an idea about the prevalence of intestinal parasites in Siirt Region, there is a need for larger scale studies in the region including more people.

Objective: Türkiye is the country with the highest number of published articles on echinococcosis worldwide, it is expected that medical specialization, PhD and master's students in Türkiye would conduct theses on this topic. These theses can provide insights for future studies. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the medical specialization, PhD, and master's theses related to echinococcosis conducted in Türkiye.

Methods: The relevant theses were accessed individually from the "detailed search" section of the National Thesis Center webpage of the Council of Higher Education by using the search terms "Ekinokok", "Echinococcus", or "Hidatik" without selecting a year range.

Results: A total of 202 theses (113 medical specialization theses, 42 PhD theses, and 47 master's theses) were included in the study. When examined on a provincial basis, it was found that the highest number of theses were conducted in Ankara (n=36). At the university level, İstanbul University had the most theses. Medical specialization theses were mostly conducted in the fields of general surgery and radiology, while PhD and master's theses were primarily conducted in the fields of parasitology and veterinary medicine. Most of the theses conducted in the internal and surgical sciences were retrospective in design, while those in the basic sciences were mainly diagnostic in nature. A moderate positive correlation was found between the number of theses and the years for medical theses (r=0.341, p=0.027), and a strong positive correlation was found for PhD theses (r=0.505, p=0.001), master's theses (r=0.619, p=0.000), and all theses combined (r=0.761, p=0.000).

Conclusion: It was observed that at least one thesis related to echinococcosis is conducted each year, with an increase in the number of PhD and master's theses in recent years.

Objective: Echinococcus granulosus causes echinococcosis when its larvae settle in various organs, especially the liver and lung, of humans and herbivorous animals such as sheep and cattle. Echinococcosis are endemic in Mediterranean countries including Türkiye, the Middle East and South Africa. Echinococcosis treatments are generally surgical excision or benzimidazoles. Maggot debridement therapy is a wound treatment with Lucilia sericata larvae. While the larvae consume the old-damaged tissues and bacteria in the wound site, the maggots secrete an antimicrobial fluid. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of Lucilia sericata larval secretions on Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces in vitro.

Methods: Various DNA damage markers were used to analyze the therapeutic potential of the larval secretions. For this purpose, protoscoleces were cultured and treated with different concentrations of larval secretions. Comet test was performed to determine DNA damage. Expression of EgATM, EgRad9 and EgTopo2a genes was analyzed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The viability of the control group was 94% and the viability of the protoscoleces treated with larval secretions was 73%. Comet test showed that larval secretions caused DNA damage in protoscoleces. According to quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction results; 1:1 larval secretions increased ATM and Rad9 gene expression 3.2-fold and Topo2a gene expression 2.2-fold compared to control groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion: These data showed that in vitro larval secretion induced DNA damage in Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces and increased the expression of EgATM, EgRad9 and EgTopo2a genes. However, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed.