Search

Behcet's Syndrome (BS) is a multisystem vasculitis with various clinical manifestations. Pathogenesis is unclear, but studies have shown genetic factors, innate immunity and autoinflammation to have an important role in the disease course. Diversity in the microbial community of gut microbiota may significantly contribute to the activation of the innate immune system. The clinical features of BS present themselves in clusters and each cluster may be a consequence of different disease mechanisms. For this reason we aimed to investigate the gut microbiota of BS patients with uveitis. In addition to healthy controls, we have aimed to compare the gut microbiota of BS with that of Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) and Crohn's Disease (CD) as both diseases have innate and autoinflammatory features in their pathogenesis. Seven patients with BS, 12 patients with FMF, 9 patients with CD and 16 healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. Total genomic DNAs were isolated from fecal samples of the patients. Partial 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using the PGM Ion Torrent (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) for microbiota analysis. Statistical analysis showed that significant differences were detected on the microbial community of four groups. Succinivibrionaceae is dominant and the signature family, whereas Bacteroides was absent in BS patients. C1 [Tecer, Duygu; Gogus, Feride] Gazi Univ, Dept Phys Med & Rehabil, Div Rheumatol, Fac Med, Ankara, Turkey. [Kalkanci, Ayse; Erdogan, Merve] Gazi Univ, Dept Med Microbiol, Fac Med, Ankara, Turkey. [Hasanreisoglu, Murat] Gazi Univ, Dept Ophthalmol, Fac Med, Ankara, Turkey. [Ergin, Cagri] Pamukkale Univ, Dept Med Microbiol, Fac Med, Denizli, Turkey. [Karakan, Tarkan] Gazi Univ, Dept Internal Med, Div Gastroenterol, Fac Med, Ankara, Turkey. [Kozan, Ramazan] Gazi Univ, Dept Gen Surg, Fac Med, Ankara, Turkey. [Coban, Seda] Gazi Univ, Fac Med, Ankara, Turkey. [Diker, Kadir Serdar] Adnan Menderes Univ, Fac Vet Med, Dept Microbiol, Aydin, Turkey.

Dendroarchaeological samples archived in historical wooden artifacts can be used to reconstruct forest conditions during European settlement of North America. In this study, we dated and examined t...

A total of 476 European isolates (310 Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii, 150 C. neoformans var. neoformans, and 16 C. gattii species complex) from both clinical and environmental sources were analyzed by multi-locus sequence typing. Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses were performed. Sequence analysis identified 74 sequence types among C. neoformans var. neoformans (VNIV), 65 among C. neoformans var. grubii (56 VNI, 8 VNII, 1 VNB), and 5 among the C. gattii species complex (4 VGI and 1 VGIV) isolates. ST23 was the most frequent genotype (22%) among VNI isolates which were mostly grouped in a large clonal cluster including 50% of isolates. Among VNIV isolates, a predominant genotype was not identified. A high percentage of autochthonous STs were identified in both VNI (71%) and VNIV (96%) group of isolates. The 16 European C. gattii species complex isolates analyzed in the present study originated all from the environment and all belonged to a large cluster endemic in the Mediterranean area. Population genetic analysis confirmed that VNI group of isolates were characterized by low variability and clonal expansion while VNIV by a higher variability and a number of recombination events. However, when VNI and VNIV environmental isolates were compared, they showed a similar population structure with a high percentage of shared mutations and the absence of fixed mutations. Also linkage disequilibrium analysis reveals differences between clinical and environmental isolates showing a key role of PLB1 allele combinations in host infection as well as the key role of LAC1 allele combinations for survival of the fungus in the environment. The present study shows that genetic comparison of clinical and environmental isolates represents a first step to understand the genetic characteristics that cause the shift of some genotypes from a saprophytic to a parasitic life style. © 2019 Elsevier Inc.

Cryptococcus neoformans is a human pathogenic yeast that causes life-threatening infections especially in immunosuppressed patients. The environmental isolation of C.neoformans from Turkey was reported as early as 2004, although this was mostly from Eucalyptus camaldulensis colonization. Successful isolations were also reported from pomegranate (Punica granatum), oriental plane (Platanus orientalis), pine tree (Pinaceae), chestnut (Castanea sativa) and salt cedar (Tamarix hispida). The investigation of the relationship between the bioclimatic factors affecting the environmental isolation sites and the colonization of pathogens is a frequently used method. With this method, detailed risk maps can be generated in which environmental colonization can be estimated. The aim of this study was to use the high-resolution bioclimatic and previously-isolated yeasts' coordinates to create a valid model for the occurrence of C.neoformans in Turkey and provide insight into ecological processes. A machine learning approach using presence-only data software, maximum entropy (MaxEnt), was used to for the prediction of C.neoformans distribution. Climatic data and environmental bioclimatic variables from WorldClim were downloaded as 30 seconds spatial resolutions. The correlation between different Turkey bioclimatic layers were analyzed with ENMTools and similar layers were discarded. Forty-one different coordinates representing C.neoformans isolation points were used to generate a predictive map. The area under the curve and the omission rate were used to validate the model. Meanwhile, Jackknife tests were applied to enumerate the contribution of different environmental variables, and then to predict the final model. Maps were created using QGIS mapping software. In this study, we have shown that the coastal region of Anatolia, which is geographically located in the Northeastern Mediterranean Basin, as well as the entire Aegean region, carry an extremely high risk for the colonization of C.neoformans. Other areas which have not previously been reported for the isolation of C.neoformans were predicted to be potential colonization hotspots, including the western part of Ataturk Dam, the Amik Plain and the Bakircay and Gediz valleys. The maximum temperature of the warmest month, the mean temperature of the warmest quarter and the precipitation of the coldest quarter were the most important factors influencing the model's predictions. It was determined that the humidity in the environment affected the colonization especially in November. In conclusion, we produced a C.neoformans colonization risk map of Turkey for the first time. Obtaining more regional data will facilitate the identification of the regions having similar risk. This approach is useful for the clinical prediagnosis of cryptococcosis cases, which may be more common in places with environmental niches. C1 [Ergin, Cagri; Sengul, Mustafa] Pamukkale Univ, Fac Med, Dept Med Microbiol, Denizli, Turkey. [Dogen, Aylin] Mersin Univ, Fac Pharm, Dept Pharmaceut Microbiol, Mersin, Turkey. [ilkit, Macit] Cukurova Univ, Fac Med, Dept Med Microbiol, Adana, Turkey.

