Distribution of vectors and arboviruses, and healthcare workers' knowledge of vector-borne diseases in Armenia.

Introduction: Armenia's favorable geographical and climatic conditions support mosquitoes, sandflies, and ticks that can transmit various diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these vectors and circulating arboviruses in Armenia and assess healthcare workers` knowledge of arboviral diseases.

Methodology: In 2021, we conducted fieldwork, combining morphological identification of vectors with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of pathogens to map the distribution of potential arbovirus vectors across Armenia.

Adaptation to mountain γ-background: bacteria speciation.

Purpose: To study the adaptation of bacteria to the natural γ-background of mountains and anthropogenic emissions from nuclear power plants; to establish the main factors of variability and speciation of bacteria.

Method: Analysis of materials on the radiation background and its impact on living organisms in the landscape of Armenia, calculation of the absorbed dose by microbes due to rock radiation.

Results: The review shows the death, reproduction, radioresistance and speciation of bacteria in changing conditions of low variable natural and anthropogenic γ-background.

Costs of in- and outpatient respiratory disease and the seasonal influenza vaccination program in Armenia - 2020-2021.

Background: Despite the substantial global impact of influenza, there are limited economic data to guide influenza vaccination programs investments in middle-income countries. We measured the costs of influenza and the costs of an influenza vaccination program in Armenia, using a societal perspective.

Methods: During December 2022 through March 2023, retrospective cost data were collected from case-patients and healthcare providers through structured questionnaires at 15 healthcare facilities selected through stratified sampling.

Differences in integrated assessment and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) for people with HIV across the WHO European region.

Objectives: We aimed to assess the extent of integration of non-communicable disease (NCD) assessment and management in HIV clinics across Europe.

Methods: A structured electronic questionnaire with 41 multiple-choice and rating-scale questions assessing NCD assessment and management was sent to 88 HIV clinics across the WHO European Region during March-May 2023. One response per clinic was collected.

Molecular monitoring of insecticide resistance in major disease vectors in Armenia.

Background: Armenia is considered particularly vulnerable to life-threatening vector-borne diseases (VBDs) including malaria, West Nile virus disease and leishmaniasis. However, information relevant for the control of the vectors of these diseases, such as their insecticide resistance profile, is scarce. The present study was conducted to provide the first evidence on insecticide resistance mechanisms circulating in major mosquito and sand fly populations in Armenia.

Assessing the Adoption of One Health Approaches in National Plans to Combat Health Threats: The Pilot of a One Health Conceptual Framework in Armenia.

Due to several factors, such as environmental and climate changes, the risk of health threats originating at the human-animal-environment interface, including vector-borne diseases (VBDs) and zoonoses, is increasing. Low-resource settings struggle to counter these multidimensional risks due to their already-strained health systems and are therefore disproportionally affected by the impact caused by these changes. Systemic approaches like One Health (OH) are sought to strengthen prevention and preparedness strategies by addressing the drivers of potential threats with a multidisciplinary and multisectoral approach, considering the whole system at the human-animal-environment interface.

Young Age of Alveolar Echinococcosis Patient in Armenia: A Case Report.

Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) remains a serious public health concern in endemic areas and a challenge for clinicians. Here a confirmed case of human AE in a patient from Armenia who had not visited a known endemic area is reported. In October 2012, a 12-year-old girl from a little Armenian village, presented with paroxysmal pain in the right lumbar area to the children's medical center (MC).

Gamasid Ticks as Vectors of Tularemia in the Southeast of Armenia.

The natural environment of southeastern Armenia, which includes the Syunik and Vayots Dzor regions, provides a high biodiversity of flora and fauna, including ectoparasites. Currently, the fauna and ecology of gamasid ticks and their role in the circulation of tularemia in this area are unclear and incomplete. To better understand the persistence of tularemia in Armenia, an assessment of specific hosts and their vectors is needed to evaluate their role in perpetuating tularemia.

PrEP Scale-Up and PEP in Central and Eastern Europe: Changes in Time and the Challenges We Face with No Expected HIV Vaccine in the near Future.

With no expected vaccine for HIV in the near future, we aimed to define the current situation and challenges for pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP) in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The Euroguidelines CEE Network Group members were invited to respond to a 27-item survey including questions on PrEP (response rate 91.6%).

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on routine immunization services in Yerevan and vaccinations against COVID-19 in Armenia.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has led to millions of deaths around the world. The indirect effects of the pandemic, include disruption of routine immunization services.

Methodology: We conducted a retrospective review to assess the impact of the pandemic on routine immunization in Yerevan and the vaccinations against COVID-19 in Armenia.

Medical specialists' attitudes and practices towards childhood vaccination: a qualitative study in Armenia.

