Yavuz Uyar - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Yavuz Uyar
Pediatrics international : official journal of the Japan Pediatric Society, 2012
The aim of the present study was to identify the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory feature... more The aim of the present study was to identify the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus infection in children. Fifty children infected with CCHF virus in 2005-2010, and hospitalized in the Dr Sami Ulus Maternity and Children's Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital in Ankara, were included. All the patients had positive IgM and/or polymerase chain reaction for CCHF virus. Of the 50 patients, 19 were female and 31 were male. Patients were between 8 months and 15 years of age. The majority (82%) of patients had a history of tick bite. Fever (100%), hemorrhagic symptoms (76%), nausea-vomiting (60%), tonsillopharyngitis (50%), malaise (50%), myalgia (46%) and maculopapular rash (24%) were the most common presenting clinical features. Mean platelet count on admission was 110,880/mm(3) , and the lowest was 7000/mm(3) . The mean of the lowest white blood cell count was 2860/mm(3) . Other pathological laboratory find...
Journal of Medical Virology, 2015
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a human disease with high fatality rate. Although its p... more Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a human disease with high fatality rate. Although its pathogenesis is not elucidated yet, it is considered that cytokines play a significant role in the progression and outcome of the disease. Serum CXCL10 levels were estimated in 35 patients with acute CCHF and were correlated with the viral load, and various demographic and clinical parameters. The mean CXCL10 concentration in the patients' group was higher compared to the respective value in the control group (4421.74 pg/ml vs. 28.47 pg/ml, P < 0.05). A strong positive correlation between CXCL10 and viral load was seen (r s ¼ 0.57, P < 0.001), while the outcome of the disease was related with the viral load (r s ¼ 0.47, P ¼ 0.004) and the presence of hemorrhagic manifestations (P < 0.001). The study provides an insight into the strong correlation between CXCL10 and viral load in acute CCHF cases suggesting that it plays an important role in CCHF pathogenesis. J. Med. Virol.
Journal of Medical Virology, 2012
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonosis which is common in Africa, Asia, ... more Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonosis which is common in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Balkan Peninsula. CCHF has been reported in Turkey with high frequency since 2002. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic diversity and genetic relationship between CCHF virus (CCHFV) isolates derived from infected patients over a 2-year period (2009 and 2010) in several provinces of Turkey. Serum samples (n ¼ 48) were selected from CCHFV RNA positive patients and subjected to sequence analysis of the gene regions encoding the S (48 samples) and M (14 samples) segments. The nucleotide sequence alignments showed that the nucleic acid relatedness of CCHFV isolates ranged from 95.7% to 100% and from 93.7% to 100% for S and M segments, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of both segment sequences revealed that CCHFV isolates circulating in Turkey belonged to the European lineage I and were closely related to the viruses found in the Eastern European-Russian and Balkan Peninsula. The M gene segment-based phylogenetic analysis suggested that 2/14 CCHFV isolates (KYSR3159/09 and YZGT714/10) had additional genetic variations. The results of the present study confirmed that the CCHFV isolates present in Turkey associated with human disease had high genetic homology in S segment, but some variability in the M segment of the RNA.
Journal of Clinical Virology, 2009
over time. We assessed the extent to which betaPV infections persist in a community with a high i... more over time. We assessed the extent to which betaPV infections persist in a community with a high incidence of SCC. Methods: In 1996 and in 2003 samples were collected from 171 participants of the Autralian community-based Nambour Skin Cancer Study. SCC-precursors (actinic keratoses) were scored by skin examinations at baseline and again in 2006. Details of skin type and sun exposure were collected by standard questionnaire. Viral DNA was isolated from plucked eyebrow hairs and analysed the presence of 25 different betaPV-types. Results: Participants' mean age at baseline was 50, 49% were males. In 1996 a total of 413 beta-PV infections were found in 73% of participants; in 2003 this rose to 490 infections in 85% of participants. Of the total number of infections, 211 (30%) were found to persist. Age was significantly associated with betaPV persistence whereas skin type, occupational sun exposure and sunburn history were not. Persistence of betaPV infection resulted in a significant doubling of the odds of having actinic keratoses on the face in 2007. Conclusions: We showed that around one third of the betaPV infections persisted in the tested population over an 8-year period, especially in the older people. Persistent betaPV infection increased the subsequent risk of actinic keratoses, suggesting that long-term betaPV infections play a role in development of SCC.