Cryptococcus species are life-threatening human fungal pathogens that cause cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in both immunocompromised and healthy hosts. The natural environmental niches of Cryptococcus include pigeon (Columba livia) guano, soil, and a variety of tree species such as Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Ceratonia siliqua, Platanus orientalis, and Pinus spp. Genetic and genomic studies of extensive sample collections have provided insights into the population distribution and composition of different Cryptococcus species in geographic regions around the world. However, few such studies examined Cryptococcus in Turkey. We sampled 388 Olea europaea (olive) and 132 E. camaldulensis trees from seven locations in coastal and inland areas of the Aegean region of Anatolian Turkey in September 2016 to investigate the distribution and genetic diversity present in the natural Cryptococcus population. We isolated 84 Cryptococcus neoformans strains (83 MAT alpha and 1 MATa) and 3 Cryptococcus deneoformans strains (all MAT alpha) from 87 (22.4% of surveyed) O. europaea trees; a total of 32 C. neoformans strains were isolated from 32 (24.2%) of the E. camaldulensis trees, all of which were MAT alpha. A statistically significant difference was observed in the frequency of C. neoformans isolation between coastal and inland areas (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the MATa C. neoformans isolate was fertile in laboratory crosses with VNI and VNB MAT alpha tester strains and produced robust hyphae, basidia, and basidiospores, thus suggesting potential sexual reproduction in the natural population. Sequencing analyses of the URA5 gene identified at least five different genotypes among the isolates. Population genetics and genomic analyses revealed that most of the isolates in Turkey belong to the VNBII lineage of C. neoformans, which is predominantly found in southern Africa; these isolates are part of a distinct minor clade within VNBII that includes several isolates from Zambia and Brazil. Our study provides insights into the geographic distribution of different C. neoformans lineages in the Mediterranean region and highlights the need for wider geographic sampling to gain a better understanding of the natural habitats, migration, epidemiology, and evolution of this important human fungal pathogen. C1 [Ergin, Cagri; Sengul, Mustafa; Aksoy, Levent] Pamukkale Univ, Fac Med, Dept Microbiol, Denizli, Turkey. [Dogen, Aylin] Mersin Univ, Fac Pharm, Dept Pharmaceut Microbiol, Mersin, Turkey. [Sun, Sheng; Averette, Anna F.; Heitman, Joseph] Duke Univ, Med Ctr, Dept Mol Genet & Microbiol, Durham, NC USA. [Cuomo, Christina A.] Broad Inst MIT & Harvard, Infect Dis & Microbiome Program, Cambridge, MA 02142 USA. [Seyedmousavis, Seyedmojtaba] NIH, Microbiol Serv, Dept Lab Med, Clin Ctr, Bldg 10, Bethesda, MD 20892 USA. [Ilkit, Macit] Univ Cukurova, Dept Microbiol, Div Mycol, Fac Med, Adana, Turkey.

Cryptococcus neoformans is a basidiomycetous encapsulated yeast that can cause life-threatening infections in immunosuppressed humans and animals. C. neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii infections are considered to be acquired via inhalation of aerosolized particles from the environment. Avian guano, decaying tree hollows and soil are known as environmental niches. In recent years, colonization of the woody structures of different trees such as Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Tamarix hispida, Platanus orientalis and Punica granatum has been reported in the environmental study of the western Anatolian region. Based on the results of previous studies, our country may have intensive Cryptococcus colonization niches in the western regions. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of the colonization of C.neoformans niche in chestnut (Castanea spp.) trees on higher altitudes.. In the study, the colonization of C.neoformans was screened on chestnut trees (Castanea spp.) in Aydin-Odemis-Denizli geographical area. This area consists of mountainous terrain between the fertile plain formed by two major rivers.This region is one of the widespreading areas of chestnut farming in Anatolia. Two hundred and fourteen chestnut trees that had deep fissures or trunk hollows were screened during mid-summer 2017. A swabbing technique was used, and all samples were cultured on Staib agar medium containing biphenyl and antibiotics. Cultures were checked for ten days for suspicious brown colonies. Suspicious yeast colonies were tested for the identification of pathogenic Cryptococcus by conventional methods and canavanine-glycine-bromothymol agar reactions. ITS 1-4 primers were used for strain PCR tests. We determined the mating type and serotypes by PCR analysis of the STE20 genes using STE20 (Aa), STE20 (A alpha), STE20 (Da), and STE20 (D alpha) primers. V8 agar medium was used for mating cultivation. Only one (0.47%) strain of C. neoformans was isolated from 214 screened trees. This strain was confirmed by ITS 1-4 sequencing. The serotype A MAT alpha mating type was observed. Basidium, basidiospores and clamp connections in hyphal structure were noted with MAT alpha mating on V8 agar medium. In this study, the first C.neoformans isolate from a chestnut tree (Castanea sativa) was determined from Denizli region. Further studies of distribution of human pathogenic Cryptococcus will be helpful to determine the risk areas for the living organisms in our region. C1 [Sengul, Mustafa; Aksoy, Levent; Ergin, Cagri] Pamukkale Univ, Dept Med Microbiol, Fac Med, Denizli, Turkey. [Kutlu, Murat] Pamukkale Univ, Dept Clin Microbiol & Infect Dis, Fac Med, Denizli, Turkey. [Dogen, Aylin] Mersin Univ, Dept Pharmaceut Microbiol, Fac Pharm, Mersin, Turkey. [Gonca, Serpil] Mersin Univ, Adv Technol Educ Res & Applicat Ctr, Mersin, Turkey. [Ilkit, Macit] Cukurova Univ, Dept Med Microbiol, Fac Med, Adana, Turkey.

