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Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the theses prepared in the field of medical parasitology in Türkiye and to reveal the importance given to the science of parasitology in the groves of academe and to raise awareness in this field., Methods: Council of Higher Education's National Thesis Center database has been analyzed postgraduate these documents conducted in the field of medical parasitology from January 1985 to September 2022., Results: As a result of the examining, 393 theses made in the field of medical parasitology were detected. It was determined that 52.9% of the theses prepared were master, 28% of PhD and 19.1% were the thesis of medical specialty thesis and 61.3% of the theses prepared were related to protozoa, 16.5% of helminths, 8.6% arthropods and 12.2% of intestinal parasites (helminth and protozoa). The top five types of parasites in the theses were Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania spp., Echinococcus spp., Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. respectively., Conclusion: In conclusion, it was of the opinion that more importance should be given to the field of medical parasitology in Türkiye.

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients admitted to University of Health Sciences Türkiye (UHS) Van Training and Research Hospital., Methods: A total of 300 patients between the ages of 18-90 who applied to UHS Van Training and Research Hospital with gastrointestinal complaints and were referred to the parasitology laboratory between September 2021 and December 2021, and 100 patients without any chronic disease and gastrointestinal complaints in the control group were included in the study. Stool samples taken from patients included in the study and individuals in the control group were analyzed by native-lugol and modified acid-fast staining methods., Results: In the study, intestinal parasites were detected in 41 (13.3%) of 300 patients in the patient group and in seven (7%) of 100 individuals in the control group. The highest rate of Blastocystis species ( Blastocystis spp.) (5.7%) was found in the patient group. Entamoeba coli 3%, G. intestinalis 2.7% and Cryptosporidium species ( Cryptosporidium spp). 2.3% were found among the other species detected. In addition, a statistically significant correlation was found between the incidence of parasites and abdominal pain (p=0.022) and nausea (p=0.029)., Conclusion: As a result; it was concluded that intestinal parasites are still an important health problem in patients with gastrointestinal complaints and intestinal parasites should definitely be considered in this patient group.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of opportunistic parasites and Blastocystis spp. in patients with gastric cancer (CA) and to determine the significance of these parasite., Methods: The patient group and the control group were composed of 100 people each. The stool samples were examined under the microscope for intestinal parasites with the native-Lugol method. Then, samples were multiplied by formol-ethyl acetate method and stained with modified acid-fast method., Results: Intestinal parasite positivity was indicated in 14% of the gastric CA, and 2% of the healthy individuals (p=0.001). Blastocystis spp. (p=0.009) was identified in 11%, Cryptosporidium spp. was identified in 4%, G. intestinalis was identified in 2%, and C. cayetanensis was identified in 1% of the patient group. There were significant differences between the intestinal parasite positivity (p=0.012), abundant Blastocystis spp. positivity (p=0.041) and all Blastocystis spp. positivity (p=0.037) in patient and control groups. Most of the patients who were positive for parasites had diarrhea., Conclusion: Based findings, it was concluded that it would be beneficial to evaluate gastric CA patients, especially those with diarrhea, for intestinal parasites.

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to reveal the frequency of fascioliasis in cattle slaughtered in the slaughterhouses of Ağrı province., Methods: The study was carried out on 230 cattle. The presence of Fasciola hepatica eggs in stool and bile fluid samples taken from each cattle was investigated by sedimentation-zinc sulfate flotation method, and the presence of adult parasites in the liver and bile ducts by postmortem examination., Results: The study was conducted on 230 cattle samples. Fasciola spp. eggs were observed in 43 (18.7%) of the stools examined. As a result of the postmortem examination of the liver and gall bladder, F. hepatica adults were found in 52 (22.6%) cattle. All cattle positive in stool examination were also positive in liver and gallbladder examination. Fasciola gigantica adults were not detected in any of the cattle, and there was no statistically significant difference in terms of gender and race., Conclusion: In this study conducted on cattle in the Ağrı region, F. hepatica was found to be significantly common. The data obtained show that in order to prevent economic losses in animal husbandry, which is an important source of livelihood of the local people, effective prevention and control programs should be planned and implemented, and both sheep and cattle breeders should be made aware of the prevention of this infection.

