Seroprevalence of human brucellosis in a rural area of Western Anatolia, Turkey

This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of human brucellosis and identify the potential risk factors in a rural area of Western Anatolia, Turkey. A simple random-sampling method was used for identifying 1,052 subjects for the study. Blood samples, collected from all the subjects, were studied following the methods of Rose Bengal slide agglutination and standard tube agglutination tests. One thousand and one samples (95.2%) were seronegative, and 51 (4.8%) were seropositive. There was a statistically significant correlation between seropositivity and age, sex, consuming fresh cheese and cream made from unboiled milk (p values 0.005, 0.019, <0.001, and <0.001 respectively). Seropositivity was not related to educational level (0.270). It is concluded that pasteurization of milk and dairy products and education regarding eating habits must be pursued for eradication of human brucellosis from rural areas. The findings of the study suggest that human brucellosis is still an important public-health problem in the western Anatolia region of Turkey, especially in rural areas.     

Seroprevalence of pertussis among children in Eastern Turkey

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the immunity status of children to pertussis by socio-demographic characteristics in Eastern Turkey. The study sample consisted of 840 randomly selected and healthy children aged 0-71 months. The seroprevalence of pertussis was 30.1%. Age, parent education and economic status were not associated with the geometric mean titers (GMT) of pertussis antibody, while gender, residential area and the application number of diphtheria-tetanus-whole-cell pertussis vaccine were associated with GMT. Most preschool children are susceptible to pertussis and current vaccination efforts do not provide adequate immunization.     

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C among oncology patients in Turkey

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the public-health issues worldwide. Approximately two billion people are infected with HBV, and about 350 million people are chronic carriers globally. About 3% of the world population is infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Oncology patients receiving packed red blood cell suspensions and other blood products usually are in the high-risk group for infections due to these viruses. The aim of the study was to detect the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C among chemotherapy patients at the Oncology Department of the Tepecik Education and Research Hospital. HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBcIgM, anti-HBc total and anti-HCV assays were studied by enzyme immunoassay method (Diasorin, Italy) in serum samples of patients (n = 448) referred to the Department of Oncology of the Tepecik Education and Research Hospital during 1 June 2006-1 January 2007. Of the 448 patients, 19 (4.2%) were HBsAg-positive, and three (0.7%) had anti-HCV positivity. In this study, the seroprevalence of HBV was similar to previous data in Turkey. This could be due to widespread vaccination programmes. The seroprevalence of low anti-HCV may be because of controlled blood transfusion. Oncology patients should be monitored for their protective antibody levels against HBV, and they must be included in the vaccination programme. Their anti-HCV status should also be checked as well.     

Seroepidemiological Study of Toxocariasis among Volunteers Animal Husbandry Workers and Veterinary in Southern Anatolia in Turkey in 2014

Background: Human toxocariasis is a parasitic infection caused by the larvae of Toxocara canis. We examine the Toxocara seroprevalance in veterinarians and animal husbandry workers living in the Mugla Province, Turkey to evaluate better the risk factors for Toxocara exposure. Methods: In 2014, 376 volunteers participated in the study in 2014. All blood specimens were tested using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit and ELISA positive samples were confirmed by Western Blot (WB) method. Results: The seroprevalence of Toxocara, as determined by WB, was 8%. A statistically significant correlation was evident between patient age and Toxocara positivity among animal husbandry workers (P = 0.029). A strong association was also evident between sex and seropositivity in the animal husbandry group (P=0.024). Veterinarians working in pet clinics did in fact exhibit higher Toxocara seropositivities relative to those of other groups (P = 0.029). A statistically significant difference was detected between the rural geographic areas surveyed (P = 0.04). Conclusion: In Mugla Province, seroprevalence of Toxocara is lower than other regions. Despite the low seroprevalence observed, especially in high risk professions toxocariasis remains an important medical concern within the region. Key Words: Toxocara, Seroprevalence, Veterinary, Animal husbandry workers, Turkey     

Penetrating eye injuries from southeastern Anatolia region of Turkey

OBJECTIVES: This study analysed 420 patients with penetrating eye injuries who presented for treatment at the Eye Clinic of Dicle University Hospital in Turkey. The aim of the study was to identify preventable risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of patients who presented between January 1995 and December 2000 was undertaken. Cases were examined with regard to age, sex, profession, which eye was traumatized, reason for the trauma, nature of the trauma, time between injury and operation, and accompanying pathologies. RESULTS: This study found that most penetrating eye injuries occurred in children aged 0-15 years, and these were mainly caused by accidents during play. For patients aged 16-60 years, penetrating eye injuries were mainly caused by work-related accidents. CONCLUSION: Most penetrating eye injuries were caused by preventable accidents. Many accidents and their resulting injuries could have been prevented by education, greater intensive care and workplace safety.     

