Methotrexate(MTX) is widely used in rheumatology practice for rheumatoid arthritis and many other conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, autoimmune connective tissue diseases, sarcoidosis, and vasculitis. The most common adverse effects of MTX include nausea, fatigue, dizziness, headache, stomatitis and abdominal pain. Serious adverse effects include hepatotoxicity, pulmonary toxicity, nephrotoxicity, myelosuppression and increased risk of lymphoproliferative disorders. In our review of the literature, case reports of sexual dysfunction have beeen reported during MTX therapy. We report here one case of sexual dysfunction during MTX therapy.
Parotid gland agenesis (PGA) is a rare congenital anomaly, often detected incidentally due to its typically asymptomatic nature. We report a 44-year-old woman referred for a neck CT scan because of dysphagia, which revealed complete absence of the left parotid gland, confirmed by ultrasound. The remaining salivary glands were normal. The patient had no facial asymmetry, syndromic features, recurrent infections, or xerostomia. Physical and oral examinations were unremarkable except for the absence of the left parotid papilla. Parotid agenesis may occur sporadically or in association with genetic syndromes. Asymptomatic unilateral agenesis generally requires no intervention, while symptomatic cases are managed with supportive oral care. Awareness of this rare anomaly is important to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary procedures, especially given the prevalence of parotid-origin salivary gland malignancies.
Purpose: This study compared empathy between first-year and fifth-year medical students and examined how self-compassion, burnout, and alexithymia relate to empathy in a Turkish medical school. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 155 medical students (88 first-year, 67 fifth-year) completed the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (student version), the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Self-Compassion Scale, and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Results: Fifth-year students scored higher on empathy than first-year students (99.1 +/- 12.8 vs. 90.8 +/- 12.7; r = 0.38). Burnout was higher in fifth-year students (45.4 +/- 7.3 vs. 40.4 +/- 8.9; d = 0.61) and alexithymia higher in first-year students (55.1 +/- 9.2 vs. 50.3 +/- 8.7; d = 0.54). Greater overidentification was associated with lower empathy (Spearman's rho = -0.22), an association confined to first-year students. In hierarchical regression, class year was the only individual predictor of empathy ((3 = 0.43) and explained about ten times more variance than all psychological variables combined. Sensitivity analyses confirmed this effect. Conclusion: In this sample, empathy was higher in students nearing graduation, contrary to the empathy erosion hypothesis. The cross-sectional design cannot separate cohort from training effects; longitudinal, multi-institutional studies are needed.
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the developmental pattern of mastoid pneumatization in the pediatric population and to investigate its relationship with the anatomical positioning of the mastoid segment of the facial canal. Materials and Methods: Computed tomography images of patients were retrospectively analyzed. Pneumatization degree was classified into four categories: The hypopneumatization, moderate, good, and hyperpneumatization. Measurements of the facial canal, including its distance to the external acoustic meatus, sigmoid sinus, posterior cranial fossa and mastoid surface, were obtained by two independent observers. Results: A total of 197 children (91 males,106 females; mean age 6.31 +/- 5.36 years) were included. Pneumatization degree differed significantly across age groups, with hypopneumatization most commonly observed in the infancy period and increasing progressively until the post-pubescent stage. Measurements of the facial canal varied significantly across pneumatization categories: The distance between the canal and the mastoid surface was greatest in the hyperpneumatized group (14.34 +/- 2.91 mm), whereas the canal sigmoid sinus distance was significantly larger (10.77 +/- 2.66 mm) in moderately pneumatized bones. Conclusion: Mastoid pneumatization demonstrates a clear age-dependent progression throughout childhood and adolescence, and the degree of pneumatization significantly influences the spatial relationships of the mastoid segment of the facial canal.
Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the neurodevelopmental prognosis of fetuses with congenital heart defects by considering aortic flow and oxygen saturation in the ascending aorta, and to investigate them in terms of cortical developmental delay. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, neurosonographic and hemodynamic parameters were measured in fetuses diagnosed with congenital heart defects. These measurements were compared with those of gestational-age-matched low-risk controls in the second and third trimesters. Standard fetal biometry, transcerebellar diameter, Sylvian fissure area, and related ratios were evaluated. Results: The study included 53 fetuses with congenital heart defects and 72 controls in the second trimester, and 72 fetuses with congenital heart defects and 58 controls in the third trimester. In the second trimester, the Sylvian fissure area was lower in the CHD group (50.98 +/- 21.02 mm2 vs 58.37 +/- 16.41 mm2), while the HC/SYL ratio was higher in the CHD group in both the second trimester (4.53 +/- 1.69 vs 3.44 +/- 0.74) and the third trimester (2.71 +/- 1.31 vs 2.09 +/- 0.49). Neurodevelopmental parameters showed that the Sylvian fissure area was smaller in the second-trimester congenital heart defects group compared with controls. Consequently, the aortic valve diameter/Sylvian fissure area and head circumference/Sylvian fissure area ratios were higher in the congenital heart defects group. In the third trimester, patients with normal aortic flow and two functional ventricles had higher aortic valve diameter/Sylvian fissure area ratios than other patient groups. Conclusion: Detecting early-onset cortical developmental delay in patients with left cardiac dysfunction using proportional data is crucial for a holistic approach to evaluation. Incorporating head circumference/Sylvian fissure area and aortic valve diameter/Sylvian fissure area ratios into routine prenatal follow-up measurements may help identify fetuses at potential risk for adverse postnatal neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Purpose: Frailty and sarcopenia exhibit overlapping physical characteristics, as described by the Fried Frailty Phenotype (FFP). Although the SARC-CalF questionnaire is widely used for sarcopenia screening, as recommended by the EWGSOP-2 guidelines, its potential to identify frailty has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to evaluate the SARC-CalF as a simple, objective tool for assessing frailty in older adults. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 337 patients aged 65 years and older. Frailty was assessed through the FFP. Demographic characteristics and the SARC-CalF questionnaire were obtained. To identify appropriate SARC-CalF cut-off points for detecting frailty, we used a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) and its 95% confidence interval. Results: The average age of the participants was 75.27 +/- 6.6, with 64.3% (n=217) being women. Frailty was observed in 15.4 % (n=52) of the study population. Frail patients exhibited higher median SARC-CalF scores than non-frail participants (5.5 vs. 1). The AUC of the SARC-CalF score for frailty was 0.800 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-0.84). Using a cut-off value of >2, sensitivity was 84.6%, specificity was 66.3%, PPV was 30.7%, and NPV was 96.1%. Conclusion: The SARC-CalF questionnaire demonstrated good discriminative performance in identifying frailty among older adults and may serve as a simple tool for frailty screening.
Purpose: This study aims to analyze patients with foreign bodies in the upper gastrointestinal tract and evaluate endoscopic treatment modalities and clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: Patients with upper gastrointestinal foreign bodies who underwent emergency flexible endoscopy at Adana City Hospital between September 2017 and December 2024 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic data, clinical presentations, type and localization of foreign bodies, endoscopic treatment, and outcomes were assessed. Results: A total of 127 patients were included. Foreign bodies were most frequently localized in the esophagus (n=76, 59.8%), with proximal esophageal impaction in 44 cases (57.9%). The most commonly used endoscopic retrieval device was alligator/rat-tooth forceps (n=57, 44.9%). The mean time to endoscopy was 2.3 hours (range: 1-8 hours). Endoscopic removal was successful in 116 patients (91.3%). The most important factor affecting endoscopic success was the type of foreign body; the endoscopic success rate was 97.5% for soft foreign bodies, and the difference between soft and plastic foreign bodies was statistically significant. Conclusion: Endoscopic methods are highly effective and safe for the removal of upper gastrointestinal foreign bodies, with a 91.3% success rate. The most important determinants of endoscopic success were the type of foreign body and the chosen endoscopic technique.
