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Background: We aimed to explore the prevalence of prolonged symptoms, pulmonary impairments and residual disease on chest tomography (CT) in COVID-19 patients at 6 months after acute illness. Methods: In this prospective, single-center study, hospitalized patients with radiologically and laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were included. Results: A high proportion of the 116 patients reported persistent symptoms (n = 54; 46.6%). On follow-up CT, 33 patients (28.4%) demonstrated residual disease. Multivariate analyses revealed that only neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was an independent predictor for residual disease. Conclusion: Hospitalized patients with mild/moderate COVID-19 still had persistent symptoms and were prone to develop long-term pulmonary sequelae on chest CT. However, it did not have a significant effect on long-term pulmonary functions.

Background: We aimed to compare the clinical, laboratory and radiological findings of confirmed COVID-19 and unconfirmed patients. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective study. Results: Overall, 620 patients (338 confirmed COVID-19 and 282 unconfirmed) were included. Confirmed COVID‐19 patients had higher percentages of close contact with a confirmed or probable case. In univariate analysis, the presence of myalgia and dyspnea, decreased leukocyte, neutrophil and platelet counts were best predictors for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity. Multivariate analyses revealed that only platelet count was an independent predictor for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity. Conclusion: Routine complete blood count may be helpful for distinguishing COVID-19 from other respiratory illnesses at an early stage, while PCR testing is unique for the diagnosis of COVID-19.

Background: This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of CoronaVac in preventing COVID-19 in healthcare workers (HCWs) during the Alpha variant-dominant period. Materials & methods: Follow-up was initiated 14 days after the second dose for double-dose vaccinated HCWs and on 25 February 2021, for the unvaccinated group. The incidence rate ratio was calculated to estimate the unadjusted effectiveness. Cox regression was used to adjust the effectiveness of CoronaVac. Results & Conclusion: The adjusted effectiveness of CoronaVac against COVID-19 was 65% (95% CI: 50–75%). Compared with the results of the phase III trial conducted in Turkey, a lower effectiveness of CoronaVac against COVID-19 was detected in this real-life study. This finding suggests that mass vaccination and booster doses are needed.

Background: The authors aimed to investigate the relationship between ABO/Rhesus blood types and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalization in healthcare workers (HCWs). Materials & methods: This study compared HCWs with (n = 510) and without (n = 2318) SARS-CoV-2 infection. Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalization in HCWs were shown as odds ratios with 95% CI. Results: Blood group O was found to be protective by 20% from the risk of developing SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCWs (29.2 vs 33.8%; odds ratio: 0.808; 95% CI: 0.655–0.996; p = 0.045). The prevalence of group O was lower in hospitalized patients than in outpatients (25 vs 29.5%; p = 0.614). Conclusion: These findings suggest that blood groups are associated with the development of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Background: The aim was to explore a novel risk score to predict mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: This was a retrospective, multicenter study. Results: A total of 1013 patients with COVID-19 were included. The mean age was 60.5 ± 14.4 years, and 581 (57.4%) patients were male. In-hospital death occurred in 124 (12.2%) patients. Multivariate analysis revealed peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2), albumin, D-dimer and age as independent predictors. The mortality score model was given the acronym SAD-60, representing SpO2, Albumin, D-dimer, age ≥60 years. The SAD-60 score (0.776) had the highest area under the curve compared with CURB-65 (0.753), NEWS2 (0.686) and qSOFA (0.628) scores. Conclusion: The SAD-60 score has a promising predictive capacity for mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