A total of 476 European isolates (310 Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii, 150 C. neoformans var. neoformans, and 16 C. gattii species complex) from both clinical and environmental sources were analyzed by multi-locus sequence typing. Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses were performed. Sequence analysis identified 74 sequence types among C. neoformans var. neoformans (VNIV), 65 among C. neoformans var. grubii (56 VNI, 8 VNII, 1 VNB), and 5 among the C. gattii species complex (4 VGI and 1 VGIV) isolates. ST23 was the most frequent genotype (22%) among VNI isolates which were mostly grouped in a large clonal cluster including 50% of isolates. Among VNIV isolates, a predominant genotype was not identified. A high percentage of autochthonous STs were identified in both VNI (71%) and VNIV (96%) group of isolates. The 16 European C. gattii species complex isolates analyzed in the present study originated all from the environment and all belonged to a large cluster endemic in the Mediterranean area. Population genetic analysis confirmed that VNI group of isolates were characterized by low variability and clonal expansion while VNIV by a higher variability and a number of recombination events. However, when VNI and VNIV environmental isolates were compared, they showed a similar population structure with a high percentage of shared mutations and the absence of fixed mutations. Also linkage disequilibrium analysis reveals differences between clinical and environmental isolates showing a key role of PLB1 allele combinations in host infection as well as the key role of LAC1 allele combinations for survival of the fungus in the environment. The present study shows that genetic comparison of clinical and environmental isolates represents a first step to understand the genetic characteristics that cause the shift of some genotypes from a saprophytic to a parasitic life style. C1 [Cogliati, Massimo] Univ Milan, Dip Sci Biomed Sallee, Via Pascal 36, I-20133 Milan, Italy. [Desnos-Ollivier, Marie] CNRS, UMR2000, Natl Reference Ctr Invas Mycoses & Antifungal, Inst Pasteur,Mol Mycol Unit, Paris, France. [McCormick-Smith, Ilka; Rickerts, Volker] Robert Koch Inst, Berlin, Germany. [Ferreira-Paim, Kennio; Meyer, Wieland] Univ Sydney, Marie Bashier Inst Emerging Infect Dis & Biosecur, Westmead Inst Med Res,Sydney Med Sch,Westmead Cli, Mol Mycol Res Lab,Ctr Infect Dis,Fac Med & Hlth,W, Westmead, NSW, Australia. [Ferreira-Paim, Kennio] Univ Fed Triangulo Mineiro, Dept Microbiol, Uberaba, MG, Brazil. [Boekhout, Teun; Hagen, Ferry; Theelen, Bart] Westerdijk Fungal Biodivers Inst, Utrecht, Netherlands. [Boekhout, Teun] Univ Amsterdam, IBED, Amsterdam, Netherlands. [Inacio, Joao; Alonso, Beatriz] Univ Brighton, Sch Pharm & Biomol Sci, Brighton, E Sussex, England. [Alonso, Beatriz] Hosp Gegorio Maranon, Inst Invest Sanitaria Gregorio Maranon IisGM, Madrid, Spain. [Colom, Maria F.] Univ Miguel Hernandez, Alicante, Spain. [Trilles, Luciana] Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCRUZ, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. [Montagna, Maria Teresa] Univ Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy. [De Donno, Antonella] Univ Salento, DiSTeBA, Lecce, Italy. [Susever, Serdar] Cyprus Near East Univ, Nicosia, Cyprus. [Ergin, Cagri] Pamukkale Univ, Denizli, Turkey. [Velegraki, Aristea] Univ Athens, Med Sch, Athens, Greece. [Ellabib, Mohamed S.] Univ Tripoli, Med Coll, Tripoli, Libya. [Nardoni, Simona] Univ Pisa, Pisa, Italy. [Macci, Cristina] CNR, Res Inst Terr Ecosystems IRET, Pisa, Italy. [Trovato, Laura] Univ Catania, Catania, Italy. [Dipineto, Ludovico] Univ Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy. [Akcaglar, Sevim] Uludag Univ, Sch Med, Bursa, Turkey. [Mlinaric-Missoni, Emilija] Croatian Natl Inst Publ Hlth, Zagreb, Croatia. [Bertout, Sebastien] Univ Montpellier, Unite Mixte Int Rech Translat Infect VIH & Malad, Montpellier, France. [Venca, Ana C. F.] Inst Higiene & Med Trop, Lisbon, Portugal. [Sampaio, Ana C.] Univ Tras os Montes & Alto Douro, CITAB, Quinta Prados, Vila Real, Portugal. [Criseoa, Giuseppe] Univ Messina, Dept Chem Biol Pharmaceut & Environm Sci, Messina, Italy. [Ranque, Stephane] Aix Marseille Univ, IHU Mediterranee Infect, AP HM, IRD,SSA,VITROME, Marseille, France. [Cerikcioglu, Nilgun] Marmara Univ, Sch Med, Istanbul, Turkey. [Marchese, Anna] Univ Genoa, IRCCS Policlin San Martino Genova, Sez Microbiol DISC, Genoa, Italy. [Vezzulli, Luigi] Univ Genoa, Dipartimento Sci Terra Ambiente & Vita DISTAV, Genoa, Italy. [Ilkit, Macit] Univ Cukurova Saricam, Adana, Turkey. [Pasquale, Vincenzo] Univ Napoli Parthenope, Naples, Italy. [Polacheck, Itzhack] Hadassah Hebrew Univ, Med Ctr, Jerusalem, Israel. [Lockhart, Shawn R.] Ctr Dis Control & Prevent, Atlanta, GA USA.

Black yeast in the genus Exophiala are able to grow in hydrocarbon-contaminated environments and are pathogenic in immunosuppressed hosts. The biosurfactant produced by Exophiala species may be associated with strain pathogenicity by changing the hydrophobicity. The aim of this study was to prove the hypothesis that biosurfactant production in Exophilia strains isolated from clinical samples is lower than the strains isolates from toxic (dishwasher and railway sleepers) environments. A total of 122 Exophiala isolates 108 environmental (isolated from 82 dishwashers and 36 railway sleepers) and 14 clinical isolates confirmed by molecular tests were included in the study. Biosurfactant activity was tested by the drop collapse method, in which the surface of a microtiter plate well was evaluated for the presence of a biosurfactant, and by the oil spreading technique on crude oil. An open source analyses program, Image](R), was used for crude oil spreading technique data. A clear surface zone that differs more than two standard deviations from the mean size was accepted as a positive result. Among the 122 Exophiala species, 11 (9.0%) and 10 (8.2%) strains showed biosurfactant activity by the drop collapse test and oil spreading method, respectively. An acceptable relation was found between the drop collapse test and oil spreading method (Cohen kappa coefficient= 0.30). Despite the presence of isolates showing biosurfactant activity, no statistically significant difference was detected between Exophiala strains (p= 0.72). The biosurfactant levels of environmental isolates were higher than the isolates obtained from the patients (p= 0.03). The highest biosurfactant level was observed in one Exophiala phaeomuriformis strain isolated from a dishwasher. There was no difference between the biosurfactant levels of the dishwasher and railway sleeper isolates (p= 0.66). Biosurfactant production may be a more important determinant of virulence in Exophiala species than expected. In this study, biosurfactant activity was higher in environmental isolates compared to the clinical isolates. Consensus of multiple biosurfactant screening protocols may clarify why environmental Exophiala species are less virulent. Further studies should evaluate biosurfactant activity in additional clinical Exophiala isolates. The biosurfactant activity of more Exophiala isolates obtained from patients should be investigated with further planned studies.

The original article published in FEMS Yeast Research Vol. 16. Iss. 4; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/femsyr/fow045 This paper has been updated to correct a spelling error concerning an author name. It previously showed as Giuseppe Griseo, however the correct spelling is Giuseppe Criseo.

Fundamental niche prediction of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii in Europe is an important tool to understand where these pathogenic yeasts have a high probability to survive in the environment and therefore to identify the areas with high risk of infection. In this study, occurrence data for C. neoformans and C. gattii were compared by MaxEnt software with several bioclimatic conditions as well as with soil characteristics and land use. The results showed that C. gattii distribution can be predicted with high probability along the Mediterranean coast. The analysis of variables showed that its distribution is limited by low temperatures during the coldest season, and by heavy precipitations in the driest season. C. neoformans var. grubii is able to colonize the same areas of C. gattii but is more tolerant to cold winter temperatures and summer precipitations. In contrast, the C. neoformans var. neoformans map was completely different. The best conditions for its survival were displayed in sub-continental areas and not along the Mediterranean coasts. In conclusion, we produced for the first time detailed prediction maps of the species and varieties of the C. neoformans and C. gattii species complex in Europe and Mediterranean area. © 2017 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Fundamental niche prediction of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii in Europe is an important tool to understand where these pathogenic yeasts have a high probability to survive in the environment and therefore to identify the areas with high risk of infection. In this study, occurrence data for C. neoformans and C. gattii were compared by MaxEnt software with several bioclimatic conditions as well as with soil characteristics and land use. The results showed that C. gattii distribution can be predicted with high probability along the Mediterranean coast. The analysis of variables showed that its distribution is limited by low temperatures during the coldest season, and by heavy precipitations in the driest season. C. neoformans var. grubii is able to colonize the same areas of C. gattii but is more tolerant to cold winter temperatures and summer precipitations. In contrast, the C. neoformans var. neoformans map was completely different. The best conditions for its survival were displayed in sub-continental areas and not along the Mediterranean coasts. In conclusion, we produced for the first time detailed prediction maps of the species and varieties of the C. neoformans and C. gattii species complex in Europe and Mediterranean area.

