Article
Infectious Diseases
Maria Ortuno, Clara Munoz, Tatiana Spitzova, Petra Sumova, Maria Asuncion Iborra, Pedro Perez-Cutillas, Nazli Ayhan, Remi N. Charrel, Petr Volf, Eduardo Berriatua
Summary: In a study conducted in Murcia Region, southeast Spain, the prevalence of antibodies against Phlebotomus perniciosus sandfly salivary gland homogenate (SGH) and recombinant protein rSP03B was found to be 69% and 88%, respectively. The prevalence of Toscana virus (TOSV), Sandfly Fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), and Leishmania infections were 26%, 0%, and 1%, respectively. The study also questioned the diagnostic value of rSP03B as a marker for these infections in humans.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Virology
Khalil Dachraoui, Ifhem Chelbi, Imen Labidi, Raja Ben Osman, Aida Sayadi, Mourad Ben Said, Saifedine Cherni, Mohammed Abdo Saghir Abbas, Remi Charrel, Elyes Zhioua
Summary: This study investigated the role of dogs as reservoir hosts for Toscana virus (TOSV) and Leishmania infantum infections. Dogs exposed to sandfly bites were examined for TOSV and L. infantum infections, and the sandflies were screened for the presence of these pathogens. The results showed that dogs with zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) can serve as reservoirs for both TOSV and L. infantum, and can transmit TOSV to sandfly vectors in natural settings.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ilka Grewe, Thomas Theo Brehm, Benno Kreuels, Oliver M. Steinmetz, Bernhard Dumoulin, Anne Marie Asemissen, Dennis Tappe, Michael Ramharter, Stefan Schmiedel
Summary: We report a case of Leishmania infantum reactivation in an immunocompetent patient who developed visceral leishmaniasis with secondary IgA nephropathy nine years after an initial episode of mucosal leishmaniasis, which had been treated with liposomal amphotericin B.
JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Graziele Quintela-Carvalho, Astrid Madeleine Calero Goicochea, Vanessa Mancur-Santos, Sayonara de Melo Viana, Yasmin da Silva Luz, Beatriz Rocha Simoes Dias, Milena Lazaro-Souza, Martha Suarez, Camila Indiani de Oliveira, Elvira M. Saraiva, Claudia Brodskyn, Patricia T. Veras, Juliana P. B. de Menezes, Bruno B. Andrade, Jonilson Berlink Lima, Albert Descoteaux, Valeria M. Borges
Summary: Lipophosphoglycan (LPG) may play a critical role in promoting Leishmania survival in human neutrophils through cellular activation and generation of free radicals, thereby influencing the process of infection.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Lucas Sousa Magalhaes, Lays Gisele Santos Bomfim, Camilla Natalia Oliveira Santos, Priscila Lima dos Santos, Diego Moura Tanajura, Michael Wheeler Lipscomb, Amelia Ribeiro de Jesus, Roque Pacheco de Almeida, Tatiana Rodrigues de Moura
Summary: The study found that antimony-resistant L. infantum isolates can persist during the early stages of infection, and the activation of macrophages or blocking of thiol production can enhance parasite clearance, which is associated with an increase in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alicia Mas, Abel Martinez-Rodrigo, Javier Carrion, Jose Antonio Orden, Juan F. Alzate, Gustavo Dominguez-Bernal, Pilar Horcajo
Summary: This study investigates the molecular mechanisms involved in the interaction of different isolates of L. infantum with canine macrophages and finds differences between outbreak isolates and a reference strain, which may explain the reduced infection ability of the outbreak isolates in canine cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sylvia Xiao Wei Gwee, Ashley L. St John, Gregory C. Gray, Junxiong Pang
Summary: Dengue virus positivity has been detected in various animals, primarily in bats, non-human primates, and pigs. Serological testing suggests possible enzootic transmission, while regular dengue virus spillback cannot be ruled out. Acute infections among animals are limited, indicating the need for further investigation into the potential role of animals in dengue transmission.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Pelle Trier Petersen, Jacob Bodilsen, Micha Phill Gronholm Jepsen, Lykke Larsen, Merete Storgaard, Birgitte Ronde Hansen, Jannik Helweg-Larsen, Lothar Wiese, Hans Rudolf Luttichau, Christian Ostergaard Andersen, Henrik Nielsen, Christian Thomas Brandt
Summary: In a nationwide study of 1066 Danish adults with viral meningitis, incomplete recovery persists in one in five patients 30 days after discharge. Female patients in particular have an increased risk of an unfavourable outcome, whereas the type of virus is not associated with the prognosis.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ana Isabel Olias-Molero, Pedro Botias, Montserrat Cuquerella, Jesus Garcia-Cantalejo, Emilia Barcia, Susana Torrado, Juan Jose Torrado, Jose Maria Alunda
Summary: This study investigated the impact of clindamycin on the intestinal microbiome and the availability and distribution of miltefosine in target organs. It was found that clindamycin significantly altered the relative abundance of the intestinal microbiome, but had no clear effect on the availability of miltefosine.
