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Abstract   Background and aim Viral load is used for the diagnosis and monitoring the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). These methods are molecular-based and are expensive. Previous studies suggest that quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) studied by automated chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay can be a surrogate marker. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether quantitative HBsAg correlates hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels during CHB treatment. Methods The study included 18 patients (13 male, 5 female, mean age: 33 ± 9 years) with CHB. They were given pegylated interferon ± lamivudine for 52 months and serum samples were obtained in weeks 0, 4, 8, 24, 48, 52, and 76. HBV DNA was measured by TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR; Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands). Quantitative HBsAg was studied by automated chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (Architect HBsAg, Abbott, IL). Results HBV DNA levels were measured as follows: 9.66, 7.69, 7.06, 5.93, 5.89, 5.88, and 7.27 logarithmic genome equivalent/ml, respectively. The corresponding HBsAg quantitation results were 42,888, 31,176, 37,882, 27,277, 28,279, 29,471, and 31,535 IU/ml, respectively. They showed a significant correlation (canonical correlation = 0.85). Conclusions HBsAg studied by automated chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay correlates with HBV DNA and can be a surrogate marker during the monitoring of the efficacy of HBV treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common chronic blood-borne infection in the worldwide. This infection is often insidious and one-half of infected patients are asymptomatic. Determination of risk factors for HCV transmission is very important. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors, transmission to spouses and children for HCV infection in Turkish population. One hundred and fifty-one patients with chronic hepatitis C and 151 control cases were investigated for the probable risk factors of HCV infection. Complete blood count, ALT, AST, albumin, prothrombin time, upper abdomen ultrasonography assessment and percutaneous liver biopsy (not for cirrhotics) were performed in all patients with chronic hepatitis C. Anti-HCV testing was done by using second-generation ELISA in 302 cases. Minor surgical operation (p< 0.001), major surgical operation (p= 0.001), blood transfusion (p< 0.001), multi-partner sex (p< 0.05), frequent dental therapy (p< 0.05), and dental extraction (p< 0.001) in patients with a chronic HCV infection were found to be higher than the control group. No significant difference was found in other risk factors. The rate of hepatitis C virus in index cases was found to be 1.8% in their spouses and 1.2% in their children. Our study showed that surgical operation, frequent dental therapy, dental extraction, multi-partner sex, and blood transmission are the main risk factors for HCV infection in Turkish community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Hydatid disease involving the vertebral body and paravertebral soft tissues is rare even in rural areas where echinococcosis is endemic. The case of a 34-year-old woman with vertebral hydatid disease mimicking tuberculous spondylodiscitis (Pott's disease) is presented in this report. Spinal hydatid disease should be considered in the differential diagnosis of spondylodiscitis in endemic countries, and tested for with imaging and serology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aims: We aimed to explore long-term results of oral antiviral agents in treatment-naïve "HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB)" and determine the factors affecting the complete virological response. Method: Patients with HBeAg-negative CHB who used oral antiviral agents for at least 3 years were evaluated retrospectively. Results: A total of 173 patients were recorded. The mean duration of treatment was 62.2 ± 28.9 months. Complete virological responses (CVR) were 82.8% (n = 53/64) in tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), 84.4% (n = 49/58) in lamivudine (LAM), 83.9% (n = 26/31) in entecavir (ETV), 95% in telbivudine (LdT) (n = 19/20) (p = 0.290). Multivariate analysis revealed age ≤ 40 (p = 0.012, 95%CI = 1.38–13.76, OR = 4.36) and baseline HBV DNA value (p = 0.003, 95%CI = 1.23–2.63, OR = 1.78) as independent factors for CVR. Virological breakthrough was detected in 29 (50%) patients on LAM therapy, two (6.4%) patients on ETV therapy, and two (10%) patients on LdT therapy. Treatment was switched to another antiviral agent due to osteoporosis in four patients in the TDF group, muscle pain in nine patients in the LDT group, and headache in one patient in the ETV group. Hepatocelluler cancer was detected in five patients. HBsAg seroclearance developed in two patients. Anti-HBs seroconversion was not detected. Conclusion: CVR was achieved at similar rates with all four antiviral agents, while younger age (≤ 40) and low baseline viral load were the main factors for virological response. However, drug resistance and virological breakthrough in the LAM group and side effects in the LdT group were detected during the long-term follow-up. Moreover, HBsAg seroclearance was achieved at very low rates with oral antiviral agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are limited data about humoral response to vaccine in Behçet's syndrome (BS). We compared SARS-CoV-2 antibody response after two doses of inactivated (Sinovac/CoronaVac) or mRNA (Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccines in patients with BS and healthy controls (HCs). We studied 166 (92M/74F) patients with BS (mean age: 42.9 ± 9.6 years) and 165 (75M/90F) healthy controls (mean age: 42.4 ± 10.4 years), in a single-center cross-sectional design between April 2021 and October 2021. A total of 80 patients with BS and 89 HCs received two doses of CoronaVac, while 86 patients with BS and 76 HCs were