Article
Microbiology
Marie Ella Horstmann, Mohammad Al Hariri, Stephanie D. Grabitz, Julia Bing Bu, Melissa Apel, Norbert Pfeiffer, Joanna Wasielica-Poslednik
Summary: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, and CMV DNA in donor corneas. The results showed a higher prevalence of HSV-1 and VZV DNA in donor corneas, with no detection of HSV-2 or CMV DNA. Postoperative complications were more common in patients with positive viral DNA.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yuka Torii, Ichiro Morioka, Yasumasa Kakei, Kazumichi Fujioka, Yu Kakimoto, Naoto Takahashi, Tetsushi Yoshikawa, Hiroyuki Moriuchi, Akira Oka, Yoshinori Ito
Summary: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of quantification methods for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection using whole blood and plasma, and explored the relationship between CMV DNA levels and VGCV therapy. The results showed that plasma CMV viral loads were significantly decreased at the end of therapy, and overall, using plasma to measure CMV viral loads is a feasible approach to monitor the efficacy of CMV infection in children.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Alberta Lucchese, Dario Di Stasio, Antonio Romano, Fausto Fiori, Guido Paolo De Felice, Carlo Lajolo, Rosario Serpico, Francesco Cecchetti, Massimo Petruzzi
Summary: This review evaluated the correlation between viral infections (HPV, EBV, HSV-1, CMV) other than HCV and oral lichen planus. The results showed inconclusive evidence regarding the involvement of these viruses in the etiopathogenesis of the disease. Further studies are needed to enhance the translation of research into clinical practice.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Lea Fitoussi, Amandine Baptiste, Adam Mainguy, Anne-Sophie L'Honneur, Magdalena Bojanova, Agnes Dechartres, Flore Rozenberg, Bahram Bodaghi, Sara Touhami
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical and virological characteristics of viral necrotizing retinitis (VNR) and assessed its prognostic factors. The results showed that factors such as age, immunocompetence, baseline visual acuity, and vitritis grade were associated with poor prognosis. New virological factors, including high baseline viral load and slow responder status, were also predictive of a poor outcome.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Virology
Claire Perillaud-Dubois, Elise Bouthry, Lina Mouna, Christine Pirin, Corinne Vieux-Combe, Olivier Picone, Anne-Marie Roque-Afonso, Alexandre J. Vivanti, Christelle Vauloup-Fellous
Summary: This study found that serum CMV PCR is reliable in diagnosing recent primary infection (PI) when only IgM is detected. The method has a high sensitivity and is valuable for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael Wainberg, Tain Luquez, David M. Koelle, Ben Readhead, Christine Johnston, Martin Darvas, Cory C. Funk
Summary: Recent studies have reignited interest in the hypothesis that infectious agents, particularly herpesviruses, may contribute to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. These studies suggest that many key features of Alzheimer's disease, like amyloid beta production and neuroinflammation, may actually be protective responses to acute infection that become maladaptive in the case of chronic infection.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Ana Banko, Danijela Miljanovic, Andja Cirkovic
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 36 publications, finding that the prevalence of active EBV, HHV6, HSV, CMV, HSV1, and VZV infection in COVID-19 patients was 41%, 3%, 28%, 25%, 22%, and 18%, respectively. The risk of active EBV infection in severe COVID-19 patients was 6 times higher than in non-COVID-19 controls. Prioritized research on co-infections of herpesviruses and SARS-CoV-2 is needed to determine who, when, and how to be tested, as well as how to effectively treat HHVs reactivations in acute and long COVID-19 patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Nada Abdelghani Abdelrahim, Nahla Mohammed, Magnus Evander, Clas Ahlm, Imad Mohammed Fadl-Elmula