Objective: Parasitizing in the small intestines of cattle, buffalo and bison, Toxocara vitulorum is seen in countries with humid tropical and subtropical climates, including Türkiye. Adult parasites can cause digestive disorders such as loss of appetite, weakness, diarrhea or constipation, and sometimes death, especially in calves. This study was planned to investigate the distribution of T. vitulorum in cattle of the Ağrı region., Methods: In this study, stool samples of the size of a walnut were taken from the rectum of 200 calves 0-6 months old and 200 cattle older than 1 year in the province of Ağrı and its districts, and the preparations were prepared using the saturated zinc sulfate flotation method and the preparations were examined under a light microscope., Results: T. vitulorum eggs were detected in 70 (35%) of 200 calves aged 0-6 months and 21 (10.5%) of 200 cattle over one year old. The difference in positivity between cattle over one year old and calves was statistically significant (p=0.001). With fecal examination ın 22 of the calves (11%), Trichostrongylidae spp. eggs were detected., Conclusion: It was determined that the prevalence of T. vitulorum in calves was high in Diyadin, Eleşkirt, Doğubayazıt, Hamur, Taşlıçay, Tutak and Patnos districts of Ağrı province. We believe that larger-scale studies should be conducted on the spread of this parasite, which causes significant low yields in cattle breeding.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the patients infected with Fasciola hepatica and establish whether these parameters differ among the patients with fascioliasis., Methods: The patient group consisted of 140 individuals with F. hepatica seropositive; the control group consisted of 140 healthy individuals who tested negative for this parasite and had no other diseases. The patient group consisted of individuals with no chronic diseases other than fascioliasis; in both the patient and the control groups, the subjects had no unhealthy habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption, etc. The blood samples taken to diagnose fascioliasis were evaluated by the ELISA method. The samples were studied according to the kit procedures for SOD, CAT, GPx and MDA markers., Results: In this study, 43.6% of 140 individuals in the patient group infected with F. hepatica had CAT (p=0.001), 35% had GPx (p=0.001), 12.9% had SOD (p=0.002), 90.7% had MDA (p=0.001). There was found a statistically significant difference between the patient and the control group in terms of the positivity of these four parameters., Conclusion: As a result, a statistically significant relationship was found between the increase in the SOD, GPx, CAT, and MDA levels and fascioliasis. The high rate of MDA revealed that oxidative stress occurred in patients with fascioliasis, resulting in an increased activity of SOD, GPx, and CAT., Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, Fasciola hepatica ile enfekte hastalarda süperoksit dismutaz (SOD), glutatyon peroksidaz (GPx), katalaz (CAT) ve malondialdehit (MDA) düzeylerini belirlemek ve fascioliasisli hastalarda bu parametrelerde farklılık meydana gelip gelmediğini ortaya koymaktır., Yöntemler: Hasta grubu, F. hepatica pozitif olan 140 hastadan; kontrol grubu ise bu parazit yönünden negatif bulunan ve başka herhangi bir hastalığı bulunmayan 140 sağlıklı kişiden oluşturuldu. Hasta grubuna fascioliasis dışında herhangi bir kronik hastalığı olmayan ve hem hasta hem de kontrol grubuna sigara, alkol kullanımı olmayan kişiler dahil edildi. Hastalarda fascioliasis pozitifliğini belirlemek için alınan kan örnekleri ELISA yöntemi ile çalışıldı. Serum SOD, CAT, GPx ve MDA düzeyleri ELISA yöntemi ile değerlendirildi., Bulgular: Bu çalışmada F. hepatica ile enfekte hasta grubundaki 140 kişinin %43,6’sında CAT (p=0,001), %35’inde GPx (p=0,001), %12,9’unda SOD (p=0,002) ve %90,7 MDA pozitifliği saptandı. Bu dört parametrenin pozitifliği açısından hasta ve kontrol grubu arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark bulundu (p=0,001)., Sonuç: Sonuç olarak SOD, GPx, CAT ve MDA düzeyindeki artış ile fascioliasis arasında istatistik olarak anlamlı bir ilişki saptanmıştır. Çalışmamızda MDA’nın yüksek oranda saptanmış olması fascioliasisli hastalarda oksidatif stres oluştuğunu ve SOD, GPx ve CAT aktivitelerinde artış olduğunu ortaya koymuştur.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in hemodialysis (HD) patients and to reveal the importance of toxoplasmosis as a risk factor in these patients., Methods: The study was carried out between 26.12.2013 and 01.01.2016 at Van Yüzüncü University Dursun Odabaş the Medical Center on patients with chronic renal failure who entered HD. As the patient group in the study, 150 patients with chronic renal failure who underwent HD; as the control group, 50 people without any known chronic disease and who did not receive any immunosuppressive therapy were included. The ELISA method was used to determine anti- T. gondii IgG and IgM antibody levels. A questionnaire including risk factors that may cause the transmission of T. gondii was applied to the patient and control groups., Results: In the study, 89 out of total 150 HD patients (59.3%) were found anti- T. gondii IgG antibody seropositive and 4 were (2.7%) anti- T. gondii IgM antibody seropositive. Fourteen of 50 healthy individuals in the group (28%) were anti- T. gondii IgG antibody positive, while none in this group was anti- T. gondii IgM antibody positive. Statistical analysis demonstrated there were separate significant correlations between both anti- T. gondii IgG (p<0.01) and anti- T. gondii IgM antibody (p<0.05) frequencies with chronic renal failure. While there were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of anti- T. gondii IgG antibody identification based on gender and age groups, there were significant differences between the prevalence of anti- T. gondii IgM antibody based on both gender (p<0.05) and age groups (p<0.05). Some living conditions and habits of the patient group were evaluated statistically, and a significant correlation (p<0.05) was found between eating only raw meatballs and toxoplasmosis seropositivity., Conclusion: As a result, it was understood that the physicians who monitor of HD patients should assess toxoplasmosis among the risk factors.