Article
Parasitology
Suha Kenan Arserim, Huseyin Cetin, Mehmet Karakus, Samiye Demir, Onder Ser, Seray Toz, I. Cuneyt Balcioglu, M. Kirami Olgen, Bahtiyar Yilmaz, Yusuf Ozbel
Summary: This study conducted an entomological survey in Antalya Province, Turkey, identifying a diverse sand fly fauna with potential vector species including Phlebotomus neglectus/syriacus and P. tobbi, indicating a high risk of cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission. Detection of Leishmania infantum DNA in certain sand fly pools suggests a need for further investigation into Leishmania parasite transmission cycles in this endemic area.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Virology
Mattia Calzolari, Giuseppe Romeo, Emanuele Callegari, Paolo Bonilauri, Chiara Chiapponi, Elena Carra, Gianluca Rugna, Roberta Taddei, Davide Lelli, Michele Dottori
Summary: Sand flies collected from a single site between 2017 and 2020 were screened for phleboviruses and Leishmania, revealing the coexistence of both microorganisms in some pools. The study provides evidence supporting the co-circulation of Fermo virus and L. infantum in the same location and the partial overlap of their cycles, emphasizing the importance of understanding the epidemiology of these microorganisms to implement effective transmission prevention measures.
Article
Entomology
Maria S. Latrofa, Jairo A. Mendoza-Roldan, Ranju R. S. Manoj, Marco Pombi, Filipe Dantas-Torres, Domenico Otranto
Summary: Leishmanioses are vector-borne diseases transmitted by sand flies, and a new duplex quantitative real-time PCR was developed to detect and differentiate two Leishmania species. The study found the presence of Leishmania in sand flies and reptiles, highlighting the potential of the new PCR method in diagnosing Leishmaniasis.
ENTOMOLOGIA GENERALIS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Felipe Gaitan-Albarracin, Monica Losada-Barragan, Nathalia Pinho, Renata Azevedo, Jonathan Duraes, Juan Sebastian Arcila-Barrera, Rodrigo C. Menezes, Fernanda N. Morgado, Vinicius de Frias Carvalho, Adriana Umana-Perez, Patricia Cuervo
Summary: Malnutrition may result in structural and immunological changes in the gut mucosae, leading to impaired immune response to Leishmania infantum infection. Pre-infection malnutrition exacerbates intestinal pathological alterations post-infection, promoting parasite proliferation in lymphoid tissues.
Article
Microbiology
Romasa Ahmed, Neda Nasheri
Summary: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a single-stranded RNA virus responsible for acute hepatitis in humans. Different genotypes of HEV have different host ranges, with some infecting only humans and primates while others infect humans and other mammals. HEV spreads mainly through the fecal-oral route, but certain genotypes can also be transmitted from animals to humans through feces, direct contact, and ingestion of contaminated meat products. Understanding the potential animal reservoirs for this virus is crucial for effective risk management and mitigation.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Derya Alabaz, Fadime Eroglu, Huseyin Elci, Ummuhan Cay
Summary: This study evaluated the relationship between the clinical and molecular characterization of Leishmania isolates in children with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Turkey. The study found that L. tropica strain can cause VL without cutaneous findings, contrary to conventional knowledge. The study suggests further investigation into the spread of L. infantum in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases and the presence of accompanying cutaneous lesions in VL cases in the study area.
MEDITERRANEAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
R. Tufan Erdogan, Mohammed Alkhaled, Batuhan E. Kaynak, Hashim Alhmoud, Hadi Sedaghat Pisheh, Mehmet Kelleci, Ilbey Karakurt, Cenk Yanik, Zehra Betul Sen, Burak Sari, Ahmet M. Yagci, Aykut Ozkul, M. Selim Hanay
Summary: Mass spectrometry of intact nanoparticles and viruses using nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) can provide efficient characterization for material science and biophysics. By integrating an ion lens onto the NEMS chip, the limitations of NEMS, such as low capture efficiency, can be overcome. This technology allows for mass detection of engineered nanoparticles and biological samples under ambient conditions, with significant improvement in analytical throughput.
