Emergence of NDM-1-Producing Nosocomial Isolates in Attica Region of Greece.

Here, we report on the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant NDM-1-producing isolates from patients hospitalized in the Attica region, Greece, in 2022 to provide data on their resistome, their virulome, the genetic environment of , and their molecular epidemiology. A total of 17 carbapenem-resistant isolates identified as NDM-producers by immunochromatography at the hospital level were sent to the Central Public Health Laboratory, in the frame of the laboratory surveillance of carbapenem-resistant pathogens, for further characterization. The initial screening for genetic AMR determinants was carried out by PCR and the MDR Direct Flow Chip assay.

3.0 T diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tractography of the testes in nonobstructive azoospermia.

Purpose: To assess the role of 3.0 T Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and Fiber Tractography (FT) of the testes in the work-up of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA).

Methods: This prospective study included consecutive NOA men and controls.

Diffusion tensor imaging and fiber tractography of the normal epididymis.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and fiber tractography (FT) of the normal epididymis and to determine normative apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values.

Methods: Twenty-eight healthy volunteers underwent MRI of the scrotum, including DTI on a 3.0 T system.

Emergence and persistent spread of carbapenemase-producing high-risk clones in Greek hospitals, 2013 to 2022.

BackgroundPreliminary unpublished results of the survey of carbapenem- and/or colistin-resistant Enterobacterales (CCRE survey) showed the expansion of carbapenemase-producing (CPKP) sequence type (ST) 39 in 12 of 15 participating Greek hospitals in 2019.AimWe conducted a rapid survey to determine the extent of spread of CPKP high-risk clones in Greek hospitals in 2022 and compare the distribution of circulating CPKP clones in these hospitals since 2013.MethodsWe analysed whole genome sequences and epidemiological data of 310 isolates that were carbapenem-resistant or 'susceptible, increased exposure' from Greek hospitals that participated in the European survey of carbapenemase-producing (EuSCAPE, 2013-2014), in the CCRE survey (2019) and in a national follow-up survey (2022) including, for the latter, an estimation of transmission events.

Molecular Characterization and Prevalence of Antimicrobial-Resistant Isolates Derived from Clinical Specimens and Environmental Habitats.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) are present in wastewaters as their elimination during treatment in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is often impossible. Water plays an important role in the spread of these microorganisms among humans, animals and the environment. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial resistance patterns, resistance genes and molecular genotypes by means of phylogenetic groups of isolates in aquatic habitats, including sewage and receiving water bodies, as well as clinical settings in the Boeotia regional district of Greece.

An Overview of the Role of Multiparametric MRI in the Investigation of Testicular Tumors.

Conventional ultrasonography represents the mainstay of testis imaging. In cases in which ultrasonography is inconclusive, scrotal MRI using a multiparametric protocol may be used as a useful problem-solving tool. MRI of the scrotum is primarily recommended for differentiating between benign and malignant testicular masses when sonographic findings are ambiguous.

Ultrasonography of the scrotum: Revisiting a classic technique.

Conventional US is the primary imaging modality for the evaluation of the scrotum, due to its high resolution, availability, cost-effectiveness and absence of ionizing radiation. Grayscale and color Doppler US provide a comprehensive assessment of scrotal diseases. The technique represents the mainstay for imaging of acute scrotum.

COVID-19 and Antimicrobial Resistance: Data from the Greek Electronic System for the Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance-WHONET-Greece (January 2018-March 2021).

Changes in hospitals' daily practice due to COVID-19 pandemic may have an impact on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We aimed to assess this possible impact as captured by the Greek Electronic System for the Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (WHONET-Greece). Routine susceptibility data of 17,837 Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial isolates from blood and respiratory specimens of hospitalized patients in nine COVID-19 tertiary hospitals were used in order to identify potential differences in AMR trends in the last three years, divided into two periods, January 2018-March 2020 and April 2020-March 2021.

Molecular Epidemiology of Multi-Drug Resistant Isolates from Hospitalized Patients in Greece.

Resistant isolates are one of the major causes of both hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and community-acquired infections (CAIs). However, management of infections is difficult as the bacterium is inherently resistant to many antibiotics. In this study, a collection of 75 clinical isolates from two tertiary hospitals from Athens and Alexnadroupolis in Greece was studied to assess antimicrobial sensitivity and molecular epidemiology.

Antibiotic Resistance of in Clinical and Water Isolates-A Systematic Review.

The current systematic review investigates the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolates from the 1980s to the present day, deriving data from clinical and/or water samples from studies carried out all over the world. Eighty-nine papers meeting the inclusion criteria, i.e.