Background: Eltrombopag has an off-label indication for haematopoietic cell transplantation in patients experiencing delayed thrombocyte recovery and/or thrombocytopaenia., Aims: To present our centre’s experience of using this agent not only for post- haematopoietic cell transplantation thrombocytopaenia but also for poor graft functioning in the post-haematopoietic cell transplantation setting., Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study., Methods: Thirty-nine patients who had persistent cytopaenia following haematopoietic cell transplantation and treated with eltrombopag at our centre between October 2011 and December 2021 were retrospectively identified. During this period, 9 (23.1%) and 30 (76.9%) patients who underwent allogeneic transplantations, respectively, received eltrombopag., Results: The female-to-male ratio was 12:27, and the median transplant age was 49 (18-70) years. Eight (20.5%) patients had isolated thrombocytopaenia, 19 (49.4%) had bi-lineage cytopaenia and 12 (30.1%) had pancytopaenia. Patients received a median of 50 mg/day (25-150 mg/day) of eltrombopagfor a median duration of 82 (24-386) days. Nine (23.1%) patients had autologous haematopoietic cell transplantation, and 30 (76.9%) had allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (14 unrelated, 9 sibling and 7 haploidentical). The median donor age was 32 (20-67) years. The median follow-up was 16.4 (1.8-84.3) months. The median pre-treatment platelet count was 11x10 9 /l (1-23), which increased to 41x10 9 /l (6-150). The median platelet count increment was 29.5x10 9 /l ( p = 0.001). The pre-treatment median neutrophil count was 1.19x10 9 /l (0.39-5.1), which increased to 2.35 x10 9 /l (0.1-5.33) ( p = 0.05), and the pre-treatment median haemoglobin was 8.3 (6.2-14) g/dl, which increased to 10 (6.2-14) g/dl ( p = 0.001) with eltrombopag. No eltrombopag-related hepatotoxicity occurred; however, 1 (2.6%) patient failed to continue treatment because of two consecutive episodes of deep venous thrombosis. Six (15.4%) patients were unresponsive to eltrombopag and dependent on blood product transfusions. After a median time of 82 days, 61.5% of the patients discontinued eltrombopag successfully., Conclusion: The results confirmed that eltrombopag could provide a rapid, sustained response in patients with poor graft functioning after haematopoietic cell transplantation. This finding is essential given the high rate of non-relapse mortality caused by poor graft functioning after haematopoietic cell transplantation.