vaccinated with BioNTech. All study subjects had a negative history for COVID-19. Serum samples were collected at least 21 days after the second dose of the vaccine. Anti-spike IgG antibody titers were measured quantitatively using a commercially available immunoassay method. We found that the great majority in both patient and HC groups had detectable antibodies after either CoronaVac (96.3% vs 100%) or BioNTech (98.8% vs 100%). Among those vaccinated with CoronaVac, BS patients had significantly lower median (IQR) titers compared to HCs [36.5 (12.5–128.5) vs 102 (59–180), p < 0.001]. On the other hand, antibody titers did not differ among patients with BS and HCs who were vaccinated with BioNTech [1648.5 (527.0–3693.8) vs 1516.0 (836.3–2599.5), p = 0.512). Among different treatment regimen subgroups in both vaccine groups, those who were using anti-TNF-based treatment had the lowest antibody titers. However, the difference was statistically significant only among those vaccinated with CoronaVac. Among patients vaccinated with BioNTech, there was no statistically significant difference between different treatment regimen groups. Compared to inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-based vaccine elicited higher antibody titers among BS patients. Only in the CoronaVac group, patients especially those using anti-TNF agents were found to have low titers compared to healthy subjects. BS patients vaccinated with BioNTech were found to have similar seroconversion rates and antibody levels compared to healthy controls. Further studies should assess whether the low antibody titers are associated with diminished protection against COVID-19 in both vaccine groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the published data relate to classical forms of rheumatic diseases (RD) and information on rare inflammatory disorders such as Behçet's syndrome (BS) and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is limited. We studied the frequency of side effects and disease flares after COVID-19 vaccination with either Pfizer/BioNTech or Sinovac/CoronaVac in 256 patients with BS, 247 with FMF, and 601 with RD. Telephone interviews were conducted using a questionnaire survey in a cross-sectional design in patients with BS, FMF, and RD followed by a single university hospital. Study participants were vaccinated either with CoronaVac (BS:109, FMF: 90, and RD: 343,) or BioNTech (BS: 147, FMF: 157 and RD: 258). The majority have received double dose (BS: 94.9%, FMF 92.3% and RD: 86.2%). BioNTech ensured a significantly better efficacy than CoronaVac against COVID-19 in all patient groups (BS: 1.4% vs 10.1%; FMF: 3.2% vs 12.2%, RD:2.7% vs 6.4%). Those with at least one adverse event (AE) were significantly more frequent among those vaccinated with BioNTech than those with CoronaVac (BS: 86.4% vs 45%; FMF: 83.4% vs 53.3%; and RD: 83.3% vs 45.5%). The majority of AEs were mild to moderate and transient and this was true for either vaccine. There were also AEs that required medical attention in all study groups following CoronaVac (BS: 5.5%, FMF: 3.3%, and RD:2.9%) or BioNTech (BS: 5.4%, FMF: 1.9%, and RD: 4.7%). The main causes for medical assistance were disease flare and cardiovascular events. Patients with BS (16.0%) and FMF (17.4%) were found to flare significantly more frequently when compared to those with RD (6.0%) (p < 0.001). This was true for either vaccine. BS patients reported mainly skin-mucosa lesions; there were however, 11 (4.3%) who developed major organ attack such as uveitis, thrombosis or stroke. Flare in FMF patients were associated mainly with acute serositis with or without fever. Arthralgia/arthritis or inflammatory back pain were observed mainly in the RD group. Our study demonstrates that BS and FMF patients vaccinated with either CoronaVac or BioNTech demonstrated similar AE profile and frequency compared to RD patients. AEs that required physician consultation or hospitalization occurred in all study groups after either CoronaVac or BioNTech. Increased frequency of flares in BS and FMF compared to that seen in RD might reflect defects in innate immunity and deserves further investigation. Caution should be required when monitoring these patients after vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: In this study, we aimed to reveal mortality rates and factors affecting survival in geriatric patients infected with COVID-19. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 873 geriatric patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized between March 11, 2020 and March 11, 2021. Demographic, clinical, laboratory data, and treatment options were obtained from electronic medical records. Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the risk factors for in-hospital death. Results: During the specified period, 643 patients were discharged, and 230 patients died in the hospital. The mean age was 75.08 ± 7.39 years (mean ± SD) and 51.8% were males. We found that older age (≥ 85), polypharmacy, dyspnea, abnormal thorax computed tomography (CT), lower doses of anticoagulation, and high values of white blood cell, aspartate aminotransferase, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin were associated with a significant increase in mortality (P < 0.001 for all). Although all of these values were significant in multivariate logistic regression analysis, the most important ones were dyspnea (Odds ratio (OR) 57.916, 95% confidence interval (CI) 23.439–143.104, P < 0.001), polypharmacy (OR 6.782, 95% CI 3.082–14.927, P < 0.001), and thorax CT classification (typical; OR 9.633, 95% CI 2.511–37.122, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Older age, polypharmacy, dyspnea, and abnormal thorax CT were the most significant mortality criteria and in addition appropriate anticoagulant use was associated with reduced mortality. Identifying the risk factors to predict mortality in older adults with COVID-19 is important to treat future cases successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initial case series of small number of patients at the