Molecular evidence for Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ixodes ricinus ticks from Greece.

Human granulocytic anaplasmosis is increasingly being recognized in the United States and Europe. Ixodes ricinus tick is considered the primary vector of the causative pathogen, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, in Europe. Although previous studies in humans support the presence of A.

First detection of Rickettsia slovaca in Greece.

Seven hundred and three ticks collected in November and June of 2004-2006 from domestic animals in four localities of Halkidiki prefecture, Northern Greece, were tested for the presence of ricketsial DNA. Rickettsia slovaca was detected in one pool of Rhipicephalus bursa ticks, representing the first report of detection of R. slovaca in Greece.

Serum inhibin-B and follicle stimulating hormone as predictors of the presence of sperm in testicular fine needle aspirate in men with azoospermia.

Objective: Inhibin-B (Inh-B) is produced by Sertoli cells and controls Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) secretion through a negative feedback mechanism. The primary aim of this study was to compare Iotanh-B with FSH as predictors of the recovery of sperm in testicular fine needle aspirate in men with azoospermia.

Design: In 51 men with azoospermia basal values of Luteinizing Hormone (LH), FSH, prolactin and testosterone as well as Inh-B values before and 24 h and 48 h after the administration of 300 IU recombinant human FSH were determined.

Genetic detection and isolation of crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Kosovo, Yugoslavia.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (C-CHFV) strains were isolated from a fatal case and the attending physician in Kosovo, Yugoslavia. Early, rapid diagnosis of the disease was achieved by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The physician was successfully treated with oral ribavirin.