Objective: Pneumocystis jirovecii (P. jirovecii) is an opportunistic pathogen in humans. Early diagnosis and optimal treatment of patients with P. jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) remains a key priority. This study investigated P. jirovecii in patients with lung cancer using the nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method and examined the relationship between P. jirovecii and clinical findings., Methods: The study included 60 patients with lung cancer and 30 patients without lung cancer. The bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples of these 90 individuals were taken for diagnostic purposes in the University of Health Sciences Turkey, Van Training and Research Hospital, Clinic of Chest Diseases. Patient information was recorded. After DNA isolation from the BAL fluid samples taken from patients, the nested-PCR protocol for amplification of mtLSUrRNA in P. jirovecii was performed., Results: P. jirovecii DNA was detected in 40 (66.67%) of the lung cancer patients included in the study and in six (20%) patients without lung cancer, that is, in 46 (51.11%) patients. The rate of nested-PCR positivity in the lung cancer group was significantly higher than that in the non-lung cancer group (p=0.0001). Additionally, a statistically significant correlation was found between anorexia and weight loss, fever and sputum P. jirovecii positivity in patients with lung cancer (p<0.005)., Conclusion: These findings suggest that lung cancer patients should be evaluated for PJP.

Objective: To investigate intestinal and blood parasites in people who have a history of traveling abroad during the Coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic and returning to Turkey., Methods: In this study, 104 patients with gastrointestinal system and/or fever complaints who had traveled abroad during the pandemic period and returned to Turkey were included. Parasitic agents were investigated by taking blood and stool samples from the patients. Additionally, urine samples were obtained from patients with hematuria or dysuria with the suspicion of schistosomiasis. A direct microscopic examination, the Crypto-Giardia immunochromatographic test, and ELISA methods were used in the examination of the stool samples. In order to detect Plasmodium species, blood samples were examined by preparing both the rapid diagnostic test and thick drop and thin smear preparations., Results: One or more parasite species were detected in 38 (38.5%) of 104 patients included in the study. While intestinal parasites were detected in 16 (32%) of 50 patients who traveled to Iran and 16 (33.3%) of 48 patients who traveled to Northern Iraq, blood parasites were not found. Schistosoma mansoni was detected in all 5 of the patients with a history of traveling to Sudan. Plasmodium falciparum was detected in 1 patient who traveled to the African continent., Conclusion: It is vital to take precautions to prevent parasitic diseases, such as malaria and schistosomiasis, during travels to African countries. During travels to neighboring countries of Turkey, such as Northern Iraq and Iran, hygiene should be paid attention to, so as to prevent contracting intestinal parasitic diseases. In addition, it was concluded that people who plan to travel abroad should have information about the endemic parasitic diseases of the country that they are going to., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: No conflict of interest was declared by the authors., (©Copyright 2022 Turkish Society for Parasitology)

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the frequency of intestinal parasites in substance abusers and to reveal its significance., Methods: The study was conducted in Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Medical Faculty Parasitology Research Laboratory and University of Health Sciences Turkey Van Training and Research Hospital between May 2019 and February 2020. The patient group included 150 patients with substance abuse who applied to the Alcohol and Drug Addicted Treatment Center of University of Health Sciences Turkey Van Training and Research Hospital, while the control group included 75 patients who had no chronic illness and did not use cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs. Stool samples were examined using native-Lugol and modified acid-fast staining methods., Results: In this study, one or more intestinal parasites were found in 21.3% of 150 patients who applied to the internal medicine outpatient clinic and had no chronic illness and did not use cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs. There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the parasite frequency (p=0.03). In the patient group, Giardia intestinalis was detected in 7.3% (p=0.02), Blastocystis hominis in 6.7%, and Hymenolepis nana in 0.7%. Considering the frequency of parasites in terms of age groups, intestinal parasites were found at a higher rate in the 35 and younger age group (23.8%) than in the 36 and older age group (17.2%). Intestinal parasite positivity was found at the highest rate (23.8%) in those using methamphetamine. Constipation (79.3%) was the most prevalent in parasite-positive substance abusers, followed by diarrhea (23%)., Conclusion: This study contributed to the literature by determining the frequency of intestinal parasites in people addicted to substance, and it was revealed that intestinal parasite infections are a negative consequence of substance addiction. Conclusively, our findings revealed that intestinal parasites should be considered in substance abusers. Also, more detailed studies involving more individuals should be conducted to obtain information about intestinal parasite infections.