Journal of Clinical Virology, 2009
Introduction: The aetiology of 50% of all aseptic-meningo-encephalitis cases remains unclear afte... more Introduction: The aetiology of 50% of all aseptic-meningo-encephalitis cases remains unclear after routine diagnostics have been performed. Several clinical studies have reported that European arbovirus infections cause neurological disorders like meningitis, encephalitis and meningitis-encephalitis. The suspect viruses are seven tick-borne arboviruses (Eyach virus (EYAV), Tribec (TRBV), Erve virus (ERVEV), Bahnja virus (BHAV), Uukuniemi (UUKV), Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV)), three sandfly-borne viruses (Toscana virus (TOSV), Sandfly Sicillian (SFSV), and Sandfly Naples (SFNV)) and four mosquito-borne viruses (Tahyna virus (TAHV), Batai virus (BATV), Inkoo virus (INKV), and West Nile virus (WNFV)). Traditional virological diagnostic methods such as virus isolation, neutralisation assays, immunofluorescence and PCR for the identification of these viruses are time consuming, and not available for routine diagnostics. Therefore the main aim of this project is to develop up to date molecular and serological diagnostic assays. We are developing a combined Multiplex Ligation dependent Probe ampilfication (RT-MLPA) and flow through chip hybridisation system (PAM4U chip system, PamGene) for all the above viruses. It allows the detection of an amplified artificial signal molecule, which is generated by ligating two flanking probes at a hybridisation site. The amplified ligated product is hybridized on a 3-D aluminium oxide matrix chip, which has very short hybridisation times and a high sensitivity. So far results indicate sensitivities of 10 molecules detected for TOSV, TRBV, INKV 100 copies detected for WNV, TAHV BATV, and 1000 copies detected for UUKV by combined RT-MLPA and flow through hybridisation. Ongoing development includes probe systems for SFSV, TBEV, EYAV, BAHNV, ERVEV. This system has the potential to detect the RNA of 14 viruses and may help to clarify the aetiology of the unknown 50% of all aseptic-meningo-encephalitis cases.
Journal of Clinical Virology, 2010
Background: Phleboviruses cause sandfly fever but isolates are rare. Objectives: To analyse sampl... more Background: Phleboviruses cause sandfly fever but isolates are rare. Objectives: To analyse samples from concurrent outbreaks of suspected sandfly fever in the Mediterranean provinces of Adana, Izmir and the central province of Ankara, Turkey. Study design: Samples from acute cases were analysed by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Virus isolation was attempted and pyrosequencing performed. Results: In IFA 38% of 106 samples tested scored IgM positive for sandfly fever Sicillian virus (SFSV), 12% for SFSV/sandfly fever Cyprus Virus (SFCV) and only 4% for SFCV. A sandfly fever Sicilian type virus designated sandfly fever Turkey virus (SFTV) was isolated. The S-segment sequence of SFTV had a homology of 98% to that of SFCV. The M-segment sequence showed a 91.1% homology to the only SFSV sequence available. The L-segment sequence showed a homology of 58% and 60.3% to Toscana virus and Rift Valley Fever virus sequences, a partial 201 nt sequence showed 95.5% homology to the SFSV Sabin strain. Conclusion: A new phlebovirus related to sandfly fever Sicilian virus, SFTV was isolated and characterized from acute patient material. The sandfly fever Sicilian virus activity seems to be changing in Turkey. Entomological studies are needed.
