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5. Correction to: West Nile virus in Europe: after action reviews of preparedness and response to the 2018 transmission season in Italy, Slovenia, Serbia and Greece

Author

Riccardo, Flavia, Bolici, Francesco, Fafangel, Mario, Jovanovic, Verica, Socan, Maja, Klepac, Petra, Plavsa, Dragana, Vasic, Milena, Bella, Antonino, Diana, Gabriele, Rosi, Luca, Pezzotti, Patrizio, Andrianou, Xanthi D., Di Luca, Marco, Venturi, Giulietta, Maraglino, Francesco, Pervanidou, Danai, Cenciarelli, Orlando, Baka, Agoritsa, Young, Johanna, Bakonyi, Tamas, Rezza, Giovanni, and Suk, Jonathan E.

Published
2020
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6. West Nile virus in Europe: after action reviews of preparedness and response to the 2018 transmission season in Italy, Slovenia, Serbia and Greece

Author

Riccardo, Flavia, Bolici, Francesco, Fafangel, Mario, Jovanovic, Verica, Socan, Maja, Klepac, Petra, Plavsa, Dragana, Vasic, Milena, Bella, Antonino, Diana, Gabriele, Rosi, Luca, Pezzotti, Patrizio, Andrianou, Xanthi D., Di Luca, Marco, Venturi, Giulietta, Maraglino, Francesco, Pervanidou, Danai, Cenciarelli, Orlando, Baka, Agoritsa, Young, Johanna, Bakonyi, Tamas, Rezza, Giovanni, and Suk, Jonathan E.

Published
2020
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8. Genetic Spatiotemporal Anatomy of Plasmodium vivax Malaria Episodes in Greece, 2009-2013

Author

Spanakos, Gregory, Snounou, Georges, Pervanidou, Danai, Alifrangis, Michael, Rosanas-Urgell, Anna, Baka, Agoritsa, Tseroni, Maria, Vakali, Annita, Vassalou, Evdokia, Patsoula, Eleni, Zeller, Herve, Van Bortel, Wim, and Hadjichristodoulou, Christos

Subjects
Analysis, International economic relations, Genetic aspects, Health aspects, Genetic research -- Analysis -- Health aspects, Infection -- Genetic aspects -- Analysis -- Health aspects, Malaria -- Genetic aspects -- Analysis -- Health aspects
Abstract

The global strategies for malaria control and elimination have led to substantial decreases in malaria incidence worldwide (1). In countries outside of Africa, Plasmodium vivax often predominates, making this species [...]

Published
2018
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9. The 2022 West Nile Virus Season in Greece; A Quite Intense Season

Author

Pervanidou, Danai, primary, Kefaloudi, Chrysovaladou Niki, additional, Vakali, Anna, additional, Tsakalidou, Ourania, additional, Karatheodorou, Myrsini, additional, Tsioka, Katerina, additional, Evangelidou, Maria, additional, Mellou, Kassiani, additional, Pappa, Styliani, additional, Stoikou, Konstantina, additional, Bakaloudi, Vasiliki, additional, Koliopoulos, George, additional, Stamoulis, Kostas, additional, Patsoula, Eleni, additional, Politis, Constantina, additional, Hadjichristodoulou, Christos, additional, and Papa, Anna, additional

Published
2023
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15. West Nile virus in humans, Greece, 2018: the largest seasonal number of cases, 9 years after its emergence in the country

Author

Pervanidou, Danai, primary, Vakali, Annita, additional, Georgakopoulou, Theano, additional, Panagiotopoulos, Takis, additional, Patsoula, Eleni, additional, Koliopoulos, George, additional, Politis, Constantina, additional, Stamoulis, Kostas, additional, Gavana, Elpida, additional, Pappa, Styliani, additional, Mavrouli, Maria, additional, Emmanouil, Maria, additional, Sourvinos, George, additional, Mentis, Andreas, additional, Tsakris, Athanassios, additional, Hadjichristodoulou, Christos, additional, Tsiodras, Sotirios, additional, and Papa, Anna, additional

Published
2020
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16. A cluster of COVID-19 in pilgrims to Israel