We aimed to determine the predictors of intensive care unit (ICU) admission or death in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. This retrospective, single-center study included patients aged ≥18 years who were diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia (laboratory and radiologically confirmed) between March 9 and April 8, 2020. The composite endpoint was ICU admission or in-hospital mortality. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the factors associated with the composite endpoint. A total of 336 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were evaluated. The median age was 54 years (interquartile range: 21), and 187 (55.7%) were men. Fifty-one (15.2%) patients were admitted to the ICU. In-hospital mortality occurred in 33 patients (9.8%). In the univariate analysis, 17 parameters were associated with the composite endpoint, and procalcitonin had the highest odds ratio (odds ratio [OR] = 36.568, confidence interval [CI] = 5.145-259.915). Our results revealed that body temperature (OR = 1.489, CI = 1.023-2.167, P = 0.037), peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) (OR = 0.835, CI = 0.773-0.901, P0.001), and consolidation (25%) on chest computed tomography (OR = 3.170, CI = 1.218-8.252, P = 0.018) at admission were independent predictors. As a result, increased body temperature, decreased SpO2, a high level of procalcitonin, and degree of consolidation on chest computed tomography may predict a poor prognosis and have utility in the management of patients.

BackgroundWe aimed to determine prognostic values of NEWS2 and laboratory parameters during the first week of COVID-19.MethodsAll adult patients who were hospitalized for a confirmed COVID-19 between the 11th of March and the 11th of May 2020 were retrospectively included. To evaluate the factors in prognosis which are admission to intensive care unit (ICU) and in-hospital death, univariate logistic regression analysis was performed at admission (D0), at day-3 (D3), day-5 (D5), and day-7 (D7). Additionally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed.ResultsOverall, 611 patients were included. Clinical deterioration was observed in 79 (12.9%) patients during hospitalisation, 36 (5.9%) during the first three days, 54 (8.8%) during the first five days, and 62 (10.1%) during the first week of hospitalisation. Our results showed that NEWS2, procalcitonin, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and albumin were the best predictors for clinical deterioration at D0, D3, D5, and D7. Procalcitonin had the highest odds ratio for clinical deterioration on all days in univariate analysis. ROC analyses showed that NEWS2 at D7, procalcitonin at D5, albumin at D7, and NLR at D5 had highest AUC values. Additionally, we detected a strong correlation between NEWS2 and laboratory parameters including neutrophil, lymphocyte, NLR, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, CRP, procalcitonin, ferritin, and urea on all days.ConclusionThis study provides a list of several laboratory parameters correlated with NEWS2 and potential predictors for ICU admission or in-hospital death during the clinical course of COVID-19. Dynamic monitoring of NEWS2 and laboratory parameters is vital for improving clinical outcomes.

Zika virus is a Flavivirus in the family Flaviviridae, and transmitted to humans by Aedes species mosquitoes. Zika virus infection is asymptomatic in 80% of cases and has a mild course when symptoms occur. These symptoms include headache, myalgia, mild fever, maculopapular rash and conjunctivitis. Zika virus has been associated with serious neurological complications such as Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults and microcephaly development in neonates. It has recently become a global public health problem as a result of increasing cases. As it is known that the vector of this disease is present in our country; entry of Zika virus infection in our country has a great importance. In this report the clinical and laboratory findings of two cases of Zika virus infection imported to Turkey by a couple returning from Cuba in October 2017 were presented. Newly married couple, both 29 years old, without a known chronic disease history, went on honeymoon to Cuba between 17-29 September and they visited Havana and Varadero. They reported that they were bitten repeatedly by the mosquitoes and did not use insect repellents during this time. Four days after returning to Turkey, they had headaches, back pain and myalgia followed by rash and joint pain. They reported having their symptoms started in the same day in a few hours difference. The symptoms for both patients disappeared in 10 days. Serum samples from the patients were sent to the Public Health General Directorate National Arboviruses and Viral Zoonoses Laboratory to be tested for Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika viruses. Nucleic acid testing yielded negative results. The Arbovirus Indirect Immunofluorescence test were positive both for IgM and IgG for Zika virus. No cross reactivity with Dengue virus was detected. Chikungunya antibodies were found as negative. At two months of the diagnosis, urine and semen samples of the male patient were tested by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR). The result was negative for urine but positive for semen sample. This report is important to present the first cases of Zika virus infection published in Turkey. Zika virus infection should be suspected in patients with fever, headache, rash, myalgia and joint pain returning from an endemic areas. All travelers, especially pregnant women, have to take precautions for mosquitos during the trip.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency syndrome pandemic has spread and affected the whole world. The features of the disease and the structure of the virus make it difficult to control the disease and epidemic. This disease, classified as a chronic disease, can be treated with antiretroviral drugs developed in recent years. It is important that countries follow population characteristics for disease epidemiology in terms of disease transmission. The fact that patients cannot reach treatment due to discrimination is one of the most important factors in the spread of the disease. Means of protection should be managed separately for each group, and education and screening programs should be implemented for vulnerable groups. The target is that 90% of patients are diagnosed, 90% are treated and viral suppression is maintained in 90% of patients.