Objective: Cryptosporidium is an enteric protozoan parasite that affects human and many animal species in worldwide. Staining methods or stool antigen detecting methods are using for detection of Cryptosporidium in faeces. It is known that the ELISA method has high sensitivity and specificity in practice. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the frequency of this parasite by ELISA in samples sent to our laboratory between 2010 January and 2018 September., Methods: The study was conducted on a total of 723 patients, 431 men and 292 women, who were referred to the Parasitology Laboratory from various outpatient clinics due to digestive system complaints. The presence of Cryptosporidium spp. antigen was investigated by ELISA method., Results: Cryptosporidium spp. was not found in any patient with Nativ-lugol method, whereas Cryptosporidium spp. antigen positivity was detected in 2.8% of 723 patients. In the study, 2.5% of the males and 3.1% of the females were found positive in terms of having the parasite, and there was no significant difference in gender between the parasite frequencies. The highest rate of parasite positivity (4.5%) was found in the 0-6 age group., Conclusion: The high rate of cryptosporidiosis detected in our study is thought to be related to factors such as widespread animal husbandry in our region, poor hygiene rules and low socio-economic level. As a result of considering the findings of our study, evaluation of patients with intestinal complaints in terms of Cryptosporidium will be useful for accurate diagnosis, regardless of whether they have diarrhea and/or they are immunocompromised.

The objective of the present study is to present a patient with oral myiasis caused by Calliphoridae larvae. The patient was a 63-year-old male who was transferred from Van Closed Prison to Yüzüncü Yıl University, Faculty of Medicine Research and Application Hospital. Five alive larvae localized in different points of gingival region were observed during routine oral cleaning. These larvae belonged to Calliphoridae family. As a result, medical staff should be informed about this infestation and this parasite should be kept in mind especially in risky group of patients and necessary controls should be conducted.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of digital and plaster model methods and the time required for analysis., Methods: A total of 30 subjects (20 females, 10 males; mean age, 14.36±6.30 years), who required plaster models for the construction of either a fixed or a removable orthodontic appliance, were randomly selected. As part of the diagnostic records, digital impressions with a three-dimensional (3D) intra-oral scanner (TriosColor-P13 Shape) were taken from all subjects. Conventional impressions for the orthodontic appliances were taken with alginate (Orthoprint, Zhermack, Italy), and the plaster models were obtained (Scheu-Dental, GmbH.D-58642, Iserlohn, Germany). Two groups were formed. In the conventional measurement group, manual measurements were taken on the plaster models, while in the digital measurement group, the 3Shape OrthoAnalyzer 2013 software was used to make the measurements on the 3D models. In both groups, the total time required to perform the Bolton analysis and space analysis was recorded, and the results were compared., Results: There was no statistically significant difference found between the two groups in terms of the measurement values. The total time to perform all the analyses was determined to be shorter with digital models compared to conventional plaster models (p<0.001)., Conclusion: The Bolton analysis and space analysis measurements carried out on 3D models did not show any statistically significant difference compared to plaster models. The time taken to perform the analyses was shorter using digital models than for conventional plaster models., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (© Copyright 2019 by Turkish Orthodontic Society.)

The aim of the present study was to present a case with secondary hydatid cysts in both uterus and colon. The patient was a 71-year-old female living in Hakkari, Turkey. She was admitted to the Van Yuzuncu Yil University Faculty of Medicine Medical Center with complaints of chronic abdominal and pelvic pain, and swelling in the abdomen. First, the sagittal T2 weighted magnetic rezonance imaging (MR) showed a type-3 cyst hydatid with daughter vesicles located at the posterior of uterus. Later, MR revealed a type-2 cystic lesion with detached membrane adhered to the anterior wall of colon and it was reported to be associated with abdomen. When the previous liver surgery history of the patient was kept in mind, the new finding was suggestive of a secondary cystic hydatid . In conclusion, it is possible to diagnose secondary cystic echinococcosis in patients with a history of primary cyst surgery in liver or any other organ by combining the symptoms and imaging findings.