Author

Pavli, Androula, primary, Smeti, Paraskevi, additional, Papadima, Kalliopi, additional, Andreopoulou, Anastasia, additional, Hadjianastasiou, Sofia, additional, Triantafillou, Eleni, additional, Vakali, Annita, additional, Kefaloudi, Chrysovalantou, additional, Pervanidou, Danai, additional, Gogos, Charalambos, additional, and Maltezou, Helena C, additional

Published
2020
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17. The Importance of an Active Case Detection (ACD) Programme for Malaria among Migrants from Malaria Endemic Countries: The Greek Experience in a Receptive and Vulnerable Area

Author

Tseroni, Maria, primary, Georgitsou, Maria, additional, Baka, Agoritsa, additional, Pinaka, Ourania, additional, Pervanidou, Danai, additional, Tsironi, Maria, additional, Bleta, Panagiota, additional, Charvalakou, Maria, additional, Psinaki, Ioanna, additional, Dionysopoulou, Martha, additional, Legaki, Antonia, additional, Vakali, Annita, additional, Patsoula, Elina, additional, Vassalou, Evdokia, additional, Bellou, Spyridoula, additional, Diamantopoulos, Vasilis, additional, Georgakopoulou, Theano, additional, Mouchtouri, Varvara, additional, Tsiodras, Sotirios, additional, Middleton, Nicos, additional, Charalambous, Andreas, additional, Raftopoulos, Vasilios, additional, and Hadjichristodoulou, Christos, additional

Published
2020
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18. Entomological Data and Detection of West Nile Virus in Mosquitoes in Greece (2014-2016), Before Disease Re-Emergence in 2017

Author

Patsoula, Eleni Beleri, Stavroula Tegos, Nikolaos Mkrtsian, Rima Vakali, Annita Pervanidou, Danai

Subjects
viruses, virus diseases
Abstract

West Nile virus (WNV) cases were seasonally recorded in humans and animals in Greece, from 2010 to 2014, and circulation of the virus was detected in different Regional Units of the country. Small scale entomological surveillance activities were carried out by several regions and regional units in Greece, during 2014-2016, with the participation of subcontractors for the vector control programs aiming to record presence/absence of mosquito species, and monitor and control mosquito populations. Mosquito traps were placed in rural and urban sites; specimens were collected, morphologically characterized, and pooled by date of collection, location, and species types. Mosquito pools containing Culex pipiens, Aedes caspius, and Aedes albopictus were examined for the presence of WNV and positive pools were detected in different areas of the country. Sequencing of a selected number of amplicons revealed WNV lineage 2 partial NS5 gene sequences. In this study, we present data on the mosquito species composition in the areas of study and WNV detection from several parts of Greece, in 6, 11, and 26 mosquito pools corresponding to the years 2014, 2015, and 2016, respectively. A total of 15 WNV human infections were reported to the public health authorities of the country in 2014, whereas no human cases were detected for 2015-2016. Taking into consideration the complex epidemiological profile of WNV and unforeseen changes in its circulation, re-emergence of WNV human cases in Greece was possible and expected, thus rendering surveillance activities imperative.

Published
2020

21. Genetic Spatiotemporal Anatomy of Plasmodium vivax Malaria Episodes in Greece, 2009-2013

Author

Spanakos, Gregory Snounou, Georges Pervanidou, Danai and Alifrangis, Michael Rosanas-Urgell, Anna Baka, Agoritsa and Tseroni, Maria Vakali, Annita Vassalou, Evdokia Patsoula, Eleni Zeller, Herve Van Bortel, Wim Hadjichristodoulou, Christos MALWEST Project

Subjects
parasitic diseases
Abstract

An influx of immigrants is contributing to the reemergence of Plasmodium vivax malaria in Greece; 1 persistent focus of transmission is in Laconia, Peloponnese. We genotyped archived blood samples from a substantial proportion of malaria cases recorded in Greece in 2009-2013 using 8 microsatellite markers and a PvMSP-3 alpha gene fragment and plotted their spatiotemporal distribution. High parasite genetic diversity with low multiplicity of infection was observed. A subset of genetically identical/related parasites was restricted to 3 areas in migrants and Greek residents, with some persisting over 2 consecutive transmission periods. We identified 2 hitherto unsuspected additional foci of local transmission: Kardhitsa and Attica. Furthermore, this analysis indicates that several cases in migrants initially classified as imported malaria were actually locally acquired. This study shows the potential for P. vivax to reestablish transmission and counsels public health authorities about the need for vigilance to achieve or maintain sustainable malaria elimination.