beginning of the pandemic reported a rather guarded prognosis for Behçet's syndrome (BS) patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. In this prospective study, we describe the incidence, clinical characteristics, disease course, management, and outcome in a large cohort of BS patients with laboratory-confirmed infection of SARS-CoV-2. We defined a cohort of 1047 registered BS patients who were aged between 16 and 60 years and seen routinely before the pandemic at the multidisciplinary outpatient clinic. We followed prospectively this cohort from beginning of April 2020 until the end of April 2021. During 13 months of follow-up, of the 1047 (599 M/448 F) patients, 592 (56.5%) were tested for SARS-CoV-2 PCR at least once and 215 (20.5%; 95% CI 0.18–0.23) were tested positive. We observed 2 peaks which took place in December 2020 and April 2021. Of the 215 PCR positive patients, complete information was available in 214. Of these 214, 14 (6.5%) were asymptomatic for COVID-19. In the remaining, the most common symptoms were anosmia, fatigue, fever, arthralgia, and headache. A total of 40 (18.7%) had lung involvement, 25 (11.7%) were hospitalized, 1 was admitted to the intensive care unit while none died. Favipiravir was the most prescribed drug (74.3%), followed by colchicine (40.2%), and hydroxychloroquine (20.1%) in the treatment of COVID-19. After COVID-19, 5 patients (2.3%) were given supplemental O2 and 31 (14.5%) antiaggregant or anticoagulants. During COVID-19, of the 214 PCR positive patients, 116 (54.2%) decreased the dose of their immunosuppressives or stopped taking completely; 36 (16.8%) experienced a BS flare which was mostly oral ulcers (10.3%). None of the patients reported a thrombotic event. A total of 93 (43.5%) patients reported BS flares after a median 45 days of COVID-19 infection and this was found to be significantly associated with immunosuppressive drug discontinuation. Multiple regression analysis adjusted for age and gender indicated that smoking and using interferon-alpha decreased the likelihood of getting COVID-19. The incidence and severity of COVID-19 did not differ between those who were using colchicine or not. The cumulative incidence of COVID-19 in this prospectively followed cohort of BS patients was almost two folds of that estimated for the general population living in Istanbul, Turkey, however, the clinical outcome of COVID-19 was not severe and there was no mortality. The protective effect of smoking and interferon deserves further investigation. On the other hand, colchicine did not have any positive or negative effect against COVID-19. Significant number of patients flared after COVID-19, however, this was significantly associated with immunosuppressive discontinuation during the infection. Contrary to our previous observations, COVID-19 did not seem to exacerbate thrombotic events during or after the infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mortality due to K. pneumoniae bacteremia is on rise, particularly in regions with high rates of carbapenem and colistin resistance. We aimed to define risk factors for colistin resistance and its impact on mortality. Patients diagnosed with "carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKp)" bacteremia between 2014 and 2018 were divided into two groups as "colistin susceptible (ColS)" and "colistin resistant (ColR)" based on broth microdilution method. Retrospective case-control study was conducted to compare characteristics and outcomes. Multiple logistic regression model was used to define independent risk factors for acquired colistin resistance and Cox proportional hazard model for 28-day mortality. A total of 82 patients (39 ColS and 43 ColR) were included. Mean age was 61.5 years, and 50 (61%) were male. Colistin resistance was significantly increased with duration of hospital stay (p = 0.007) and prior colistin use (p = 0.007). Overall, the 28-day mortality rate was 66%. Age (p = 0.014) and colistin resistance significantly increased 28-day (p = 0.009) mortality. Microbiological response to treatment within 7 days favors survival. PFGE analysis revealed an outbreak with K. pneumoniae ST78 and ST45 clones. Patients treated with combined antimicrobials had significantly lower 28-day mortality (p = 0.045) in comparison to monotherapy. However, types of combinations did not show significant superiority on each other. Colistin resistance increases 28-day mortality in CRKp bacteremia. Although combined regimens are more effective than monotherapy, existing antibacterial combinations have no apparent superiority to each other. New treatment options are pivotal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of remdesivir compared to other existing therapies (SoC) in Turkey to treat COVID-19 patients hospitalized with < 94% saturation and low-flow oxygen therapy (LFOT) requirement. Methods: We compared remdesivir as the treatment for COVID-19 with the treatments in the Turkish treatment guidelines. Analyses were performed using data from 78 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with SpO2 < 94% who received LFOT in a tertiary healthcare facility. COVID-19 episode costs were calculated for 78 patients considering the cost of modeled remdesivir treatment in the same group from the payer's perspective. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) was calculated for remdesivir versus the SoC for the population identified. For Turkey, a reimbursement threshold value between USD 8599 (1 × per capita gross domestic product—GDP) and USD 25.797 (3 × GDP) per QALY was used. Results: In the remdesivir arm, the length of hospital stay (LOS) was 3 days shorter than the SOC. The low ventilator requirement in the remdesivir arm was one factor that decreased the QALY disutility value. In patients who were transferred to intensive care unit (ICU) from the ward, the mean LOS was 17.3 days (SD 13.6), and the mean cost of stay was USD 155.3/day (SD 168.0), while in patients who were admitted to ICU at baseline, the mean LOS was 13.1 days (SD 13.7), and the mean cost of stay was USD 207.9/day (SD 133.6). The mean cost of episode per patient was USD 3461.1 (SD 2259.8) in the remdesivir arm and USD 3538.9 (SD 3296.0) in the SOC arm. Incremental QALYs were estimated at 0.174. Remdesivir treatment was determined to be cost saving vs. SoC. Conclusions: Remdesivir, which results in shorter LOS and lower rates of intubation requirements in ICU patients than existing therapies, is associated with higher QALYs and lower costs, dominating SoC in patients with SpO2 < 94% who require oxygen support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess antibody response to inactivated COVID-19 vaccine in patients with immune-mediated diseases (IMD) among hospital workers and people aged 65 and older. