Publications by authors named "Barbounakis E"

BackgroundLate HIV diagnosis (CD4+ T-cell count < 350 cells/μL, or with an AIDS-defining event) remains a persistent challenge in Greece, indicating potential missed opportunities (MOs) for earlier testing.AimTo determine the frequency of HIV indicator conditions (ICs) preceding diagnosis and to quantify MOs for earlier testing at a nationwide level in Greece.MethodsThis multicentre retrospective study analysed data on 823 antiretroviral therapy-naive adults (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with HIV during 2019-21.

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Article Synopsis
  • - This study investigates the prevalence of hepatitis D virus (HDV) among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in Greece, highlighting the importance of understanding the impact of co-infections on liver disease as new treatments emerge.
  • - A total of 696 serum samples from PLWHIV were analyzed, revealing that the majority of participants were male (93%) with a median age of 54 and a long history on antiretroviral therapy, while additional findings showed seroprevalence for other viruses like HCV and HAV.
  • - Results showed a low HDV prevalence in the study group, with only 3% testing positive for anti-HDV IgG antibodies and none for HDV RNA, indicating fewer
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Hepatitis E virus (HEV) poses significant health concerns worldwide, particularly among people living with HIV (PLWHIV), due to an increased risk of chronic infection and progression to cirrhosis in individuals with low CD4 cell counts. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, chronicity potential, and risk factors of HEV infection among PLWHIV in Greece, where data are currently absent. A synchronic multicentric study encompassing five major Greek university hospitals was executed over 24 months, recruiting 696 PLWHIV participants.

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Article Synopsis
  • HIV late presentation (LP) is on the rise in Europe, particularly in Greece, prompting an investigation into the characteristics and factors influencing LP, defined by the time between HIV infection and diagnosis.
  • Analysis of data from 6166 people living with HIV in Greece from 1999-2015 revealed that older age, heterosexual transmission, and more recent diagnoses correlate with a higher risk of LP, while individuals who inject drugs tend to get diagnosed more quickly than other groups.
  • The findings highlight the need for focused healthcare interventions for older adults and heterosexuals, who are increasingly at risk for LP as they represent a growing segment of new diagnoses in Greece.
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Our aim was to estimate the date of the origin and the transmission rates of the major local clusters of subtypes A1 and B in Greece. Phylodynamic analyses were conducted in 14 subtype A1 and 31 subtype B clusters. The earliest dates of origin for subtypes A1 and B were in 1982.

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Our aim was to investigate the dispersal patterns and parameters associated with local molecular transmission clusters (MTCs) of subtypes A1 and B in Greece (predominant HIV-1 subtypes). The analysis focused on 1751 (28.4%) and 2575 (41.

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We report the case of an immunocompetent man who presented with fever and abdominal pain and was found to have a hepatic abscess and a peri-renal abscess with a computerized tomography scan. The hepatic abscess was drained percutaneously and cultures revealed the presence of that was sensitive to penicillin. The patient was successfully treated with ceftriaxone and metronidazole with resolution of the abscesses.

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Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multisystemic, autoimmune, inflammatory disorder predominantly affecting young females. Its onset may be abrupt or insidious, presenting with a broad range of clinical and immunological features. We report an unusual case of elderly-onset systemic lupus erythematosus in a woman initially diagnosed with discoid lupus, and subsequently admitted to hospital due to a progressive psycho-motor deficit.

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Fluoroquinolones are broad-spectrum antibiotics increasingly utilized as empirical or prophylactic therapy in the management of cancer patients. We evaluated the effects of newer generation fluoroquinolones on the level of gastrointestinal (GI) colonization by Candida albicans in a previously established mouse model. Adult male Crl:CD1 (ICR) BR mice were fed chow containing Candida albicans or regular chow.

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Adult male Crl:CD1 (ICR) BR mice were fed chow containing Candida albicans or regular chow. Both groups were subsequently given tigecycline or daptomycin or normal saline subcutaneously for 10 days. To determine the effect on the stool yeast concentration, stool cultures were performed immediately before, at the end, and 1 week after discontinuation of treatment.

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Crl:CDI(ICR) BR adult mice were fed chow containing Candida albicans or regular chow. Both groups were subsequently given either antibiotics acting mainly against Gram-positive organisms or normal saline for 10 days. Stool cultures were performed before, at the end, and one week after discontinuation of treatment to determine the effects on the stool yeast concentration.

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Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is an uncommon pulmonary disorder, the clinical spectrum of which is variable. We present a fatal case of BOOP, which developed spontaneous pneumothorax, a complication considered rare. Unusual was also the upper lobe distribution of the infiltrates.

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Crl:CD1(ICR) BR mice were fed chow containing Candida albicans or regular chow. Both groups were subsequently given either antibiotics or normal saline. Stool cultures were performed before, at the end of treatment and 1 week after treatment, to determine the effect on the stool yeast concentration.

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Adult male Crl:CD1 (ICR) mice were fed chow containing Candida albicans to induce sustained gastrointestinal colonization by the yeast. Groups of mice were rendered neutropenic with cyclophosphamide and subsequently received ceftriaxone, while other groups received normal saline and served as controls. Stool cultures were obtained immediately before and at the end of treatment.

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