Article
Virology
Aliye Bastug, Hurrem Bodur, Omer Aydos, Nazlican Filazi, Ergun Oksuz, Aykut Ozkul
Summary: This study investigated the long-term dynamics of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in individuals with primary SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results showed that about 83.3% of patients still had NAb response approximately 10 months after infection, but the NAb titers decreased significantly over time. Patients with mild infections were more likely to have NAbs for a longer time compared to those with moderate/severe infections.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ender Dincer, Mehmet Oezkan Timurkan, Bekir Oguz, Ismail Sahindokuyucu, Adem Sahan, Mustafa Ekinci, Ceylan Polat, Koray Erguenay
Summary: This study screened ticks in Anatolia for tick-borne viruses and identified the presence of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) Europe 2, Jingmen tick virus (JMTV), and Tacheng tick virus 2 (TcTV-2). These viruses showed ongoing activity and a wider distribution in Anatolia and should be screened as potential etiological agents in human infections associated with tick bites.
VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anna Papa, Marco Marklewitz, Sofia Paraskevopoulou, Aura R. Garrison, Sergey Alkhovsky, Tatjana Avsic-Zupanc, Dennis A. Bente, Eric Bergeron, Felicity Burt, Nicholas Di Paola, Koray Ergunay, Roger Hewson, Ali Mirazimi, Amadou Alpha Sall, Jessica R. Spengler, Thomas S. Postler, Gustavo Palacios, Jens H. Kuhn
Summary: Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), the most medically significant member of the bunyaviral family Nairoviridae, has traditionally been grouped into six genotypes. However, the recent decision by the Nairoviridae Study Group of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) re-classified genogroup VI as a distinct virus, Aigai virus (AIGV).
JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Recep E. Ahan, Alireza Hanifehnezhad, Ebru S. Kehribar, Tuba C. Oguzoglu, Katalin Foldes, Cemile E. Ozcelik, Nazlican Filazi, Sidika Oztop, Fahreddin Palaz, Sevgen Onder, Eray U. Bozkurt, Koray Ergunay, Aykut Ozkul, Urartu Ozgur Safak Seker
Summary: The global COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact, with over 180 million people infected and over five million deaths as of January 2022. SARS-CoV-2 has been identified as the primary cause of the infection, and while the number of vaccinated individuals is increasing, there is a high demand for prophylactic drugs to ensure safe social contact. Drug molecules, including griffithsin (GRFT), have shown effectiveness in preventing hospitalization or ICU admissions. GRFT has been demonstrated to block the entry of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, Delta and Omicron, into cells, suggesting its potential in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Tugce Unalan-Altintop, Cavansir Vahabov, Koray Ergunay, Ozgur Kurt, Taylan Kav, Yakut Akyon, Sibel Erguven
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ulcerative colitis (UC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with Blastocystis sp. and Dientamoeba fragilis. The results showed that D. fragilis was related to older age, but no significant difference was found between patient groups. Additionally, Blastocystis sp. Subtype 3 was detected in some patients. More research is needed to unveil the pathogenicity of both protists.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Firat Dogan, Bilal Dik, Seval Bilge-Dagalp, Touraj Aligholipour Farzani, Veysel Soydal Ataseven, Gulizar Acar, Ilker Sahinkesen, Aykut Ozkul
Summary: This study investigated the presence of SBV infection in ruminant establishments in Turkey's Eastern Mediterranean region. The results showed a seroprevalence of 29.11% and a virological prevalence of 3.17%. However, no SBV nucleic acid was detected in the Culicoides vectors.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gokce Ozkul, Ebru Sahin Kehribar, Recep Erdem Ahan, Ilkay Cisil Koksaldi, Aykut Ozkul, Bedia Dinc, Sibel Aydogan, Urartu Ozgur Safak Seker
Summary: A genetically engineered biomaterial derived from the biofilm protein of Escherichia coli has been developed to capture and isolate the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), showing enhanced sensitivity in current diagnostic assays.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas, Gorkem Kismali, Begum Saral, Baris Sareyyupoglu, Arif Dogan Habiloglu, Hakan Ozturk, Bulent Bas, Tarkan Ozvardar, Merve Alpay, Nevin Ince, Hale Canbay, Fatih Emen, Durmus Atilgan, Sevim Isparta, Elcin Ozgur, Idris Sahin, Goncalo Da Graca Pereira, Aykut Ozkul
Summary: Medical detection dogs have potential for screening asymptomatic patients in crowded areas at risk of epidemics. However, concerns regarding zoonotic transmission arise due to direct contact with infected individuals. This study aimed to identify suitable decontamination methods for working with SARS-CoV-2 detection dogs and assess their adaptability to different procedures after training.