Objective: The aim of present study was to retrospectively determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in patients, who were referred to Parasitology Laboratory in Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Faculty of Medicine during an 11-year period., Methods: Stool samples of 69633 individuals admitted to the outpatient clinics in the hospital were initially evaluated with native-Lugol, and then by flotation, sedimentation, trichrome staining, modified acid-fast staining and ELISA methods., Results: Twenty-four parasite species were identified in parasite-positive patients. At least one or more parasite species were found in 34.1% of all patients. The most commonly observed parasite was Blastocystis hominis (26.5%). Among pathogen parasites, Giardia intestinalis (G. intestinalis) was detected in 9.3%, Ascaris lumbricoides (A. lumbricoides) was detected in 2.5%, Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar in 0.8%, Cystoisospora belli in 0.004%, Fasciola hepatica in 0.04%, Dicrocoelium dendriticum in 0.001%, Strongyloides stercoralis in 0.001% and hookworm in 0.001% of the patients., Conclusion: It was determined that, pathogen parasites such as G. intestinalis and A. lumbricoides were still observed at high rates in Van province, especially in children, and the problem of parasitosis is still continuing, although the prevalence of parasites has declined when compared to the previous years.

The aim of this study is to report seven Cyclospora cayetanensis (C.cayetanensis) cases determined in Yuzuncu Yil University Medical Faculty Parasitology Laboratory, Van province, Turkey. In the study native-Lugol, formalin-ethyl acetate and modified acid-fast staining methods were performed to stool samples of the patients sent from outpatient clinics of the hospital. All of the patients infected with C. cayetanensis were older than 15 years. In our cases there were not a history of international travel. Only one of our seven cases was immunosuppressed. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (160/800 mg) was administered for the treatment of the patient. In conclusion, it was understood that the physicians should consider cyclosporiosis in the patients with diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. in suspected stool samples submitted to our laboratory., Methods: In this retrospective study, stool samples of 998 patients with suspected amebiasis were sent from various clinics and services to our laboratory and were investigated by native-Lugol and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) [for Entamoeba spp. antigen (Ridascreen® Entamoeba)] between January 2010 and December 2014., Results: By the end of the study, it was shown that 8.5% (85) of 997 patients, 7.45% (39) of males and 9.8% (46) of females whom amoeba antigen inspected in their stool samples, were positive. No parasite was identified by the saline-Lugol method. The highest antigen positivity was detected in the 25-44-year-old group with 11% positivity, and a high positivity of 23.2% was seen in March., Conclusion: These results demonstrate that amebiasis is still a major health concern for our region. Although no parasite was detected during microscopic examinations, the detection of antigen positivity by ELISA reveals that microscopic examinations require experience and utilizing only microscopic examinations may lead to overlooks. To obtain more reliable results in diagnosis, ELISA analyses that use E. histolytica-specific monoclonal antibodies should be applied in addition to microscopic methods.

The aim of this study was to present three cystoisosporiasis cases diagnosed in pediatric patients of the Yuzuncu Yil University Medical Faculty. In the study, stool samples of the patients were evaluated by native-Lugol and modified acid-fast staining methods in the Parasitology Laboratory. The first case was a 4-year-old male child diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It was reported that the patient had abdominal pain, and permanent bloody and mucous diarrhea (8-10 times a day) was present for almost 1 week after the beginning of ALL treatment. The second case was a 10-year-old boy diagnosed with depression. The patient was brought to our hospital by his parents with complaints of abdominal pain, diarrhea, lack of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue persisting since 1 month in addition to headache, fear, sleeplessness, and waking up with cry. The third case was a 13-year-old boy who complained of abdominal pain, diarrhea (rare occasions), lack of appetite, and headache for 2 months. These patients had not traveled abroad. The cases were treated successfully with co-trimoxazole. Our results suggest that all patient groups with diarrhea and abdominal pain should also be considered in cystoisosporiasis.

Urogenital myiasis cases occurring with the settlement of larvae of flies belonging to the order Diptera are facultative and are rarely encountered in humans. In this study, urogenital myiasis caused by Psychoda albipennis in a 20-year-old female patient was presented. The patient was admitted to our hospital with complaints of nausea, vomiting, and dysuria and claimed that she saw motile larvae in her urine. Five larvae collected from the patient's urine were microscopically examined, and they were identified as fourth-stage larvae of Psychoda albipennis. Complaints of the patient ceased after the application of an antibiotic and urinary antiseptic. It was concluded that myiasis should be considered in patients with urogenital complaints.

