Browsing by Author "Tunali, Varol"

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Citation - WoS: 7
Citation - Scopus: 3
Oropouche Virus: a Re-Emerging Arbovirus of Clinical Significance
(Elsevier, 2024) Desai, Angel N.; Otter, Ashley; Koopmans, Marion; Granata, Guido; Grobusch, Martin P.; Tunali, Varol; Astorri, Roberta
[No abstract available]
Reshaping Parasitology Diagnostics With Machine Learning: A Path Toward Equity in Global Health
(Springer, 2026) Tunali, Varol
Purpose of review: This review examines how artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning, robotic microscopy, and other emerging digital technologies are reshaping parasitology diagnostics. We aimed to evaluate recent advances, technological opportunities, and the potential of these tools to improve diagnostic equity in regions most affected by parasitic diseases.Recent findings: Over the past several years, AI-driven diagnostic systems have demonstrated high accuracy in detecting malaria, leishmaniasis, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminths, often outperforming manual microscopy-particularly for low-intensity or mixed infections. Robotic and automated microscopy platforms have reduced observer variability and increased throughput, while mobile health and edge-computing approaches have expanded feasibility in low-resource settings.
Vector Microbiota and Parasite Infection: Bacteria-Mediated Effects on Leishmania in Phlebotomus Papatasi and Culture
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2025) Bicakci, Cagla; Cavus, Ibrahim; Tunali, Varol; Ozel, Yener; Ozbilgin, Ahmet; Alten, Bulent; Vaselek, Slavica
Microbes are increasingly being explored as tools to control leishmaniasis and sandfly populations. This study investigated the interactions between sandflies, Leishmania, and their microbiota.MethodsThe in vitro and in vivo survival and development of Leishmania major in the presence of seven bacterial species were assessed. In vitro experiments included Leishmania co-cultures with bacteria applied at different concentrations (102-108 CFU/ml), monitoring parasite survival/development at early (30-120 min) and late (12-240 h) time points. In vivo experiments in Phlebotomus papatasi examined Leishmania infection rate and intensity on days 2, 6, and 8 post co-infection with the same bacterial species (108 CFU/ml).ResultsAll bacteria demonstrated negative effects on Leishmania survival and development. Under in vitro conditions, the speed of Leishmania ablation (48-216 h) depended on the bacterial species and concentration, impacting Leishmania motility and viability, and halting the development of metacyclic forms. In vivo studies demonstrated that bacterial overgrowth negatively impacted the intensity of Leishmania infection and percentage of stomodeal valve colonization (27.58-82.14%).ConclusionsThe observed effect of bacteria on Leishmania under in vitro and in vivo conditions points out toward the potentially greater role of microbes in Leishmania survival in vectors, highlighting the need for deeper investigations of sandfly-Leishmania-microbiota interactions.