Journal of Clinical Virology, 2009
Introduction: The aetiology of 50% of all aseptic-meningo-encephalitis cases remains unclear afte... more Introduction: The aetiology of 50% of all aseptic-meningo-encephalitis cases remains unclear after routine diagnostics have been performed. Several clinical studies have reported that European arbovirus infections cause neurological disorders like meningitis, encephalitis and meningitis-encephalitis. The suspect viruses are seven tick-borne arboviruses (Eyach virus (EYAV), Tribec (TRBV), Erve virus (ERVEV), Bahnja virus (BHAV), Uukuniemi (UUKV), Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV)), three sandfly-borne viruses (Toscana virus (TOSV), Sandfly Sicillian (SFSV), and Sandfly Naples (SFNV)) and four mosquito-borne viruses (Tahyna virus (TAHV), Batai virus (BATV), Inkoo virus (INKV), and West Nile virus (WNFV)). Traditional virological diagnostic methods such as virus isolation, neutralisation assays, immunofluorescence and PCR for the identification of these viruses are time consuming, and not available for routine diagnostics. Therefore the main aim of this project is to develop up to date molecular and serological diagnostic assays. We are developing a combined Multiplex Ligation dependent Probe ampilfication (RT-MLPA) and flow through chip hybridisation system (PAM4U chip system, PamGene) for all the above viruses. It allows the detection of an amplified artificial signal molecule, which is generated by ligating two flanking probes at a hybridisation site. The amplified ligated product is hybridized on a 3-D aluminium oxide matrix chip, which has very short hybridisation times and a high sensitivity. So far results indicate sensitivities of 10 molecules detected for TOSV, TRBV, INKV 100 copies detected for WNV, TAHV BATV, and 1000 copies detected for UUKV by combined RT-MLPA and flow through hybridisation. Ongoing development includes probe systems for SFSV, TBEV, EYAV, BAHNV, ERVEV. This system has the potential to detect the RNA of 14 viruses and may help to clarify the aetiology of the unknown 50% of all aseptic-meningo-encephalitis cases.
![Research paper thumbnail of [Evaluation of PCR and ELISA-IgM results in the laboratory diagnosis of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever cases in 2008 in Turkey]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/82791566/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Mikrobiyoloji bulteni, 2010
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a fatal zoonotic viral haemorrhagic infection described... more Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a fatal zoonotic viral haemorrhagic infection described in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. CCHF virus (CCHFV) classified in Bunyaviridae family and Nairovirus genus, is transmitted to humans by tick (Hyalomma and Ixodid) bites and human to human transmission may occur by direct contact with blood or other infected tissues. The disease became endemic and a public health problem since 2002 outbreak in Turkey. The specific laboratory diagnosis and confirmation of the disease is performed in Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency, by using molecular and serological methods. For this purpose serum and/or plasma samples from suspected CCHF patients are submitted to the reference laboratory with an official "possible case report form". According to the algorithm in our laboratory, the first samples which were sent from possible acute cases were searched initially by an in-house real time-polymerase chain reaction (P...
H B virus (HBV) is a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to Hepadnaviridae family. The incubation... more H B virus (HBV) is a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to Hepadnaviridae family. The incubation period is six weeks to six months (1). HBV infection affects over 350 million people worldwide and over one million die annually of HBV-related chronic hepatic disease. These chronically infected persons are at high risk of death from liver cirrhosis and cancer (2). The prevalence of HBV infection, according to the geographical area, may be high (8%), intermediate (2%–7%) or low (<2%) (3). In several studies from different regions of Turkey, the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among normal population was reported from a minimum of 2% to a maximum of 14.3%—average 6.8 % (4). In Europe and America, chronic HBV carriers are found in <2% of the population (5). In endemic areas, most individuals are infected by vertical transmission (6). In Africa, more than half of Hepatitis Monthly 2009; 9(2): 146-149
Primary infections caused by rubella and cytomegalovirus (CMV) can lead to serious complications ... more Primary infections caused by rubella and cytomegalovirus (CMV) can lead to serious complications in pregnancy. Rubella and CMV screening of pregnant women is not routinely carried out in Turkey. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of rubella and cytomegalovirus among pregnant women. The study was carried out in Samsun Maternity and Women's Disease and Pediatrics Hospital in Samsun province, Turkey. Between September 2004 and September 2005, 600 pregnant women aged 17-40 years were enrolled in this study. The results of the antenatal screening for rubella and CMV during the first trimester of pregnancy were evaluated. Anti-IgG against rubella seropositivity was found in 566 (94.3%) and rubella IgM seropositivity in 10 (1.7%). The positivity for anti-CMV IgG antibody was found in 584 (97.3%), while 6 (1.0%) were positive for the anti-CMV IgM antibody. Pregnant women seronegative for rubella and CMV are susceptible to rubella and CMV primary infections. Preven...