Dermanyssus gallinae is one of the important hematophagous ectoparasite species of poultry like chicken, pigeon and wild bird species. These ectoparasites in the form of nymphs or adults who can not find their hosts are also seen in mammals and even in humans. For this reason, they are considered as important for public health. The ectoparasite causes a clinical condition named gamasoidosis among pet owners and people who live or work close to animal shelters, barns and chicken farms. Pruritus dermatitis is also caused by D.gallinae in humans and can cause false diagnosis. In this report, a case of D.gallinae which leads to severe itch in the hairy head skin was presented. A 66-year-old female patient admitted to University Hospital with complaints of "bugs in her hair and itching of the skin increasing in the evenings" that have persisted for a month. In the dermatological examination of the patient, it was noted that her hair and scalp were usual. Routine laboratory tests were normal. However, a large number of mites were found in her headscarf that she brought with her to the examination. Later, it was learned that the patient feeds chicken in her garden in the village where she lives. The collected mite samples were were kept in glass test tubes that contained glycerol and alcohol. The mites were identified as D.gallinae by morphological identification with light microscopy by using 1 Ox, 20x and 40x magnifications. The mites were described as D.gallinae (Order: Mesostigmata, local name: poultry red mite, perch mite, poultry mite) with the morphological examination. Long-acting 1 % permethrin shampoo was applied to remove the mites on the patient and during the controls, it was changed as 5% permethrin and 10% crotamiton lotion. For environmental sanitation, carbamates (such as carbolineum, trichlorfon, malathion, tetrachlorvinphos, etc.), organo'phosphates and acaricide insecticides with pyrethroids spraying or powder formulations were recommended. It was recommended to repair the slits and cracks where the parasite in the shelter could be stored. The patient was informed on (i) how to clean the household items with susceptible acaricides, (ii) removal of unused infected animal shelters, cages and nests from human habitat, (iii) raising of ambient temperature above 45°C, (iv) ventilation of the living spaces and (v) washing the clothes with detergent. In order to be effectively protected from the risk of infection and the detriments that are brought by this parasite, it is imperative to stay away from the hosts and the infected areas such as chicken farms, to obey the hygiene regulations, and to properly conduct the disinfestation of the shelters. In addition, it is also helpful to receive a true story from the patient, with details of contact with birds for the protection and treatment.

Dermanyssus gallinae is one of the important hematophagous ectoparasite species of poultry like chicken, pigeon and wild bird species. These ectoparasites in the form of nymphs or adults who can not find their hosts are also seen in mammals and even in humans. For this reason, they are considered as important for public health. The ectoparasite causes a clinical condition named gamasoidosis among pet owners and people who live or work close to animal shelters, barns and chicken farms. Pruritus dermatitis is also caused by D.gallinae in humans and can cause false diagnosis. In this report, a case of D.gallinae which leads to severe itch in the hairy head skin was presented. A 66-year-old female patient admitted to University Hospital with complaints of "bugs in her hair and itching of the skin increasing in the evenings" that have persisted for a month. In the dermatological examination of the patient, it was noted that her hair and scalp were usual. Routine laboratory tests were normal. However, a large number of mites were found in her headscarf that she brought with her to the examination. Later, it was learned that the patient feeds chicken in her garden in the village where she lives. The collected mite samples were were kept in glass test tubes that contained glycerol and alcohol. The mites were identified as D.gallinae by morphological identification with light microscopy by using 10x, 20x and 40x magnifications. The mites were described as D.gallinae (Order: Mesostigmata, local name: poultry red mite, perch mite, poultry mite) with the morphological examination. Long-acting 1% permethrin shampoo was applied to remove the mites on the patient and during the controls, it was changed as 5% permethrin and 10% crotamiton lotion. For environmental sanitation, carbamates (such as carbolineum, trichlorfon, malathion, tetrachlorvinphos, etc.), organophosphates and acaricide insecticides with pyrethroids spraying or powder formulations were recommended. It was recommended to repair the slits and cracks where the parasite in the shelter could be stored. The patient was informed on (i) how to clean the household items with susceptible acaricides, (ii) removal of unused infected animal shelters, cages and nests from human habitat, (iii) raising of ambient temperature above 45 degrees C, (iv) ventilation of the living spaces and (v) washing the clothes with detergent. In order to be effectively protected from the risk of infection and the detriments that are brought by this parasite, it is imperative to stay away from the hosts and the infected areas such as chicken farms, to obey the hygiene regulations, and to properly conduct the disinfestation of the shelters. In addition, it is also helpful to receive a true story from the patient, with details of contact with birds for the protection and treatment.

Cryptococcus neoformans (San Felice) Vuillemin is an encapsulated yeast of the class Basidiomycetes which produces life-threatening fungal infections on especially immunosuppressed individuals. Although flora of Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Dehn.) (Which is considered for natural niche for C. neoformans) exists in various locations in Turkey, the isolation of the yeast is lower than expected. In this study, swabbing technique was used for environmental screening of C. neoformans in Gokova-AkcapA±nar region where C. neoformans has been isolated in the area in 2011. All of the E. camaldulensis wood debris in this region was involved. C. neoformans colonization was discovered in 11 of 32 trees in Staib and V8 broths. (36,6%). Pure C. neoformans (Aα) ATCC 208821 (10 μl) and C. neoformans (Aa) IUM 96-2828 (10 μl) strains were mixed and inoculated in E. camaldulensis wood debris broth. The mating (sexual reproduction) capability of C. neoformans was investigated and conjugation tube was observed in 59.3% of these broths. Mating capability of C. neoformans increases the risk of life-threatening meningoencephalitis in immunocompromised patients. Moreover, Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.) Murrill fungous was discovered on all of E. camaldulensis where C. neoformans was isolated.

Immunological biomarkers reflect the effects of exposure to environmental contaminants. In this study, the suitability and sensitivity of cytokine responses, interleukin1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in gill tissues of Capoeta umbla (Heckel, 1843), collected from different regions, as early warning indices of environmental pollution and ecosystem health was evaluated. Fish and water samples were taken from ten stations in March and September 2011 and 2012. Tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels were determined in samples of the gill tissues by using an ELISA kit. Significant variations of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels observed between stations and seasons. The results of this study show that seasonal variations of cytokine responses in gills of Capoeta umbla are sensitive to the contaminants present in Uzuncayir Dam Lake (Tunceli, Turkey) water and are valuable biomarkers for environmental pollution and ecosystem health

The present study compared two chemical-based methods, namely, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, to understand the misidentification of Exophiala dermatitidis and Exophiala phaeomuriformis. The study utilized 44 E. dermatitidis and 26 E. phaeomuriformis strains, which were partially treated with strong acids and bases for further evaluation. MALDI-TOF MS and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy data of the two Exophiala species were compared. Data groupings were observed for the chromic acid- and nitric acid-treated species when the black yeast sources were categorized as creosoted-oak sleepers, concrete sleepers, or dishwasher isolates. The MALDI-TOF MS data for the metalloenzyme-containing regions were consistent with the ATR-FTIR spectroscopy data. These results indicated that environmental isolates might contain metals not found in human isolates and might interfere with chemical-based identification methods. Therefore, MALDI-TOF MS reference libraries should be created for clinical strains and should exclude petroleum-associated environmental isolates.

In order to elucidate the distribution of Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii in the Mediterranean basin, an extensive environmental survey was carried out during 2012-2015. A total of 302 sites located in 12 countries were sampled, 6436 samples from 3765 trees were collected and 5% of trees were found to be colonized by cryptococcal yeasts. Cryptococcus neoformans was isolated from 177 trees and C. gattii from 13. Cryptococcus neoformans colonized 27% of Ceratonia, 10% of Olea, Platanus and Prunus trees and a lower percentage of other tree genera. The 13 C. gattii isolates were collected from five Eucalyptus, four Ceratonia, two Pinus and two Olea trees. Cryptococcus neoformans was distributed all around the Mediterranean basin, whereas C. gattii was isolated in Greece, Southern Italy and Spain, in agreement with previous findings from both clinical and environmental sources. Among C. neoformans isolates, VNI was the prevalent molecular type but VNII, VNIV and VNIII hybrid strains were also isolated. With the exception of a single VGIV isolate, all C. gattii isolates were VGI. The results confirmed the presence of both Cryptococcus species in the Mediterranean environment, and showed that both carob and olive trees represent an important niche for these yeasts.

