In this study, it was aimed to examine the distribution of intestinal parasites detected in people who applied to the parasitology laboratory of Fırat University Faculty of Medicine between January 2018 and December 2021. Parasitological examination reports of a total of 24,432 patients who applied to the Parasitology Laboratory of Fırat University Faculty of Medicine between January 2018 and December 2021 were examined retrospectively for the presence of intestinal parasites. A total of 24,432 (male: 12,887, 52.75%; female: 11,545, 47.25%) patients whose stool and cellophane tape samples were analyzed during the four-year period between January 2018 and December 2021 were included in the study. Intestinal parasites were found in 335 (1.4%) of the 24,432 patients examined. The most frequently detected parasite was Giardia intestinalis (n=149, 46.6%), followed by Entamoeba coli (n=123, 38.5%) and Enterobius vermicularis (n=28, 8.6%). When the distribution of parasite detection rates by years was examined, it was seen that the highest rate was in 2021 and the lowest rate was in 2019. Intestinal parasitic infections (IPE) are one of the most important public health problems in the world and in our country. Various factors such as the education level of the society, socio-economic status, infrastructure and climate affect the distribution of IPE. When we look at the distribution of parasites by years, it is 1.3% in 2018; 1.13% in 2019; 1.18% in 2020; In 2021, we found it to be 2.03%. We think that this increase in intestinal parasites is caused by the infrastructure and sheltering problems caused by the earthquake in our region.

Anisakis simplex is a fish-borne zoonotic parasite. Although this parasite has been known since the 19th century, publications on anisakiasis have increased in recent years. Despite this, this subject has yet to be well studied by bibliometric analysis. This study was conducted to show the research points and trends of A. simplex. The Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) was mined for articles on A. simplex. The VOSviewer software visually evaluated countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords in this field. A total of 1362 publications were included in this bibliometric analysis. The included publications were published between 1970 and 2022 from 79 countries, mainly from Spain (n=456, 33.48%). The most prolific year was 2020 (n=74). The research area that attracted the most publications was parasitology (n=452), while the most productive author in this area was Cuellar C (n=53). "Anisakis simplex", "Anisakis" and "anisakiasis" were the most used three keywords. The number of publications on anisakiasis has been increasing over time, suggesting that A. simplex is becoming an increasingly important disease worldwide. Research cooperation should be established between researchers from developed and developing countries to determine effective control strategies for anisakiasis.

This study examines the risk of malaria, leishmaniasis, and scabies following earthquakes in southeastern Türkiye. The focus is on the impact on the local population and Syrian immigrants. Recommendations for prevention include vector control measures such as indoor residual spraying and distribution of insecticidal nets. Surveillance and early detection through rapid diagnostic tests and active case finding are important. Public awareness campaigns and community engagement are crucial for promoting protective measures. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, providing essential supplies, and capacity building is essential. For leishmaniasis, early detection and treatment, vector control, health education, and community engagement are vital. Scabies outbreaks affect the socioeconomically depressed local population and Syrian immigrants. Early detection, treatment, contact tracing, health education, hygiene promotion, and improved living conditions are necessary. Implementing these interventions and strategies can effectively prevent, control, and manage these diseases. Tailoring approaches to the specific context and needs of affected communities is crucial. By addressing these challenges, we can protect the health and well-being of the affected population.