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we studied 82 hospital workers with IMD (mean age: 42.2 ± 10.0 years) and 300 (mean age: 41.7 ± 9.9 years) controls. Among + 65 aged population, we studied 22 (mean age: 71.4 ± 4.5 years) patients and 47 controls (mean age: 70.9 ± 4.8 years). All study subjects had a negative history for COVID-19. Sera were obtained after at least 21 days following the second vaccination. Anti-spike IgG antibody titers were measured quantitatively using a commercially available immunoassay method. Results: Patients with IMD were significantly less likely to have detectable antibodies than healthy controls both among the hospital workers (92.7% vs 99.7%, p < 0.001) and elderly population (77.3% vs 97.9%, p = 0.011). Among patients with IMD, those using immunosuppressive or immune-modulating drugs (64/75, 85.3%) were significantly less likely to have detectable antibodies compared to those off treatment (29/29, 100%) (p = 0.029). Additionally, a negative association between age and the antibody titer categories among patients (r = − 0.352; p < 0.001) and controls (r = − 0.258; p < 0.001) were demonstrated. Conclusions: Among hospital workers, the vast majority of patients with IMD and immunocompetent controls developed a significant humoral response following the administration of the second dose of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine. This was also true for the elderly population, albeit with lower antibody titers. Immunosuppressive use, particularly rituximab significantly reduced antibody titers. Antibody titers were significantly lower among those aged ≥ 60 years both in patient and control populations. Whether these individuals should get a booster dose warrants further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Aims: We aimed to determine the contribution of quantitative HBsAg in differentiating chronic infections from chronic hepatitis in HBeAg negative patients with HBV DNA 2000–20,000 IU/ml. Material and methods: A total of 79 untreated HBeAg negative patients were included. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on HBV DNA levels: group 1 (HBV DNA ≤ 2000 IU/ml), group 2 (HBV DNA: 2000–20,000 IU/ml) and group 3 (HBV DNA > 20,000 IU/ml). We collected serum from all patients for quantitative HBsAg analysis. We compared serum quantitative HBsAg levels with biochemical parameters, HBV DNA and liver biopsy results. Results: In this study 46 patients were female and the mean age was 42 years. Serum quantitative HBsAg levels were found to be significantly lower in chronic infections compared with chronic hepatitis. There was a positive correlation between quantitative HBsAg and HBV DNA, ALT (alanine aminotransferase), HAI score (histological activity index), fibrosis score and disease stage. The cut-off level of quantitative HBsAg was determined as 4425 IU/ml to differentiate chronic infection from chronic hepatitis. With the test specificity of 95%, we found quantitative HBsAg cut-off values 1026 IU/ml and 20,346 IU/ml for the diagnosis of chronic infection and chronic hepatitis, respectively. Conclusion: Our study suggests that the quantitative HBsAg ≤ 1000 IU/ml limit value might be used for the diagnosis of chronic infection not only in HBV DNA ≤ 2000 IU/ml but also in patients with HBV DNA between 2000–20,000 IU/ml. In addition, antiviral treatment could be considered in patients with quantitative HBsAg > 20,000 IU/ml and HBV DNA > 2000 IU/ml without further examinations such as liver biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Vaccination against COVID-19 emerges as an effective strategy for combating the pandemic. While many of our patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) wonder whether it is safe to get the vaccine, vaccine hesitancy is rising among the general population. We assessed the willingness to get vaccination and its probable predictors among patients with RD compared to healthcare workers and a sample from the general population. Methods: We conducted a web-based questionnaire survey in a cross-sectional design in 3 groups of participants just before the mass vaccination program in Istanbul, Turkey. The questionnaire sought socio-demographic variables, COVID-19 related risk factors, willingness to get vaccination, and concerns and thoughts about vaccine. COVID-19 anxiety scale (CAS) was also evaluated. Results: We studied in total 732 patients with RD (Group 1), 763 individuals representing general population (Group 2) and 320 hospital workers (Group 3). Dysfunctional anxiety related to COVID-19 was found in 4.9%, 3.8% and 4.1%, in Group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Of the patients with RD, 29.2% were willing to be vaccinated, 19.0% were unwilling and 51.8% were undecided. These were somewhat similar among the general population (yes: 34.6%, no: 23.3% and unsure: 42.1%), with significantly less undecided individuals (p < 0.001). On the other hand, hospital workers were significantly more willing (yes: 52.5%, no: 20.9% and unsure: 26.6%) (p < 0.001). Main concerns were probable side effects, unknown scientific results and having no trust. Being male, older age, working in a hospital, not having contracted COVID-19 and high scores on CAS were found to be independently associated with willingness. Conclusions: The low rate of vaccine acceptance among patients with