Introduction The main reason for nasal tampon placement after septoplasty is to prevent postoperative hemorrhage, while the secondary purpose is internal stabilization after operations involving the cartilaginous-bony skeleton of the nose. Silicone intranasal splints are as successful as other materials in controlling postoperative hemorrhages of septal origin. The possibility of leaving the splints intranasally for extended periods helps stabilize the septum in the midline. However, there is nothing in the literature about how long these splints can be retained inside the nasal cavity without increasing the risk of infection, postoperative complications, and patient discomfort. Objective The current study aimed to evaluate the association between the duration of intranasal splinting and bacterial colonization, postoperative complications, and patient discomfort. Methods Patients who had undergone septoplasty were divided into three groups according to the day of removal of the silicone splints. The splints were removed on the fifth, seventh, and tenth postoperative days. The removed splints were microbiologically cultured. Early and late complications were assessed, including local and systemic infections, tissue necrosis, granuloma formation, mucosal crusting, synechia, and septal perforation. Postoperative patient discomfort was evaluated by scoring the levels of pain and nasal obstruction. Results No significant difference was found in the rate of bacterial colonization among the different groups. Decreased mucosal crusting and synechia were detected with longer usage intervals of intranasal silicone splints. Postoperative pain and nasal obstruction were also diminished by the third postoperative day. Conclusions Silicone splints were well tolerated by the patients and any negative effects on postoperative patient comfort were limited. In fact, prolonged splint usage intervals reduced late complications. Long-term silicone nasal splint usage is a reliable, effective, and comfortable method in patients with excessive mucosal damage and in whom long-term stabilization of the bony and cartilaginous septum is essential.

WOS: 000388827200008, PubMed ID: 27138335, Objective Neuroimaging abnormalities in central nervous system (CNS) brucellosis are not well documented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of imaging abnormalities in neurobrucellosis and to identify factors associated with leptomeningeal and basal enhancement, which frequently results in unfavorable outcomes. Methods Istanbul-3 study evaluated 263 adult patients with CNS brucellosis from 26 referral centers and reviewed their 242 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 226 computerized tomography (CT) scans of the brain. Results A normal CT or MRI scan was seen in 143 of 263 patients (54.3 %). Abnormal imaging findings were grouped into the following four categories: (a) inflammatory findings: leptomeningeal involvements (44), basal meningeal enhancements (30), cranial nerve involvements (14), spinal nerve roots enhancement (8), brain abscesses (7), granulomas (6), and arachnoiditis (4). (b) White-matter involvement: white-matter involvement (32) with or without demyelinating lesions (7). (c) Vascular involvement: vascular involvement (42) mostly with chronic cerebral ischemic changes (37). (d) Hydrocephalus/cerebral edema: hydrocephalus (20) and brain edema (40). On multivariate logistic regression analysis duration of symptoms since the onset (OR 1.007; 95 % CI 1-28, p = 0.01), polyneuropathy and radiculopathy (OR 5.4; 95 % CI 1.002-1.013, p = 0.044), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/serum glucose rate (OR 0.001; 95 % CI 000-0.067, p = 0.001), and CSF protein (OR 2.5; 95 % CI 2.32.7, p = 0.0001) were associated with diffuse inflammation. Conclusions In this study, 45 % of neurobrucellosis patients had abnormal neuroimaging findings. The duration of symptoms, polyneuropathy and radiculopathy, high CSF protein level, and low CSF/serum glucose rate were associated with inflammatory findings on imaging analyses.