大同地区人间布鲁氏菌病现状调查与分析

目的调查并分析大同地区布病发病情况,了解布病流行特征,从而为布病防治提供科学依据。方法按整群抽样后,随机抽取4个区(县)的特殊职业可疑人群为调查对象,对14 081名成人进行了布病确诊实验,对布病在大同的地区分布、性别分布、职业分布做了交叉分析,对结果用X2检验进行统计分析。结果大同地区布病在特殊职业人群中总患病率为2.5%;布病患病率农村明显高于城镇;布病患病率在性别上无差异;特殊职业人群的布病患病率明显高于从事其他行业的布病患病率。结论大同地区布病患者主要集中在农村的特殊职业人群,提醒布病防治的重点方向应指向农村;布病防治的关键所在是控制传染源,切断传播途径。     

三江源地区布病血清流行病学调查研究

摘要:目的　分析青海省三江源地区布鲁氏菌病血清检测结果,描述该地区人群血清抗体在职业、年龄、性别、民族等方面的差异。方法　对三江源地区的九县一镇范围内的人群进行随机抽样调查,按《全国人间布病监测方案（试行）》中的要求开展流行病学调查,采集血清,用虎红凝集试验（RBPT）、试管凝聚试验（SAT）、抗人球蛋白试验（Coomb’s）、补体结合试验（CFT）、酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）检测抗体水平。结果　检测6 310人份,RBPT阳性141人份,SAT阳性25人份,CFT阳性28份,SAT阴性、CFT阳性的有15份。血清流行病学调查显示,不同地区间差异有统计学意义（χ2＝23.614,P＜0.05）,在141例感染者中,年龄最小的10岁,最大的74岁,不同年龄段间差异无统计学意义（χ2＝10.192,P＞0.05）男女感染比例为1∶1.2,经检验男女差异无统计学意义（χ2＝0.96,P＞0.05）;藏族占82.27%,蒙族占13.48%,汉族占2.84%,回族占0.71%,撒拉族占0.71%。结论　布病流行强度有增强趋势应加大布病监测力度,开展人畜防治合作,综合评价流行风险因素,为布病防治提供科学依据。     

Determination of the mineral content of bee honeys produced in Middle Anatolia

The mineral content of 43 honey samples from the middle regions of Turkey was investigated. Minerals were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrophotometer. Calcium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus were the most abundant of the elements in all the studied honeys, with average concentrations ranging between 40.13 and 189.69 mg/kg for calcium, 161.01 and 598.62 mg/kg for potassium, 9.34 and 45.9 mg/kg for sodium, and 460.11 and 3,776.96 mg/kg for phosphorus. Cluster analysis of the honey data revealed that the mineral content of Corum and Konya honeys was closer as they formed a cluster at a similarity level of 60%.     

Determination of the mineral content of bee honeys produced in Middle Anatolia

The mineral content of 43 honey samples from the middle regions of Turkey was investigated. Minerals were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrophotometer. Calcium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus were the most abundant of the elements in all the studied honeys, with average concentrations ranging between 40.13 and 189.69 mg/kg for calcium, 161.01 and 598.62 mg/kg for potassium, 9.34 and 45.9 mg/kg for sodium, and 460.11 and 3,776.96 mg/kg for phosphorus. Cluster analysis of the honey data revealed that the mineral content of Çorum and Konya honeys was closer as they formed a cluster at a similarity level of 60%.     

Seroprevalence of Brucella in an elderly population in mid-Anatolia,Turkey

Brucellosis is a widespread infectious disease in the mid-Anatolia regions of Turkey. This study investigated the prevalence of Brucella infection in elderly people of this region. In total, 750 elderly subjects were chosen by a simple random-sampling method. Blood samples were evaluated by the Brucella Wright agglutination test. Brucella seropositivity was detected in 24 (3.2%) of the 750 subjects. Although there was no statistical correlation between Brucella seropositivity and sex or educational level (p > 0.05), seropositivity was statistically significant with subjects exposed to risk factors (p < 0.001). It is concluded that Brucella infection is still an important public-health problem in the cities of mid-Anatolia.     

