Near East University has added a new one to the projects it has developed with international partnerships. The project, which will be implemented with the cooperation of researchers from Near East University, Cyprus International University and Gazi University, will determine the sensitivity of “Candida Auris”, a drug-resistant fungus that has recently caused widespread hospital infections, to antifungal drugs by using artificial intelligence.

Following the presentations made by Near East University researchers at the Turkish Microbiology Congress held in Antalya in November 2022, the study, which was transformed into a joint project with the support of universities from Turkey and the TRNC, will be supported within the scope of Gazi University Scientific Research Projects (BAP). In the project, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Microbiology will provide the necessary infrastructure such as a safety cabinet, thermal blocks, DNA/RNA measuring device and spectrophotometer for DNA and RNA isolation. The decision tree development and artificial intelligence-supported machine learning step will be carried out by the researchers of the Near East University Health Operations Center and Cyprus International University.

There are 16 academicians in the project; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dilber Uzun Özşahin, Dr. Abdullahi Garba Usman, Dr. Mubarak Taiwo Mustapha and Dr. Meliz Yuvalı from Near East University; Dr. Ayşe Seyer Çağatan and Prof. Dr. Ayşe Kalkanci, Dr. Elif Ayça Şahin, Dr. Sidre Erganiş, Res. Assist. Beyza Yavuz, Dr. Furkan Martlı, Dr. Sena Algn, Dr. Esra Kılıç, and Dr. Alper Doğan from Gazi University; Prof. Dr. Bedia Dinç, specialist Dr. Sema Turan Uzuntaş, specialist Dr. Füsun Kırca from Ankara City Hospital, and Prof. Dr. Çağrı Ergin from Pamukkale University.

Candida Auris fungus is resistant to drugs!
The fungus Candida Auris, which causes fatal infections in humans, was first discovered in the USA in 2009. This type of fungus, which is resistant to drugs, has become one of the most feared sources of hospital infection in recent years. Candida Auris, a type of fungus that grows as yeast, can affect the blood circulation, nerve system and many internal organs once it enters the body. The mortality rate in infections caused by Candida Auris, which is resistant to drugs, is estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as 30 percent to 60 percent.

With the joint project involving Near East University researchers, the sensitivity of Candida Auris, which is very difficult to diagnose and treat, to antifungal drugs will be determined by using artificial intelligence and a treatment plan will be facilitated. The project aims to achieve significant results in the control of infections, the use of correct disinfectants, and the prevention of antimicrobial resistance.

Third joint project in 2022-2023!
The Candida Auris project carried out by Near East University with Cyprus International University and Gazi University is the third joint project started in the 2022-2023 period. Near East University started work with Celal Bayar University to establish a PCR Kit Production Laboratory. With the project initiated with Istanbul University, diagnostic kits will be produced to detect the genetic causes of rare metabolic diseases in children.

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “We will continue to develop projects in different fields by cooperating with different universities both from Turkey and from many countries of the world.”
Emphasizing the importance of the project to be carried out in order to effectively combat infections caused by Candida Auris fungi, which has recently become an important problem all over the world, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “As Near East University, this is an important part of our vision to take part in projects that will benefit humanity with the international cooperation we have established.”

Reminding that they had previously collaborated with Celal Bayar University and Istanbul University to realize two very important projects, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “We consider transforming the scientific knowledge produced into projects for the benefit of humanity as one of the most important components of a university qualification. For this reason, we will continue to develop projects in different fields by cooperating with different universities both from Turkey and from many countries of the world.”