Purpose: This study aimed to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) performed with ipsilateral peroneus longus tendon (PLT) autograft or contralateral hamstring tendon (HT) autograft. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent arthroscopic revision ACLR between 2019 and 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. After applying the exclusion criteria, 32 patients were included: 14 treated with PLT autograft and 18 with contralateral HT autograft. Demographic data, graft diameter, time to return to daily activities, return to sports, Lachman grade, Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, donor-site ankle function, and complications were evaluated. Results: PLT group had a larger graft diameter than the contralateral HT group (8.9 +/- 0.8 mm vs 7.9 +/- 0.5 mm). Final Lysholm and IKDC scores were similar between groups (84.4 +/- 6.5 vs 81.7 +/- 8.1 and 81.4 +/- 7.7 vs 79.9 +/- 8.3, respectively), and both groups showed clear improvement from baseline. Time to return to daily activities was also similar (4.3 +/- 1.3 months vs 4.2 +/- 1.2 months), and return to sports was achieved in 57.1% of the PLT group and 55.6% of the contralateral HT group. Conclusion: PLT autograft showed short-term clinical and functional outcomes similar to those observed with contralateral HT autograft in revision ACLR, while providing a larger graft diameter with clinically acceptable donor-site morbidity.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the prevalence of rotavirus infection among children diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis in a pediatric hospital in Kahramanmara & scedil; between 2021 and 2024. Materials and Methods: A total of 8,003 children who presented with complaints of acute gastroenteritis between January 2021 and December 2024 were retrospectively evaluated. The frequency of rotavirus gastroenteritis was analyzed according to age, sex, and seasonal distribution. Results: During the four-year study period (2021-2024), rotavirus antigen positivity was detected in 1,005 (12.6%) of 8,003 evaluated stool samples. Annual positivity rates increased from 9.30% in 2021 to 11.98% in 2022 and 17.42% in 2023, before declining to 10.77% in 2024, with a statistically significant difference between years. The highest positivity was observed in infants aged 13-24 months (14.86%), while no significant difference was found between sexes. Monthly distribution showed peaks in February (28.27%), March (19.86%), and April (17,42%), with the lowest rates in July-August and October. Seasonally, the largest proportion of positives occurred in spring (15.52%) and winter (17.71%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that rotavirus positivity was significantly associated with year, month, age group, and hospital unit, whereas gender was not an independent predictor. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that rotavirus is an important cause of acute gastroenteritis, particularly during the 0-2 year of life, and that the marked increase in positivity during winter and spring suggests that routine diagnostic testing should be considered during these periods.
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate psychiatric morbidity and consultation patterns among hospitalized pediatric hematology-oncology patients and to identify clinical factors associated with psychiatric diagnoses. Materials and Methods: This retrospective crosssectional chart review was conducted at the pediatric hematology-oncology inpatient service of Adana City Training and Research Hospital. Medical records of patients aged 0-18 years who were hospitalized in the pediatric hematology-oncology service and received a child and adolescent psychiatry consultation between September 2022 and September 2025 were reviewed. Psychiatric diagnoses were established according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Results: A total of 126 unique pediatric hematology-oncology inpatients were included (mean age: 10.9 +/- 4.6 years; 58.7% male). A psychiatric diagnosis was established in 76 patients (60.3%). The most common diagnoses were adjustment disorder in 26 patients (20.6%), major depressive disorder in 21 (16.7%), and anxiety disorders in 16 (12.7%). In multivariable analysis, female sex (OR: 3.23, 95% CI: 1.36-7.68), metastatic disease (OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.07-6.49), and low treatment adherence (OR: 6.42, 95% CI: 1.96-21.03) were independently associated with psychiatric diagnosis. Conclusion: Psychiatric morbidity is highly prevalent among hospitalized pediatric hematology-oncology patients requiring psychiatric consultation. Female sex, metastatic disease, and poor adherence to oncological treatment were identified as independent risk factors for psychiatric diagnosis.
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate late extremity complications and the surgical management strategies used in pediatric patients who developed residual limb problems or ischemic contractures following the February 6, 2023 Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study included pediatric patients who underwent surgical treatment for amputation stump complications or ischemic contractures secondary to compartment types, surgical procedures, number of operations, and infection rates were analyzed. Results: A total of 18 pediatric patients were included, with a mean age of 14.28 +/- 5.42 years. The most common late complications were soft tissue insufficiency (33.3%), pressure ulcers (27.8%), and osseous overgrowth (22.2%). osteotomies.