Background: Childhood vaccination rates in Armenia are high. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that some health workers may advise against vaccination. The extent and reasons behind this are unknown.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Nephrology Care in People Living with HIV in Central/Eastern Europe and Neighbouring Countries-Cross-Sectional Analysis from the ECEE Network.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The Central and East Europe (CEE) region consists of countries with highly diversified HIV epidemics, health care systems and socioeconomic status. The aim of the present study was to describe variations in CKD burden and care between countries.

[Clinical research progress and implications of therapeutic vaccines for cervical cancer and precancerous lesions: a qualitative systematic review].

To systematically summarize and analyze the clinical research progress of therapeutic vaccines for cervical cancer or precancerous lesions. English databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane library, Proquest, and ClinicalTrails.gov) and Chinese databases (SinoMed, CNKI, WanFang, and VIP Database) were systematically searched to collect literature on therapeutic vaccines for cervical cancer or precancerous lesions from inception to February 18, 2021.

The Management of HIV Care Services in Central and Eastern Europe: Data from the Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe Network Group.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging time for medical care, especially in the field of infectious diseases (ID), but it has also provided an opportunity to introduce new solutions in HIV management. Here, we investigated the changes in HIV service provision across Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries before and after the COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods: The Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe Network Group consists of experts in the field of ID from 24 countries within the CEE region.

A review of human alveolar echinococcosis in the Republic of Armenia from 2008 to 2020.

Background: Since the 90s' infection has expanded the geographical area and central-eastern European countries had seen first alveolar echinococcosis (AE) human cases. AE is considered to be a very rare disease in Europe with average incidences of 0.03-0.

National strategies for vaccination against COVID-19 in people living with HIV in Central and Eastern European region.

Introduction: People living with HIV (PLWH) are at higher risk of poorer COVID-19 outcomes. Vaccination is a safe and effective method of prevention against many infectious diseases, including COVID-19. Here we investigate the strategies for national COVID-19 vaccination programmes across central and eastern Europe and the inclusion of PLWH in vaccination programmes.

Phlebotomus (Adlerius) simici NITZULESCU, 1931: first record in Austria and phylogenetic relationship with other Adlerius species.

Background: Phlebotomine sand flies are the principal vectors of Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). Information on sand flies in Central Europe is scarce and, to date, in Austria, only Phlebotomus mascittii has been recorded.

Where are we with pre-exposure prophylaxis use in Central and Eastern Europe? Data from the Euroguidelines in Central and Eastern Europe (ECEE) Network Group.

Objectives: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV infection is an important intervention for control of the HIV epidemic. The incidence of HIV infection is increasing in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Therefore, we investigated the change in PrEP use in CEE over time.

HIV care in times of the COVID-19 crisis - Where are we now in Central and Eastern Europe?

Introduction: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has hit the European region disproportionately. Many HIV clinics share staff and logistics with infectious disease facilities, which are now on the frontline in tackling COVID-19. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of the current pandemic situation on HIV care and continuity of antiretroviral treatment (ART) supplies in CEE countries.

Role of climatic factors in the incidence of dengue in Port Sudan City, Sudan.

Background: Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Port Sudan City, Sudan, during the last 2 decades. Climatic factors may play a role in dengue incidence.

Aims: This study aimed at discribing the relationship between climatic factors and dengue fever incidence in Port Sudan during 2008-2013.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to anthrax and animal care: A case-control study in Georgia.

Introduction: Anthrax is endemic in Georgia and recent outbreaks prompted a livestock-handler case-control study with a component to evaluate anthrax knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among livestock handlers or owners.

Methods: Cases were handlers of livestock with confirmed animal anthrax from June 2013-May 2015. Handlers of four matched unaffected animals were selected as controls, two from the same village as the case animal ("village control") and two from 3-10 km away ("area control").

Examining smoke-free coalitions in Armenia and Georgia: baseline community capacity.

Local coalitions can advance public health initiative but have not been widely used or well-studied in low- and middle-income countries. This paper provides (i) an overview of an ongoing matched-pairs community-randomized controlled trial in 28 communities in Armenia and Georgia (N = 14/country) testing local coalitions to promote smoke-free policies/enforcement and (ii) characteristics of the communities involved. In July-August 2018, key informants (e.

Towards harmonisation of entomological surveillance in the Mediterranean area.

Background: The Mediterranean Basin is historically a hotspot for trade, transport, and migration. As a result, countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea share common public health threats. Among them are vector-borne diseases, and in particular, mosquito-borne viral diseases are prime candidates as (re)emerging diseases and are likely to spread across the area.

Risk factors associated with the occurrence of anthrax outbreaks in livestock in the country of Georgia: A case-control investigation 2013-2015.

Introduction: Anthrax is considered endemic in livestock in Georgia. In 2007, the annual vaccination became the responsibility of livestock owners, while contracting of private veterinarians was not officially required. Six years later, due to increase in human outbreaks associated with livestock handling, there is a need to find out the risk factors of livestock anthrax in Georgia.