Knowledge and behaviours related to herbal remedies: a cross‐sectional epidemiological study in adults in Middle Anatolia,Turkey

The use of herbal remedies is common in Turkey. This study aimed to define the patterns of herbal remedy use among subjects aged 18 or above and to describe factors associated with use of herbal remedies. A cross‐sectional study was conducted with a multistage sampling method between September 2007 and April 2008. A total of 3876 adults participated (98.1% response rate), and 1518 (39.2%) admitted using herbal remedies (95% CI 37.6–40.7%). Univariate analyses showed that compared with non‐users, herbal users were mostly female, were more highly educated and were more likely to live in smaller households of one to four people. Logistic regression showed that being aged 18–27 (OR = 1.23, P = 0.028), being female (OR = 2.22, P < 0.001), being educated in a secondary school (OR = 1.47, P < 0.001) or high school (OR = 2.77, P < 0.001), perceiving their health status as ‘good’ (OR = 2.61, P < 0.001) and having health‐related problems (OR = 2.80, P < 0.001) were the factors associated with the use of herbal remedies. The most commonly used herbs were lime, mint, rosehip and lemon. The reasons for using herbal remedies included that they are natural products (79.8% of the 1518 users), for health enhancement (58.9%) and to overcome health problems (32.2%). The decision to use herbal remedies was mainly based on recommendations from the mass media (45.1%). Only 29.1% of users obtained information from their physicians or health providers, and only 37.9% informed their doctors. Nearly three in five people in this study reported using a herbal remedy to overcome health problems or for health enhancement. Herbal remedies are likely to be used by the young people, females, those with higher education, those with good or excellent perceived health status and those with chronic illness, and it seems essential to offer informational programmes for them. The lack of communication on herbal remedies between patient and physician needs to be addressed.     

Determination of mineral contents of bee honeys produced in Middle Anatolia

The mineral contents of 43 honey samples from the middle regions of Turkey were investigated. Minerals were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrophotometry. Calcium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus were the most abundant of the elements in all samples with average concentrations ranging between 40.13 and 189.69 mg/kg for calcium, 161.01 and 598.62 mg/kg for potassium, 9.34 and 45.9 mg/kg for sodium, and 460.11 and 3,776.96 mg/kg for phosphorus. Cluster analysis of the honeys’ data revealed that mineral contents of Çorum and Konya honeys were closer as they formed a cluster at a similarity level of 60%.     

Determination of mineral contents of bee honeys produced in Middle Anatolia

The mineral contents of 43 honey samples from the middle regions of Turkey were investigated. Minerals were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrophotometry. Calcium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus were the most abundant of the elements in all samples with average concentrations ranging between 40.13 and 189.69 mg/kg for calcium, 161.01 and 598.62 mg/kg for potassium, 9.34 and 45.9 mg/kg for sodium, and 460.11 and 3,776.96 mg/kg for phosphorus. Cluster analysis of the honeys' data revealed that mineral contents of Corum and Konya honeys were closer as they formed a cluster at a similarity level of 60%.     

Respiratory Symptoms and Pulmonary Function among School-Age Children in the Aral Sea Region

The saline Aral Sea in central Asia was once the 4th largest inland lake in the world. Desiccation of the Aral Sea as a result of diversion of inflow for irrigation has resulted in significant adverse health effects among residents of surrounding areas. This study was conducted to examine respiratory symptoms and function among children who lived in "the heavily affected disaster zone" (i.e., within 200 km of the Aral Sea), by comparing them with children who lived in "the slightly affected disaster zone" (i.e., located approximately 500 km from the Aral Sea). A questionnaire-based interview was conducted among 383 students 6—15 yr of age who lived in the study area and 432 students who lived in the reference area. Pulmonary function tests were completed by 337 children in the study area and 417 children in the reference area. Prevalence of current cough and current wheezing was higher among the study group participants. Percentage of predicted forced vital capacity (FVC% predicted) was lower in the study group (median = 96.6%) than in the reference group (median = 100.5%), and prevalence of restrictive pulmonary dysfunction was higher in the study group (10.6%) than in the reference group (2.6%). Multivariate analysis indicated that FVC% predicted was lower among females and in the study area, but was not associated with socioeconomic factors.     