Published
2018

22. Reemergence of West Nile Virus Infections in Southern Greece, 2017

Author

Mavrouli, Maria, primary, Vrioni, Georgia, additional, Kapsimali, Violetta, additional, Tsiamis, Constantinos, additional, Mavroulis, Spyridon, additional, Pervanidou, Danai, additional, Billinis, Charalambos, additional, Hadjichristodoulou, Christos, additional, and Tsakris, Athanassios, additional

Published
2019
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23. 455. Epidemiological Surveillance in Points of Care for Refugees/Migrants: The 2016–2017 Experience in Greece

Author

Gkolfinopoulou, Kassiani, primary, Lytras, Theodore, additional, Triantafyllou, Eleni, additional, Mellou, Kassiani, additional, Pervanidou, Danai, additional, Kalkouni, Ourania, additional, Lambrou, Angeliki, additional, Chrysostomou, Anthi, additional, Andreopoulou, Anastasia, additional, Gouzelou, Stavroula, additional, Katsaounos, Panagiotis, additional, Baka, Agoritsa, additional, Tsiodras, Sotirios, additional, Georgakopoulou, Theano, additional, and Panagiotopoulos, Takis, additional

Published
2018
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24. 443. West Nile Virus in Humans in Greece, 2010–2017

Author

Pervanidou, Danai, primary, Vakali, Annita, additional, Baka, Agoritsa, additional, Georgakopoulou, Theano, additional, Danis, Kostas, additional, Detsis, Marios, additional, Tsakris, Athanasios, additional, Papa, Anna, additional, Tsiodras, Sotirios, additional, Panagiotopoulos, Takis, additional, and Hadjichristodoulou, Christos, additional

Published
2018
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25. 431. Enhanced Malaria Surveillance in Greece, 2009–2017

Author

Pervanidou, Danai, primary, Tseroni, Maria, additional, Baka, Agoritsa, additional, Vakali, Annita, additional, Georgakopoulou, Theano, additional, Patsoula, Elina, additional, Vassalou, Evdokia, additional, Diamantopoulos, Vasilis, additional, Panagiotopoulos, Takis, additional, Detsis, Marios, additional, Danis, Kostas, additional, Tsiodras, Sotirios, additional, Hadjichristodoulou, Christos, additional, and Rosenberg, Theofilos, additional

Published
2018
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28. Records of Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) (Diptera; Culicidae) and Culex tritaeniorhynchus (Diptera; Culicidae) Expansion in Areas in Mainland Greece and Islands

Author

Patsoula, Eleni Beleri, Stavroula Vakali, Annita Pervanidou, Danai Tegos, Nikolaos Nearchou, Andreas Daskalakis, Demetrios Mourelatos, Spiros Hadjichristodoulou, Christos

Subjects
parasitic diseases, fungi
Abstract

Annual entomological surveillance programs aiming to monitor mosquito populations and record presence and absence of mosquito species have been performed in Greece. We report, in this study, new records and expansion of Aedes albopictus in the islands of Lesvos (region of North Aegean), Crete (region of Crete), and the regional units of Rodopi in East Macedonia-Thrace. Furthermore, Culex tritaeniorhynchus was recorded for the first time in Arta (region of Epirus) in northwestern Greece.

Published
2017

29. West Nile Virus Circulation in Mosquitoes in Greece (2010-2013)

Author

Patsoula, Eleni Vakali, Annita Balatsos, Georgios and Pervanidou, Danai Beleri, Stavroula Tegos, Nikolaos Baka, Agoritsa Spanakos, Gregory Georgakopoulou, Theano Tserkezou, Persefoni Van Bortel, Wim Zeller, Herve Menounos, Panagiotis and Kremastinou, Jenny Hadjichristodoulou, Christos