Turkish Bulletin of Hygiene and Experimental Biology, 2016
![Research paper thumbnail of [Evaluation of laboratory diagnosis of the first norovirus outbreak in Turkey in 2008]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/83694538/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Mikrobiyoloji Bulteni, Nov 1, 2008
Japanese journal of infectious diseases, Jan 10, 2015
The first cases of Hantavirus infection were reported in the first months of 2009 from the Zongul... more The first cases of Hantavirus infection were reported in the first months of 2009 from the Zonguldak and Bartin provinces in Turkey. The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of Hantavirus infections in patients with laboratory findings associated with Hantavirus infection in Bartin prior to the epidemics. After screening a total of 314,577 records between 2007 and 2009, clinical and laboratory data from 442 patients meeting the criteria of coexistent thrombocytopenia, and elevated urea and creatinin levels were transferred to the statistical programme. Home visits were paid to 170 patients, 84 patients of whom consented to join the study. They completed a questionnaire was filled and gave a blood sample. Commercial anti-hantavirus IgG and IgM ELISA and immunoblotting assays were used, with seropositive samples being confirmed by FRNT. ELISA and/or immunoblotting assays detected 10 positive samples (10/84), although only 7/10 of these were recorded as positive by FRNT. FR...
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2012
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2014
In 2009, human Dobrava-Belgrade virus (DOBV) infections were reported on the Black Sea coast of T... more In 2009, human Dobrava-Belgrade virus (DOBV) infections were reported on the Black Sea coast of Turkey. Serologic and molecular studies of potential rodent reservoirs demonstrated DOBV infections in Apodemus flavicollis and A. uralensis mice. Phylogenetic analysis of DOBV strains showed their similarity to A. flavicollis mice-borne DOBV in Greece, Slovenia, and Slovakia.
Turkish Bulletin of Hygiene and Experimental Biology, 2016
Journal of Clinical Virology, 2010
Background: Phleboviruses cause sandfly fever but isolates are rare. Objectives: To analyse sampl... more Background: Phleboviruses cause sandfly fever but isolates are rare. Objectives: To analyse samples from concurrent outbreaks of suspected sandfly fever in the Mediterranean provinces of Adana, Izmir and the central province of Ankara, Turkey. Study design: Samples from acute cases were analysed by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Virus isolation was attempted and pyrosequencing performed. Results: In IFA 38% of 106 samples tested scored IgM positive for sandfly fever Sicillian virus (SFSV), 12% for SFSV/sandfly fever Cyprus Virus (SFCV) and only 4% for SFCV. A sandfly fever Sicilian type virus designated sandfly fever Turkey virus (SFTV) was isolated. The S-segment sequence of SFTV had a homology of 98% to that of SFCV. The M-segment sequence showed a 91.1% homology to the only SFSV sequence available. The L-segment sequence showed a homology of 58% and 60.3% to Toscana virus and Rift Valley Fever virus sequences, a partial 201 nt sequence showed 95.5% homology to the SFSV Sabin strain. Conclusion: A new phlebovirus related to sandfly fever Sicilian virus, SFTV was isolated and characterized from acute patient material. The sandfly fever Sicilian virus activity seems to be changing in Turkey. Entomological studies are needed.
Turkish Bulletin of Hygiene and Experimental Biology, 2011
Journal of Medical Virology, 2012
The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive factors which contribute to diagnosis of ... more The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive factors which contribute to diagnosis of hantavirus infection. One hundred patients from rural areas hospitalized with a preliminary diagnosis of hantavirus infection from different hospitals in Turkey were investigated. Hantavirus infection was confirmed in 20 patients (Group 1) using immunofluorescence and immunoblot assays at the Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency. Hantaviruses were not detected in the serum of the remaining 80 patients, other infectious and non-infectious diseases being diagnosed in this group (Group 2). Patients&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; demographic characteristics and clinical and laboratory data on admission were examined and compared between the two groups. Fever, proteinuria, hematuria, lethargy-weakness, and nausea-vomiting were the most frequent symptoms and findings in Group 1, seen in almost all patients. Proteinuria, hematuria, muscle pain, diarrhea/abdominal pain, hypotension, shock, and sweating were observed at significantly higher levels in Group 1 compared to Group 2. Serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly higher, but serum platelet counts were lower in Group 1 patients. Area beneath the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to calculate the discriminative ability of various laboratory values to identify patients with hantavirus infection. This analysis revealed that, serum CRP had a 100% negative predictive value, whilst, platelet, and creatinine had 75% and 70% positive predictive values for the diagnosis of hantavirus infection. In summary, laboratory markers used in clinical practice are of great importance predicting hantavirus infections.
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2014
Background & objectives: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus is a tick-borne member of t... more Background & objectives: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus is a tick-borne member of the genus Nairovirus, family Bunyaviridae. CCHFV has been isolated from at least 31 different tick species. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, or by direct contact with CCHFV-infected patients or the products of infected livestock. This study was undertaken to study the genetic relationship and distribution of CCHFV in the tick population of Hamadan province of Iran.
