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Article Toxoplasma gondii Coinfection in HIV-Positive Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital(Bentham Science Publ Ltd, 2025) Kurkcu, Muhammed Furkan; Bakir, Ayfer; Kaba, Semiha Berra Topsakal; Kusabbi, Ilknur Alkan; Usluca, SelmaIntroduction: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) can cause serious complications in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals. This study aims to assess the seroprevalence of T. gondii among HIV-positive individuals and to investigate its association with age, sex, CD4+ T cell count, HIV RNA levels, and hematological parameters. Methods: This study included 247 HIV-positive individuals followed up at a tertiary care hospital between November 1, 2022, and November 30, 2024. We analyzed serum samples for T. gondii IgG antibodies using electrochemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Results: The prevalence of T. gondii IgG seropositivity was found to be 32.8% (n=81; 95% CI: 26.9-39). The median age of seropositive individuals was 52 years (IQR: 42-61), which was significantly higher compared to seronegative individuals (p<0.001). The highest IgG seropositivity rate (66.7%) was observed in the 61-80 age group. Hemoglobin levels were significantly lower in IgG seropositive individuals (p=0.040). Logistic regression analysis indicated an increased risk of T. gondii infection with advancing age. The odds ratio for the 41-60 age group was 13.3 (95% CI: 1.6-106, p=0.02), while for the 61-80 age group, it was 28 (95% CI: 3.3-240, p=0.002). Discussion: The seroprevalence of T. gondii in HIV-positive individuals was lower than both global and regional averages. Age was identified as an independent risk factor for T. gondii seropositivity. Additionally, hematological alterations associated with anemia were observed in seropositive individuals. Further large-scale, multi-center, and regionally representative studies are required to optimize T. gondii infection management and screening strategies in people living with HIV. Conclusion: These findings suggest that T. gondii infection in HIV-positive individuals increases with age and may be associated with anemia, highlighting the need for age-focused screening and management strategies.Article Investigation of Tetanus Seropositivity Levels in Adult Patients with Rabies Risk Exposure Admitted To a Hospital in Ankara(J Infection Developing Countries, 2025) Gurkaynak, Pinar; Demircan, Serife A.; Tulek, Necla; Kinikli, Sami; Erdinc, Fatma S.; Tuncer, GunayIntroduction: This study aimed to assess tetanus seropositivity levels among adult patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital following rabies risk exposure, and to explore potential factors influencing their immunological status. Methodology: This cross-sectional descriptive epidemiological study included 182 adult individuals (68 females and 114 males) who presented to the hospital following rabies risk exposure. The demographic data was collected during a face-to-face interview, and the tetanus antibody concentrations were assessed using a micro-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Serum antibody levels of >= 0.1 IU/mL were defined as "seropositive", while values below this threshold were considered "seronegative". Results: Seropositivity was identified in 81.9% of the patients. There was a significant decline in antibody levels with age (p < 0.001). The Spearman correlation analysis showed a moderately significant negative correlation between age and antibody titers (r = - 0.404, p < 0.001). In addition, there were significantly higher tetanus antibody levels in patients from urban areas, those vaccinated during pregnancy, and those vaccinated within the past 10 years (p = 0.025, 0.036, and 0.013, respectively). Conclusions: Overall, the results highlight a reduction in tetanus antibody levels with age, emphasizing the importance of receiving a booster dose every 10 years. In addition, rabies risk exposure, particularly in older adults, presents a valuable opportunity to administer tetanus vaccination.Article Investigation of Hepatitis E Virus Seroprevalence and Risk Factors in Hemodialysis Patients(Frontiers Media Sa, 2025) Ozturk, Hakki; Ozsoy, Metin; Tuna, Aysegul; Varlibas, Artuner; Cesur, Salih; Aksoy, Altan; Demir, Mehmet EminBackground: Hemodialysis patients are at increased risk for hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection due to their immunocompromised status and frequent exposure to invasive medical procedures. HEV can lead to chronic infections and severe complications, particularly in high-risk populations. This study aimed to determine HEV-IgG seroprevalence among hemodialysis patients in Ankara, Turkey, and evaluate associated risk factors. Methods: A total of 160 hemodialysis patients from three private dialysis centers in Ankara were included in this prospective, cross-sectional study. Anti-HEV-IgG antibodies were detected using the ELISA method. Demographic characteristics and potential risk factors, including dialysis duration, comorbidities, blood transfusion history, drinking water source, dietary habits, and involvement in animal husbandry, were assessed via structured surveys. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 22.0, with Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests applied to categorical variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for HEV seropositivity. Results: HEV-IgG seropositivity was detected in 42 patients (26.25%). Seroprevalence increased significantly with age, rising from 6.7% in patients under 55 years to 47.4% in those over 65 years (p < 0.001). Extended dialysis duration (>5 years) was also significantly associated with HEV seropositivity (p = 0.02). However, no significant associations were found between HEV seropositivity and gender, blood transfusion history, source of drinking water, consumption of raw meat, or involvement in animal husbandry (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The HEV-IgG seroprevalence among hemodialysis patients in Ankara was higher than previously reported rates in Turkey. Age and prolonged dialysis duration emerged as significant risk factors, underscoring the importance of screening and preventive strategies in this vulnerable population. Further multi-regional studies are needed to better understand HEV transmission dynamics and improve management strategies in hemodialysis patients.Article Prevalence of Toxoplasma Gondii in Patients with Schizophrenia and Its Association with Clinical Symptoms(Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd, 2025) Kurkcu, Muhammed Furkan; Korkut, Gizem; Varli, Mehmet Ridvan; Yilmaz, Gulsum; Usluca, Selma; Bakir, AyferBackground: Schizophrenia is a multifactorial neuropsychiatric disorder influenced by both genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Recent evidence suggests a possible link between latent Toxoplasma gondii infection and schizophrenia, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Objective: To compare the seroprevalence of T. gondii in patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals, and to evaluate the relationship between seropositivity and clinical parameters. Methods: A total of 265 participants (155 schizophrenia patients and 110 healthy controls) were enrolled. IgG and IgM antibodies were detected using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA), avidity was assessed using ELISA, and DNA presence was tested with real-time PCR. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Statistical analysis included logistic regression and non-parametric tests (p < 0.05). Results: T. gondii IgG seropositivity was significantly higher in schizophrenia patients (29 %) than in controls (18.2 %) (p = 0.044, OR = 1.84; 95 % CI: 1.01-3.34). IgM positivity and DNA detection did not differ significantly. All seropositive participants showed high IgG avidity, indicating latent infection. BPRS scores and illness duration were higher in IgG-positive individuals, but the differences were not significant. Conclusion: Latent T. gondii infection may be associated with schizophrenia. However, further multicenter studies integrating molecular and serological approaches are needed to clarify its role in disease pathogenesis.
