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Y Tselentis

Publications and source records attributed to Y Tselentis.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2001

The impact of norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin on human gut colonization by Candida albicans.

We studied gastrointestinal (GI) colonization by Candida albicans in patients receiving oral norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin as monotherapy for urinary tract infections. Quantitative stool cultures for C. albicans were performed before, at the end and 1 week after the end of treatment. All 3 quinolones increased GI colonization by C. albicans. Ciprofloxacin caused the highest increase, which was not statistically significant.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

In vitro susceptibility of Coxiella burnetii to linezolid in comparison with its susceptibilities to quinolones, doxycycline, and clarithromycin.

The in vitro susceptibility to linezolid shown by nine Greek isolates of Coxiella burnetii derived from patients with acute Q fever was investigated. MICs of linezolid were compared with those of pefloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, trovafloxacin, doxycycline, and clarithromycin using the shell vial assay. MICs of linezolid and clarithromycin ranged from 2 to 4 microg/ml; those of doxycycline, trovafloxacin, and ofloxacin ranged from 1 to 2 microg/ml; those of pefloxacin ranged from 1 to 4 microg/ml; and those of ciprofloxacin ranged from 4 to 8 microg/ml. Linezolid was effective in controlling intracellular parasites in cultures of Vero cells infected by C. burnetii. No bactericidal activity by linezolid was obtained against C. burnetii at 8 microg/ml.

Acetamides↗
PubMed2001

Newer macrolides as empiric treatment for acute Q fever infection.

The effectiveness of newer macrolides in acute Q fever for 113 patients was recorded. The mean times to defervescence were 2.9 days for doxycycline and 3.3, 3.9, 3.9, and 6.4 days for clarithromycin, roxithromycin, erythromycin, and beta-lactams, respectively (P < 0.01 for macrolides versus beta-lactams). We conclude that macrolides may be an adequate empirical antibiotic therapy for acute Q fever.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2000

Phylogenetic relationships of phlebotomine sandflies inferred from small subunit nuclear ribosomal DNA.

Relationships among seventy specimens, fifteen species and three genera of phlebotomines were inferred from the phylogenetic analysis of small subunit nuclear rDNA, obtained by the PCR amplification and cloning of almost full-length genes. Outgroups included fifteen dipterans, and single representatives of four other insect orders. The more distant the taxa compared, the larger were the regions of ambiguous sequence alignment that needed to be deleted in order to avoid circularity in performing parsimony analyses. Phlebotomine sequences formed a monophyletic clade within the suborder Nematocera, with the progressively more basal sister groups of Diptera being Culicomorpha, Tipulomorpha and the suborder Brachycera. Within Phlebotominae, subgeneric relationships were resolved and the genus Phlebotomus was shown to be monophyletic, but markers for intraspecific geographical populations were not found and intergeneric relationships were not resolved.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Survey on the epidemiology of Microsporum canis infections in Crete, Greece over a 5-year period.

BACKGROUND: Microsporum canis is a frequent cause of tinea capitis and tinea corporis in Europe and especially in the Mediterranean area. Objective This study was undertaken to examine the epidemiologic features of all cases of M. canis infections recorded in Crete, Greece, during a 5-year period (1994-1998). METHODS: The epidemiology of 111 cases of dermatophytoses due to M. canis was analyzed according to the sex, age, origin of the infection, place of residence, body site affected, and seasonal progression. RESULTS: M. canis constituted 24.5% of all dermatophytes isolated during the study period. Women were more frequently affected than men (54%), and infections were most prevalent in patients up to the age of 9 years (46.8%). Cats were identified as the commonest source of the infection (82%). As regarding the place of residence, most of the infected patients came from rural areas (64.9%). The commonest sites of M. canis infection (in decreasing order of frequency) were: the head, the lower extremities, the trunk, and the upper extremities. The greatest number of cases were seen in September and December. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study indicate that M. canis infections have gradually decreased in recent years in this geographic area. Eradication requires elimination of the natural source of the infection, represented mainly by stray animals.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Detection and identification of Leishmania DNA within naturally infected sand flies by seminested PCR on minicircle kinetoplastic DNA.