青岛市小儿肺炎支原体流行病学分析

目的了解青岛市小儿肺炎支原体(MP)的流行病学特征,为支原体肺炎的防治提供依据. 方法临床资料进行回顾性统计分析,特异性诊断采用金标免疫斑点法和聚合酶链反应(PCR)扩增技术,对我院10年中住院确诊的6 952例肺炎患儿血清和咽分泌物分别进行特异性抗体IgM和MP-DNA检测. 结果符合MP肺炎诊断者1 565例,总发生率占同期肺炎的22.5%;10年中共有两次发病高峰,分别为1997年和2000年12月～2001年2月发病高峰季节;发病年龄明显前移,<3岁婴幼儿占41%;发生率市区显著高于农村,发病高峰在人口集中的幼儿园、中小学有聚集发病现象. 结论 MP肺炎已成为本区危害儿童健康的多发病,并有取代链球菌性肺炎,成为小儿感染性肺炎首位疾病的可能;寻找切实有效的预防措施已成为保护儿童健康急需解决的问题.     

Seroepidemiological Investigation of Toxocariasis in the Isparta Region of Turkey

Background

Toxocariasis is a common disease around the world. Our objective was to determine Toxocara seroprevalence in humans in the city of Isparta, Southwest Turkey, in respect of some determinants such as age, socio-economic level, residence in city center or rural area etc.

Methods

Five hundred and thirty four individual participants from Isparta center and 85 from Asagi Gokdere village were included in the study. T. cati specific antibodies were analyzed using excretory-secretory (ES)-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method.

Results

T. cati antibodies were detected as positive in 73 (13.6%) of 534 samples which were collected from subjects living in the city center and 24 (28.2%) of 85 samples from Asagi Gokdere village. Toxocara seropositivity was detected among 15.6% of whole study group. The seroprevalence of toxocariasis was significantly higher among subjects from village than in subjects from city center (P=0.001). While gender, high school education, source of the water which is used, family income and geophagia/eating nail behaviors were the features which were detected as being associated with toxocariasis seropositivity (odds ratios=0.5; 6.52; 3.61; 0.43; 0.13 respectively), owning dogs or cats and hand washing were detected as being not associated with toxocariasis seropositivity (P>0.05). Furthermore, Toxocara seropositivity was significantly higher among subjects in 0–10 than >40 year-old group (P=0.02).

Conclusion

It can be suggested that untreated lost pet population, environmental contamination, and way of life have influence on the epidemiology of toxocariasis.     

Seroprevalence of diphtheria immunity among injured adults in Austria

Over a period of 1 year a seroepidemiological study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of a trauma department. Immunity to diphtheria was determined in serum samples from 558 injured patients (205 women and 353 men, age from 18 to 70). Diphtheria-antitoxin concentrations were measured with an enzyme immunoassay and a tissue culture toxin-neutralization assay. Sero-immunity was classified as susceptibility (<0.01 IU/ml), basic protection (0.01-<0.1 IU/ml) and full protection (>/=0.1 IU/ml) against the toxic manifestations of the disease. A total of 27.1% of the subjects were susceptible to diphtheria, 26.5% had basic protection, and 46.4% were fully protected. The median antitoxin concentration reached 0.08 IU/ml (0. 0-0.29; quartiles Q25-Q75). A non linear trend toward decreasing immunity with increasing age was observed (P<0.001) and females proved less protected than males (P=0.006). The country of original immunization (Austria, Western European countries, Eastern European countries and Non European countries) had no influence on sero-immunity (P=0.49). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that age (P<0.001) and gender (P=0.004) had a significant independent influence on diphtheria immunity level, whereas the country of original immunization was not significant (P=0.72).     

Seroprevalence of varicella antibodies among pregnant women in Lyon-France

The purpose of the study was to calculate the seroprevalence of immunity to the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infection and to evaluate the positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) of the self-reported history of VZV infection in pregnant women. A cross sectional study was conducted in 18 private medical analysis laboratories. Information on socio-demographic characteristics and past history of varicella or zoster were collected using a questionnaire. Blood samples were obtained to determine the serological levels of past exposure to VZV. Overall, 486 pregnant women were recruited. The seroprevalence of VZV antibodies was 98.8%. Six women were seronegative, of whom four were primiparous. The PPV was high (99.5%) while the NPV was only 10.3%. The PPV is a reliable marker of prior VZV infection. In contrast, a negative history does not predict lack of immunity and should be completed by serological analysis which might be introduced to routine antenatal blood tests.