Abstract

Background of the Study. Following a large West Nile virus (WNV) epidemic in Northern Greece in 2010, an active mosquito surveillance system was implemented, for a 3-year period (2011, 2012, and 2013). Description of the Study Site and Methodology. Using mainly CO2 mosquito traps, mosquito collections were performed. Samples were pooled by date of collection, location, and species and examined for the presence of WNV. Results. Positive pools were detected in different areas of the country. In 2010, MIR and MLE values of 1.92 (95% CI: 0.00-4.57) and 2.30 (95% CI: 0.38-7.49) were calculated for the Serres Regional Unit in Central Macedonia Region. In 2011, the highest MIR value of 3.71(95% CI: 1.52-5.91) was recorded in the Regions of Central Greece and Thessaly. In 2012, MIR and MLE values for the whole country were 2.03 (95% CI: 1.73-2.33) and 2.15 (95% CI: 1.86-2.48), respectively, for Cx. pipiens. In 2013, in the Regional Unit of Attica, the one outbreak epicenter, MIR and MLE values for Cx. pipiens were 10.75 (95% CI: 7.52-13.99) and 15.76 (95% CI: 11.66-20.65), respectively. Significance of Results/Conclusions. The contribution of a mosquito-based surveillance system targeting WNV transmission is highlighted through the obtained data, as in most regions positive mosquito pools were detected prior to the date of symptom onset of human cases. Dissemination of the results on time to Public Health Authorities resulted in planning and application of public health interventions in local level.

Published
2016

30. Imported Chikungunya fever case in Greece in June 2014 and public health response

Author

Tsiodras, Sotirios Pervanidou, Danai Papadopoulou, Elpida and Kavatha, Dimitra Baka, Agoritsa Koliopoulos, George and Badieritakis, Evangelos Michaelakis, Antonios Gavana, Elpida and Patsoula, Eleni Tsimpos, Ioannis Gioksari, Thalia and Kyriazopoulou, Evdoxia Vakali, Annita Pavli, Androula and Maltezou, Helena C. Georgakopoulou, Theano Hadjichristodoulou, Christos Kremastinou, Jenny Papa, Anna

Abstract

We report about the first imported case of Chikungunya fever in Greece in a Greek traveler returning from the Dominican Republic and the associated public health response. We investigated the case and performed focused epidemiological and entomological investigation in all areas the patient visited during the infectious period, to identify the targeted interventions needed. Entomological investigation revealed the occurrence of the competent vector Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in the environment surrounding the hospital where the patient was admitted and in her workplace. All captured mosquitoes tested negative for Chikungunya virus. We further conducted clinical and laboratory examination of the patient's co-travelers, gave advice on appropriate personal preventive measures against mosquito bites to the patient and co-travelers and on vector control, and raised awareness among health professionals throughout Greece. The risk of introduction and local transmission of Chikungunya and other arboviruses in Greece and other European countries is present, as the competent vector exists in many parts of Europe. Public health professionals, travel medicine specialists and clinicians should maintain awareness regarding this possibility of importation of arbovirus cases in order to provide the appropriate advice, seek the prompt diagnosis, and implement appropriate interventions. Mobilization of various stakeholders will lead to enhanced epidemiological and entomological surveillance that will allow for improved risk assessment in each area.

Published
2016

31. West Nile virus surveillance in Europe: moving towards an integrated animal-human-vector approach

Author

Gossner, Céline M, primary, Marrama, Laurence, additional, Carson, Marianne, additional, Allerberger, Franz, additional, Calistri, Paolo, additional, Dilaveris, Dimitrios, additional, Lecollinet, Sylvie, additional, Morgan, Dilys, additional, Nowotny, Norbert, additional, Paty, Marie-Claire, additional, Pervanidou, Danai, additional, Rizzo, Caterina, additional, Roberts, Helen, additional, Schmoll, Friedrich, additional, Van Bortel, Wim, additional, and Gervelmeyer, Andrea, additional

Published
2017
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32. Records of Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) (Diptera; Culicidae) and Culex tritaeniorhynchus (Diptera; Culicidae) Expansion in Areas in Mainland Greece and Islands

Author

Patsoula, Eleni, primary, Beleri, Stavroula, additional, Vakali, Annita, additional, Pervanidou, Danai, additional, Tegos, Nikolaos, additional, Nearchou, Andreas, additional, Daskalakis, Demetrios, additional, Mourelatos, Spiros, additional, and Hadjichristodoulou, Christos, additional

Published
2017
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33. Identification of Climatic Factors Affecting the Epidemiology of Human West Nile Virus Infections in Northern Greece