WOS: 000366655100045, PubMed ID: 26386176, BACKGROUND CONTEXT: No direct comparison between brucellar spondylodiscitis (BSD) and tuberculous spondylodiscitis (TSD) exists in the literature. PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare directly the clinical features, laboratory and radiological aspects, treatment, and outcome data of patients diagnosed as BSD and TSD. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective, multinational, and multicenter study was used. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 641 (TSD, 314 and BSD, 327) spondylodiscitis patients from 35 different centers in four countries (Turkey, Egypt, Albania, and Greece) were included. OUTCOME MEASURES: The pre- and peri- or post-treatment spinal deformity and neurologic deficit parameters, and mortality were carried out. METHODS: Brucellar spondylodiscitis and TSD groups were compared for demographics, clinical, laboratory, radiological, surgical interventions, treatment, and outcome data. The Student t test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for group comparisons. Significance was analyzed as two sided and inferred at 0.05 levels. RESULTS: The median baseline laboratory parameters including white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were higher in TSD than BSD (p

PubMedID: 25801665 SummaryBackground The Thwaites and Lancet scoring systems have been used in the rapid diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM). However, brucellar meningoencephalitis (BME) has similar characteristics with TBM. The ultimate aim of this study is to infer data to see if BME should be included in the differential diagnosis of TBM when these two systems suggest the presence of TBM. Method BME and TBM patients from 35 tertiary hospitals were included in this study. Overall 294 adult patients with BME and 190 patients with TBM were enrolled. All patients involved in the study had microbiological confirmation for either TBM or BME. Finally, the Thwaites and Lancet scoring systems were assessed in both groups. Results The Thwaites scoring system more frequently predicted BME cases (n = 292, 99.3%) compared to the TBM group (n = 182, 95.8%) (P = 0.017). According to the Lancet scoring system, the mean scores for BME and TBM were 9.43 ± 1.71 and 11.45 ± 3.01, respectively (P < 0.001). In addition, TBM cases were classified into "probable" category more significantly compared to BME cases, and BME cases were categorized into the "possible" category more frequently. Conclusions When the Thwaites or Lancet scoring systems indicate TBM, brucellar etiology should also be taken into consideration particularly in endemic countries. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

OZET Objectives: Hyperbilirubinemia has a broad spectrum of causes ranging from benign lifethreatening. Classification of hyperbilirubinemia as prehepatic, hepatic and posthepatic promotes detecting its etiology. Materials and Methods: In this study, we analyzed the diagnoses, etiological risk factors and endpoints in 60 patients with hyperbilirubinemia. Inclusion criteria included moderate-bad general condition, enzyme levels >2000 U/L, bilirubin levels >5 mg/dL, impaired coagulation parameters and fever and rashes. Age, gender, etiology, contamination patterns, physical examination, laboratory findings and prognosis were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The diagnoses of the diseases based on their incidence were hepatitis B (n=34), hepatitis A (n=12), activation of chronic HBV infection (n=5), autoimmune hepatitis (n=2), malaria (n=2), hepatitis E (n=1), leptospirosis (n=1) and liver abscess (n=1). Mean age and female/male distribution ratio for viral hepatitis were 33 and 1/2, respectively. When risk factors were questioned; risk factors could not be identified in 69% of patients with viral hepatitis. Use of municipal water was found in history of 17% cases with hepatitis A whereas history of suspected sexual contact and dental treatment were found in 26% and 17% of patients with hepatitis B. Intrafamilial contamination was found in seven cases. Bicytopenia and monocytosis were observed in 15% and 84% of subjects. The mean bilirubin value was 16 mg/ dL with the highest value of 44.6 mg/dL. The highest ALT were averagely 3170 U/L and 2891 U/L in patients with hepatitis A and B, respectively. Two patients became exitus while one patient was referred to an external center for transplantation. The diagnoses in those three patients were hepatitis B and autoimmune hepatitis. Conclusion: Although, joundice is related with many diseases, in Turkey, it is most commonly associated with viral hepatitis. (Viral Hepatitis Journal 2014; 20(3): 87-90)