A seminested PCR assay was developed in order to amplify the kinetoplast minicircle of Leishmania species from individual sand flies. The kinetoplast minicircle is an ideal target because it is present in 10,000 copies per cell and its sequence is known for most Leishmania species. The two-step PCR is carried out in a single tube using three primers, which were designed within the conserved area of the minicircle and contain conserved sequence blocks. The assay was able to detect as few as 3 parasites per individual sand fly and to amplify minicircle DNA from at least eight Leishmania species. This technique permits the processing of a large number of samples synchronously, as required for epidemiological studies, in order to study infection rates in sand fly populations and to identify potential insect vectors. Comparison of the sequences obtained from sand flies and mammal hosts will be crucial for developing hypotheses about the transmission cycles of Leishmania spp. in areas of endemicity.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Diagnosis of quinolone-resistant Coxiella burnetii strains by PCR-RFLP.

A total of 12 strains of Coxiella burnetii (8 Greek isolates from acute Q-fever patients, two reference strains-Nine Mile and Q212-and two pefloxacin-resistant laboratory strains) were examined for the presence of point mutations in the quinolone resistance determining region (QRDR) of gyrA gene by direct DNA sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified fragments. The gene sequences of all eight Greek isolates and the two reference strains Nine Mile and Q212 [minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)</= 4 microg/ml] were identical. Direct DNA sequencing of the in vitro-selected resistant strains (MICs to pefloxacin, 8-32 microg/ml) revealed a transition (G-->A) at the corresponding codon 87 of E. coli. This mutation lead to the substitution of Glu (codon GAG) by Lys (codon AAG ). Restriction maps of amplified gyrA gene sequences were determined by GCG Wisconsin PACKAGE, and the MnlI restriction enzyme was found to cut only the sensitive strains sequences and not the resistant ones. The present PCR-RFLP analysis has proved to be a simple, rapid, and useful method for the detection of Coxiella burnetii and, at the same time, for the diagnosis of quinolone-resistant Coxiella burnetii strains.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Repeated multi-centre prevalence surveys of hospital-acquired infection in Greek hospitals. CICNet. Cretan Infection Control Network.

Three prevalence studies for the estimation of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) were carried out in eight Greek hospitals on an annual basis during the years 1994-1996. The overall prevalence of HAI was 6.8, 5.5 and 5.9% for the three years, respectively. Among these, urinary tract infections ranged from 22.4 to 38.2%, lower respiratory tract infections ranged from 21.1 to 32.6%, surgical site infections ranged from 14.6 to 22.7% and bloodstream infections ranged from 9.0 to 13.2%. The prevalence of antibiotic usage among the hospitalized patients was found to be 49.3% in 1994, 47.3% in 1995 and 52.7% in 1996. Unjustified prescription of prophylactic usage was found to be the major component of these high percentages. Appropriate use of antibiotics for prophylaxis is one of the priorities of the current infection control programmes. The development of a nationwide network for the surveillance of HAIs in Greece is planned using the experience gained.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Surveillance of brucellosis in a rural area of Greece: application of the computerized mapping programme.

Long term active surveillance of brucellosis was implemented in a rural area (Fokida) of Greece from 1989 to 1993 while the rural area of Grevena was selected as a control area. The computerised mapping programme was used to identify and protect the suspected animal brucellosis free zones. Health education of the inhabitants was further used to teach them how to avoid the risk factors. Three suspected brucellosis free zones were identified and two of them were successfully protected. The incidence for the 10 year period (1979-1988) was estimated at 1.4/1000/year for the study area and 1.6/1000/year for the control area. During the surveillance period the incidence in the study area dropped to 0.2/1000/year while in the control area it decreased to 1.0/1000/year. The methodology of identification and protection of suspected brucellosis free zones combined with health education proved to be efficient in reducing the incidence of the disease. The same methodology could be used in the country level, in countries where it is difficult to implement and maintain an animal control programme in the whole country.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed1999

Epidemiological study of brucellosis in eight Greek villages using a computerised mapping programme.