Author

Stilianakis, Nikolaos I., primary, Syrris, Vasileios, additional, Petroliagkis, Thomas, additional, Pärt, Peeter, additional, Gewehr, Sandra, additional, Kalaitzopoulou, Stella, additional, Mourelatos, Spiros, additional, Baka, Agoritsa, additional, Pervanidou, Danai, additional, Vontas, John, additional, and Hadjichristodoulou, Christos, additional

Published
2016
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34. Associations of ABO, D, and Lewis blood groups and HLA Class I and Class II alleles with West Nile virus Lineage 2 disease outcome in Greece, 2010 to 2013

Author

Politis, Constantina, primary, Parara, Myrsini, additional, Kremastinou, Jenny, additional, Hasapopoulou, Eleni, additional, Iniotaki, Aliki, additional, Siorenta, Alexandra, additional, Richardson, Clive, additional, Papa, Anna, additional, Kavallierou, Lilian, additional, Asariotou, Marina, additional, Katsarou, Olga, additional, Mougiou, Athina, additional, Dadiotis, Lukas, additional, Alexandropoulou, Zafeiria, additional, Megalou, Angelica, additional, Magoula, Evangelia, additional, Papadopoulou, Margarita, additional, Pervanidou, Danai, additional, Baka, Agoritsa, additional, and Hadjichristodoulou, Christos, additional

Published
2016
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35. Environmental parameters as risk factors for human and canine Leishmania infection in Thessaly, Central Greece

Author

GIANNAKOPOULOS, ALEXIOS, primary, TSOKANA, CONSTANTINA N., additional, PERVANIDOU, DANAI, additional, PAPADOPOULOS, ELIAS, additional, PAPASPYROPOULOS, KONSTANTINOS, additional, SPYROU, VASSILIKI, additional, RODI BURRIEL, ANGELIKI, additional, VAKALI, ANNITA, additional, HADJICHRISTODOULOU, CHRISTOS, additional, and BILLINIS, CHARALAMBOS, additional

Published
2016
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36. Amino acid signatures in the HLA class II peptide-binding region associated with protection/susceptibility to the severe West Nile Virus disease.

Author

Sarri, Constantina A., Papadopoulos, Georgios E., Papa, Anna, Tsakris, Athanasios, Pervanidou, Danai, Baka, Agoritsa, Politis, Constantina, Billinis, Charalambos, Hadjichristodoulou, Christos, Mamuris, Zissis, and null, null

Subjects
AMINO acids, HLA histocompatibility antigens, TREATMENT of West Nile fever, COMPUTATIONAL biology, DISEASE susceptibility, IMMUNOSPECIFICITY
Abstract

The MHC class II region in humans is highly polymorphic. Each MHC molecule is formed by an α and a β chain, produced by different genes, creating an antigen-binding groove. In the groove there are several pockets into which antigens anchor and fit. The affinity of this fitting determines the recognition specificity of a given peptide. Here, based on our previous results about the association of MHC class II with the WNV disease, we examined the role of the binding pockets of HLA-DPA1, -DQA1 and–DRB1 in the severe form of the disease. In HLA-DQA1, variants in all pockets 1, 6 and 9 were found to be associated with either protection and/or susceptibility to neuroinvasion caused by WNV. Similarly, pockets 7, 9 and 10 in HLA-DRB1 were associated with severe disease. Protein modeling of these molecules revealed structural and functional differences among alleles with opposite roles concerning the development of the disease. Different amino acids in positions α52 and α66 (HLA-DQA1) significantly influenced the peptide binding while DYWLR/EFA combination (HLA-DRB1) was associated with neuronal damage. Further studies could help us understand the selectivity of pocket variants in order to create suitable peptides for an effective response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2018
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37. Imported Chikungunya fever case in Greece in June 2014 and public health response

Author

Tsiodras, Sotirios, primary, Pervanidou, Danai, additional, Papadopoulou, Elpida, additional, Kavatha, Dimitra, additional, Baka, Agoritsa, additional, Koliopoulos, George, additional, Badieritakis, Evangelos, additional, Michaelakis, Antonios, additional, Gavana, Elpida, additional, Patsoula, Eleni, additional, Tsimpos, Ioannis, additional, Gioksari, Thalia, additional, Kyriazopoulou, Evdoxia, additional, Vakali, Annita, additional, Pavli, Androula, additional, Maltezou, Helena C., additional, Georgakopoulou, Theano, additional, Hadjichristodoulou, Christos, additional, Kremastinou, Jenny, additional, and Papa, Anna, additional