Summary: Diagnosis of viral meningitis is uncommon in Sudan and there is no local viral etiological map. This study aimed to differentiate viral meningitis using clinical codes and determine the involvement of HSV-1/2, varicella zoster virus, non-polio HEVs, and human parechoviruses in meningitis in Sudanese children. The results showed a 3.2% incidence of viral meningitis among febrile children, with HSV-1 and non-polio HEVs being the main viruses detected.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Qingqing Shao, Tong Liu, Wenjia Wang, Tianli Liu, Ximing Jin, Zhuo Chen
Summary: Emodin is a versatile anthraquinone derivative with various pharmacological effects including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anticancer activities. Studies have shown that emodin can inhibit the infection and replication of numerous viruses both in vitro and in vivo, making it a potential candidate for antiviral therapy.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Majewska, Beata Mlynarczyk-Bonikowska
Summary: Herpes simplex viruses and cytomegalovirus are common pathogens with significant impact on immunocompromised patients. Drug-resistant strains and frequent recurrences pose challenges, and congenital infections are particularly concerning. This article explores anti-herpesviral agents, drug resistance mechanisms, and potential treatments like immunotherapy and vaccines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Claire E. Otero, Richard Barfield, Elizabeth Scheef, Cody S. Nelson, Nicole Rodgers, Hsuan-Yuan Wang, Matilda J. Mostrom, Tabitha D. Manuel, Julian Sass, Kimberli Schmidt, Husam Taher, Courtney Papen, Lesli Sprehe, Savannah Kendall, Angel Davalos, Peter A. Barry, Klaus Fruh, Justin Pollara, Daniel Malouli, Cliburn Chan, Amitinder Kaur, Sallie R. Permar
Summary: The study found that in healthy individuals, maternal plasma virus levels and antibody responses are not associated with cCMV following primary maternal infection. Except for CD4+ cell-depleted dams, there were no significant differences in virus levels and antibody responses between immunocompetent dams with and without AF-positive results in terms of cCMV transmission.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Anshu Gupta, Shelley M. Lawrence, Stephanie I. Fraley
Summary: Primary infection or reactivation of latent viruses during pregnancy can transmit the virus to the fetus, leading to potential health issues. Early and specific detection of viral infections is crucial for timely management and treatment.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGICAL METHODS
(2023)
Article
Virology
Claire Perillaud-Dubois, Emmanuelle Letamendia, Elise Bouthry, Rana Rafek, Isabelle Thouard, Corinne Vieux-Combe, Olivier Picone, Anne-Gael Cordier, Christelle Vauloup-Fellous
Summary: This study aims to report the dynamics of CMV markers in NPI women. The results show that available diagnostic tools are unreliable for detecting active infection in over half of confirmed CMV NPI pregnant women. Therefore, universal neonatal screening for CMV is necessary.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Karl Dichtl, Andreas Osterman, Rachel Barry, Johannes Wagener
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of a novel microarray-based multiplex PCR system (Euroarray) for the molecular detection of HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV. The microarray proved to be a useful tool for diagnosing viral infections of the skin and mucous membranes, allowing rapid differentiation between these pathogens in a single assay.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGICAL METHODS
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Faraz Ahmad, Nikhil Deshmukh, Aaron Webel, Sandra Johnson, Ayman Suleiman, Rajiv R. Mohan, Frederick Fraunfelder, Pawan Kumar Singh
Summary: Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, is primarily considered a genetic and age-related disease. However, viral infections, such as uveitis and viral-induced anterior segment inflammation, can also lead to secondary or uveitic glaucoma. Despite limited understanding of the ocular manifestation and sequela of viral infections, studies have suggested a link between several viruses and the development of glaucoma. Recent research on emerging viral infections has further highlighted the association between an infectious trigger and the pathogenesis of glaucoma.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Maria Kantzanou, Maria A. Karalexi, Kalliopi Theodoridou, Evangelos Kostares, Georgia Kostare, Thalia Loka, Georgia Vrioni, Athanassios Tsakris