Objectives: We described the clinical outcomes of the diabetic patients who had foot infections with multidrug resistant organisms. Methods: We included the patients with diabetic foot infections (DFI) from 19 centers, between May 2011 and December 2015. Infection was defined according to IDSA DFI guidelines. Patients with severe infection, complicated moderate infection were hospitalized. The patients were followed-up for 6 months after discharge. Results: In total, 791 patients with DFI were included, 531(67%) were male, median age was 62 (19-90). Severe infection was diagnosed in 85 (11%) patients. Osteomyelitis was diagnosed in 291(36.8%) patients. 536 microorganisms were isolated, the most common microorganisms were S. aureus (20%), P. aeruginosa (19%) and E. coli (12%). Methicillin resistance (MR) rate among Staphylococcus aureus isolates was 31%. Multidrug resistant bacteria were detected in 21% of P. aeruginosa isolates. ESBL (+) Gram negative bacteria (GNB) was detected in 38% of E. coli and Klebsiella isolates. Sixty three patients (8%) were rehospitalized. Of the 791 patiens, 127 (16%) had major amputation, and 24 (3%) patients died. In multivariate analysis, significant predictors for fatality were; dialysis (OR: 8.3, Cl: 1.82-38.15, p = 0.006), isolation of Klebsiella spp. (OR:7.7, Cl: 1.24-47.96, p = 0.028), and chronic heart failure (OR: 3, Cl: 1.01-9.04, p = 0.05). MR Staphylococcus was detected in 21% of the rehospitalized patients, as the most common microorganism (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Among rehospitalized patients, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus infections was detected as the most common agent, and Klebsiella spp. infections were found to be significantly associated with fatality. (C) 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of International Society for Infectious Diseases.

A case report of complicated giant liver abscess caused by ESBL producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Liver abscess most frequently occurs secondary to biliary gland and biliary tract diseases with a clinical picture with fever, nausea and vomiting, and right upper abdominal pain. Diabetes mellitus and immunosuppression are risk factors for abscess formation and other complications. Besides technological innovations, radiological technics and invasive procedures have been developed for diagnosis and this has led to decrease in the mortality and morbidity of liver abscess. Abdominal ultrasonography is a frequently used method but, computed tomography is the gold standard for diagnosis. In this study, a 67-year-old diabetic male patient who developed complicated liver abscess after laparoscopic cholesystectomy caused by

Background The relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and tuberculosis (TB) has long been known, but the extent of the relationship has only recently been demonstrated. It has been suggested that the presence of DM could triple the risk of TB. Objective Within the clinical picture of culture-proven TB, we examined the coexistence of TB, DM, and advanced age in 4 diabetic female elderly patients. Case summary Four cases of women with meningitis, bone TB, spondylodiscitis, and meningitis and spondylodiscitis are presented. All patients were diabetic and aged 50 to 79 years. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated from the abscess from lesion areas, cerebrospinal fluid, and synovial fluid samples. Conclusion Presence of DM is known to trigger reactivation of TB. These 4 diabetic female patients are noteworthy because they show that coexistence of DM and TB might lead to progressive forms of extrapulmonary TB in advanced age.