Objective: This study was performed in order to contribute the data on the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Turkey and to reveal this parasitosis problem in Van province., Methods: Blood samples of 2642 patients (1214 men, 1428 women; 506 of them 0-13 age, 2136 of them 14 and over age group), which were sent with suspected CE to Parasitology Laboratory from various policlinics of Yüzüncü Yıl University Medical Faculty, between the dates of 01.09.2005 and 01.09.2013, were evaluated for CE by using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) (R-Biopharm, Germany; IgG) method., Results: 801 (30.3%) of examined blood samples of these patients were found positive for this parasitosis. Seropositivity was found 31.9% of men, 29% of women; 33.4% of 0-13 age group, 29.6% of 14 and over age group in the study. Cysts, which were obtained from operated seropositive patients, were confirmed that unilocular cysts as pathological., Conclusion: As a result, it was seen that CE is continued to be a major public health problem in Van province and it was appear that comprehensive protection and control programs should be carry out to struggle this disease.

Objective: This study was performed in order to study the prevalence of Pediculus humanus capitis (P. h. capitis)., Methods: The study was carried out on pupils between 5-15 years old in a school and kindergarden belonging to the Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Stock Exchange Organization in Van City between November-December 2007. The hair of 863 pupils (especially the neck and the back of head areas), 385 girls and 478 boys, were examined for eggs, nymphs and adults of P. h. capitis. A questionnaire was given to the pupils, which was collected the following day. Lice and their eggs/nits, which were removed from the head of children were transferred to a bottle containing 5% glycerin in 70% ethyl alcohol. Later they were sent to the Parasitology Laboratory of the Health Research and Training Hospital of Yüzüncü Yıl University., Results: Eggs/nits were found in 164 (42.6%) of the girls and in 34 (7.1%) of the boys (overall 198 (22.9%) infested pupils). The prevalence of P. h. capitis was high, especially in girls., Conclusion: The infestation rates observed and the evaluation of the questionnaire showed that there is a statistically significant relationships between pediculosis capitis and sex, level of family income, education level of the mother, number of baths taken per weekly, number of family members living in the same home, room number per capita, and hair length (p<0.001). However, there was no significant relationship between pediculosis capitis and cleaning materials used to wash the head (p>0.05).

This study was conducted to report the digestive system infestation caused by the larvae of Coleoptera in a female pediatric patient. She was admitted to our hospital with the complaints of emergence of insect larvae from her vomit and feces, abdominal pain, inguinal pain, lack of appetite, hair loss, excessive cleaning behavior, extreme irritability, and distractibility. The larvae observed typically had the morphology of the larvae of insects related to the Cantharidae family in the Coleoptera order. For treatment, a single dose of albendazole (400 mg) was used. Consequently, in the present case, it was seen that the larvae of Coleoptera incidentally taken orally could continue to live for a period in the digestive tract of people, without losing vitality, and the larvae caused a variety of symptoms due to both their toxic agents and the possible irritation they caused.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of Demodex sp. in patients referred fom the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic to the Parasitology Laboratory, Dursun Odabaş Medical Center of the Yüzüncü Yıl University., Methods: The study was conducted between May 2012-May 2013. The samples were taken from 67 patients using the standard skin surface biopsy method., Results: Demodex sp. mites were identified in 47.4% of 38 women, and in 48.3% of 29 male patients. These mites were detected in 15.8% of 19 patients who were 35 years old and younger, and in 60.4% of 48 patients who were 36 years old and older. Overall, 47.8% (32 patients) of 67 patients were found positive for demodicosis. It was determined that 53.1% of Demodex sp. positive patients had eritemato telangiectatic rosacea, 21.9% had papulo-pustular type rosacea, 18.8% had papules, 3.1% had erythematous pustules, and 3.1% had erythematous squamous plaques. There was a statistically significant difference between the Demodex sp. positivity and age groups (p=0.001)., Conclusion: It was concluded that dermatologists should also take into consideration the possible presence of Demodex sp. mites in patients with skin symptoms such as erythema, telangiectasia, papules and pustules, and apply the appropriate treatment for these parasites.

