Antibiotics, which were first used in 1940, created a great revolution in the medical world, enabling humans to have a great advantage in the war against microorganisms such as bacteria. With many antibiotic groups produced in the following years, a great regression was achieved, especially in infections-related deaths. However, with the widespread and unconscious use of antibiotics and bacteria gaining resistance to antibiotics, this superiority that people have over bacteria is now very close to an end!

Organized by the Antibiotic and Chemotherapy Association (ANKEM), in the TRNC, the scientific studies that will increase the effectiveness of antibiotics or create new alternatives were discussed by important experts in the 38. ANKEM Rational Antibiotic Use Congress.

The “38. ANKEM Rational Antibiotic Use Congress” attended by President Ersin Tatar and Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, lasted four days. Near East University researchers were deemed worthy of the First Prize for Oral Presentation, the Third Prize for Oral Presentation and the First Prize for Poster Presentation at the end of the congress, where they participated with 17 studies.

Three awards to Near East University!
Bearing the signature of NEU Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Buket Baddal, Dr. Gülten Tuncel, Dr. Gökce Akan, Specialist Ayşegül Bostancı and Specialist Melis Kalaycı the study titled “In the fight against the triple epidemic after the pandemic; Development of COVID-19, Influenza and RSV Multiplex RT-qPCR Diagnostic Kit” was selected as the best oral presentation and won the “Oral Presentation First Prize.

The study titled “In vitro Anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activity of Origanum majorana Essential Oil and its Synergy with Metronidazole” carried out by Assist. Prof. Dr. Emrah Güler, Dr. Yener Özel, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ünlu, Dr. İbrahim Çavuş, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Özbilgin, and Prof. Dr. Kaya Süer was awarded the Third Prize in Oral Presentation.

The study titled “The Molecular Mechanism of the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains and Investigation of New Bacteriophages as an Alternative Treatment Approach”, which was presented at the congress by Near East University researchers, was awarded the Poster Presentation First Prize. This study was carried out under the chair of Near East University Rector Tamer Şanlıdağ, Dr. Gökçe Akan, Dr. Gülten Tuncel, and the Near East University DESAM Research Center researchers Prof. Dr. Murat Sayan, Ferdiye Taner, Vaheesan Rajabal, Steve Petrovovski, and Doruk Kaynarca.

Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ: “The work carried out by experts from different fields with a multidisciplinary approach and team harmony is the key to scientific and social progress with its versatile results.”
Emphasizing the importance of scientific studies in terms of public health, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “The power of scientific studies lies in guiding social progress. This power only grows with the sharing of studies with the scientific world and the strengthening of the multidisciplinary working culture.”

Stating that scientific research at the Near East University is carried out by large teams including doctoral and graduate students, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “The studies carried out by international collaborations and experts from different fields, with a multidisciplinary approach and team harmony, is the key to scientific and social progress with its multifaceted results.”

Reminding that Near East University researchers participated in the 38th ANKEM Rational Antibiotic Use Congress with 17 studies, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “I congratulate all my colleagues who shared their work with the scientific world and received awards from the congress.”