Exotic Tourist Destinations and Transmission of Infections by Swimming Pools and Hot Springs-A Literature Review.

A growing number of people undertake international travel, and yet faster growth of such travel is expected in the tropics. Information on the hazards presented by pool and hot spring waters in tropical countries is very limited. This review aims to collate available information on pool water quality, alongside data on cases and outbreaks associated with swimming in pools in tropical regions affecting both local populations and travellers.

Temperature-dependent haemolytic propensity of CPDA-1 stored red blood cells vs whole blood - Red cell fragility as donor signature on blood units.

Background: To preserve cellular integrity and avoid bacterial growth, storage and transfer of blood and blood products follow strict guidelines in terms of temperature control. We evaluated the impact of ineligible warming of whole blood donations on the quality of blood components.

Materials And Methods: One-hundred and twenty units of whole blood (WB) from eligible blood donors were collected in CPDA-1 and stored at 4±2 °C.

Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates Recovered from Greek Aquatic Habitats Implementing the Double-Locus Sequence Typing Scheme.

The recently described double-locus sequence typing (DLST) scheme implemented to deeply characterize the genetic profiles of 52 resistant environmental Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates deriving from aquatic habitats of Greece. DLST scheme was able not only to assign an already known allelic profile to the majority of the isolates but also to recognize two new ones (ms217-190, ms217-191) with high discriminatory power. A third locus (oprD) was also used for the molecular typing, which has been found to be fundamental for the phylogenetic analysis of environmental isolates given the resulted increased discrimination between the isolates.

Circulation of a multiresistant, conjugative, IncA/C plasmid within the nosocomial Providencia stuartii population in the Athens area.

The objective of the study is to report a multidrug-resistant outbreak of Providencia stuartii that occurred in inpatients in the Athens area in 2012 resulting from a very successful transmissible A/C multidrug-resistant plasmid. Thirteen multidrug-resistant P. stuartii clinical isolates from 5 hospitals were studied.

An overview of pool and spa regulations in Mediterranean countries with a focus on the tourist industry.

The Mediterranean area is densely populated and a very popular tourist destination. This study aimed at gathering up-to-date information on current national pool and spa regulations. We formulated and duly distributed to 20 Mediterranean countries a questionnaire divided into two sections: for pool and spa facilities, respectively.

Typing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from Greek water samples by three typing methods: serotyping, Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE).

The study of various types of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from water environments is of paramount importance from a public health point of view, due to their ubiquity and pathogenicity. Molecular (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis) and phenotypical (serotyping) typing methods were applied to environmental P. aeruginosa strains.

Consecutive Serratia marcescens multiclone outbreaks in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Background: This report describes 3 consecutive outbreaks caused by genetically unrelated Serratia marcescens clones that occurred in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) over a 35-month period.

Methods: Carriage testing in neonates and health care workers and environmental investigation were performed. An unmatched case-control study was conducted to identify risk factors for S marcescens isolation.

Post‒cataract surgery endophthalmitis outbreak caused by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In June 2010, a severe outbreak of 13 cases of post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis caused by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa occurred. Pulse-field gel electrophoresis in eye isolates found 95% genetic similarity; however, extensive environmental and carriage investigation revealed no source of infection.

An update of the evolving epidemic of blaKPC-2-carrying Klebsiella pneumoniae in Greece (2009-10).

Objectives: To follow the epidemic of KPC-2-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Greece.

Methods: KPC-2-producing isolates (n = 378) were collected during January 2009-April 2010 in 40 Greek hospitals. bla(KPC) and bla(VIM) were detected by PCR.

Equivalency testing of TTC Tergitol 7 agar (ISO 9308-1:2000) with five culture media for the detection of E. coli in water samples in Greece.

In this study ten laboratories in Greece compared the performance of reference method TTC Tergitol 7 Agar (with the additional test of beta-glucuronidase production) with five alternative methods, to detect E. coli in water, in line with European Water Directive recommendations. The samples were prepared by spiking drinking water with sewage effluent following a standard protocol.

Application of multivariate statistical methods for groundwater physicochemical and biological quality assessment in the context of public health.

Three representative areas (lowland, semi-mountainous, and coastal) have been selected for the collection of drinking water samples, and a total number of 28 physical, chemical, and biological parameters per water sample have been determined and analyzed. The mean values of the physical and chemical parameters were found to be within the limits mentioned in the 98/83/EEC directive. The analysis of biological parameters shows that many of the water samples are inadequate for human consumption because of the presence of bacteria.