RD, as well as general population sampling is worrying. Healthcare policies should aim to implement communication, promote confidence and increase demand for COVID-19 vaccine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Aims: We aimed to determine the proportion of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) colonized patients among all inpatients who later developed VRE bacteremia during hospital stay and to identify the risk factors for VRE bacteremia at a tertiary hospital. Material and methods: Patients with positive rectal screening or any clinically significant positive culture results for VRE were included in 1‑year follow-up. Colonization with VRE was defined as a positive culture (rectal, stool, urinary) for VRE without infection and VRE bacteremia was defined as positive blood culture if the signs and symptoms were compatible with infection. To determine the risk factors for VRE bacteremia among VRE colonized patients, a retrospective case control study was performed. The two groups were compared in terms of variables previously defined as risk factors in the literature. Results: Of 947 positive samples, 17 VRE bacteremia were included in the analysis. Cephalosporin use for more than 3 days within 3 months was a significant risk factor for bacteremia (p = 0.008). Prior use of carbapenems was found to be statistically significant for bacteremia (p = 0.007). In multivariate analyses the use of carbapenems and cephalosporins was an independent risk factor for developing bacteremia among VRE colonizers (odds ratio, OR, 6.67; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.30–34; p = 0.022 and OR 4.32, 95% CI 1.23–15; p = 0.022, respectively). Conclusion: A VRE colonization in patients receiving broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics including carbapenems and cephalosporins may result in bacteremia. It is possible to keep mortality at very low levels in VRE bacteremia with effective infection control measures, rapid infectious diseases consultation and rational antimicrobial treatment based on current epidemiological data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candidemia is a nosocomial infection mostly found in critically ill patients. Our objectives were to evaluate the change in distribution and resistance profile of Candida spp. isolated from candidemic patients in our intensive care unit over two 5-year periods spanning 15 years and to evaluate the risk factors. Records from the microbiology laboratory were obtained, from January 2004 to December 2008 and from January 2013 to December 2017, retrospectively. Antifungal susceptibility was performed by E-test and evaluated according to EUCAST breakpoints. A total of 210 candidemia cases occurred; 238 Candida spp. were isolated in 197 patients (58.8% male; mean age, 59.2 ± 19.6 years). The most predominant risk factor was central venous catheter use. Species distribution rates were 32%, 28%, 17%, and 11% for C. albicans (n = 76), C. parapsilosis (n = 67), C. glabrata (n = 40), and C. tropicalis (n = 27), respectively. Resistance rate to anidulafungin was high in C. parapsilosis over both periods and increased to 73% in the second period. Fluconazole showed a remarkable decrease for susceptibility in C. parapsilosis (94 to 49%). The prevalence of MDR C. parapsilosis (6%/33%) and C. glabrata (0%/44%) increased in the second period. We observed a predominance of non-albicans Candida spp., with C. parapsilosis being the most frequent and C. glabrata infections presenting with the highest mortality. High level of echinocandin resistance in C. parapsilosis and increasing prevalences of MDR C. parapsilosis and C. glabrata seem emerging challenges in our institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial stewardship is of major importance in patients with febrile neutropenia (FN). In this study, we aimed to investigate the trends in resistance and the relationship with mortality rates in patients with FN. The single-center surveillance data of inpatients with FN and diagnosed as microbiologically confirmed bloodstream infections (BSIs) between 2006 and 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. A total of 950 episodes in 552 patients with BSIs were analyzed. Of whom, 55.9% were male, the median age was 43 years, and 35.6% had acute myeloid leukemia. In total, 1016 microorganisms were isolated from blood cultures. Gram-negatives accounted for 42.4% (n = 403) of the episodes. Among Gram-negatives, Enterobacteriaceae accounted for 346 (86%) (E. coli, n = 197; 34% extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) producers, and Klebsiella spp., n = 120; 48.3% ESBL producers). Also, 24 (20.0%) of Klebsiella spp. had carbapenemase activity. There were 6 (5.0%) colistin-resistant Klebsiella spp. Thirteen (26.5%) of Pseudomonas spp. and 17 (60.7%) of Acinetobacter spp. had carbapenemase activity. There were 2 (5.6%) colistin-resistant Acinetobacter spp. The 30-day mortality rates were 12.0%, 21.5%, 34.6%, and 29.0% in BSIs due to Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacterial, fungal, and polymicrobial etiology respectively (p = 0.001). BSIs with ESBL-producing (p = 0.001) isolates, carbapenem (p < 0.001), and colistin-resistant isolates (p < 0.001) were associated with increased mortality risk. The tremendous rise in resistance rates among Gram-negatives is dreadfully related to increasing mortality and leads to sharp shifts toward extreme restrictions of unnecessary antibiotic uses. Antimicrobial stewardship in patients with FN requires vigilance and tailoring of treatment upon local surveillance data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 infection has a heterogenous disease course; it may be asymptomatic or causes only mild symptoms in the majority of the cases, while immunologic complications such as macrophage activation syndrome also known as secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, resulting in cytokine storm syndrome and acute respiratory distress syndrome, may also occur in some patients. According to current literature, impairment