Summary: This review analyzed published data on the prevalence of Leishmania spp. infection among people with HIV and found a prevalence rate of 6%. The study also identified age, sex, and CD4 cell count as determinants that affect the prevalence rates. The research provides important insights into the burden of Leishmaniasis in the context of HIV.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Vasiliki Koumaki, Aristides Dokoumetzidis, Maria Galini Faidra Angelerou, Stavroula Baka, Indran Balakrishnan, Athanasios Tsakris
Summary: This study aims to determine the dosage recommendations for the treatment of urosepsis and infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens. The results indicate that 1,000 mg three times a day and 1,000 to 1,200 mg four times a day regimens of intravenous mecillinam are effective against different types of pathogens.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Elisavet Stavropoulou, Nikolaos Remmas, Chrysoula (Chrysa) Voidarou, Georgia Vrioni, Theodoros Konstantinidis, Spyridon Ntougias, Athanasios Tsakris
Summary: This study examined the microbial community structure of honey samples from different geographical locations in Greece, and found that fir and cotton honeys had higher diversity than fir-oak and Arbutus unedo honeys. Lactobacillus kunkeei was the predominant taxon in fir honey, while Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Lysobacter and Meiothermus were the predominant taxa in cotton honey. In addition, Lonsdalea and Zymobacter were dominant taxa in fir-oak honey. These findings have potential implications for authenticating honey and honeybee-derived products using microbial bioindicators.
Article
Immunology
Helena C. Maltezou, Sophia Hatziantoniou, Kalliopi Theodoridou, Konstantinos Vasileiou, Cleo Anastassopoulou, Athanasios Tsakris
Summary: The aim of this study was to estimate the rates of anaphylaxis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescents in Europe. The results showed that the rate of anaphylaxis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in children and adolescents is low, and continuous monitoring is needed to guide vaccination policies.
Article
Virology
Snezana Medic, Cleo Anastassopoulou, Tatjana Pustahija, Vladimir Petrovic, Natasa Dragnic, Fotini Boufidou, Athanasios Tsakris, Vladan Saponjic
Summary: This study assessed the epidemiological trends of hepatitis A in Serbia from 2002 to 2021 and found a declining incidence and changing epidemiological characteristics. Enhanced surveillance and vaccination of high-risk groups are recommended as future public health priorities.
Correction
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Manon F. van Dijk, Anne Voor in't Holt, Emine Alp, Markus Hell, Nicola Petrosillo, Elisabeth Presterl, Athanasios Tsakris, Juliette A. C. Severin, Margreet Vos
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Fotini Boufidou, Sophia Hatziantoniou, Kalliopi Theodoridou, Helena C. C. Maltezou, Konstantinos Vasileiou, Cleo Anastassopoulou, Snezana Medic, Athanasios Tsakris
Summary: This study provides an updated assessment of anaphylaxis incidence associated with COVID-19 vaccines based on pharmacovigilance data. The latest analysis shows a lower incidence of anaphylactic reaction and anaphylactic shock compared to previous estimates. The study also highlights the importance of continuous monitoring through specialized pharmacovigilance databases for ensuring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christos Stefanis, Elisavet Stavropoulou, Elpida Giorgi, Chrysoula (Chrysa) Voidarou, Theodoros C. Constantinidis, Georgia Vrioni, Athanasios Tsakris
Summary: This study utilized bibliometric analysis to explore the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of honey. The research revealed the significance and potential applications of honey in the fields of agricultural and biological sciences, biochemistry, and pharmacology. The key findings highlighted the popularity of topics such as honey, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant properties, bees, propolis, phenolic compounds, wound healing, antibacterial agents, anti-inflammatory properties, and polyphenols.
