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Biomedical subjects

Serkan Oncü

Publications and source records attributed to Serkan Oncü.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Comparative activities of beta-lactam antibiotics and quinolones for invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading pathogen causing pneumonia, meningitis, otitis media, bacteremia and sinusitis resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. We examined in vitro activities of five quinolones in comparison with other antibiotics against 85 invasive pneumococcal isolates. METHODS: Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of penicillin G, cefuroxime, azithromycin, clarithromycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT), ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin, trovafloxacin and gemifloxacin were determined using a broth microdilution method. RESULTS: The overall rates of resistance to penicillin (46%), cefuroxime (20%), azithromycin (20%), clarithromycin (18%) and SXT (46%) were considerable. Among all of the isolates, 9 isolates (11%) were highly resistant (MIC >/=2 mg/l) and 30 isolates (35%) had intermediate resistance (MIC 0.12- 1.0 mg/l). Of the quinolones gemifloxacin and trovafloxacin had the highest activity. The penicillin resistance status of the isolates did not have any effect on the resistance pattern of new quinolones. CONCLUSION: The new quinolones show great potential in the treatment of invasive infections caused by both penicillin-susceptible and penicillin-resistant pneumococci.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2003

Central venous catheter related infections: risk factors and the effect of glycopeptide antibiotics.

BACKGROUND: We undertook a prospective study of all new central venous catheters inserted into patients in the intensive care units, in order to identify the risk factors and to determine the effect of glycopeptide antibiotics on catheter - related infections. METHODS: During the study period 300 patients with central venous catheters were prospectively studied. The catheters used were nontunneled, noncuffed, triple lumen and made of polyurethane material. Catheters were cultured by semiquantitative method and blood cultures done when indicated. Data were obtained on patient age, gender, unit, primary diagnosis on admission, catheter insertion site, duration of catheterization, whether it was the first or a subsequent catheter and glycopeptide antibiotic usage. RESULTS: Ninety-one (30.3%) of the catheters were colonized and infection was found with 50 (16.7%) catheters. Infection was diagnosed with higher rate in catheters inserted via jugular vein in comparison with subclavian vein (95% CI: 1.32-4.81, p = 0.005). The incidence of infection was higher in catheters which were kept in place for more than seven days (95% CI 1.05-3.87, p = 0.03). The incidence of infection was lower in patients who were using glycopeptide antibiotic during catheterization (95% CI: 1.49-5.51, p = 0.005). The rate of infection with Gram positive cocci was significantly lower in glycopeptide antibiotic using patients (p = 0.01). The most commonly isolated organism was Staphylococcus aureus (n = 52, 37.1%). CONCLUSION: Duration of catheterization and catheter insertion site were independent risk factors for catheter related infection. Use of glycopeptide antibiotic during catheterization seems to have protective effect against catheter related infection.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2003

Anthrax--an overview.

Anthrax, a disease of mammals (including humans), is caused by a spore-forming Gram-positive bacilli called Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax is one of the oldest threats to humanity, and remains endemic in animals in many parts of the world. The incidence of anthrax has decreased in developed countries, but it remains a considerable health problem in developing countries. The disease is transmitted to humans by contact with sick animals or their products, such as wool, skin, meat etc. Capsular polypeptide and anthrax toxin are the principal virulence factors of B. anthracis. Anthrax toxin consists of three proteins called protective antigen, edema factor, and lethal factor, each of which is nontoxic but acts synergistically. Human anthrax has three major clinical forms: cutaneous, inhalational, and gastrointestinal. The diagnosis is easily established in cutaneous cases, characterized by black eschar. Severe intoxication and collapse during the course of bronchopneumonia or hemorrhagic enteritis should prompt suspicion of anthrax. Treatment with antibiotics is mandatory. If untreated, anthrax in all forms can lead to septicemia and death. Recently, considerable attention has been focused on the potential for B. anthracis to be used in acts of biological terrorism. The ease of laboratory production and its dissemination via aerosol led to its adoption by terrorists, as shown by recent events in the USA. A good knowledge of anthrax, its epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical forms and potential as a biological weapon is essential for timely prevention and treatment. This review summarizes the current knowledge on anthrax.

Animals↗