Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 - data from a hospital-based study in Varna, northeastern Bulgaria, 2019-2021.

The purpose of the current study was to describe the prevalence of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) in northeastern Bulgaria. From January 2019 to December 2021, we tested 1493 samples for anti-HSV-1 IgG and 817 samples for anti-HSV-2 IgG antibodies in the Virology Laboratory, "St. Marina" University Hospital, Varna, Bulgaria.

Dealing with inconclusive SARS-CoV-2 PCR samples-Our experience.

Purpose: Early confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 is a key point in the timely management of infected patients and contact persons. Routine diagnostics of COVID-19 cases relies on RT-PCR detection of two or three unique sequences of the virus. A serious problem for the laboratories is how to interpret inconclusive samples which are positive for only one of the SARS-CoV-2 specific genes.

Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection - Lessons from a Clinical Case.

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a worldwide spread herpes virus that establishes a latent infection after the primary infection. It becomes a major problem in immunocompromised patients and in cases of primary or reactivated infection during pregnancy. CMV is the most common congenital infection and is the leading infectious cause of sensoneural deafness and cerebral mental retardation.

Hepatitis C virus genotype analysis in patients with chronic hepatitis in North Eastern Bulgaria.

The main objective of this study was to analyse the spread of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype in patients with chronic liver disease; commenting on the molecular characterization of HCV and gender and age in Varna, Bulgaria. Across Europe and the world, HCV is a significant economic concern and public health crisis. Defined by genotype variations, HCV is the leading cause of chronic liver disease, liver related morbidity, and mortality worldwide.

Detection of EBV DNA in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients in Bulgaria.

Epstein-Barr virus is the first human oncogenic virus associated with a broad range of different malignant diseases but its role in non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) development still needs to be fully understood. High expression levels of EBV major genes are found in NHL tumor cells and free viral DNA circulates in the plasma of such individuals. In the current study we detected EBV DNA levels in plasma samples from NHL patients in order to validate its significance as a laboratory marker for disease monitoring.

The Role of Cytomegalovirus in Congenital and Early Postnatal Infections in Northeastern Bulgaria.

Background: Human cytomegalovirus is a ubiquitous, large enveloped DNA β-herpesvirus that, like other herpesviruses, establishes lifelong latency following primary infection. It is the most frequent cause of congenital, neonatal and early postnatal infections with long lasting sequelae.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of cytomegalovirus among a cohort of newborns and 1-3-month-old children with neurological symptoms, physical retardation, prolonged jaundice, thrombocytopenic purpura and other disabilities.