Article
Microbiology
Maria Siopi, Ilektra Peroukidou, Maria-Ioanna Beredaki, Bram Spruijtenburg, Theun de Groot, Jacques F. Meis, Georgia Vrioni, Athanasios Tsakris, Spyros Pournaras, Joseph Meletiadis
Summary: There is significant variation in minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for amphotericin B (AMB) and C. auris depending on the antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) method. The Sensititre YeastOne (SYO) method, which is widely used in routine laboratory testing, has limited data regarding its performance for the AFST of C. auris. In this study, SYO overestimated AMB resistance in C. auris isolates when colorimetric MICs were used.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Maria Mavrouli, Spyridon Mavroulis, Efthymios Lekkas, Athanassios Tsakris
Summary: Earthquakes have the potential to cause infectious diseases, and it is important to establish disease surveillance systems for prevention and immediate response.
Article
Microbiology
Amalia Papanikolopoulou, Panagiotis Gargalianos-Kakolyris, Athina Stoupis, Nikos Moussas, Anastasia Pangalis, Kalliopi Theodoridou, Genovefa Chronopoulou, Nikos Pantazis, Maria Kantzanou, Helena C. Maltezou, Athanasios Tsakris
Summary: This study investigated the association between the incidence of CRPA bacteremia, antibiotic consumption, and infection control measures in a hospital from 2013 to 2018. The findings showed a significant decrease in the consumption of certain antibiotics and a decrease in the incidence of CRPA in most clinics and departments. Increased isolation rates of MDR carrier patients were correlated with a decreased incidence of CRPA bacteremia in the adults ICU. Interestingly, an increase in the use of hand-hygiene solutions was associated with a decrease in antibiotic consumption. In conclusion, multimodal infection control interventions resulted in a significant reduction of CRPA bacteremia.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Maria Mavrouli, Spyridon Mavroulis, Efthymios Lekkas, Athanassios Tsakris
Summary: On 6 February 2023, two major earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria, causing severe damage to structures and infrastructure in densely populated areas. The authors visited the affected area shortly after the earthquakes to assess the potential impact on public health. Field data revealed that risk factors for infectious diseases were present in the affected residential areas from the early stages of the emergency. Collapsed health facilities, cold winter conditions, destroyed infrastructure, overcrowded shelters, poor sanitation, and adverse socio-economic conditions, along with ongoing crises and disasters, could worsen the public health situation and delay the recovery process. Efficient disease surveillance and other prevention measures are crucial for early warning and management of infectious diseases in earthquake-affected areas.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Vassiliki Pitiriga, John Bakalis, Kalliopi Theodoridou, Evangelia Dimitroulia, George Saroglou, Athanasios Tsakris
Summary: This study retrospectively analyzed the episodes of catheter colonization in critically ill patients with CVCs or PICCs in a Greek tertiary care hospital. The results showed that PICCs had significantly lower colonization rates compared to CVCs, and CVCs had a higher proportion of multidrug-resistant organisms. The study suggests that PICCs may be a safer alternative for prolonged inpatient intravascular access, and prevention programs guided by local microbial ecology can reduce catheter colonization rates and CLABSIs.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Yiannis Manoussopoulos, Cleo Anastassopoulou, John P. A. Ioannidis, Athanasios Tsakris
Summary: By using exact tests of independence and average product correction, we explored potential intramolecular relationships between variable positions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The associated positions formed a non-random, epistatic network of cliques and communities, revealing evolutionary ties between circulating variants and previously unknown network positions. Our analytic approach linking network structure to mutational amino acid combinations offers a novel way to understand virus epidemiology and evolution.
Review
Microbiology
Stefanos Charpantidis, Maria Siopi, Georgios Pappas, Kalliopi Theodoridou, Constantinos Tsiamis, George Samonis, Stella-Eugenia Chryssou, Stamatios Gregoriou, Dimitrios Rigopoulos, Athanasios Tsakris, Georgia Vrioni
Summary: Mass population movements have significantly impacted the epidemiology of tinea capitis, particularly in countries receiving refugees. An unprecedented immigration wave in Greece since 2015 has led to an increase in tinea capitis cases, with a shift towards anthropophilic Trichophyton species. Periodic monitoring of pathogen profiles is crucial for appropriate treatment and prevention strategies.