Pediatrics international : official journal of the Japan Pediatric Society, 2012
The aim of the present study was to identify the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory feature... more The aim of the present study was to identify the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus infection in children. Fifty children infected with CCHF virus in 2005-2010, and hospitalized in the Dr Sami Ulus Maternity and Children's Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital in Ankara, were included. All the patients had positive IgM and/or polymerase chain reaction for CCHF virus. Of the 50 patients, 19 were female and 31 were male. Patients were between 8 months and 15 years of age. The majority (82%) of patients had a history of tick bite. Fever (100%), hemorrhagic symptoms (76%), nausea-vomiting (60%), tonsillopharyngitis (50%), malaise (50%), myalgia (46%) and maculopapular rash (24%) were the most common presenting clinical features. Mean platelet count on admission was 110,880/mm(3) , and the lowest was 7000/mm(3) . The mean of the lowest white blood cell count was 2860/mm(3) . Other pathological laboratory find...
Journal of Medical Virology, 2015
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a human disease with high fatality rate. Although its p... more Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a human disease with high fatality rate. Although its pathogenesis is not elucidated yet, it is considered that cytokines play a significant role in the progression and outcome of the disease. Serum CXCL10 levels were estimated in 35 patients with acute CCHF and were correlated with the viral load, and various demographic and clinical parameters. The mean CXCL10 concentration in the patients' group was higher compared to the respective value in the control group (4421.74 pg/ml vs. 28.47 pg/ml, P < 0.05). A strong positive correlation between CXCL10 and viral load was seen (r s ¼ 0.57, P < 0.001), while the outcome of the disease was related with the viral load (r s ¼ 0.47, P ¼ 0.004) and the presence of hemorrhagic manifestations (P < 0.001). The study provides an insight into the strong correlation between CXCL10 and viral load in acute CCHF cases suggesting that it plays an important role in CCHF pathogenesis. J. Med. Virol.
Journal of Medical Virology, 2012
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonosis which is common in Africa, Asia, ... more Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonosis which is common in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Balkan Peninsula. CCHF has been reported in Turkey with high frequency since 2002. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic diversity and genetic relationship between CCHF virus (CCHFV) isolates derived from infected patients over a 2-year period (2009 and 2010) in several provinces of Turkey. Serum samples (n ¼ 48) were selected from CCHFV RNA positive patients and subjected to sequence analysis of the gene regions encoding the S (48 samples) and M (14 samples) segments. The nucleotide sequence alignments showed that the nucleic acid relatedness of CCHFV isolates ranged from 95.7% to 100% and from 93.7% to 100% for S and M segments, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of both segment sequences revealed that CCHFV isolates circulating in Turkey belonged to the European lineage I and were closely related to the viruses found in the Eastern European-Russian and Balkan Peninsula. The M gene segment-based phylogenetic analysis suggested that 2/14 CCHFV isolates (KYSR3159/09 and YZGT714/10) had additional genetic variations. The results of the present study confirmed that the CCHFV isolates present in Turkey associated with human disease had high genetic homology in S segment, but some variability in the M segment of the RNA.
Journal of Clinical Virology, 2009
over time. We assessed the extent to which betaPV infections persist in a community with a high i... more over time. We assessed the extent to which betaPV infections persist in a community with a high incidence of SCC. Methods: In 1996 and in 2003 samples were collected from 171 participants of the Autralian community-based Nambour Skin Cancer Study. SCC-precursors (actinic keratoses) were scored by skin examinations at baseline and again in 2006. Details of skin type and sun exposure were collected by standard questionnaire. Viral DNA was isolated from plucked eyebrow hairs and analysed the presence of 25 different betaPV-types. Results: Participants' mean age at baseline was 50, 49% were males. In 1996 a total of 413 beta-PV infections were found in 73% of participants; in 2003 this rose to 490 infections in 85% of participants. Of the total number of infections, 211 (30%) were found to persist. Age was significantly associated with betaPV persistence whereas skin type, occupational sun exposure and sunburn history were not. Persistence of betaPV infection resulted in a significant doubling of the odds of having actinic keratoses on the face in 2007. Conclusions: We showed that around one third of the betaPV infections persisted in the tested population over an 8-year period, especially in the older people. Persistent betaPV infection increased the subsequent risk of actinic keratoses, suggesting that long-term betaPV infections play a role in development of SCC.