Published
2016
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38. West Nile Virus Circulation in Mosquitoes in Greece (2010–2013)

Author

Patsoula, Eleni, primary, Vakali, Annita, additional, Balatsos, Georgios, additional, Pervanidou, Danai, additional, Beleri, Stavroula, additional, Tegos, Nikolaos, additional, Baka, Agoritsa, additional, Spanakos, Gregory, additional, Georgakopoulou, Theano, additional, Tserkezou, Persefoni, additional, Van Bortel, Wim, additional, Zeller, Herve, additional, Menounos, Panagiotis, additional, Kremastinou, Jenny, additional, and Hadjichristodoulou, Christos, additional

Published
2016
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39. Genetic Contribution of MHC Class II Genes in Susceptibility to West Nile Virus Infection.

Author

Sarri, Constantina A., Markantoni, Maria, Stamatis, Costas, Papa, Anna, Tsakris, Athanasios, Pervanidou, Danai, Baka, Agoritsa, Politis, Constantina, Billinis, Charalambos, Hadjichristodoulou, Christos, Mamuris, Zissis, and null, null

Subjects
TREATMENT of West Nile fever, MAJOR histocompatibility complex, DISEASE susceptibility, VIRAL encephalitis, IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE agents
Abstract

WNV is a zoonotic neurotropic flavivirus that has recently emerged globally as a significant cause of viral encephalitis. The last five years, 624 incidents of WNV infection have been reported in Greece. The risk for severe WNV disease increases among immunosuppressed individuals implying thus the contribution of the MHC locus to the control of WNV infection. In order to investigate a possible association of MHC class II genes, especially HLA-DPA1, HLA-DQA1, HLA-DRB1, we examined 105 WNV patients, including 68 cases with neuroinvasive disease and 37 cases with mild clinical phenotype, collected during the period from 2010 to2013, and 100 control individuals selected form the Greek population. Typing was performed for exon 2 for all three genes. DQA1*01:01 was considered to be "protective" against WNV infection (25.4% vs 40.1%, P = 0.004) while DQA1*01:02 was associated with increased susceptibility (48.0% vs 32.1%, P = 0.003). Protection against neuroinvasion was associated with the presence of DRB1*11:02 (4.99% vs 0.0%, P = 0.018). DRB1*16:02 was also absent from the control cohort (P = 0.016). Three additional population control groups were used in order to validate our results. No statistically significant association with the disease was found for HLA-DPA alleles. The results of the present study provide some evidence that MHC class II is involved in the response to WNV infection, outlining infection "susceptibility" and "CNS-high-risk" candidates. Furthermore, three new alleles were identified while the frequency of all alleles in the study was compared with worldwide data. The characterization of the MHC locus could help to estimate the risk for severe WNV cases in a country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2016
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40. Prevention of Malaria Resurgence in Greece through the Association of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) to Immigrants from Malaria-Endemic Regions and Standard Control Measures.

Author

Tseroni, Maria, Baka, Agoritsa, Kapizioni, Christina, Snounou, Georges, Tsiodras, Sotirios, Charvalakou, Maria, Georgitsou, Maria, Panoutsakou, Maria, Psinaki, Ioanna, Tsoromokou, Maria, Karakitsos, George, Pervanidou, Danai, Vakali, Annita, Mouchtouri, Varvara, Georgakopoulou, Theano, Mamuris, Zissis, Papadopoulos, Nikos, Koliopoulos, George, Badieritakis, Evangelos, and Diamantopoulos, Vasilis

Subjects
MALARIA prevention, MALARIA, PUBLIC health, HEALTH policy, DRUG administration laws, LAW
Abstract