A Computerised Mapping Programme (CMP) was created step by step to cover all the needs of a cross sectional population survey conducted in eight villages of Fokida, a rural area of central Greece. The maps of Greece (boundary) and the topographical maps of the eight villages were created using the CMP. A volunteer sample of 1121 out of 2607 inhabitants of the study area participated in the population survey. The participants were tested for brucellosis using serological tests (ELISA and Rose Bengal) and the intradermal reaction test. A questionnaire was used to obtain information concerning the risk factors for brucellosis. The risk factors found through statistical analysis were occupation (RR: 5.81, p < 0.00001), consumption of raw milk (RR: 1.98, p < 0.001) and unpasteurised fresh cheese (RR: 2.13, p < 0.01). The same factors were indicated by the CMP. The CMP also indicated manure-contaminated playgrounds in residential yards as a potential risk factor for children. The origin and dissemination were delineated using time space association display. The CMP proved to be a useful tool in this epidemiological study.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Typing of sandflies from Greece and Cyprus by DNA polymorphism of 18S rRNA gene.

A simple and reliable technique was developed to distinguish Phlebotomine sandflies by restriction fragment length polymorphism of PCR-amplified (PCR-RFLP) 18S rDNAs. Seven morphologically identified sandflies species from several localities of Greece and Cyprus were studied, and specific patterns were developed by double digesting amplified 18S rDNAs with HpaII and RsaI. Three additional species of the subgenus Larroussius were distinguished by a second double digestion with AccI and BanI. We have successfully applied the method on samples in which morphological characters were badly distinguished due to poor storage conditions and in larval stages.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Q fever pneumonia: appearance on chest radiographs.

PURPOSE: To determine the radiographic features of Q fever pneumonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chest radiographs in 85 patients admitted to the hospital during a 7-year period with Q fever pneumonia were retrospectively reviewed by two observers. RESULTS: The most commonly recorded abnormalities were segmental (n = 53 [62%]) and lobar (n = 15 [18%]) areas of opacity. Segmental pneumonia was observed as a unilateral single area of opacity in 38 (72%) patients. It was more frequently located in the upper lobes. The left upper lobe was involved in 31% of patients, the right upper lobe, in 23%; and the right lower lobe, in 27%. Lobar pneumonia was less frequently observed as a single lesion in eight (53%) of 15 patients; It was located in the left upper lobe in 31% and in the right middle lobe in 27% of patients. There was no correlation between the extent of pulmonary involvement and the course of the disease; the outcome was favorable in all patients. Complete resolution of the radiographic findings occurred in a mean of 39 days. CONCLUSION: The radiographic differentiation of Q fever pneumonia from the other community-acquired pneumonias is not possible. Clinical, serologic, and epidemiologic data provide the best basis for diagnosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Ceftriaxone and dexamethasone affecting yeast gut flora in experimental mice.

Crl:CD1 (ICR) BR mice were fed regular food or food containing Candida albicans to induce gastrointestinal (GI) colonization by the yeast. Groups of colonized mice were subsequently treated with either ceftriaxone for 10 days or dexamethasone for 10 or 21 days. Another group of colonized mice was treated with the combination of ceftriaxone, given for 10 days, and dexamethasone given for 21 days. Other colonized mice received normal saline, and non-colonized mice received the same drugs or saline, serving as controls. Candida-colonized mice, treated either with ceftriaxone or with dexamethasone alone, had significantly increased levels of GI colonization by the yeast. Colonized mice treated with the combination of the antibiotic with dexamethasone had stool concentrations of Candida similar to those of mice treated with the antibiotic alone. Saline did not affect Candida stool concentration. Yeasts were not found in the stools of non-colonized mice treated with the study drugs or saline. There was no evidence of Candida dissemination to internal organs in any group.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Sandflies on the island of Corfu, Greece.