Streptococcus salivarius is a Gram-positive bacteria that may cause infections like endocarditis and meningitis. However, it has not been reported as a causative agent of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients. In this paper we present a rare case of peritonitis with Streptococcus salivarius admitted to our Clinic with abdominal pain, who had been on peritoneal dialysis treatment for 19 months. Streptococus salivarius was cultured from the effluent, sensitive to ampicillin and penicillin G. Patient was discharged completely cured. Peritonitis is the most important clinical issue that occurs in patients treated with peritoneal dialysis, and every effort should be invested to determine the causative agent while even rare bacteria as Streptococcus salivarius may be found.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, which can transmit via respiratory secretions. It is estimated that prior to the license of an effective vaccine, measles was causing more than 2 million deaths and between 15,000 and 60,000 cases of blindness annually worldwide. As a result of great efforts by international health organizations and local health authorities to increase the vaccination rate, the incidence of measles showed a substantial decrease in most parts of the world. Unfortunately, since 2007, epidemics involving thousands of people across Europe have occurred. Measles virus (MV) enters the body via respiratory epithelium at any point from the nose to the lower parts of the respiratory tract. The incubation period for measles is 10–14 days. Malaise, fever, anorexia, conjunctivitis, and respiratory symptoms such as cough and coryza (three “c” signs) are seen in the prodromal phase that usually lasts for 2 or 3 days, maximum 8 days. Koplik’s spots, bluish-gray particles on an erythematous base, occur on buccal mucosa approximately 48 hours prior to the characteristic skin rash. This enanthema is pathognomonic for measles but does not appear in all patients. A very safe, cheap, and effective live attenuated vaccine against measles has been available since the 1960s. Two doses of vaccine (first very early in the second year of life and second in early childhood) may provide long-lasting (life-long) immunity in 95% of vaccinated individuals. Treatment of measles mainly involves supportive therapy such as antipyretics and fluids as indicated. Vitamin A decreases the severity of measles especially in malnourished children suffering vitamin A deficiency. Patients with suspected or proven measles should be managed with airborne precautions during the “period of infectivity.”

WOS: 000345825900004, PubMed ID: 24849547, We aimed to provide data on the diagnosis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) in this largest case series ever reported. The Haydarpasa-1 study involved patients with microbiologically confirmed TBM in Albania, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, France, Hungary, Iraq, Italy, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Syria and Turkey between 2000 and 2012. A positive culture, PCR or Ehrlich-Ziehl-Neelsen staining (EZNs) from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was mandatory for inclusion of meningitis patients. A total of 506 TBM patients were included. The sensitivities of the tests were as follows: interferon- release assay (Quantiferon TB gold in tube) 90.2%, automated culture systems (ACS) 81.8%, Lowenstein Jensen medium (L-J) 72.7%, adenosine deaminase (ADA) 29.9% and EZNs 27.3%. CSF-ACS was superior to CSF L-J culture and CSF-PCR (p

WOS: 000306663800009, PubMed ID: 22727531, Brucella endocarditis (BE) is a rare but life-threatening complication of human brucellosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the course of BE along with the therapeutic interrelations. A total of 53 patients with BE hospitalised in 19 health institutions between 2006 and 2011 were included in the Gulhane study. Diagnosis of brucellosis was established by either isolation of Brucella sp. or the presence of antibodies, and the definition of endocarditis was made according to Duke's criteria. There were four treatment groups: ceftriaxone combined with oral antibiotics (Group 1); aminoglycosides combined with oral antibiotics (Group 2); oral antibiotic combinations (Group 3); and aminoglycoside plus ceftriaxone combined with an oral antibiotic (Group 4). Involvement rates of the aortic, mitral and tricuspid valves were 49.1%, 43.4% and 5.7%, respectively. Thirty-two patients (60.4%) had an underlying cardiac valvular problem, including previous prosthetic valve replacement (n = 18). Medical treatment was provided to 32 patients (60.4%), whilst concordant medical and surgical approaches were provided to 21 patients (39.6%). Mortality in Group 1 was 15% (3/20), whilst in Group 2 it was 5.3% (1/19). In Group 3, 25.0% (3/12) of the cases died, whereas none of the cases in Group 4 died. In conclusion, mortality increased 47-fold with pericardial effusion and 25-fold due to congestive heart failure that developed after BE. Although mortality was lower in the aminoglycoside-containing arm (Groups 2 and 4), statistical analysis could not be performed owing to the small number of patients. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. and the International Society of Chemotherapy. All rights reserved.