Introduction: There is limited data in the literature about brucellosis related to an intracellular pathogen and anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF alpha) medication. The aim of this study was to evaluate acute Brucella infections in mice receiving anti-TNF alpha drug treatment. Methodology: Anti-TNF alpha drugs were injected in mice on the first and fifth days of the study, after which the mice were infected with B. melitensis M16 strain. Mice were sacrificed on the fourteenth day after infection. Bacterial loads in the liver and spleen were defined, and histopathological changes were evaluated. Results: Neither the liver nor the spleen showed an increased bacterial load in all anti-TNF alpha drug groups when compared to a non-treated, infected group. The most significant histopathological findings were neutrophil infiltrations in the red pulp of the spleen and apoptotic cells with hepatocellular pleomorphism in the liver. There was no significant difference among the groups in terms of previously reported histopathological findings, such as extramedullary hematopoiesis and granuloma formation. Conclusions: There were no differences in hepatic and splenic bacterial load and granuloma formation, which indicate worsening of the acute Brucella infection in mice; in other words, anti-TNF alpha treatment did not exacerbate the acute Brucella spp. infection in mice.

Mucormycosis is increasingly common in patients with risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, neutropenia, and corticosteroid therapy. However, mucormycosis seems to be less common in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection compared to patients with other risk factors. Despite their lower virulence, Lichtheimia species should be regarded as emerging pathogens among Mucoralean fungi. We report a fatal case of pulmonary mucormycosis due to Lichtheimia ramosa in a 52-year-old man with an end-stage HIV infection. He had a cachectic appearance and his CD4 count was 8 cells/mm(3). The fungal infection was diagnosed based on a positive sputum culture with histopathologic confirmation. The fungus was resistant to caspofungin, anidulafungin, and voriconazole [minimum inhibitory concentration (MCI) >32 µg/ml], whereas the E test MIC values of itraconazole, posaconazole, and amphotericin B were 0.38, 0.38, and 0.5 µg/ml, respectively. Although intravenous drug use is the main risk factor for the development of mucormycosis in HIV-infected patients, it may also develop in patients with low CD4 count, opportunistic infections and/or additional diseases, such as Kaposi's sarcoma or severe immunodeficiency, as in our case.

Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum, are two of the frequently identified dermatophyte species in routine microbiology laboratories. Although newer technologies may assist in species-level identification, direct application of these methods usually require improvement in order to obtain reliable identification of these species. Earlier data have shown that dermatophytes may be identified with FT-IR spectroscopy although there are some limitations. In particular, the organic bond ranges in FT-IR spectra showed more irregularity because of the eucaryotic complexity of the molds. In this study, Tween-80 which is an inorganic molecule, was added to the dermatophyte growth medium in order to investigate its effect on FT-IR spectroscopy analysis of dermatophytes. Nine reference dermatophyte strains [5 T.mentagrophytes complex (T.asteroides CBS 424.63, T.erinacei CBS 344.79, CBS 511.73, CBS 677.86, T.mentagrophytes CBS 110.65) and 4 T.rubrum complex strains with different morphotypes (T.fluviomuniense CBS 592.68, T.kuryangei CBS 422.67, T.raubitschekii CBS 102856, T.rubrum CBS 392.58)] were included in the study. All strains were cultured on Sabouraud glucose agar either with or without 1% Tween-80 for three weeks. After the incubation period, superficial scrapings from each dermatophyte colony were analyzed using FT-IR spectroscopy. All measurements were performed in transmission mode between 4400 and 400 cm(-1). Numerous spectral window data were analyzed by principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering was performed. The second derivations of spectral ranges revealed clear grouping of T.mentagrophytes complex and T.rubrum complex in association over five separate spectral ranges. The findings also showed that while all of the T.mentagrophytes strains contained lipid compounds in their mold structure after Tween-80 incubation (p< 0.025), T.rubrum strains did not. Based on these results, it was concluded that culture medium containing Tween-80 was sufficient to enable differentiation of T.mentagrophytes complex from T.rubrum complex by FT-IR spectroscopy. This effect might be attributed to the possible transfer of lipid compounds from culture to cell structure during growth. Further studies with the use of large number of reference strains and clinical isolates exposed to different environmental factors, such as antifungal agents and inorganic ions, are needed to support these data indicating favorable effect of Tween-80 on the differentiation of T.mentagrophytes and T.rubrum complexes by FT-IR spectroscopy.

Cryptococcus neofomans is an encapsulated yeast-like fungus that causes life-threatening infections, especially in immunosuppresive patients. C.neoformans infection is believed to be acquired via inhalation of aerosolized particles from the environment. Avian guano, decaying tree hollows and soil are the related known environmental niches. Brown pigmented yeast growth from the precursors in growth media is an important step for the identification and isolation of C.neoformans. Seeds of plants in nature are preferred owing to easy accessibility and low costs for the preperation of such media. Guizotia abysinicca (Niger seed) as Staib agar, Helianthus annus (Sunflower) as Pal's medium, Brassica nigra (Mustard) agar, tobacco agar, Mucuna pruriens (Velvet bean) seed agar, Perilla frutescens (Beefsteak plant) seed agar, Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry) agar and ground red hot pepper agar are pigment-based selective media for the differantiation of C.neoformans. The aim of this study was to observe the pigment production of C.neoformans in a new medium based on eggplant (Solanum melongena) and also to compare its performance with the simplified Staib, Pal's and tobacco agar for isolation from the environment. Three different eggplant-based medium (S.melongena Melanzaza viserba, S.melongena Pinstripe F1 and S.ovigerum Ivory F1) were included in the study. Pigment-forming eggplant medium, simplified Staib agar, Pal's agar and tobacco agar were used for the cultivation of the environmental swabbed samples from 19 Eucalyptus camaldulensis trunk hollows in continuous colonization region. While pigment formation were observed with S.melongena Melanzaza viserba and S.melongena Pinstripe F1 containing media, S.ovigerum Ivory F1 medium was found to be non-reactive. In colonization area (Gokova-Akyaka, Turkey), 11(57.9%) out of 19 E.camaldulensis samples were positive with simplified Staib agar, Pal's agar and eggplant agar while 10 (52.6%) of them are positive with tobacco agar. C.neoformans colony forming unit (cfu) per plate were found as 51, 57 and 48 (median values) on simplified Staib agar, Pal's agar and eggplant agar, respectively, while tobacco agar has lower performance with 33 cfu/petri. No statistically significant difference were found between simplified Staib agar, Pal's agar and eggplant agar's performances for C.neoformans isolations from the nature (p=0.71). In conclusion, easily prepared eggplant agar is as functional as widely used media such as simplified Staib agar and Pal's agar for the isolation of C.neoformans from the natural environment.