The island of Corfu is an endemic area of human leishmaniasis, mainly visceral and secondly cutaneous. In August 1996, a survey of phlebotomine sandflies was conducted throughout the whole island. Using castor-oil paper traps, a total of 2,615 sandflies were caught. The following species were identified: 450 (17.21%) Phlebotomus neglectus, 213 (8.15%) P. tobbi, 129 (4.93%) P. perfiliewi, 12 (0.46%) P. sergenti, 11 (0.42%) P. simici, 4 (0.15%) P. papatasi, 999 (38.20%) Sergentomyia minuta and 797 (30.48%) S. dentata. Among the potential vectors of Leishmania spp., P. neglectus, P. tobbi and P. perfiliewi, were the most widespread species on the island. However, a decrease of the population density of sandflies compared to previous entomological studies was observed.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Antimicrobial susceptibilities and beta-lactamase production of Shigella isolates in Crete, Greece, during the period 1991-1995.

The susceptibility to 11 antibiotics was determined for 52 strains of Shigella isolated from patients with diarrheal disease in Crete, Greece, during the period 1991-1995. Forty-six percent of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin, 48% to tetracycline, 44.2% to chloramphenicol, and 28.8% to cotrimoxazole. Shigella flexneri was more resistant than S. sonnei to ampicillin (82 vs 4.3%), to tetracycline (82 vs 8.7%) and to cotrimoxazole (42.8 vs 13%). Overall, 82% of all S. flexneri isolates were resistant to the three or four antimicrobial agents tested. The beta-lactamases produced by shigellae were identified by isoelectric focusing and were found to be OXA-1, TEM-1, and a low-level beta-lactamase with a pI>8. The results from the present study, which is the first carried out in Crete, emphasize the need for continuous surveillance of resistance and control of antibiotic usage.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1998

In vitro susceptibility of Coxiella burnetii to trovafloxacin in comparison with susceptibilities to pefloxacin, ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, doxycycline, and clarithromycin.

The antibiotic susceptibilities of eight Greek isolates of Coxiella burnetii to trovafloxacin were determined by the shell vial assay. MICs of trovafloxacin and ofloxacin ranged from 1 to 2 microg/ml, those of pefloxacin ranged from 1 to 4 microg/ml, those of ciprofloxacin ranged from 4 to 8 microg/ml, those of doxycycline ranged from 1 to 2 microg/ml, and those of clarithromycin ranged from 2 to 4 microg/ml. Trovafloxacin exhibited no activity against C. burnetii at 4 microg/ml.

Anti-Infective Agents↗
PubMed1998

Q fever in the Greek island of Crete: detection, isolation, and molecular identification of eight strains of Coxiella burnetii from clinical samples.

Over a period of 6 years (1989 to 1995), serum samples from 3,300 patients suspected to be infected by Coxiella burnetii were assayed for the presence of antibodies against antigen phase II of the microorganism by the indirect immunofluorescence antibody technique (IFAT). One hundred fifty-two cases were recorded, and blood samples from 17 patients were cultured for the isolation of the pathogen. By a centrifugation shell vial technique, eight strains were isolated from patients suffering from acute Q fever. The microorganism was detected in the cultures by IFAT, by Gimenez staining, and by the cytopathogenic effect on Vero and human embryonic lung (HEL) cells. PCR followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was used to confirm the diagnosis and identify the Coxiella burnetii strains within the cell cultures as well as to compare them with reference strains. In order to avoid time-consuming cultures, to achieve direct detection of Coxiella burnetii in clinical samples (blood, buffy coat, etc.), and to increase the specificity and sensitivity of the detection, nested PCR was performed. The first step of DNA extraction was performed with the QIAamp blood kit 250. For the second step of the PCR assays, the conditions of temperature and times of recycling were properly modified, and the microorganism was detected within 4 h. Our study demonstrates that Q fever is an endemic disease in Crete and that the diagnosis of Coxiella burnetii infection can be rapidly achieved by the detection of the microorganism in buffy coat samples by nested PCR. Although the presenting symptoms of the disease in this study differed from those in other studies, the Cretan strains do not differ genotypically from the reference strains (Nine Mile and Q212).

Animals↗