Each year, approximately 125 million people visit malaria-endemic countries. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of imported Plasmodium falciparum malaria infections in Türkiye. The study included patients diagnosed with P. falciparum malaria between 1996 and 2022. A retrospective evaluation was conducted on whole blood samples and/or blood smears, as well as detailed medical histories, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings. A total of 131 imported cases of P. falciparum were included in the study. Among the patients, 121 were male. Of these, 101 had traveled to Africa, while 30 had visited Asia. Among the patients, 109 were returned travelers, and 22 were refugees/migrants. Early trophozoites were observed in all patients, while gametocytes were detected in 30 patients. Cerebral malaria developed in 15 patients, resulting in the death of two individuals. Additionally, 10 patients received preventive chemoprophylaxis. Turkey is situated on migration routes that connect two continents to Europe, where more than 95% of the global malaria burden exists. The importation of malaria through returned travelers poses a risk of malaria reintroduction in our country, given the presence of suitable vectors, climate conditions, and environmental factors. Importantly, 30 patients (22.9%) exhibited gametocyte forms of P. falciparum, which have the potential to infect Anopheles species, thus establishing a basis for local malaria transmission.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is the most common tick-borne viral hemorrhagic fever in our country and the world. While investigating the etiology of fever, tick contact should be questioned, especially in rural areas, and CCHF should be remembered. This study aimed to review the characteristics of the cases detected in Bayburt, one of the cities where CCHF is endemic. A total of 100 patients aged 16 years and older who were diagnosed with CCHF in our clinic between April 2020 and October 2022 were included in the study. Demographic, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics, treatments, and prognoses of the patients were reviewed retrospectively through the hospital automation system and CCHF information system of The Ministry of Health. Sixty one (61%) of the patients included in the study were male, and their primary age (± standard deviation) was 50.4±15.7. 77% of the patients engaged in farming and or animal husbandry, and 71% were living in rural areas. The highest number of cases was in June and July. 63% of the patients had a history of a tick bite. At the first presentation, there were complaints of fatigue (95%), generalized body pain (84%), headache (67%), and fever (65%), in order of frequency. Ribavirin was started in 52 (52%) patients. One patient admitted in the late period died, and 99 patients were discharged with good recovery. CCHF is an important public health problem that has been causing seasonal epidemics in our country for nearly two decades. Although sporadic cases have been reported from almost every region, the disease is endemic in some areas. Since signs and symptoms are not specific, the disease can be easily missed when tick contact is not questioned. Therefore CCHF should be considered in patients presenting with fever and thrombocytopenia in rural areas, especially in the spring and summer months.

This study was carried out to detect house dust mites in houses and to investigate group 1 antigens of Dermatophagoid species in Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon and Rize provinces of the Central and Eastern Black Sea Region. Dust samples obtained from the beds were subjected to both microscopic and antigenic examination. Samples prepared by the lactic acid method for microscopic examination were evaluated under a light microscope. Antigenic analysis was performed by investigating Der p 1 and Der f 1 belonging to D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae by ELISA test. 90.3% of the dust samples were evaluated positive by microscopic examination (10x, 40x) and 149 mites were detected. D. pteronyssinus 74%, D. farinae 13%, Dermatophagoides spp. growth forms 5%, Cheyletus spp. 1%, E. maynei 1%, C. arcuatus 1%, T. putrescentiae 1%, L. destructor 1% and unidentified mites were detected at the rate of 3% respectively. Der p 1 antigen was detected in 93% and Der f 1 antigen in 84.7%. The highest amount of antigen detected in one gram of powder was 1,272 μg for Der p 1 and 0,482 μg for Der f 1. No difference was observed between mite species and distribution in the provinces where the study was conducted (p<0.05). Dermatophagoides were found in 93% of the population. The low (4%) rate of storage/food mites is related to the fact that samples were not taken from the floors. Antigen accumulation may be important in the beds since the activity of the mites is observed throughout the year in temperate and humid regions. It is thought that this diagnosis method can be used and can be taken into account in terms of the environments in which sensitive people live.

Blastocystis is an anaerobic protozoan with global importance because of infecting a variety of hosts and having high prevalence in many countries. Blastocystis isolates display remarkable genetic differences, and many subtypes (STs) have currently been defined based on polymorphism in SSU rRNA coding gene. Each 25 subtype may have different characteristics such as pathogenicity, host specificity, and structural variations. Most current research on Blastocystis has focused on these differences and molecular epidemiology. This review aimed to provide a summary of Blastocystis subtype distribution in Türkiye. Regarding human samples, 16 manuscripts were found in the literature, which presented 783 Blastocystis isolates from 9 cities in Türkiye. The most common subtype was ST3 (47.9%), the others were ST1 30 (17.5%), ST2 (14.7%), ST4 (4%), and ST5-ST7 (15.9%). There were few studies on animal hosts and environmental samples. The faecal samples from rats, farm, and pet animals were examined for Blastocystis subtypes and ST1, ST3, ST4-ST7, ST10, and ST12-ST14 were reported. In addition, two studies reported Blastocystis ST1 and ST3 subtypes in environmental water samples. In conclusion, the review of available literature showed that a systematic understanding of the subtype distribution of 35 Blastocystis in Türkiye is still lacking. Most of the studies were performed in a limited number of cities, animal hosts, and environmental samples, therefore, more studies from different provinces are needed in forthcoming research. The majority studies were performed in a limited number of provinces, animal species and very few environmental samples, so in the future; there is a need of novel studies that evaluate more samples from different provinces.

