The project titled "Development of a Specific TaqMan Multiplex qPCR Panel for the Diagnosis of Septic Arthritis and Comparison of Clinical Performance with Nanopore-Based Metagenomic Sequencing," led by Dr. Enis Fuat Tüfekçi, a faculty member of Kastamonu University Faculty of Medicine, has been approved for support by the Turkish Health Institutes Presidency (TÜSEB). 

The project, which will be carried out over 12 months and supported by a budget of 500,000 TL, involves the following researchers: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uğur Akpulat from the Department of Medical Biology at the Faculty of Medicine, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fatih Uğur and Assist.Prof.Dr. Mehmet Ali Sabır from the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Specialist Dr. Çetin Kılınç from the Department of Microbiology, and Prof. Dr. Mehmet Cengiz Baloğlu and Prof. Dr. Yasemin Çelik Altunoğlu from the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture.

The project aims to develop a domestic molecular diagnostic panel for the diagnosis of septic arthritis, a microbial-origin joint infection. 

Septic arthritis, an urgent medical condition that requires early diagnosis and treatment, can lead to permanent joint damage and serious health issues if not intervened in a timely manner. The project aims to accelerate diagnosis by developing a diagnostic panel that enables the identification of the infection agent within hours. Thus, it aims to enable patients to reach the correct treatment more quickly and to reduce the risk of permanent joint damage.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that the project, which has been deemed worthy of support by TÜSEB, is of a nature that will contribute to our University's research efforts in the field of health and interdisciplinary collaborations. 

Our Rector stated, "It is gratifying that our university's academics are developing projects in the field of health that address societal needs." I believe that this project, which will contribute to the development of domestic and national technologies, will also advance our scientific studies and improve the quality of health services. I congratulate our project team and wish them success in their work.” 

Our Rector also thanked the YÖK President, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and YÖK members for their support for research in higher education, and Prof. Dr. Ümit Kervan, the President of TÜSEB, for their contributions to university projects.