Journal of Clinical Virology, 2009
Introduction: The aetiology of 50% of all aseptic-meningo-encephalitis cases remains unclear afte... more Introduction: The aetiology of 50% of all aseptic-meningo-encephalitis cases remains unclear after routine diagnostics have been performed. Several clinical studies have reported that European arbovirus infections cause neurological disorders like meningitis, encephalitis and meningitis-encephalitis. The suspect viruses are seven tick-borne arboviruses (Eyach virus (EYAV), Tribec (TRBV), Erve virus (ERVEV), Bahnja virus (BHAV), Uukuniemi (UUKV), Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV)), three sandfly-borne viruses (Toscana virus (TOSV), Sandfly Sicillian (SFSV), and Sandfly Naples (SFNV)) and four mosquito-borne viruses (Tahyna virus (TAHV), Batai virus (BATV), Inkoo virus (INKV), and West Nile virus (WNFV)). Traditional virological diagnostic methods such as virus isolation, neutralisation assays, immunofluorescence and PCR for the identification of these viruses are time consuming, and not available for routine diagnostics. Therefore the main aim of this project is to develop up to date molecular and serological diagnostic assays. We are developing a combined Multiplex Ligation dependent Probe ampilfication (RT-MLPA) and flow through chip hybridisation system (PAM4U chip system, PamGene) for all the above viruses. It allows the detection of an amplified artificial signal molecule, which is generated by ligating two flanking probes at a hybridisation site. The amplified ligated product is hybridized on a 3-D aluminium oxide matrix chip, which has very short hybridisation times and a high sensitivity. So far results indicate sensitivities of 10 molecules detected for TOSV, TRBV, INKV 100 copies detected for WNV, TAHV BATV, and 1000 copies detected for UUKV by combined RT-MLPA and flow through hybridisation. Ongoing development includes probe systems for SFSV, TBEV, EYAV, BAHNV, ERVEV. This system has the potential to detect the RNA of 14 viruses and may help to clarify the aetiology of the unknown 50% of all aseptic-meningo-encephalitis cases.
Journal of Clinical Virology, 2010
Background: Phleboviruses cause sandfly fever but isolates are rare. Objectives: To analyse sampl... more Background: Phleboviruses cause sandfly fever but isolates are rare. Objectives: To analyse samples from concurrent outbreaks of suspected sandfly fever in the Mediterranean provinces of Adana, Izmir and the central province of Ankara, Turkey. Study design: Samples from acute cases were analysed by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Virus isolation was attempted and pyrosequencing performed. Results: In IFA 38% of 106 samples tested scored IgM positive for sandfly fever Sicillian virus (SFSV), 12% for SFSV/sandfly fever Cyprus Virus (SFCV) and only 4% for SFCV. A sandfly fever Sicilian type virus designated sandfly fever Turkey virus (SFTV) was isolated. The S-segment sequence of SFTV had a homology of 98% to that of SFCV. The M-segment sequence showed a 91.1% homology to the only SFSV sequence available. The L-segment sequence showed a homology of 58% and 60.3% to Toscana virus and Rift Valley Fever virus sequences, a partial 201 nt sequence showed 95.5% homology to the SFSV Sabin strain. Conclusion: A new phlebovirus related to sandfly fever Sicilian virus, SFTV was isolated and characterized from acute patient material. The sandfly fever Sicilian virus activity seems to be changing in Turkey. Entomological studies are needed.
