Biomedical subjects

Metin Atambay

Publications and source records attributed to Metin Atambay.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Can the requirement of a diversion procedure be predicted after an uncomplicated intracranial hydatid cyst surgery?

Intracranial hydatidosis is mainly a pediatric disease. Surgical evacuation of the mass in toto is the gold standard of therapy. No concise data related to the requirement of diversion procedures after uncomplicated hydatid cyst removal is encountered in the literature. The aim of this report is to focus on this idea and estimate the necessity of a diversion procedure beforehand. A 6-year-old girl both with intracranial and renal involvement of hydatidosis underwent surgery. Intact removal of the intracranial cyst harboring daughter vesicles was achieved. A persistent porencephalic cyst at the operative site required a shunt 6 months after surgery. Thick pericyst formation was blamed for this specific progress and the pathophysiology is discussed.

Brain Diseases↗

PubMed2006

Cerebral malaria owing to Plasmodium vivax: case report.

Cerebral malaria is a diffuse encephalopathy associated with seizures and status epilepticus which can occur in up to one-third of children with severe malaria, particularly that caused by Plasmodium falciparum. We report a unique case of P. vivax infection complicated by status epilepticus. A 4-year-old boy was admitted to the emergency outpatient clinic with intractable seizures for the previous hour. During resuscitation, two episodes of left-focal tonic convulsions occurred and he received phenytoin. Because of a history of P. vivax infection in the family 3 months previously, a blood slide for malaria was undertaken. Thin blood smears demonstrated P. vivax. He was treated with chloroquine and primaquine. An initial EEG was normal but after 3 months of follow-up a second EEG showed generalised epileptic activity. Rarely, cerebral malaria is a presenting complication or occurs during the course of P. vivax infection. In endemic areas such as Turkey, the possibility of cerebral malaria should be considered.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

House dust mite fauna in western Anatolia, Turkey.

House dust mites play an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Many factors may influence mite growth. The presence of mites is related to mean temperature and humidity as well as altitude. The aim of this study was to analyze the mite fauna in 5 regions of western Anatolia, Turkey, that have similar climatic properties with low mean temperature and humidity, but differ in altitude. During the period October-November 2004, house dust was collected from 290 homes in 5 different cities. House dust mites were isolated in 67 (23.1%) of 290 samples. The family Pyroglyphidae (Astigmata) was present in all positive samples. This study suggests that the selected western Anatolian regions that share similar environmental conditions host similar dust mite populations.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

House dust-mites: effect on antioxidant enzyme activities.

BACKGROUND: House dust-mites are potent allergens of the indoor environment and are common inhabitants of houses worldwide. Free radicals are constantly produced by cells, mostly as reactive oxygen species. Once produced, free radicals are removed by antioxidant defenses, including the enzymes SOD, GPx, and CAT. MATERIAL/METHODS: The aim was to describe the importance of the antioxidant enzymes SOD, GPx, and CAT co-acting in hunan cells against toxic reactive oxygen species and their relationship with pathophysiological processes in stubjects who have dust-mites in their homes. RESULTS: The activities of erythrocyte GPx and SOD in skin-test-positive (dust-mite-positive/negative) patients were significantly lower than those in dust-mite- and skin-test-negative controls (p < 0.05). Among the skin-test-positive patients, SOD activity was found to be lower in dust-mite-positive than in dust-mite-negative patients (p < 0.05). There was not a statistically significant difference between the CAT levels of skin-test-positive (dust-mite-positive/negative) patients and dust-mite- and skin-test-negative controls (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study clearly shows that dust-mite depresses the activities of SOD, GPx, and, to a small extent, CAT; which influence cellular reducing capacity and consequently may increase asthma risk more than other allergens.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Investigation of the prevalence of Trichomonas vaginalis with respect to diverse social variables in women (Malatya, Turkey)].

Trichomonas vaginalis is a monoxen parasite and its definitive host is human. It is known that the way of life is an important factor affecting incidence because of sexual transmission. In the present study, the incidence of T. vaginalis has been investigated with direct microscopy, Giemsa staining and culture (cysteine-peptone-liver-maltose (CPLM)). The study included 675 females with complaints of vaginal discharge who presented at different health departments or hospitals in the Malatya region during 2000-2001. T. vaginalis was seen in 55 (8.1%) patients. In addition, during period of presentation, a questionnaire was used to determine the relationship between the sociocultural status of the women and the incidence of T. vaginalis. Some of the questions in this questionnaire showed statistically significant differences in T. vaginalis infections related to the women's sociocultural status. These are as follows: type of toilet used; method and frequency of bathing; type, color, odor and frequency of vaginal discharge, level of knowledge of common sexually transmitted diseases and trichomoniasis; employment or non-employment of herself and her husband; life style in home; and educational level of husband. However, there was no statistical difference seen between other questions in the questionnaire and the existence of T. vaginalis infection.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

[Incidence of intestinal parasites among primary school children in Malatya].