Head lice infestation (HLI), caused by Pediculus humanus capitis, is an important public health problem worldwide, especially in primary school children. The aim of this study is to investigate HLI level, related factors, and families' knowledge levels and attitudes about HLI in two primary schools in a relatively low socio-economic region in İstanbul. A questionnaire on HLI was developed initially and delivered to all children and parents in the school. A total of 340 primary school students, aged between 6-12, were enrolled in the study after the consent of their parents. Their hair were examined for HLI with special combs at their schools, and free anti-lice shampoos were given to parents of positive children. A total of 951 completed questionnaires were received and evaluated with chi-square test using the SPSS® 17.0 program, and the differences of p<0.05 were considered significant. Number of boys in the study was slightly higher than the girls (176 vs. 164). HLI was detected in 32 (9.4%) of 340 children; seven had live adult lice on their hair while 25 had only the nits. HLI was obviously more common in girls (16.4%), compared to boys (2.8%). Analysis of 951 questionnaires revealed a statistically significant difference between HLI and infrequent bathing (p<0.05). The differences between HLI and the education levels of parents, income, the number of siblings and in contact with animals were not found to be significant (p>0.05). HLI is still a common health problem, especially in girls in primary schools. Parents are aware of the relationship between the hygiene and prevention against HLI, but low socio-economic resources seem to be important determinants. Regular combing and training activities in primary schools, in coordination with the local authorities and parents are no doubt useful in reducing the incidence of HLI among the children.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is an obligate intracellular protozoan and its definitive host is the Felidae family. Toxoplasmosis can be transmitted to humans in many ways. The purpose of the study was to investigate the anti-Toxoplasma IgM and anti-Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity with the ELISA method in people who have cats at home and do not have cats at home, and to reveal the possible relationship between toxoplasmosis and people who keep/contact cats for a long time for any reason at home. Between March 2021 and June 2021, blood samples were taken from 91 people who had a cat in their home for at least a year and 91 people who had never had a cat or had no contact with a cat, in Sivas province. Anti-Toxoplasma IgM and anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies were investigated in serum samples by the ELISA method. Age, gender, and other socio-demographic criteria were not considered. Because of the study, all samples were found to be negative for anti-Toxoplasma IgM. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity was detected in 20 (22.0%) of those who had cats at home and 40 (44.0%) of those without cats at home. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of anti-Toxoplasma IgM seropositivity. However, anti-Toxoplasma IgG seropositivity was found to be statistically significant (p=0.002) (p<0.01). Because of the study, anti-Toxoplasma IgG positivity was found to be higher in those who did not feed/contact cats at home and it was statistically significant. It brings to mind that the reason for the high rate of seropositivity in those without cats at home, may not be only the oocysts excreted from cats, but also the transmission by other non-cat transmission routes may still be important.

Rodents act as reservoir hosts and are an important potential source for many zoonotic pathogens such as parasites, which pose a public health risk to humans. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the prevalence of parasites among rodents. A total of 118 Rattus rattus were captured in Mazandaran province, north of Iran, using snap live traps. Various samples were collected from feces and each rat was combed with a fine-tooth comb to extricate any ectoparasite. Fecal specimens were examined by direct wet mounting, formalin-ether concentration, modified acid-fast, and trichrome staining methods. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in the examined rats was 75.4%. Cryptosporidium spp. (30.5%) were the most prevalent protozoan, followed by Giardia spp. (20.3%), Entamoeba muris (13.5%), Trichomonas muris (10.1%), and Spironucleus muris (3.3%). Regarding helminths' eggs, Syphacia obvelata (24.5%), Hymenolepis diminuta (10.1%), and Trichuris muris (9.3%) had the highest prevalence, respectively. Furthermore, 3060 ectoparasites collected from 102 rodents were infested with lice (40% Polyplax spp.), mites (33.3%), and flea (16.1% Xenopsylla cheopis and 10.6% Xenopsylla astia). According to the results of this study, the prevalence of ecto and gastrointestinal parasites in the collected rats in the area being studied was remarkably high. Additionally, Rattus rattus can be considered a potential risk to human health.