of SARS-CoV-2 clearance due to genetic and viral features, lower levels of interferons, increased neutrophil extracellular traps, and increased pyroptosis and probable other unknown mechanisms create a background for severe disease course complicated by macrophage activation syndrome and cytokine storm. Various genetic mutations may also constitute a risk factor for severe disease course and occurrence of cytokine storm in COVID-19. Once, immunologic complications like cytokine storm occur, anti-viral treatment alone is not enough and should be combined with appropriate anti-inflammatory treatment. Anti-rheumatic drugs, which are tried for managing immunologic complications of COVID-19 infection, will also be discussed including chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, JAK inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, IL-1 inhibitors, anti-TNF-α agents, corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and colchicine. Early recognition and appropriate treatment of immunologic complications will decrease the morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 infection, which requires the collaboration of infectious disease, lung, and intensive care unit specialists with other experts such as immunologists, rheumatologists, and hematologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is the ideal clinical endpoint but is achieved rarely during oral antiviral treatment. A current unmet need in CHB management is achievement of HBsAg loss with a finite course of oral antiviral therapy, thereby allowing discontinuation of treatment. Significantly higher rates of HBsAg loss at 72 weeks post-treatment have been demonstrated when tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) was combined with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) for 48 weeks compared with either monotherapy. This analysis provides follow-up data at week 120.Methods: In an open-label, active-controlled study, 740 patients with chronic hepatitis B were randomly assigned to receive TDF plus PEG-IFN for 48 weeks (group A), TDF plus PEG-IFN for 16 weeks followed by TDF for 32 weeks (group B), TDF for 120 weeks (group C), or PEG-IFN for 48 weeks (group D). Efficacy and safety at week 120 were assessed.Results: Rates of HBsAg loss at week 120 were significantly higher in group A (10.4%) than in group B (3.5%), group C (0%), and group D (3.5%). Rates of HBsAg loss and HBsAg seroconversion in group A were significantly higher than rates in group C (P < 0.001 for both) or group D (HBsAg loss: P = 0.002; HBsAg seroconversion: P < 0.001).Conclusions: The results of this analysis confirm the results from earlier time points which demonstrate the increased rate of HBsAg loss in patients treated with a finite course of PEG-IFN plus TDF compared with the rates in patients receiving either monotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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To evaluate the etiology and characteristics of vertebral osteomyelitis cases in our country, patients with vertebral osteomyelitis between January 2000 and December 2007 were included in this study. Clinical and laboratory data of the patients were collected from the medical records retrospectively. Of these 100 patients, 44 had pyogenic, 24 had brucellar, and 32 had tuberculous spondylodiscitis. The age of the patients ranged from 13 to 82 years, with a mean of (SD±) 55 ± 15.6 years. Within the pyogenic group, 10 (22.7%) patients had a spinal surgery history, and in 18 patients of the pyogenic group, an etiological agent was isolated. Ten (56%) of these 18 were methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. While all of the patients included in this study suffered from pain, 49 of these had fever. Sixty-nine percent of the patients had lumbar involvement. The etiological distribution may differ according to geographical areas. Although brucella and tuberculosis (TB) are endemic in our country, pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis was more frequent. The most common involved area in our patients was the lumbar vertebrae. Although thoracic involvement may be more predominant in tuberculous vertebral osteomyelitis, it does not strongly suggest TB. Magnetic resonance imaging may exclude some disorders mimicking vertebral osteomyelitis and may delineate the degree of the involvement. Microbiological and/or histopathological examination of computerized tomography-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsies are the mainstays for the diagnosis. Suspicion and early diagnosis seem critical for preventing sequelae development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of a 41-year-old man with a splenic abscess caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). He had been treated with antimicrobials and corticosteroids for interstitial pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae and hemolytic anemia. He developed catheter-related (MRSA) bacteremia during his stay in the ICU and was treated with teicoplanin for 2 weeks. After 4 weeks of outpatient follow-up, he was readmitted to the hospital with fever and pain in the left upper quadrant. A thoracoabdominal CT scan showed subcapsular collection in areas of splenic infarction that had been detected on his first admission. CT-guided percutaneous aspiration resulted in the isolation of MRSA. The patient was treated successfully with teicoplanin for 6 weeks. Our aim in presenting this quite rare case is to highlight the tendency of infarcts that develop as a result of hemolytic attacks during systemic infections to be a focus of infection for nosocomial bacteremia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Several studies have reported that interferon therapy increases elimination rate of HBeAg and anti-HBe seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. We aimed to evaluate long-term results of interferon-α treatment in HBeAg positive CHB patients in a country with exclusively D genotype.Methods: Seventy-one naive CHB patients (M/F 61/10, mean age 29±12 years, range 