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of intestinal parasites among primary school children in the central region of Malatya and to educate the children about parasitic diseases. During the study, cellophane tape preparations and stool samples that had been prepared using direct mounting methods were examined. In addition the students were informed about intestinal parasites. Parasitic infection was observed in 415 (22.5%) out of 1838 students and the highest rate of 10.6% was that of Enterobius vermicularis. The rates of Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba coli, Blastocystis hominis, Taenia sp., Hymenolepis nana, Trichomonas hominis, Ascaris lumbricoides and Iodamoeba butschlii were found to be 8.5%, 1.9%, 1.4%, 0.3%, 0.1%, 0.1%, 0.05%, and 0.05%, respectively. Thus, intestinal parasites are important among primary school children in Malatya and it seems that there is a relationship between socioeconomic conditions and the rate of intestinal parasites.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

[Malaria cases detected by active surveillance in Malatya].

Malaria continues to be an important health problem in and around Malatya. Although the disease can be kept under control thanks to the regular work of the Centre for the Struggle against Malaria, it can not be eradicated fully due to the socio-economic conditions in the region. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the disease through active surveillance in those regions where it is most common. From 2003, until 2004, 8856 blood samples were collected at one month intervals and 66 patients were found to be positive. Sixty three of the patients were Plasmodium vivax positive and 3 patients, P. falciparum, positive. The questionnaire administered to the positive patients (ranging from 02-70 years of age) revealed that 8 of the cases originated from extra-provincial sources. Men constitute 43% of all patients and women, 23%. Consequently it was concluded in this study that malaria threatens the people in the region. Therefore it was considered important for the Malatya Centre for the Struggle against Malaria and the local university to cooperate in the struggle against malaria by offering planned training programs in public health.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

[Incidence of intestinal parasites in municipal sanitary workers in Malatya].

The incidence of intestinal parasites is closely related to such factors as the socio-economic level of the society, nutritional and hygienic habits, climate, environmental conditions, infrastructure and degree of literacy. In this study, the municipal sanitary workers who are regarded as a high risk group in Malatya were examined for intestinal parasites. Cellophane slides and fecal samples from 241 workers were examined and intestinal parasites were found in 93 (39.0%). The most common parasite was Entamoeba coli (34). Other parasites detected include Enterobius vermicularis (32), Giardia intestinalis (22), Blastocystis hominis (8), Iodamoeba butschlii (5), Entamoeba histolytica (2), Taenia sp. (2), Chilomastix mesnili (2), Dientamoeba fragilis (2), Entamoeba hartmanni (1), Trichomonas intestinalis (1) Hymenolepis nana (1), and Ascaris lumbricoides (1). A training seminary was conducted in order to inform all the workers about means of protection. The workers were given suitable treatment and were called for control after a month. The examinations revealed a significant decrease in the incidence rate of parasites (qui-square test in dependent samples P<0.05). It was concluded that offering training seminaries for certain occupational groups under risk is efficient in terms of protection.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

[House dust mite fauna in Malatya].

The organisms in the Acarina order of the Arachnida class that form an important group of the Arthropoda are called mites. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart, 1897) and D. farinae (Hughes, 1961) are known to be the most common mites found in house dust. The aim of this study was to determine the house dust mite fauna in Malatya that had not been investigated previously. In this study, a total of 303 house dust samples collected from various districts of Malatya between June 1, 2000 and November 20, 2001 were examined. The dust samples were examined by the lactic acid precipitation method which was modified from the Spieksma-Boezaman's method. The rate of mites was found to be 23.1%. In conclusion, the rate of mites detected in this study was considered to be high considering the altitude and humidity of Malatya.

Altitude↗

PubMed2005

[Hydatid cyst prevalence in the region of Kars.].

It has been reported that hydatid cysts are more common in societies that breed animals. Although there have been epidemiologic studies in various regions of our country, there has been no previous study related to this issue in the province of Kars where stockbreeding is quite common. In this study in order to determine the seroprevalence in the city of Kars and villages of the province of Kars, 511 serums were obtained and the specimens were analyzed by the indirect hemagglutination technique (IHAT) and indirect immunofluorescent technique (IFAT). The seropositive rate of 34.6% (177) found in this study, leads to the conclusion that hydatid cysts may be an important health problem in the region, and it was concluded that it would be suitable to carry out more comprehensive studies in the region.

English Abstract↗

PubMed2005

[Analysis of anti-echinococcus antibodies in garbage men in Malatya.].