Cryptococcus neofomans is an encapsulated yeast-like fungus that causes life-threatening infections, especially in immunosuppresive patients. C.neoformans infection is believed to be acquired via inhalation of aerosolized particles from the environment. Avian guano, decaying tree hollows and soil are the related known environmental niches. Brown pigmented yeast growth from the precursors in growth media is an important step for the identification and isolation of C.neoformans. Seeds of plants in nature are preferred owing to easy accessibility and low costs for the preparation of such media. Guizotia abysinicca (Niger seed) as Staib agar, Helianthus annus (Sunflower) as Pal's medium, Brassica nigra (Mustard) agar, tobacco agar, Mucuna pruriens (Velvet bean) seed agar, Perilla frutescens (Beefsteak plant) seed agar, Rubus fruticosus (Blackberry) agar and ground red hot pepper agar are pigment-based selective media for the differentiation of C.neoformans. The aim of this study was to observe the pigment production of C.neoformans in a new medium based on eggplant (Solanum melongena) and also to compare its performance with the simplified Staib, Pal's and tobacco agar for isolation from the environment. Three different eggplant-based medium (S.melongena Melanzaza viserba, S.melongena Pinstripe F1 and S.ovigerum Ivory F1) were included in the study. Pigment-forming eggplant medium, simplified Staib agar, Pal's agar and tobacco agar were used for the cultivation of the environmental swabbed samples from 19 Eucalyptus camaldulensis trunk hollows in continuous colonization region. While pigment formation were observed with S.melongena Melanzaza viserba and S.melongena Pinstripe F1 containing media, S.ovigerum Ivory F1 medium was found to be non-reactive. In colonization area (Gökova-Akyaka, Turkey), 11 (57.9%) out of 19 E.camaldulensis samples were positive with simplified Staib agar, Pal's agar and eggplant agar while 10 (52.6%) of them are positive with tobacco agar. C.neoformans colony forming unit (cfu) per plate were found as 51, 57 and 48 (median values) on simplified Staib agar, Pal's agar and eggplant agar, respectively, while tobacco agar has lower performance with 33 cfu/petri. No statistically significant difference were found between simplified Staib agar, Pal's agar and eggplant agar's performances for C.neoformans isolations from the nature (p=0.71). In conclusion, easily prepared eggplant agar is as functional as widely used media such as simplified Staib agar and Pal's agar for the isolation of C.neoformans from the natural environment.

Mucormycosis is increasingly common in patients with risk factors such as diabetes mellitus, neutropenia, and corticosteroid therapy. However, mucormycosis seems to be less common in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection compared to patients with other risk factors. Despite their lower virulence, Lichtheimia species should be regarded as emerging pathogens among Mucoralean fungi. We report a fatal case of pulmonary mucormycosis due to Lichtheimia ramosa in a 52-year-old man with an end-stage HIV infection. He had a cachectic appearance and his CD4 count was 8 cells/mm(3). The fungal infection was diagnosed based on a positive sputum culture with histopathologic confirmation. The fungus was resistant to caspofungin, anidulafungin, and voriconazole [minimum inhibitory concentration (MCI) > 32 A mu g/ml], whereas the E test MIC values of itraconazole, posaconazole, and amphotericin B were 0.38, 0.38, and 0.5 A mu g/ml, respectively. Although intravenous drug use is the main risk factor for the development of mucormycosis in HIV-infected patients, it may also develop in patients with low CD4 count, opportunistic infections and/or additional diseases, such as Kaposi's sarcoma or severe immunodeficiency, as in our case.

Domestic wastewaters of Tunceli, are directly discharged to Munzur and Pulumur Rivers without any pre-purification process. The purpose of this study is to reveal the size of pollution caused by domestic wastewaters together with natural contamination by the drainage area of the Pulumur and Munzur Rivers and to monitor physiological changes in fish captured from Uzuncayir Dam Lake. In fish samples, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities and levels of glutathione and malondialdehyde were determined. Our studies showed that the antioxidant system of Capoeta umbla could be used as biomarker of exposure to aquatic pollutants in Uzuncayir Dam Lake.

Scedosporium apiospermum is an emerging opportunistic pathogen that may lead to life-threatening infections especially in immunosuppressive individuals. In this report, S.apiospermum infection in a 62 year old male patient with acute myeloid leukemia was presented. During remission-induction chemotherapy, piperacillin-tazobactam therapy was started for febrile neutropenia. Since fever had continued, treatment was switched to imipenem and also amphotericin B deoxycholate was added to the treatment protocol. Because of allergic reaction to amphotericin B, caspofungin was started at the fifth day of neutropenic fever. Following imaging studies with high resolution computerized thorasic tomography, antifungal therapy was changed to voriconazole due to findings suggestive of invasive aspergillosis. Since galactomannan antigen was found negative at the first day of voriconazole therapy, bronchoalveolar lavage material from apical segment of the left lower lobe was cultured onto various microbiologic media. S.apiospermum (Teleomorph: Pseudallescheria apiosperma) was isolated on the fourth day of cultivation. According to CLSI M38-A2 microdilution procedure, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of voriconazole, caspofungin, amphotericin B and posaconazole were found as 0.06, 2, 8 and 4 µg/ml, respectively. Since neutropenia was resolved, the patient was discharged with continued voriconazole therapy. It was concluded that antifungal susceptibility tests should be performed for Scedosporium species and the results should be compared to the clinical response. The determination of MIC breakpoints may provide useful information for the recommendation and use of optimal choices for the treatment of Scedosporium infections.

Domestic wastewaters of Tunceli, are directly discharged to Munzur and Pulumur Rivers without any pre-purification process. The purpose of this study is to reveal the size of pollution caused by domestic wastewaters together with natural contamination by the drainage area of the Pulumur and Munzur Rivers and to monitor physiological changes in fish captured from Uzuncayir Dam Lake. In fish samples, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities and levels of glutathione and malondialdehyde were determined. Our studies showed that the antioxidant system of Capoeta umbla could be used as biomarker of exposure to aquatic pollutants in Uzuncayir Dam Lake.

Bartonella henselae infections are usually detected among people who have close contact with animals. Veterinarians and cattle breeders, in particular, are considered as the risk groups for B. henselae infections. In this study, the seroprevalence of antibodies to B. henselae was investigated in these two groups of subjects in the two cities of Aydin and Denizli, which are located in the same region in the southwest of Turkey. Total antibodies to B. henselae were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence assay in serum samples taken from 63 cattle breeders and 27 veterinarians. Twenty samples (22.2%) were found to react on 1/64 titre with B. henselae antigens. Bartonella henselae seroprevalence was found to be significantly related to age (P = 0.033) and higher in those living in Aydin (P = 0.047). Age was the only independent factor in multivariate analysis (P = 0.008). Seroprevalence was found to be 2-fold higher in those people who had had tick contact (P = 0.093). In conclusion, the physicians in the region should consider B. henselae infection among veterinarians and breeders in their differential diagnosis list of fever of unknown origin.