16-62) treated with 6 months of interferon-α 2b, 10 MU tiw and had a consequent untreated follow-up period of at least 10 years with positive response were identified and their data were reviewed. The therapy response was defined as HBeAg seroconversion with undetectable HBV-DNA. The responders were followed-up at 3-6-month intervals.Results: Twenty-eight (39%) patients achieved HBeAg seroconversion (25 within the therapy, 3 within the consequent 12 months off-treatment follow-up). The responders were followed-up with a mean period of 152 months (range 123-181). In the follow-up period, 21/25 (84%) initial responders relapsed. On the other hand, 3 patients who did not respond at the end of therapy sustained the response during follow-up. Hence 21/28 total responders relapsed (75%), either with HBeAg reversion (3, 14.3%) or HBV-DNA elevation over 2000 IU/ml (or its equivalent in other types of definitions) and ALT elevation (18, 85.7%). The sustained response was present in 7 patients (9.8%). Serious side effects precluding completion of treatment occurred in three patients (4.2%). In multivariate analysis none of the pre-treatment parameters appeared to be significant in predicting response.Conclusion: Sustained response to interferon treatment is low in HBeAg positive CHB patients with genotype D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES:Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B patients are at high risk of treatment relapse after any antiviral therapy. Combining peginterferon α-2a with ribavirin might improve sustained response rates.METHODS:Overall, 138 HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients were randomized to receive monotherapy (peginterferon α-2a 180 μg weekly plus placebo) or combination therapy (peginterferon α-2a weekly plus ribavirin 1,000 or 1,200 mg daily, depending on body weight) for 48 weeks. Post-treatment follow-up lasted 24 weeks. Analyses were based on the modified intention-to-treat population after exclusion of five patients.RESULTS:At the end of follow-up, 14 (20%) of 69 patients assigned to monotherapy and 10 (16%) of 64 assigned to combination therapy had a combined response (hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA <10,000 copies/ml (<1,714 IU/ml) and a normal alanine aminotransferase level, P=0.49). At the end of treatment, more patients had a combined response (25 (36%) vs. 26 (41%) in the monotherapy and combination therapy group, respectively, P=0.60), but subsequently relapsed during follow-up. Serum HBV DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels decreased during treatment (mean change at week 48 compared with baseline −3.9 vs. −2.6 log copies/ml, P<0.001 and −0.56 vs. −0.34 log IU/ml, P=0.23, respectively). HBV DNA levels relapsed after treatment discontinuation; HBsAg remained at end-of-treatment levels. In general, combination therapy was well tolerated, although it was associated with a higher risk of anemia and neutropenia.CONCLUSIONS:Treatment with peginterferon α-2a resulted in a limited sustained response rate in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients. Addition of ribavirin did not improve response to therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is difficult. The response rate to interferon (IFN) as well as nucleoside analogs is not more than 30% in general. While interferon has many side effects, development of resistance in most of the nucleoside analogs precludes long-term use. Both groups of drugs are most efficacious in patients who already had or develop strong cellular immunity with treatment. A pre-S2-containing vaccine was shown to enhance cellular immunity and suppress hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA in subjects with chronic hepatitis B. We aimed to test the efficacy of short-term use of a nucleoside analog in combination with a pre-S2-containing vaccine in patients with CHB. In this open study, 48 consecutive patients (32 males and 16 females, mean age ± SD: 33 ± 12 years) with CHB without cirrhosis were treated with 100 mg/day lamivudine and four weekly intramuscular injections of Genhevac B 20 mcg (six doses) for 24 weeks. While 19 patients were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive (+ve), 29 patients were Anti-HBe/HBV-DNA +ve at the outset. Response was defined as seroconversion to anti-HBe in HBeAg +ve subjects and normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with loss of HBV-DNA in anti-HBe/HBV-DNA +ve subjects. HBeAg seroconversion occurred in 5/19 subjects (26%). Eighteen of 29 anti-HBe/HBV-DNA +ves responded. In the follow-up, while relapse was not observed in any of the patients who seroconverted, 11/18 from the anti-HBe/HBV-DNA +ve group relapsed, resulting in a sustained response (SR) rate of 24% in this group. All the relapses happened in the first 48 weeks of follow-up, with no relapse thereafter. Pretreatment high serum HBV-DNA was a strong negative predictor of sustained response (SR) in HBeAg +ve group. Pretreatment serum ALT over 2 × upper limit of normal and HBV-DNA less than 200 pg/ml appeared positive predictors. None of HBeAg +ve previous interferon failures responded. Twenty-four weeks of lamivudine and hepatitis B vaccine treatment induces SR in around 1/4 of the patients with CHB. Most of the responders had high ALT and relatively low DNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study includes a case report and a literature review. The main objective of this study is to present a case of spondylodiscitis due to a fungal pathogen, Blastoschizomyces capitatus and to review the published literature on this emergent fungus in etiology of spondylodiscitis, and osteomyelitis. Osteoarticular involvement due to B. capitatus has been reported in six cases, and vertebral involvement has been seen in five of them. All of these cases had underlying malignancy. Infection is usually advanced at presentation. Case notes and online databases were reviewed. Organism was isolated from bone material in all of the cases and antibiotic treatment by antifungal agents cured the infection. We present