It has been reported that some occupation groups constitute a higher risk group with regard to hydatid cyst disease. Municipal garbage men also are under this risk especially in those places where untamed dogs are abundant. The aim of this study was to analyze the anti-Echinococcus antibodies in garbage men in Malatya who are regarded as high risk-group with regard to hydatid cysts. Two hundred and forty serum specimens were collected and were later analyzed with the manual indirect hemagglutination technique (IHAT) and indirect immunofluorescent technique (IFAT). Of these sera 17 (7.08%) were found to be seropositive. Garbage men who were found to be seropositive were examined for intestinal parasites using the cellophane type technique, native Lugol and sedimentation methods. It was found that the group members giving seropositive results were free of parasites such as Taenia saginata and Hymenolepis nana which may lead to cross reaction with Echinococcus granulosus. The garbage men were informed about the results of the examination and were oriented for further examinations. The seropositive rate of 7.08% found in this study is supports the view that the garbage men should be regarded as a risk group. In order to inform all garbage men about means of protection, training seminar were organized.

English Abstract↗

PubMed2005

[The first appearance in Malatya of Falciparum malaria originating in Uganda: Two cases.].

Malaria that is usually seen in tropical and subtropical areas and presents with acute paroxysmal febrile attacks is a parasitic infection caused by Plasmodium species. P. vivax malaria is usually seen in our country, but P. falciparum malaria is rare. Since P. falciparum malaria may cause fatal complications, urgent therapy is necessary. Two patients with a history of travel to Uganda where falciparum malaria is endemic were found to have the first falciparum malaria infection seen in Malatya.

English Abstract↗

PubMed2004

Dysentery caused by Balantidium coli in a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma from Turkey.

Balantidium coli is the only parasitic ciliate of man. It is a flattened oval organism covered with cilia, and a gullet at the anterior end. It is infrequently pathogenic for man, although epidemic buds in tropical zones have been described. The infection fundamentally affects the colon and causes variable clinic pictures, from asymptomatic to serious dysenteric forms. We present a case of parasitologically diagnosed as causes of diarrhea in a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma from Turkey. In order to find out the causative etiologic agent of diarrhea, stool samples were examined by native, lugol and flotation methods and we detected moving trophozoites, which were approximately 60 microm long and 35 microm wide. These bodies were diagnosed as Balantidium coli. This case underlines that Balantidium coli should also be considered as a possible pathogen in immunocompromised patients with diarrhea.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Effectiveness of peptone-yeast extract (P-Y) medium in the cultivation and isolation of Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar in Turkish patients.

Amebiasis is a common protozoan infection worldwide, causing serious health problems in both children and adults. Today, almost 10% of the world population is infected with Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar. The aims of this study were both the comparison of the reproduction rates and densities of E. histolytica/E. dispar in Robinson, Dobell-Laidlaw and P-Y culture media and isolation of E. histolytica/E. dispar from stool samples in Peptone-Yeast (P-Y) medium. Trophozoites and cysts of E. histolytica/E. dispar, maintained in Robinson medium, and stool samples of patients with amebiasis were inoculated into P-Y, Robinson and Dobell-Laidlaw culture media. Reproduction rates reached their peak levels 48 h after the inoculation in all culture media. Reproduction rates in P-Y and Robinson media were found similar; however, they were higher than the reproduction rate in Dobell-Laidlaw medium (p < 0.01); there was no statistically significant difference between the reproduction rates of P-Y and Robinson media (p > 0.05). Twelve isolates from 12 patients were cultivated in P-Y medium and checked for reproduction everyday for 7 days. Twelve of the 12 (100%) isolates were cultivated in P-Y medium, indicating that the P-Y was an effective medium for the isolation of E. histolytica/E. dispar in stool samples. According to these results, P-Y medium could be preferred in immunologic, serologic and molecular studies and, thus the definitive diagnosis of amebiasis due to its low cost and simple formula.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Dust-mites: effect on lipid peroxidation.

BACKGROUND: Dust-mites are present in our homes, feed on dead exfoliated skin and other organic material. It is also known that oxidative stress may lead to cellular damage that can be confirmed by markers of cellular disruption. Oxidative stress in various infective processes has been documented. We investigated whether house dust-mites cause oxidative stress in patients. METHODS: Products of lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes and lymphocytes were assessed by measuring malondialdehyde concentration. RESULTS: Our results showed that patients who had a positive skin test for dust-mite antigens and had dust-mites present in their houses (dust-mite positive) had increased erythrocyte malondialdehyde levels (62.39 [18.56] nmol/g-Hb) compared with those who were skin test positive, dust-mite negative (45.45 [10.82]) or skin test negative, dust-mite negative (42.20 [5.68]). They also had significantly higher levels of lymphocyte malondialdehyde (4.22 [0.55] nmol/g-protein) compared with those who were skin test positive, dust-mite negative (3.46 [0.29]) or skin test negative, dust-mite negative (1.25 [0.31]; p <0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the malondialdehyde levels of dust-mite negative/skin test positive and dust-mite negative/skin test negative patients. CONCLUSION: Increased malondialdehyde activity in lymphocytes and erythrocytes in the dust-mite positive/skin test positive group shows the presence of the oxidative stress in patients with dust-mite infestation.

Adolescent↗