Journal of Clinical Virology, 2009
Introduction: The aetiology of 50% of all aseptic-meningo-encephalitis cases remains unclear afte... more Introduction: The aetiology of 50% of all aseptic-meningo-encephalitis cases remains unclear after routine diagnostics have been performed. Several clinical studies have reported that European arbovirus infections cause neurological disorders like meningitis, encephalitis and meningitis-encephalitis. The suspect viruses are seven tick-borne arboviruses (Eyach virus (EYAV), Tribec (TRBV), Erve virus (ERVEV), Bahnja virus (BHAV), Uukuniemi (UUKV), Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV)), three sandfly-borne viruses (Toscana virus (TOSV), Sandfly Sicillian (SFSV), and Sandfly Naples (SFNV)) and four mosquito-borne viruses (Tahyna virus (TAHV), Batai virus (BATV), Inkoo virus (INKV), and West Nile virus (WNFV)). Traditional virological diagnostic methods such as virus isolation, neutralisation assays, immunofluorescence and PCR for the identification of these viruses are time consuming, and not available for routine diagnostics. Therefore the main aim of this project is to develop up to date molecular and serological diagnostic assays. We are developing a combined Multiplex Ligation dependent Probe ampilfication (RT-MLPA) and flow through chip hybridisation system (PAM4U chip system, PamGene) for all the above viruses. It allows the detection of an amplified artificial signal molecule, which is generated by ligating two flanking probes at a hybridisation site. The amplified ligated product is hybridized on a 3-D aluminium oxide matrix chip, which has very short hybridisation times and a high sensitivity. So far results indicate sensitivities of 10 molecules detected for TOSV, TRBV, INKV 100 copies detected for WNV, TAHV BATV, and 1000 copies detected for UUKV by combined RT-MLPA and flow through hybridisation. Ongoing development includes probe systems for SFSV, TBEV, EYAV, BAHNV, ERVEV. This system has the potential to detect the RNA of 14 viruses and may help to clarify the aetiology of the unknown 50% of all aseptic-meningo-encephalitis cases.
Mikrobiyoloji bulteni, 2010
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a fatal zoonotic viral haemorrhagic infection described... more Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a fatal zoonotic viral haemorrhagic infection described in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. CCHF virus (CCHFV) classified in Bunyaviridae family and Nairovirus genus, is transmitted to humans by tick (Hyalomma and Ixodid) bites and human to human transmission may occur by direct contact with blood or other infected tissues. The disease became endemic and a public health problem since 2002 outbreak in Turkey. The specific laboratory diagnosis and confirmation of the disease is performed in Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency, by using molecular and serological methods. For this purpose serum and/or plasma samples from suspected CCHF patients are submitted to the reference laboratory with an official "possible case report form". According to the algorithm in our laboratory, the first samples which were sent from possible acute cases were searched initially by an in-house real time-polymerase chain reaction (P...
H B virus (HBV) is a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to Hepadnaviridae family. The incubation... more H B virus (HBV) is a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to Hepadnaviridae family. The incubation period is six weeks to six months (1). HBV infection affects over 350 million people worldwide and over one million die annually of HBV-related chronic hepatic disease. These chronically infected persons are at high risk of death from liver cirrhosis and cancer (2). The prevalence of HBV infection, according to the geographical area, may be high (8%), intermediate (2%–7%) or low (<2%) (3). In several studies from different regions of Turkey, the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among normal population was reported from a minimum of 2% to a maximum of 14.3%—average 6.8 % (4). In Europe and America, chronic HBV carriers are found in <2% of the population (5). In endemic areas, most individuals are infected by vertical transmission (6). In Africa, more than half of Hepatitis Monthly 2009; 9(2): 146-149
Primary infections caused by rubella and cytomegalovirus (CMV) can lead to serious complications ... more Primary infections caused by rubella and cytomegalovirus (CMV) can lead to serious complications in pregnancy. Rubella and CMV screening of pregnant women is not routinely carried out in Turkey. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of rubella and cytomegalovirus among pregnant women. The study was carried out in Samsun Maternity and Women's Disease and Pediatrics Hospital in Samsun province, Turkey. Between September 2004 and September 2005, 600 pregnant women aged 17-40 years were enrolled in this study. The results of the antenatal screening for rubella and CMV during the first trimester of pregnancy were evaluated. Anti-IgG against rubella seropositivity was found in 566 (94.3%) and rubella IgM seropositivity in 10 (1.7%). The positivity for anti-CMV IgG antibody was found in 584 (97.3%), while 6 (1.0%) were positive for the anti-CMV IgM antibody. Pregnant women seronegative for rubella and CMV are susceptible to rubella and CMV primary infections. Preven...
