Sevtap Arikan, M.D.
Sevtap Arikan, M.D.

Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology
Head of Mycology Laboratory
Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology
Hacettepe University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
M.D., Hacettepe University English Medical Faculty
Residency, Hacettepe University Medical School Hospitals
Research Fellowship, University of Texas Medical School-Houston, Mycology and Infectious Diseases

My work focuses on three major areas in mycology. The first is the diagnostic mycology, including the isolation, identification and antifungal susceptibility testing of clinical fungal isolates. Hacettepe University Hospitals are a major regional reference center for the treatment and follow-up of immunocompromised patients. This leads to the isolation of a significant number and variety of fungal strains in my laboratory.

The second focus is research. In this area, we work to collect epidemiological data on resistance rates to licensed and novel antifungal agents, detect the existence of virulence factors, and investigate the use of serological methods in diagnosis of certain mycoses. We are particularly interested in exploring molecular methods for diagnosis of mycoses.

Education in clinical mycology is the third focus of my work. This covers education of the Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases residents, as well as of medical, dentistry, pharmacy, and nursery students. I also teach a medical mycology course for Ph.D. candidates. These all aim to provide theoretical knowledge in clinical mycology and practical applications, particularly in diagnostic field.