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of prednisolone and calcitriol on metabolic activity, steroidogenesis, and apoptosis-related markers in TM3 Leydig cells under human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)stimulated conditions. Materials and Methods: TM3 Leydig cells were divided into six groups: control, hCG, calcitriol, hCG + prednisolone, hCG + calcitriol, and hCG + prednisolone + calcitriol. CCK-8-based metabolic activity was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. 3 beta-HSD and caspase-3 expression levels were examined immunocytochemically. Testosterone and INSL3 levels in the supernatant were measured by ELISA. Results: CCK-8-based metabolic activity increased in the hCG-treated group compared with the control group (116.88 +/- 5.54% vs. 100.00 +/- 6.80%). In contrast, metabolic activity decreased to 60.12 +/- 5.53% in the calcitriol group, 45.02 +/- 7.23% in the hCG + prednisolone group, 50.52 +/- 2.97% in the hCG + calcitriol group, and 38.17 +/- 3.54% in the triple-combination group. Total caspase-3-positive area was highest in the calcitriol-treated group (5.35 +/- 1.38%). Testosterone levels were highest in the hCG + calcitriol group (34.39 +/- 0.64 ng/mL). INSL3 levels increased from 41.02 +/- 0.38 pg/mL in the control group to 50.28 +/- 3.97 pg/mL in the calcitriol group, whereas they decreased to 35.57 +/- 0.81 pg/mL in the hCG group and 35.06 +/- 0.86 pg/mL in the triple-combination group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the effects of calcitriol on Leydig cell responses may vary according to the conditions of administration, and that the suppressive effects of prednisolone may be modulated by accompanying stimuli.
Purpose: This study aimed to examine the relationship between perceptions of infectious diseases and digital health literacy among adults attending a primary care setting and to explore the potential implications of these findings for patient education and medical education. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at an Educational Family Health Center affiliated with a university department of family medicine between May and August 2024. A total of 324 adults were included. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Perceptions of Infectious Diseases Scale, and the Digital Health Literacy Scale. Results: The mean age of the participants was 33.9 +/- 11.3 years, and 59.3% were female. Healthcare professionals were reported as the primary source of health information by 66.4% of participants, whereas 94.4% stated that they had never searched for health-related information online. A weak positive correlation was identified between total scores on the Perceptions of Infectious Diseases Scale and the Digital Health Literacy Scale. Higher digital health literacy levels were associated with higher educational attainment and better self-rated health status. P Conclusion: These findings highlight the potential importance of strengthening physicians' roles as digital health educators within medical education curricula to support patient education, reduce misinformation, and improve infectious disease prevention strategies.
Purpose: Natural protein-restricted diets are essential for the management of many inborn errors of metabolism to prevent metabolic decompensation and neurological complications. However, long-term dietary management may impose a significant psychosocial burden on families. This study aimed to compare parental quality of life between families of children requiring natural protein-restricted diets and families of children managed without dietary restrictions. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study included 44 patients with inborn errors of metabolism; 22 were receiving restricted diets, while 22 were not on dietary treatment. Parental quality of life was assessed using the PedsQL 2.0 Family Impact Module. Results: Forty-four patients were included (22 receiving a protein-restricted diet and 22 with inborn errors of metabolism who were managed without dietary restrictions and received biotin). The mean total PedsQL score was significantly lower in the protein-restricted diet group compared to the non-diet group (56.3 +/- 10.9 vs. 83.7 +/- 10.8). All domain scores were significantly lower in the diet group, except for family relationships. In the protein-restricted diet group, the lowest scores were observed in the daily activities domain (43.5 +/- 18.7). Conclusion: Although growth can be preserved with appropriate dietary management, protein-restricted diets are associated with a substantial reduction in the quality of life of parents. Dietary burden may contribute significantly to impaired family well-being, highlighting the potential importance of integrated psychosocial support in the longterm management of these conditions.
Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the cost and effectiveness of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) treatment applied in patients with hyperthyroidism in whom clinical and biochemical control cannot be achieved with antithyroid drug therapy or who cannot tolerate medical treatment due to severe drug-related adverse effects. Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort study included hyperthyroidism patients who underwent TPE to achieve preoperative euthyroidism due to resistance to antithyroid drug therapy or severe adverse drug reactions were evaluated. Thyroid function tests and autoantibody levels were compared before and after plasmapheresis. Results: The mean age of the 22 patients included in the study was 38.6 +/- 15.3. Graves' disease was detected in 72% of the patients, and toxic multinodular goiter in 28%. The indications for plasmapheresis were drug resistance (90.9%), elevated AST-ALT levels (4.5%), and neutropenia (4.5%). A comparison of the biochemical parameters before and after plasmapheresis demonstrated a significant reduction in sT3 and sT4 levels. In contrast, a significant increase in TSH levels was observed after the procedure. Evaluation of autoimmune markers revealed significant decreases in anti-TG, thyroglobulin, and anti-TPO levels. Conclusion: TPE provides rapid clearance of circulating free thyroid hormones in patients with pharmacotherapyresistant thyrotoxicosis and represents an effective and safe metabolic stabilization strategy that facilitates safe progression to curative surgery.
Purpose: This study aimed to address the limited understanding of complement-associated molecular mechanisms in antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) by evaluating ABMR-related mRNA and miRNA expression in an in vitro HK-2 cell model exposed to donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies. Materials and Methods: We used the HK-2 cell line derived from normal kidney epithelial cells. An end-stage renal disease patient with HLA class I donor specific antibody, who was registered on the kidney waiting list for a positive serum [DSA(+)] and a healthy male without blood transfusion [negative control DSA (-)] were included in the study. The model includes both complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) with and without complement in cell culture. Then, immune response-related mRNA and miRNA expression levels were evaluated by qRT-PCR. Results: mRNA and miRNA expression levels were analyzed by qRT-PCR, revealing pronounced dysregulation in the DSA(+) CDC C(+) group. Let-7c-5p and miR-155 were markedly upregulated (-103-104-fold), whereas miR-21, miR-217, miR-145, miR-125a-5p, and miR-885 were downregulated (-10-2-10-4-fold). At the mRNA level, strong upregulation of TGF-beta (-50-fold), TNF-alpha (-10-fold), and caspase-3 (-10-fold) was observed, while C1qB was markedly downregulated (-0.1-fold). Additionally, differences in the expression of TNF alpha, C1qB and severalmiRNAs (miR-142-5p, miR-155, miR-125a-5p, miR-21, miR-29b-3p, miR-145, and miR-217) were detected between CDC complement C(-) and C(+) conditions. Conclusion: This study presents the initial characterization of an in vitro ABMR model using kidney tubule epithelial cells and donor specific anti-HLA-A2 (+) serum. Furthermore, this is the first allorecognition model that assesses both C1q mRNA and certain miRNA expressions linked to antibody mediated rejection simultaneously.
Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the anticancer effects of the active ingredient amygdalin on H1650 lung cancer cells. Materials and Methods: The antiproliferative effect of amygdalin on H1650 lung cancer cells was evaluated using the MTT assay. Its effect on oxidative damage was determined using 8-OHdG and total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and by calculating the oxidative stress index (OSI). Its effect on apoptosis was demonstrated using the caspase-3 ELISA method. Changes in mRNA expression of the CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, CDK6, Cyclin D1, Cyclin B1, and Cyclin E genes were assessed by RT-PCR. Results: The IC50 dose of amygdalin in H1650 cells was determined to be 443.8 mu M at 24 h. A significant decrease in the expression of CDK1 (0.48-fold), CDK2 (0.31-fold,), CDK6 (0.16-fold), Cyclin D1 (0.24-fold,), Cyclin B1 (0.07-fold), and Cyclin E (0.05-fold) genes was observed in the group treated with amygdalin. The differences in TOS, TAS and OSI levels and in 8-OHdG and caspase-3 levels between groups were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Amygdalin shows potential as an anticancer agent and may contribute to the development of different therapeutic approaches for lung cancers.