UzuncayiDr am is built approximatel2y5 km awayf rom the junct iono f Munzura nd Pulumur Watercourseosf Tuncelpi rovincea nd startedt o retainw aters inceO ctober2,0 09.A longw ithg oing intoo perat ioonf UzuncayDi ra m,p ol lut iocna used by corrtaminargrtisv eni ntot hed aml ake( domestic liquidw astew, aters eepagea risingfr om irregular solidw astea reao f the city,e lementsw ashedu p fromr ockse tc.)h aves tarteda discussioanb outt he interactiobrer tweenp arameterosf waterq ualityo f dam lakea r rdp otent iapl hysiologiccallr angeosf f ishest l rate xposedto t l t isp ol lut ionIn. thiss tudy, it isa irnedto evaluatteh er esultso f oxidativset ress parameterfsir st2 samplingp eriodso f our project whichw as mades easonaal nd for a longert ime (TUB IT AK-CAYDA1G10 YB1)1. In this study, 'lO sampling stations are determineda nd in theses tationsC, apoetau mbla (Hecke1l ,8 43w) asu seda st hei ndicatoorr ganism. The act ivi t ieso f superoxided ismutase(S OD) , glutathionep eroxidas(eG SH-PX)c,a talase(C AT) werec letermineidn sampleso f the livera nd gill tissuebsy usingE LISAk it. Asa resulot f thec hangec ausedb yt hep ollution, in the physicochemicaanld biologics tructureo f water,c hangesin antioxidandt efenses ystemo f fislrl raveb eeno bserveda nd differencebse tween stationhsa veb eens eeno n measurepda rameter

Bartonella henselae infections are usually detected among people who have close contact with animals. Veterinarians and cattle breeders, in particular, are considered as the risk groups for B similar to henselae infections. In this study, the seroprevalence of antibodies to B similar to henselae was investigated in these two groups of subjects in the two cities of Aydin and Denizli, which are located in the same region in the southwest of Turkey. Total antibodies to B similar to henselae were evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence assay in serum samples taken from 63 cattle breeders and 27 veterinarians. Twenty samples (22.2%) were found to react on 1/64 titre with B similar to henselae antigens. Bartonella henselae seroprevalence was found to be significantly related to age (P = 0.033) and higher in those living in Aydin (P = 0.047). Age was the only independent factor in multivariate analysis (P = 0.008). Seroprevalence was found to be 2-fold higher in those people who had had tick contact (P = 0.093). In conclusion, the physicians in the region should consider B similar to henselae infection among veterinarians and breeders in their differential diagnosis list of fever of unknown origin.

Solid organ transplantation is an important therapeutic choice to improve the life quality of patients with end-stage renal disease. Renal transplant recipients have to take immunosuppressive therapy to prevent transplant rejection. However, this treatment increases susceptibility to infection. Bartonella henselae causes systemic, disseminated and silent manifestations in healthy individuals, while the mortality rate is high in immunosuppressive patients in the case of untreated bartonellosis. The diagnosis of B.henselae infections is usually based on serological methods since they are practical, simple and rapid. Recent reports indicated that bartonellosis seen after liver or kidney transplantation have been increased. The aim of this study was to present the antibody seropositivity of B.henselae detected in the serum and plasma samples of renal transplant recipients. This study was aimed to evaluate the antibody seroprevalence in renal transplant recipients and also to compare the antibody results obtained from serum and plasma samples. A total of 59 renal transplant recipients (32 male, 27 female; age range: 20-65 years) followed by Transplantation Unit of Health, Research and Training Center of Pamukkale University, were included in the study. After suspension of lyophilised B.henselae ATCC 49882 (Houston-1); B.henselae co-cultivation to Vero cell culture was performed by the method recommended by Zbinden et al. [Clin Diagn Lab Immunol 1995; 2(6): 693-5]. The cells were taken to co-cultivation in flasks after development of monolayers. In house immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) method was performed with the use of infected cell-coated slides. B.henselae antibodies were studied at 1/64 screening dilution both in serum and plasma samples. In our study B.henselae antibody positivity rates found in serum and plasma samples of the patients were 16.9% (10/59) and 6.8% (4/59), respectively (Cohen kappa = 0.37). This detected kappa value indicated that the results of serum and plasma samples revealed "fair agreement". It should be kept in mind that the use of plasma samples in IFA tests would increase the false negative results. Thus the results of this study supported the general approach for the preference of serum samples for serological tests.

Atmospheric fungal spores play important role in allergic reactions in atopic individuals. Monitorization of those spores found in the environment of atopic cases is crucial for the choice of the antigens that will be included in allergen screening procedures and precautions to be taken against mold-originated health problems. Since most of the people spend plenty of time indoors in recent years, the effects of exposure to indoor air fungi on human health have gained importance. This study was aimed to investigate the indoor air mold distribution of elementary schools in Denizli province (located in west Anatolia, Turkey) and to compare the allergen-specific IgE levels of children against the most frequently detected mold genus. A questionnaire (MM080) was distributed to the 4967 students (6-8 year-old) attending first and second degrees of 16 different elementary schools with scattered locations in city center. This questionnaire form included the questions related to the general information about the child, school environment, allergic complaints since last year, home environment and nutrition. Response rate to the questionnaire was 51.6% (2565/4967). Air samples were collected from 18 classrooms in March 2009, during which high rates of allergic symptoms were observed according to the questionnaire results. Mold fungi belonging to 10 different genera (Penicillium spp. 46%; Aspergillus spp. 18%; Cladosporium spp. 17%; Alternaria spp. 15%; Drechslera spp. 1%; Chtysosporium, Fusarium, Conidiobolus and Cladothecium species 0.5%; unidentified 1%) were isolated from indoor air of classrooms. Since the most frequently detected mold was Penicillium spp. (46%), the 48 children with atopic symptoms were called to the hospital for the determination of total IgE and Penicillium specific IgE in their sera. Twenty two students accepted the invitation and serum total IgE (Immulite 2000; Diagnostic Product Corporation, USA) and allergen-specific IgE (Penicillium brevicompactum, Penicillium camemberti, Penicillium chrysogenum, Penicillium commune, Penicillium expansum, Penicillium frequentans, Penicillium glaucum, Penicillium notatum, Penicillium roqueforti ve Penicillium viridicatum) (RIDASCREEN; R-Biopharm AG, Germany) levels were determined in those children. Total IgE levels above reference ranges were detected in 41% (9/22) of the screened sera samples. P.roqueforti, P.commune and P.camemberti antibodies were higher (Odds ratio as 5.50, 4.0 and 3.75, respectively) in sera with high total IgE levels. No independent variables were determined between individual and/or environmental factors and Penicillium-specific IgE antibodies. It was concluded that those three strains should be chosen as antigens for mold allergy screening tests which will be performed among atopic cases in our region. In conclusion it should be kept in mind that molds have a possible role in the development of allergic symptoms, however, they are not the sole determining factor in this process. In the investigation of the allergic diseases environmental factors should be considered and standardized methods should be applied.