JOURNAL OF VETERINARY BEHAVIOR-CLINICAL APPLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Joseph Kamau, Koray Ergunay, Paul W. Webala, Silvia A. Justi, Brian P. Bourke, Maureen W. Kamau, James Hassell, Mary N. Chege, David K. Mwaura, Cynthia Simiyu, Sospeter Kibiwot, Samson Onyuok, Laura Caicedo-Quiroga, Tao Li, Dawn M. Zimmerman, Yvonne-Marie Linton
Summary: Through metagenome sequencing of bat samples from Kenya, various viruses were detected, with retroviruses being the most prevalent. Bat coronaviruses, astroviruses, and other viruses were also identified. The study highlights the importance of continued monitoring of bats in Kenya to detect potentially zoonotic viruses.
Article
Immunology
Erkan Ozcengiz, Duygu Keser, Gulay Ozcengiz, Gozde Celik, Aykut Ozkul, Fatma Nur Inceh
Summary: In this study, a new COVID-19 vaccine was developed using critical antigenic fragments of SARS-CoV-2 and the whole nucleocapsid protein, formulated with alum or alum plus MPLA adjuvant combinations. The vaccine candidates elicited strong immune responses, including neutralizing antibodies and cell-mediated immunity.
IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sibel Kalyoncu, Semiramis Yilmaz, Ayca Zeybek Kuyucu, Dogu Sayili, Olcay Mert, Hakan Soyturk, Seyda Gullu, Huseyin Akinturk, Erhan Citak, Merve Arslan, Melda Guray Taskinarda, Ibrahim Oguzhan Tarman, Gizem Yilmazer Altun, Ceren Ozer, Ridvan Orkut, Aysegul Demirtas, Idil Tilmensagir, Umur Keles, Ceren Ulker, Gizem Aralan, Yavuz Mercan, Muge Ozkan, Hasan Onur Caglar, Gizem Arik, Mehmet Can Ucar, Muzaffer Yildirim, Tugce Canavar Yildirim, Dilara Karadag, Erhan Bal, Aybike Erdogan, Serif Senturk, Serdar Uzar, Hakan Enul, Cumhur Adiay, Fahriye Sarac, Arzu Tas Ekiz, Irem Abaci, Ozge Aksoy, Hivda Ulbegi Polat, Saban Tekin, Stefan Dimitrov, Aykut Ozkul, Gerhard Wingender, Ihsan Gursel, Mehmet Ozturk, Mehmet Inan
Summary: Recombinant protein-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are developed to address the vaccine equity gap, especially for low-/middle-income countries. The vaccine utilizes the receptor binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Plus strain (RBD-DP) and has shown high immunogenicity with both antibody and T-cell responses. It also demonstrates strong neutralizing activity against different strains of the virus and provides effective protection in mouse models.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Rabia Can Sarinoglu, Dilek Colak, Osman Alphan Kupesiz, Mert Ahmet Kuskucu, Koray Yalcin, Imran Saglik, Derya Mutlu, Kenan Midilli, Bilal Olcay Peker, Betil Ozhak, Aykut Ozkul, Kataline Foldes
Summary: This study investigated the mutations in the UL97 gene of CMV in patients who developed CMV infection following HCT or SOT. The results showed that clinical resistance associated with CMV UL97 mutation was detected in HCT patients, while no UL97 mutation was detected in SOT patients.
MIKROBIYOLOJI BULTENI
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aliye Bastug, Hurrem Bodur, Urartu Ozgur Safak Seker, Nazlican Filazi, Omer Aydos, Ebru Sahin Kehribar, Ali Reza Hanifehnezhad, Sumeyye Kazancioglu, Recep Erdem Ahan, Volkan Aslan, Banu Cakir, Ahmet Sertcelik, Aykut Ozkul
Summary: Factors affecting the presence and titers of neutralizing antibodies in COVID-19 recovered patients were studied. Higher titers of neutralizing antibodies were found in severe patients. The presence of antibody response is not the only determinative factor for recovery.
TURKISH JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY-TURK BIYOKIMYA DERGISI
(2022)