Greece was declared malaria-free in 1974 after a long antimalarial fight. In 2011-2012, an outbreak of P. vivax malaria was reported in Evrotas, an agricultural area in Southern Greece, where a large number of immigrants from endemic countries live and work. A total of 46 locally acquired and 38 imported malaria cases were detected. Despite a significant decrease of the number of malaria cases in 2012, a mass drug administration (MDA) program was considered as an additional measure to prevent reestablishment of the disease in the area. During 2013 and 2014, a combination of 3-day chloroquine and 14-day primaquine treatment was administered under direct observation to immigrants living in the epicenter of the 2011 outbreak in Evrotas. Adverse events were managed and recorded on a daily basis. The control measures implemented since 2011 continued during the period of 2013-2014 as a part of a national integrated malaria control program that included active case detection (ACD), vector control measures and community education. The MDA program was started prior to the transmission periods (from May to December). One thousand ninety four (1094) immigrants successfully completed the treatment, corresponding to 87.3% coverage of the target population. A total of 688 adverse events were recorded in 397 (36.2%, 95% C.I.: 33.4-39.1) persons, the vast majority minor, predominantly dizziness and headache for chloroquine (284 events) and abdominal pain (85 events) for primaquine. A single case of primaquine-induced hemolysis was recorded in a person whose initial G6PD test proved incorrect. No malaria cases were recorded in Evrotas, Laconia, in 2013 and 2014, though three locally acquired malaria cases were recorded in other regions of Greece in 2013. Preventive antimalarial MDA to a high-risk population in a low transmission setting appears to have synergized with the usual antimalarial activities to achieve malaria elimination. This study suggests that judicious use of MDA can be a useful addition to the antimalarial armamentarium in areas threatened with the reintroduction of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2015
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41. Field Application of SD Bioline Malaria Ag Pf/Pan Rapid Diagnostic Test for Malaria in Greece.

Author

Tseroni, Maria, Pervanidou, Danai, Tserkezou, Persefoni, Rachiotis, George, Pinaka, Ourania, Baka, Agoritsa, Georgakopoulou, Theano, Vakali, Annita, Dionysopoulou, Martha, Terzaki, Irene, Marka, Andriani, Detsis, Marios, Evlampidou, Zafiroula, Mpimpa, Anastasia, Vassalou, Evdokia, Tsiodras, Sotirios, Tsakris, Athanasios, Kremastinou, Jenny, Hadjichristodoulou, Christos, and null, null

Subjects
*MALARIA diagnosis, *MALARIA prevention, *PLASMODIUM vivax, *POLYMERASE chain reaction, *PREVENTIVE medicine, *MEDICAL personnel
Abstract

Greece, a malaria-free country since 1974, has experienced re-emergence of Plasmodium vivax autochthonous malaria cases in some agriculture areas over the last three years. In early 2012, an integrated control programme (MALWEST Project) was launched in order to prevent re-establishment of the disease. In the context of this project, the rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) of SD Bioline Malaria Ag Pf/Pan that detects hrp-2 and pan-LDH antigens were used. The aim of this study was to assess the field application of the RDT for the P. vivax diagnosis in comparison to light microscopy and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 955 samples were tested with all three diagnostic tools. Agreement of RDT against microscopy and PCR for the diagnosis of P. vivax was satisfactory (K value: 0.849 and 0.976, respectively). The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of RDT against PCR was 95.6% (95% C.I.: 84.8-99.3), 100% (95% C.I.: 99.6-100.0) and 100% (95% CI: 91.7-100.0) respectively, while the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of RDT against microscopic examination was 97.4% (95% C.I.: 86.1-99.6), 99.4% (95% C.I.: 98.6-99.8) and 86.1% (95% CI: 72.1-94.7), respectively. Our results indicate that RDT performed satisfactory in a non-endemic country and therefore is recommended for malaria diagnosis, especially in areas where health professionals lack experience on light microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2015
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42. Records of Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) (Diptera; Culicidae) and Culex tritaeniorhynchus (Diptera; Culicidae) Expansion in Areas in Mainland Greece and Islands.

Author

Patsoula E, Beleri S, Vakali A, Pervanidou D, Tegos N, Nearchou A, Daskalakis D, Mourelatos S, and Hadjichristodoulou C

Subjects
Animals, Greece, Islands, Aedes physiology, Animal Distribution physiology, Culex physiology
Abstract

Annual entomological surveillance programs aiming to monitor mosquito populations and record presence and absence of mosquito species have been performed in Greece. We report, in this study, new records and expansion of Aedes albopictus in the islands of Lesvos (region of North Aegean), Crete (region of Crete), and the regional units of Rodopi in East Macedonia-Thrace. Furthermore, Culex tritaeniorhynchus was recorded for the first time in Arta (region of Epirus) in northwestern Greece.

Published
2017
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