Objective: Angiogenesis induced by Bartonella henselae has been demonstrated in in vitro model systems such as HUVEC (Human umbilical vein endothelial cells). However, one of the in vivo model systems allowing angiogenesis studies in cancer and drug discovery studies is the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. In this study, shell-less culture of the CAM has been utilized as the in vivo model for the demonstration of Bartonella henselae induced angiogenesis. Material and Method: Eight shell-less CAM cultures were established 72 hours after first incubation of fertilized eggs at 37 degrees C and 5% CO2. One half of each CAM was used as the study group and in this half 3 B.henselae (ATCC 49882) soaked beads were planted in bifurcations of previously established vessels. The other half was used as a control, and sterile distilled water soaked beads were planted in bifurcations of previously established vessels. Beads were removed after 40 and 62 hours of incubation, and newly formed vessels were counted in a 4-mm(2) area under each bead. Results: Neovascularization in the study group was significantly higher than that in control group (22.8 +/- 1.4 versus 8.3 +/- 0.7, respectively; p

Malassezia species which are lipophilic exobasidiomycetes fungi, have been accepted as members of normal cutaneous flora as well as causative agent of certain skin diseases. In routine microbiology laboratory, species identification based on phenotypic characters may not yield identical results with taxonomic studies. Lipophilic and lipid-dependent Malassezia yeasts require lipid-enriched complex media. For this reason, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis focused on lipid window may be useful for identification of Malassezia species. In this study, 10 different standard Malassezia species (M.dermatis CBS 9145, M.furfur CBS 7019, M.japonica CBS 9432, M.globosa CBS 7966, M.nana CBS 9561, M.obtusa CBS 7876, M.pachydermatis CBS 1879, M.slooffiae CBS 7956, M.sympodialis CBS 7222 and M.yamatoensis CBS 9725) which are human pathogens, have been analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy following standard cultivation onto modified Dixon agar medium. Results showed that two main groups (M1; M.globosa, M.obtusa, M.sympodialis, M.dermatis, M.pachydermatis vs, M2; M.furfur, M.japonica, M.nana, M.slooffiae, M.yamatoensis) were discriminated by whole spectra analysis. M.obtusa in M1 by 1686-1606 cm-1 wavenumber ranges and M.japonicum in M2 by 2993-2812 cm-1 wavenumber ranges were identified with low level discrimination power. Discriminatory areas for species differentiation of M1 members as M.sympodialis, M.globosa and M.pachydermatis and M2 members as M.furfur and M.yamatoensis could not be identified. Several spectral windows analysis results revealed that FT-IR spectroscopy was not sufficient for species identification of culture grown Malassezia species.

The Laboratory diagnosis of Bartonella henselae infection is mainly based on serological testing by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Cell line co-cultivation with B.henselae and agar derivated antigens are the two major procedures used for evaluation of anti-Bartonella antibodies. Vero and Hep-2 cell lines are the most commonly used media for co-cultivation both in-house and commercial diagnostic kits production. However, HeLa cells which are easily supplied and grown, also can easily be infected by B.henselae. The aim of this study was to compare the performances of antigens obtained by co-cultivation of B.henselae ATCC 49882 (Houston-1) in Vero and HeLa Cells in IFA serology. Out of 381 sera samples, 127 (33.3%) were found positive and 195 (51.2%) were found negative by IFA performed by both cell line co-cultivations. The total agreement between the methods were found as 84.5% (322/381), and Cohen kappa value was calculated as 0.68 (strong, coherent). As a result, HeLa cells were found to be useful for the preparation of B.henselae antigens to be used in IFA for the serologic diagnosis of B.henselae infections. However different genotype strains and cross reactions with other infectious agents should be investigated by further studies before routine applications of HeLa cell co-cultivations procedure is established.

The potential utility of biomarkers for monitoring both environmental quality and the health of organisms inhabiting polluted ecosystems has received increasing attention during the recent years. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the possible effect of pollution on biochemical parameters of Capoeta trutta captured in two environments with different levels of pollution in Munzur River, Tunceli, Turkey. One of them, hereby named reference site, there is no sewage discharge. Other side is denominated as polluted site is characterized by discharge of domestic sewage. Levels of amylase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, γ-glutamyl tranferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, urea, creatinine, glucose, triglycerides and uric acid were checked in blood samples. Plasma biochemical changes showed significantly differences between reference and polluted sites in alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase and glucose values. These results indicate that both domestic waste water and agricultural activities can alter the serum biochemical contents of Copeata trutta fish in Munzur River. Continuous production of pollutants resulting in impaired ability to respond to different environment stress factors and diseases. Present groups of researchers suggest that pollution levels should be monitored regularly.

Malassezia species which are lipophilic exobasidiomycetes fungi, have been accepted as members of normal cutaneous flora as well as causative agent of certain skin diseases. In routine microbiology laboratory, species identification based on phenotypic characters may not yield identical results with taxonomic studies. Lipophilic and lipid-dependent Malassezia yeasts require lipid-enriched complex media. For this reason, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis focused on lipid window may be useful for identification of Malassezia species. In this study, 10 different standard Malassezia species (M.dermatis CBS 9145, M.furfur CBS 7019, M.japonica CBS 9432, M.globosa CBS 7966, M.nana CBS 9561, M.obtusa CBS 7876, M.pachydermatis CBS 1879, M.slooffiae CBS 7956, M.sympodialis CBS 7222 and M.yamatoensis CBS 9725) which are human pathogens, have been analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy following standard cultivation onto modified Dixon agar medium. Results showed that two main groups (M1; M.globosa, M.obtusa, M.sympodialis, M.dermatis, M.pachydermatis vs, M2; M.furfur, M.japonica, M.nana, M.slooffiae, M.yamatoensis) were discriminated by whole spectra analysis. M.obtusa in M1 by 1686-1606 cm-1 wavenumber ranges and M.japonicum in M2 by 2993-2812 cm-1 wavenumber ranges were identified with low level discrimination power. Discriminatory areas for species differentiation of M1 members as M.sympodialis, M.globosa and M.pachydermatis and M2 members as M.furfur and M.yamatoensis could not be identified. Several spectral windows analysis results revealed that FT-IR spectroscopy was not sufficient for species identification of culture grown Malassezia species.

The direct analyses of the volatile organic components of 30 Eucalyptus camaldulensis fruit samples, obtained from the Antalya, Aegean and Cukurova regions in Turkey, was studied using a direct thermal desorption (DTD) technique coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was found that the E. camaldulensis samples yielded a similar chemical composition. However, some of the compounds were only seen in one region, such as thymol in the Aegean region, ocimen and cis-sabinene hydrate in the Antalya region and nerolidol and pentacosane in the Cukurova region. A total of 68 components were identified from 30 samples. The main compounds found in the volatiles were: ledene (0-23.08 %), aromadendrene (0.59-42.31 %), alloaromadendrene (0-24.14%), globulol (0-19.97%) and isolongifolen (0-50.04 %). However, some of the quantities of the main compounds differed between samples. DTD with GC-MS is a good method for analysis of complex mixtures, and in particular for plant samples, which can yield data without the traditional obligation for costly and time consuming extraction techniques.

Cryptococcus neoformons is a basidiomycetous yeast leading to life-threatening infections in human and animals. It has been isolated from decaying hollows and fissures from various tree species in different parts of the world. The isolation of the yeast from the environment is less in the eastern part of Mediterranean area. Only one C.neoformans strain from debris of Eucalyptus comolduleosis in the blossoming period, has been reported by consecutive studies done in suspected areas since the last 10 years. In this study, 300 tree including trunk hollows and fissures have been screened for colonization of Cneoformans in Denizli city (located on Aegean part of Turkey) center during July 2008. All samples has been collected by swabbing technique and cultured on minimal Staib agar ME,dium (without creatinine and potassium clihydroden phosphate). Two (0.6%) strains of Cneoformons have been isolated from the total of 300 screened trees. One of these isolates was from Platonus orientolis (plane tree; n= 92) and one from Punica gronatum (pomegranate tree; n= 2). Six and three colonies per plate have been isolated from Porientolis and Pyronatum samples, respectively. Cneoformans has not been isolated in the repeat cultures done in the following two months. Although Cneoformons was isolated from previously unaccomplished niches in this study, our results suggested that Cneoformons colonization of trees trunk hollows and fissures was not common in Denizli city center.