Objective: In this study, the evaluation of the clinical, laboratory and radiological findings belonging to 55 cases that were hospitalized in our clinic to be followed-up and were diagnosed with tuberculous, brucellar and pyogenic spondylodiscitis (SD) was aimed. Materials and Methods: The cases with SD were evaluated retrospectively. Hematological, serological, biochemical laboratory tests and imaging technics were used for diagnosis. Results: Of 55 cases aged ranging between 25 to 79, 33 (59%) were female. The cases with tuberculous SD (TBSD), brucellar SD (BSD) and pyogenic SD (PSD) were found in 24 (43%), 12 (21%) and in 19 (34%) patients.Erytrocyte sedimentation rate, increased C-reactive protein, and leucocytosis were present in 51 (91%), 22 (39%) and 8 (14%) cases. The number of the cases with history of previous surgery or trauma was 14 (25%). Diagnosis of TBSD was established by acid fast bacilli positiveness and Löwenstein Jensen culture positiveness, in two and seven patients, respectively. While all 12 cases with BSD had positive standard tube aglutination test, only 3 (25%) had hemoculture positivity. In PSDs, diagnosis was confirmed with culture positivity in 9 of 19 cases.Of the cases in our study, 89% responded to medical treatment while three required surgery and three died (5.5% and 5.5%, respectively). Conclusion: SD may develop secondary to infections or following spinal surgical procedures and traumas. Also, the importance of endemicity should be kept in mind, beside the helpful diagnostic findings while treatment regulation.

Rapidly growing mycobacteria are pathogens responsible for cutaneous or subcutaneous infections especially occurring after injection, trauma or surgery. We describe a patient with Mycobacterium abscessus mastitis that presented as a mass lesion and haemorrhagical discharge. It was initially diagnosed and treated as fibrocystic disease and non-specific abscess. Full recovery was obtained with combination therapy of clarithromycin, linezolid and amikacin without surgical debridement followed by several abscess aspirations. Atypical mycobacteria should be considered in diagnosis of chronic breast lesions in endemic areas. This is the first reported case of mastitis due to M. abscessus in Turkey.

One of the uncommon gram negative organisms causing peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients is Citrobacter. Because of this organism's resistant nature, treatment for Citrobacter peritonitis may be difficult, and removal of the catheter may be necessary in refractory cases. Here we present 2 cases of peritonitis caused by this organism and fully treated with antibiotics. The literature contains only a limited number of reports on Citrobacter peritonitis, mostly case reports or portions of general papers about the microbiological spectrum of peritonitis in the relevant units. Until enough data about this micro-organism have been accumulated to map out an approach, it is wise to individualize treatment by watching the response of the patient during the wait for the antibiogram result and not to hesitate to remove the catheter if the clinical situation deteriorates.

To evaluate the predictors of neurological sequel in tuberculous meningitis (TBM).This study was carried out at the Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Haseki Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, between January 1998 and March 2009. Neurological sequels at 6 months of 160 adult patients with TBM who had been followed up were assessed retrospectively. The prognostic role of various demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings on admission, in prediction of neurological sequel development, were studied using a multivariate logistic regression. Clinical and therapeutic outcomes at 6 months were determined using a modified Barthel Index.Twenty-seven (17%) patients died and 20 (13%) survivors had neurological sequelae at 6 months. Cranial nerve palsy, presence of tuberculoma, younger age, and basal meningitis were found to be significant predictors of neurological sequelae in univariate analysis, but only younger age (odds ratio [OR] 2.9, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.0-8.6, p=0.049), cranial nerve palsy (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.8-8.8, p=0.001), and presence of tuberculoma (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0-4.2, p=0.048) were found to be significant predictors using multivariable logistic regression analysis.Neurological sequelae were more common in patients with tuberculoma and cranial nerve palsy on admission. Development of neurological complications may be seen despite timely and effective anti-tuberculous therapy especially in younger patients.