HIV-1 genotyping and drug resistance tests are routinely performed in virology laboratories in some countries, aiding clinical management. In Istanbul, between January 2021 and March 2024, plasma samples from 1029 HIV-1-infected patients were analyzed using the NGS method, and mutation and drug resistance results were retrospectively evaluated alongside demographic data. Subtype B (54.4%) was most frequent in Turkish patients, while Subtype A1 (43.5%) was predominant among foreign nationals. The most common CRFs were CRF02_AG (3.8%) and CRF56_cpx (1.6%). According to the change in detection rates during the study period, Subtype B decreased, and Subtype A increased. The most frequent mutations detected were A62V (38.7%) and M184V (22.4%) for NRTIs; E138A (55.5%) and E138G (11.5%) for NNRTIs; M46I (33.3%) and M46L (25%) for PIs; and E92Q and G for INIs (total rate: 35.2%). Darunavir/ritonavir had the highest sensitivity rate, while resistance rates for NNRTIs and INIs increased over time. We anticipate that this study, in which we evaluate the routine use of an FDA-approved NGS kit alongside integrated bioinformatics data analysis and automated reporting software for the first time in Türkiye, will contribute to both national and international molecular epidemiological data and public health strategies by providing reliable results that align with international standarts.

Objective: Respiratory viruses are a global public health problem, and viruses cause up to 80% of respiratory infections. This study aimed to elucidate the viral respiratory tract factors and the frequency of coinfections in the newborn and pediatric age groups determined by the molecular respiratory tract panel (MRTP) kit. Materials & Method: The results of the respiratory tract panel test with the molecular multiplex method were applied to 1486 newborn and pediatric patients between 01.10.2020 and 30.04.2022 to determine the viral respiratory tract factors were analyzed retrospectively. The Multiplex RT – PCR test confirmed results were recorded from the hospital database under the supervision of a microbiologist, negative and positive controls were evaluated, and test was validated. Results: Clinical virology laboratory test results were scanned and at least one respiratory tract virus was detected in nasopharyngeal swabs of 499 (33.6%) patients. A total of 634 viruses were detected in 499 NS-positive samples. The most commonly detected viral pathogens were parainfluenza – 3 (36.9%, n=184), respiratory syncytial virus (22.8%, n=114), human rhinovirus (19.2%, n=96), SARS-CoV-2 (12.6%, n=63), and human bocavirus (10.8%, n=54) respectively. Conclusion: In this research, we tried to elaborate the accuracy of molecular multiplex method and the respiratory tract panel test to determine the respiratory factors in newborn and pediatric age group patients. The logic behind this lies beneath the fact that diagnosing with a kit that can detect both single and multiple factors causing coinfection can be performed simultaneously.

Objective: As known, COVID-19, stemming from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, exhibits distinct clinical patterns across various variants. This research endeavors to comprehensively analyze the variations in clinical presentations between these variants and the original strain, particularly in pediatric COVID-19 pneumonia cases. Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia who were admitted to Mersin City Research and Training Hospital between June 2020-2022, were included in the study. Clinical and laboratory data of the patients were evaluated according to their variant status. Results: 56% (n=62) of 110 pediatric patients were female, and their average age was 11±5.9 (median 13). 31%(n=34) of the patients were infected with the original strain, 20% (n=22) were alpha, 40% (n=44) were delta, and 9% (n=10) were omicron variant. 6% (n=7) of the patients were asymptomatic, 11% (n=12) were mildly symptomatic, 76% (n=83) were moderate (respiratory distress), and 7% (n=8) were severe clinical patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Fever and shortness of breath were most frequently seen in delta, and cough in alpha variant (p=0.0001;p=0.014;p=0.039,respectively). The most severe disease detected in omicron was alpha, delta and original virüs (p=0.001). No relationship detected between the laboratory values of the patients and the variant status (p>0.05). When patients were compared based on radiological severity, no significant differences were found between the variants (p=0.214). However, when cases were classified according to pneumonia severity, regardless of the variant status, higher levels of ferritin (p=0.0001) and CRP (p=0.037) were observed, while lymphocyte count (p=0.009) decreased with increasing pneumonia severity. It's noteworthy that no patient fatalities occurred. Conclusion: In our study, the most severe clinical picture was shown in the omicron variant, followed by the alpha variant. But, omicron cases were limited, and it is important to examine variants in a larger population.

Background. Sexual abuse in children can sometimes result in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can serve as crucial forensic evidence. Although PCR methods are now accepted as the gold standard for STI screening, they have not yet widely replaced traditional culture methods in Türkiye. This study aims to assess the necessity of implementing PCR-based STI testing at Child Advocacy Centers in Türkiye, where such testing is not routinely available. Methods. Conducted between February and November 2023, this study included children who presented to the Child Advocacy Center of Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital. High-risk victims were identified based on criteria including a history of penetrative sexual abuse and factors such as multiple perpetrators or significant age disparity. Serological tests and genital swabs were collected and analyzed using both bacterial culture methods and a comprehensive STI PCR panel. Results. The study included 20 victims, with a median age of 16 years. STI PCR testing detected pathogens in 19 out of 21 samples, including Chlamydia trachomatis (20%) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (5%). In contrast, culture methods identified no sexually transmitted pathogens. Conclusion. PCR testing demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity for detecting STIs compared to traditional bacterial culture methods, as expected. Implementing PCR-based STI testing in Child Advocacy Centers is an urgent and essential need for providing an accurate diagnosis and robust forensic evidence, enhancing the care and legal protection of sexually abused children.