Kidney involvement in Joubert syndrome may lead to progressive kidney disease, making the choice of kidney replacement therapy clinically important. We aimed to present the feasibility and effectiveness of peritoneal dialysis in a child with genetically confirmed Joubert syndrome who developed stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD). A 10-year-old boy with genetically confirmed Joubert syndrome and progressive chronic kidney disease was retrospectively evaluated. Clinical features, laboratory findings, imaging results, and data related to the peritoneal dialysis course were reviewed. At presentation, the patient had biochemical findings consistent with CKD stage 4 and showed progressive deterioration in kidney function during follow-up. As no suitable living donor was available for transplantation, peritoneal dialysis was initiated. A catheter was placed using a laparoscopic approach, and the patient and family rapidly adapted to the treatment following structured training. During follow-up, dialysis adequacy was maintained, no complications occurred, and the patient’s quality of life remained stable. This case demonstrates that peritoneal dialysis is a safe, feasible, and effective kidney replacement therapy in children with Joubert syndrome. With appropriate patient selection and family education, peritoneal dialysis can be successfully maintained even in children with complex neurodevelopmental disorders.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic interaction of Notch-1, interleukin-1 beta, and leptin on each other, cell migration, and proangiogenic signaling in colorectal cancer cell lines.Materials and Methods: Human colorectal cancer cell lines, HCT-116 and HCT-15, were used. The genes for Notch-1, interleukin-1 beta, and leptin were silenced using small interfering ribonucleic acid. The efficacy of gene silencing and the messenger ribonucleic acid levels of target genes, including Notch-1, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-1 receptor, leptin, vascular endothelial growth factor A, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, and matrix metalloproteinase-2, were analyzed via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein levels of interleukin-1 beta, leptin, and vascular endothelial growth factor A were also measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: In the Notch-1 inhibition group, significant decreases were observed in the messenger ribonucleic acid levels of Notch-1, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-1 receptor (a 3.45-fold decrease), leptin, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (a 6.36-fold decrease). Leptin inhibition led to reduced messenger ribonucleic acid levels of Notch-1, interleukin-1 beta (a 3.67-fold decrease), interleukin-1 receptor (a 2.53-fold decrease), leptin, vascular endothelial growth factor A, and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (a 3.22-fold decrease). Conclusion: Notch-1, interleukin-1 beta, and leptin interact with each other, directly contributing to cell migration and the expression of angiogenic molecules in colorectal cancer.
Purpose: Trichosporon species are part of the human microbiota. However, their presence in urine cultures may indicate invasive infection, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. This study aimed to identify Trichosporon spp. isolated from urine cultures of hospitalized patients at the species level and to determine their antifungal susceptibility profiles. Materials and Methods: Urine samples sent to the microbiology laboratory between June 1 and December 30, 2021, were cultured using standard microbiological methods. Yeast isolates suspected as Trichosporon spp. based on colony morphology and urease positivity were identified using the BD Phoenix (TM) 100 automated system and MALDI-TOF MS. Results: Trichosporon spp. was isolated from 29 of 16,011 urine samples (0.18%). Using the BD Phoenix (TM) Yeast ID system, 22 (75.9%) isolates were identified as Trichosporon asahii (T. asahii) and 7 (24.1%) as Trichosporon inkin (T. inkin), whereas all isolates were identified as T. asahii by MALDI-TOF MS. Antifungal susceptibility testing showed the lowest MIC values for voriconazole (MIC50: 0.125 & micro;g/ml; MIC90: 0.25 & micro;g/ml) and the highest MIC values for fluconazole (MIC50: 32 & micro;g/ml; MIC90: >128 & micro;g/ml). Conclusion: Antifungal susceptibility testing may contribute to guiding antifungal therapy and epidemiological surveillance. The BD Phoenix (TM) system may be useful for genus-level identification. However, further studies with molecular confirmation are required to assess species-level accuracy.
