Antibody Response to COVID-19 Vaccines in Healthcare Workers: Which One is More Successful? Homologous or Heterologous?

Objectives: We aimed to determine the antibody levels created by COVID-19 vaccination in healthcare workers and the factors affecting the antibody response.

Methods: Our research is a single-center, observational study that was prospectively designed and retrospectively analyzed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and included 103 healthcare workers who received the three-dose regimen of COVID-19 vaccine. In accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Health of Turkey, the first two doses of CoronaVac vaccine were administered routinely, while the booster dose was given as BioNTech or CoronaVac (heterologous or homologous vaccination) depending on the preference of the volunteers.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and the relationship with Helicobacter pylori.

After Helicobacter pylori was identified, and its relationship with peptic ulcer disease was exactly shown, the relationship of this bacterium with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) gained momentum and discussions continue to this day. We reviewed the literature for the relationship between H. pylori and GERD.

Which drugs are risk factors for the development of gastroesophageal reflux disease?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is common in many communities, is associated with structural factors, eating habits, and the use of certain drugs. The use of such drugs can lead to the emergence of GERD and can also exacerbate existing reflux symptoms. These drugs can contribute to GERD by directly causing mucosal damage, by reducing lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP), or by affecting esophagogastric motility.

Co-infection with hepatitis B does not alter treatment response in chronic hepatitis C.

Background/aim: To investigate the clinical features and treatment response in patients with hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection receiving anti-HCV therapy.

Patients And Method: Patients with HBV/HCV co-infection, who were eligible for anti-HCV therapy, were included in the study. Patients had detectable HBsAg for at least 6 months and detectable HCV-RNA before the initiation of therapy.