another case of infectious spondylodiscitis due to B. capitaus, which is reported first in Turkey and tried to attract attendance to this emergent fungal pathogen as an etiologic agent of spine infections in cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. We aimed to determine the frequency of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation during interferon-α treatment, the so-called "flare", its relation to serum beta-2 microglobulin levels, and its impact on the outcome of treatment in chronic hepatitis B. Methods. The files of 53 treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B (17 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) +ve, 36 HbeAg -ve) who had been treated with 10MU interferon-α 2b three times per week for 24 weeks were reviewed. We analyzed the fluctuations in serum ALT, β[SUB2]-microglobulin, and HBV-DNA levels before, during, and after flare. Results. We detected flare in 4/17 (24%) of the HbeAg +ve and 7/34 (21%) of the HbeAg -ve patients. ALT level peaked between weeks 2 and 16 (mean, week 8). After flare, HBV-DNA disappeared in 5/7 (71%) HBeAg -ve vs 3/4 (75%) HbeAg +ve patients (all seroconverted to anti-HBe). The overall sustained response rate was 41%: 55% in the patients with flare, and 38% in those without (P > 0.05). Basal serum β[SUB2]-microglobulin levels were) significantly higher in responders vs nonresponders (2.19 ± 0.32 vs 1.78 ± 0.34mg/l, mean ± SD; P < 0.005). In addition, during treatment, serum β[SUB2]-microglobulin levels increased significantly only in responders, and the degree of increase was significantly higher in responders with flare vs responders without flare (3 ± 0.33 vs 2.34 ± 0.35mg/l; P < 0.001). Conclusions. This study, with a limited sample size, showed that, in chronic hepatitis B, there is a trend for a higher response in patients with exacerbation of hepatitis B with interferon-α treatment. However, the difference does not reach statistical significance to be of predictive value. On the other hand, serum β[SUB2]-microglobulin levels before and during treatment may be useful in predicting the outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anorectal syphilis, one of the great masqueraders in medicine, can be difficult to diagnose not only because of its variable symptoms but also because it is hard to think of unless a detailed history about sexual preferences and practices, including homosexuality, has been gathered. With increasing acceptance of sexual activity in our culture, despite moral and religious issues, various forms of sex have led to many different clinical conditions of sexually transmitted diseases. In this report, we describe a rare case of primary anorectal syphilis with clinical, endoscopic and histologic features that was misdiagnosed as Crohn's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of HBsAg and development of surface and core antibodies represent clinical cure. However, recent evidence suggests that hepatitis B virus (HBV) persists in a latent state even in those with mounted protective antibodies. After significant immunosuppression, anti-HBs may decrease and HBsAg may reappear (reverse seroconversion). Reverse seroconversion of HBV has been observed in association with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, renal transplantation, intensive chemotherapy, human immunodeficiency infection, or rituximab usage. We present here a case study of a patient with a previous high titer of anti-HBs who later developed HBV reactivation following intensive chemotherapy for leukemia. We conclude that in immunosuppressed patients with a history of HBV infection may carry a risk for reverse seroconversion and monitoring anti-HBs levels may help recognising this risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sertraline is a commonly prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drug. Hepatotoxicity caused by sertraline is rare. Asymptomatic elevations in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels have been rarely reported and shortly normalize after discontinuation of the agent. We present a case of severe drug-induced hepatitis in a patient receiving sertraline. To our knowledge, this is the seventh case in the medical literature as being associated with severe hepatotoxicity. Since it is extremely rare, we do not suggest a strict laboratory monitoring. However, sertraline should be discontinued in cases with symptoms implying hepatotoxicity and the patients should be informed of the potential of this side effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing frequency of hepatic granulomas, up to 10%, in chronic hepatitis C patients is reported, and their presence is considered to be a predictor of treatment success. However, there is only one prevalence study on granuloma in chronic hepatitis B, and its significance for treatment outcome is unknown. We aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatic granulomas in a larger group of chronic hepatitis B patients and to compare their presence with the response to interferon therapy. Biopsy specimens of chronic hepatitis B patients were reevaluated for the presence of hepatic granulomas. All patients with hepatic granuloma were screened for other granulomatous diseases by tuberculin skin test, chest X-ray and computed tomography, venereal disease research laboratory, Brucella agglutination tests, and exposure to hepatotoxic agents. We screened 663 cases of chronic hepatitis B. Hepatic granulomas were found in 10 cases (1.5%). The granulomas could not be ascribed to any other reason. Of the 10 patients with hepatic granulomas, 4 responded to interferon therapy, 2 dropped out, and 4 were nonresponders. We conclude that hepatic granuloma is a rare finding in chronic hepatitis B and its presence does not seem to predict the response to interferon therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The original version of this article unfortunately contained affiliation and textual errors. This has been corrected with this erratum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]