Turkish Bulletin of Hygiene and Experimental Biology, 2016
Mikrobiyoloji Bulteni, Nov 1, 2008
Japanese journal of infectious diseases, Jan 10, 2015
The first cases of Hantavirus infection were reported in the first months of 2009 from the Zongul... more The first cases of Hantavirus infection were reported in the first months of 2009 from the Zonguldak and Bartin provinces in Turkey. The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of Hantavirus infections in patients with laboratory findings associated with Hantavirus infection in Bartin prior to the epidemics. After screening a total of 314,577 records between 2007 and 2009, clinical and laboratory data from 442 patients meeting the criteria of coexistent thrombocytopenia, and elevated urea and creatinin levels were transferred to the statistical programme. Home visits were paid to 170 patients, 84 patients of whom consented to join the study. They completed a questionnaire was filled and gave a blood sample. Commercial anti-hantavirus IgG and IgM ELISA and immunoblotting assays were used, with seropositive samples being confirmed by FRNT. ELISA and/or immunoblotting assays detected 10 positive samples (10/84), although only 7/10 of these were recorded as positive by FRNT. FR...
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2012
Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2014
In 2009, human Dobrava-Belgrade virus (DOBV) infections were reported on the Black Sea coast of T... more In 2009, human Dobrava-Belgrade virus (DOBV) infections were reported on the Black Sea coast of Turkey. Serologic and molecular studies of potential rodent reservoirs demonstrated DOBV infections in Apodemus flavicollis and A. uralensis mice. Phylogenetic analysis of DOBV strains showed their similarity to A. flavicollis mice-borne DOBV in Greece, Slovenia, and Slovakia.
Turkish Bulletin of Hygiene and Experimental Biology, 2016
Journal of Clinical Virology, 2010
Background: Phleboviruses cause sandfly fever but isolates are rare. Objectives: To analyse sampl... more Background: Phleboviruses cause sandfly fever but isolates are rare. Objectives: To analyse samples from concurrent outbreaks of suspected sandfly fever in the Mediterranean provinces of Adana, Izmir and the central province of Ankara, Turkey. Study design: Samples from acute cases were analysed by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Virus isolation was attempted and pyrosequencing performed. Results: In IFA 38% of 106 samples tested scored IgM positive for sandfly fever Sicillian virus (SFSV), 12% for SFSV/sandfly fever Cyprus Virus (SFCV) and only 4% for SFCV. A sandfly fever Sicilian type virus designated sandfly fever Turkey virus (SFTV) was isolated. The S-segment sequence of SFTV had a homology of 98% to that of SFCV. The M-segment sequence showed a 91.1% homology to the only SFSV sequence available. The L-segment sequence showed a homology of 58% and 60.3% to Toscana virus and Rift Valley Fever virus sequences, a partial 201 nt sequence showed 95.5% homology to the SFSV Sabin strain. Conclusion: A new phlebovirus related to sandfly fever Sicilian virus, SFTV was isolated and characterized from acute patient material. The sandfly fever Sicilian virus activity seems to be changing in Turkey. Entomological studies are needed.
Turkish Bulletin of Hygiene and Experimental Biology, 2011
Journal of Medical Virology, 2012
The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive factors which contribute to diagnosis of ... more The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive factors which contribute to diagnosis of hantavirus infection. One hundred patients from rural areas hospitalized with a preliminary diagnosis of hantavirus infection from different hospitals in Turkey were investigated. Hantavirus infection was confirmed in 20 patients (Group 1) using immunofluorescence and immunoblot assays at the Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency. Hantaviruses were not detected in the serum of the remaining 80 patients, other infectious and non-infectious diseases being diagnosed in this group (Group 2). Patients&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; demographic characteristics and clinical and laboratory data on admission were examined and compared between the two groups. Fever, proteinuria, hematuria, lethargy-weakness, and nausea-vomiting were the most frequent symptoms and findings in Group 1, seen in almost all patients. Proteinuria, hematuria, muscle pain, diarrhea/abdominal pain, hypotension, shock, and sweating were observed at significantly higher levels in Group 1 compared to Group 2. Serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly higher, but serum platelet counts were lower in Group 1 patients. Area beneath the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to calculate the discriminative ability of various laboratory values to identify patients with hantavirus infection. This analysis revealed that, serum CRP had a 100% negative predictive value, whilst, platelet, and creatinine had 75% and 70% positive predictive values for the diagnosis of hantavirus infection. In summary, laboratory markers used in clinical practice are of great importance predicting hantavirus infections.
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2014
Background & objectives: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus is a tick-borne member of t... more Background & objectives: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus is a tick-borne member of the genus Nairovirus, family Bunyaviridae. CCHFV has been isolated from at least 31 different tick species. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick, or by direct contact with CCHFV-infected patients or the products of infected livestock. This study was undertaken to study the genetic relationship and distribution of CCHFV in the tick population of Hamadan province of Iran.