Objective: Brucellosis is one of the most prevalent zoonoses worldwide and is endemic in Türkiye. It is a multisystemic infection that can affect various organ systems. Epididymo-orchitis is the most common form of genitourinary involvement. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence, clinical characteristics, laboratory values, and treatment outcomes of brucellar epididymo-orchitis (BEO) in the East Anatolian region, where brucellosis is hyperendemic. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted between January 1, 2018, and April 30, 2019. All male patients diagnosed with brucellosis at the infectious disease clinic were evaluated for epididymo-orchitis according to clinical findings (testicular pain, swelling, erythema). In addition, to identify BEO patients, all epididymo-orchitis cases admitted to the urology outpatient clinic according to the study protocol were referred to the infectious diseases clinic for Brucella infection. Patients were enrolled prospectively, and data were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Brucella infection was diagnosed in 326 patients during the study period, of whom 208 (63.8%) were male. Brucellar epididymo-orchitis was diagnosed in 18 patients at the end of sixteen months. The incidence of epididymo-orchitis in patients with Brucella infection was 8.7%. The mean age of the patients was 36.9±11.5 years. The majority of patients had occupational animal contact (83.3%) and consumption of fresh cheese made from raw milk (55.5%). Acute brucellosis was diagnosed in 17 (94.4%) patients; all patients presented with scrotal pain and swelling. Unilateral epididymo-orchitis was observed in 16 (88.8%) patients. Most patients (88.3%) applied to outpatient clinics other than infectious diseases, especially the urology clinic (77.7%). Double or triple combined treatments with aminoglycoside/doxycycline/rifampicin were given to the patients. Hydrocelectomy was performed in three patients, orchiectomy in one patient, and relapse was seen in one patient. Conclusion: Brucella infection should be considered in patients presenting with epididymo-orchitis in endemic regions. Awareness of brucellosis by urologists will ensure that the disease is diagnosed without complications. Keywords: Brucellosis, epididymo-orchitis, epidemiology

This multicentre retrospective study investigated the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and fluconazole resistance rates of Candida species in osteoarticular infections across Turkey as well as the factors influencing complete recovery. Data were gathered from 73 adult patients diagnosed with proven or probable Candida-associated osteoarticular infections between 2015 and 2025 from 20 healthcare centres. The most common clinical presentation was spondylodiscitis, followed by the involvement of phalangeal bones in the hands and feet. Non-albicans Candida species accounted for 37/73 cases (50.7%), with Candida parapsilosis being the most frequent. Fluconazole resistance was low among Candida albicans isolates (3%) but higher among non-albicans yeasts (27%). Bacterial co-infection, predominantly Gram-positive bacteria, was detected in 52.1% of cases. Diabetes was present in 50/73 patients (68.5%), particularly insulin-dependent diabetes, and was a prominent comorbidity that may have also contributed as a predisposing factor. Radiological detection of osteomyelitis was achieved in 69.9% of patients. Fluconazole was the most commonly used antifungal agent (74%) with a median treatment duration of 90 days. Multivariate analysis revealed that surgical debridement was significantly associated with a higher odds of clinical recovery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 5.764; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.360–24.434; p = 0.017), whereas diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with a lower odds of total recovery (aOR, 0.205; 95% CI, 0.053–0.792; p = 0.022). In conclusion, this multicentre study provides epidemiological data and fluconazole resistance rates of Candida species causing osteoarticular infections in Turkey, highlights the occurrence of C. auris in this cohort, identifies surgical intervention and diabetes mellitus as factors significantly associated with recovery.

Human toxocariasis is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans by ingestion of Toxocara spp. larvae. Rural area residents and children have higher risk for this parasitic infection. The disease is frequently asymptomatic; however, it may cause symptoms such as cough, fever, headache, myalgia or other conditions such as lymphadenopathy and granulomatous hepatitis. Albendazole is used for the treatment of toxocariasis diagnosed by serologic and immunological methods. Herein, we report two cases of toxocariasis that were investigated due to hypereosinophilia and lymphadenopathy for a long time.

Background/aim: Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) plays a vital role in preventing transmission among healthcare workers following occupational exposure. Despite its clinical importance, epidemiological data regarding PEP implementation in Türkiye remain scarce. This study aimed to assess PEP practices, prophylactic treatment regimens, and follow-up outcomes among healthcare workers at risk of occupational HIV exposure. Materials and methods: This retrospective, multicenter study was conducted between January 2020 and December 2024 across 16 healthcare facilities participating in the National HIV/AIDS Working Group. Healthcare workers aged 18 years and older who presented for evaluation following occupational exposure to HIV were included. Data on demographics, exposure characteristics, source patient test results, PEP initiation timing, regimen preferences, adverse effects, and follow-up outcomes were collected from hospital records and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: A total of 369 healthcare workers were assessed. The PEP initiation rate was 49.1%. Needlestick injuries accounted for 79.4% of occupational exposures, and nurses constituted nearly half of presentations (49.6%). In univariable analyses, PEP initiation was less frequent among nurses than among other healthcare staff. In the multivariable model, male gender and age ≥40 years were independently associated with higher odds of PEP initiation, whereas nursing profession was associated with lower odds. The median time to PEP initiation was 17.9 hours (range: 0–120). Adverse effects were uncommon (3.5%), most frequently nausea and vomiting. No HIV seroconversions were identified among individuals with available follow-up results; however, follow-up testing at the predefined time points was incomplete, which limits the ability to exclude rare late seroconversions Conclusion: Timely initiation of HIV PEP appears feasible and well tolerated in real-world occupational settings. These findings highlight the need for standardized institutional protocols and improved follow-up strategies for healthcare workers in Türkiye.

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections among health care workers in Zonguldak Gynecology and Pediatrics Hospital. Methodology: The records of healthcare personnel working in the hospital between 2023 and 2024 were retrospectively analyzed through the hospital information management system (HIMS) and periodic examination forms. Age, gender, job, and test results for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV), Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), and HIV antibodies (anti-HIV/1-2) were all recorded. Results: A total of 364 healthcare personnel, including 25 doctors, 135 nurses, 14 technicians, 39 cleaning staff, and 151 other personnel, were included in the study. The staff comprised 266 (73%) female and 98 (27%) male workers, and the mean age was 37.69 ± 9.95 years. The HBsAg positivity rate was found to be 0.8%, and the anti-HBs positivity rate was noted to be 82.9%. Significant differences were determined for age, gender, and anti-HBs among occupational groups (p < 0.001). The prevalence of anti-HBs was markedly elevated in the group of doctors (p < 0.001). The anti-HBs value was statistically significantly different between occupational groups (p < 0.001). No staff members tested positive for anti-HCV or anti-HIV. Conclusions: Differences in infection rates and immunological responses were seen among various occupational groups, emphasizing the necessity for targeted medical attention within this population. Healthcare personnel should have screening for HBV, HCV, and HIV, and individuals susceptible to HBV should receive vaccination.