Objective: Use of drugs that may lead to abuse or dependence are subject to controlled prescriptions (CPs) in many countries, and these are closely monitored by health authorities. According to national regulations in Turkey, CPs may be red coloured (RCPs) or green coloured (GCPs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of such drugs in Istanbul., Study Design: Retrospective case-control study., Material and Methods: During the study period (01/01-31/12 2009), 502874 CPs were reported. Among these, 4000 CPs each month were randomly selected and evaluated., Results: The majority of GCPs were issued to women (55.6%), while the majority of RCPs were issued to men (68.4%). GCPs were most frequently prescribed by physicians working in private hospitals (33.6%) while RCPs by physicians working in university hospitals (39.7%). GCPs were mostly prescribed by psychiatrists (37.6%) while for RCPs were child and adolescent psychiatrists (35.9%). Psycholeptics (ATC code N05) were the most prescribed controlled drugs (CDs) (43.8%). Methylphenidate (53.9%) was the mostly prescribed on RCPs and alprazolam (39.6%) was on GCPs., Conclusion: We demonstrate that utilization of CDs shows demographical and institutional differences. These data could be of help to improve surveillance of CDs as well as to train prescribers and patients.

Objective: This study was carried out to contribute to the information of the spread of disease in our country by determining the distribution of cystic echinococcosis (CE) on people in our region and to demonstrate the importance of it for our region., Methods: In this study, the blood serum samples of a total of 558 patients, which were sent to the Parasitology Laboratory from several outpatient clinics of the Yüzüncü Yıl University Research and Training Hospital between 01.09.1998-01.09.2005, were evaluated in terms of CE by using Indirect Hemaglutination Test (IHA) or ELISA methods., Results: 25.6% of a total of 558 cystic echinococcosis suspected patients were found to be seropositive by IHA or ELISA methods and it was confirmed that the cysts obtained as a result of the positive patients' surgery were unilocular cysts. In our study, seropositivity was found in 25.7% of 303 female patients, 25.5% of 255 male patients; 33.3% of 48 pediatric 8-15 age group patients and 24.9% of 510 adult patients over the age of 15 years., Conclusion: Cystic echinococcosis continues to be a major public health problem in the Van province. Large-scale prevention and control programs should be implemented against this disease.

Objective: This study was performed to present the distribution of intestinal parasites in parients admitted to the Parasitology Laboratory of the Health Research and Training Hospital of Yüzüncü Yıl University in 2009., Methods: A total of 6267 patients (3037 female, 3230 male; 3798 of 13 years and under, 2469 of 14 years and over) were included. The stool samples were examined by native-Lugol, flotation and sedimentation methods in the Parasitology Laboratory of the hospital. Trichrome and modified acid-fast staining methods were also applied to suspicious stools., Results: One or more than one parasite species were found in 28.5% of 6267 examined stool samples. Parasitosis was determined in 28% of female and 29% of male. Distribution of the parasites determined in the patients was as follows: 15.4% Blastocystis hominis, 6.6% Giardia intestinalis, 4.9% Entamoeba coli, 3.2% plenty B. hominis, 1.7% Chilomastix mesnili, 1.3% Hymenolepis nana, 0.7% Iodamoeba butschlii, 0.5% Ascaris lumbricoides, 0.1% Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar, 0.1% Endolimax nana, 0.1% Enteromonas hominis, 0.1% Trichomonas hominis, 0.1% Cyclospora cayetanensis, 0.1% Enterobius vermicularis, 0.03% Entamoeba hartmanni, 0.03% Dicrocoelium dendriticum,0.03% Taenia saginata and 0.02% Trichuris trichiura., Conclusion: This research shows that the intestinal parasitosis problem still continues in the province.

The reason for the presentation of this case is that Linguatula serrata, a parasite rarely encountered in humans, was found in a patient in Van province. The patient, who was 26 years old, lived in Erciş a town in Van province, East Turkey. She was admitted to the Outpatient Clinic of Infectious Diseases of Erciş Government Hospital with a complaint of coughing a few worms about 4 cm long from the oral cavity, and also sore throat, partial voice loss and vomiting. The polyclinic doctor suspected that the worm was a parasite but he could not make a diagnosis, and the patient was referred to Health Research and Training Hospital, Yüzüncü Yıl University. The parasite was examined in the Parasitology Laboratory and it was observed that this parasite was the nymph of L. serrata whose mouth was surrounded with four hooks and had approximately 90 body segments with small hooks. No medical treatment was given to the patient except that gargling with saline solution was recommended. As a result, we think that physicians should consider L. serrata infestation in patients applying to health foundations with complaints such as pharyngitis accompanied by pharyngeal pain, coughing, sneezing and vomiting.