Home

Hellenic Virology

Hellenes in Virology

Membership Application

Membership Directory

6th Conference Call (Greek)

6th Conference Call (English)

6th Conference Program (Greek)

Society News

Positions in Greece

Virology Resources


Created & Hosted
by HR-Net

Virology Department
Hellenic Pasteur Institute

127 Vas. Sofias Ave, GR-115 21 Athens
tel: (01) 647-8800 & fax: (01) 642-3498

Research Interests

  • Diagnosis & epidemiology of principal viral infections in Southern Greece.
  • Development of molecular biology techniques (PCR, RT-PCR, Nested PCR) and their application to viral diagnosis.

Diagnosis & epidemiology of principal viral infections in Southern Greece

Group Composition

  • Niki Spyrou (Medical Doctor, Researcher)
  • Panayotis Markoulatos (Ph.D. Biochemist, Researcher)
  • Helen Afendaki (Technical Staff)
  • Sophia Bizda (Technical Staff)
  • Antonis Kalliaropoulos (Technical Staff)
  • Stelios Karayannis (Technical Staff)
  • Amalia Georgopoulou (B.Sc. Biologist, Doctoral Student)
  • Elias Plakokefalos (M.Sc. Biologist, Doctoral Student)
  • Nikos Siafakas (B.Sc. Biologist, Doctoral Student)

Objectives

This program has two principal goals: the introduction and development of techniques for the diagnosis of viral infections, and the study of viral infections and viral epidemiology in Southern Greece. Two National Reference Centers exist: The National Influenza Reference Center of Southern Greece (Dr. N. Spyrou, Dr. P. Markoulatos), and the National Center for Poliomyelitis and Enteroviruses (Dr. N. Spyrou, Dr. P. Markoulatos).

Project Report

Diagnosis is achieved by viral isolation in tissue culture and embryonated eggs, by rapid techniques (immunofluorescence, Elisa-Immunocapture), directly on the clinical sample ( nasopharyngeal swabs and secretions) and by serology. Serological tests are performed for the following viruses: Measles, Mumps, Influenza A and B, Varicella, Herpes 1,2, Herpes 6, HTLV, HIV, HCV, EBV, Coxsackie B 1-5, Polioviruses 1,2,3, ECHO, and Adenoviruses. Viral Isolation is performed for: Influenza A and B, Adenoviruses, Herpes, Respiratory syncitial viruses, Parainfluenza 1 and 3, Cytomegalovirus, Enteroviruses. Cytomegalovirus is detected by immunofluorescence after culture of 48 hours in human fibroblasts. Annually the number of virological tests preformed are approximately the following: Influenza A and B: 178 sera, Parainfluenza 1,2,3: 75, RSV: 72, Adenovirus: 280, EBV: 1,107, CMV (rapid culture): 2.444, HSV-1&2: 900, Parvovirus:193, Measles: 166, Mumps: 149, Varicella: 381, Coxsackie B 1-5: 927, Polioviruses 1,2,3: 112, ECHO: 431, HIV: 149, HCV: 72, HTLV: 19, HHV: 81. In the National Influenza Center of Southern Greece a total of 242 pharyngeal swabs have been examined from 1992 to 31/3/1998, of which 21 Influenza virus type A and B were isolated and part of them confirmed by the Central Public Health Laboratory in Colindale London. These results are transmitted to the Department of Hygiene of the Hellenic Ministry of Health, to the World Health Organization and to the European network for surveillance of Influenza "EUROGROG". Since 1997, the techniques of Elisa-Immunocapture and RT-PCR are applied for the rapid detection and identification of Influenza Viruses. Using the classical techniques of virus isolation from embryonated hen's eggs, 15 influenza A (H3N2) cases were diagnosed, (16.4%). These strains were identified using antisera sent by the WHO, as having the same subtype with those circulating in the rest of the world and identical with those included in the influenza vaccine for 1997-1998. With the application of Elisa-Immunocapture directly on the clinical samples, 18 cases of Influenza A (19.7%), were diagnosed, while the application of RT-PCR on the clinical samples after cultivation of the virus in embryonated hen's eggs, 20 cases of Influenza A (H3N2) were diagnosed, (21.9%). From the above results it is shown that the technique Elisa-Immunocapture is fast, sensitive and reliable. It allows the differentiation of Influenza A and B directly from the clinical sample. The technique RT-PCR, following cultivation of the virus, is sensitive, reliable and allows for the differentiation of Influenza type A and B as well as the subtyping of type A. The principal goal of the National Center of Poliomyelitis and Enteroviruses is the investigation of the circulating polioviruses (sabin-like or wild strains in Southern Greece and the study of immunoprotection against Polioviruses. From 1992 to 1997 inclusive, 217 samples were examined and 12 Enteroviruses were isolated mainly from AFP and meningitis cases. In 1993 a serological survey was carried-out against Polioviruses type 1,2,3, with a total of 679 sera examined, ( 300 sera from the Greek population, 300 sera of Albanian immigrants and 79 of Kurds and Iraquis. The results from this study showed a triple sero-protection in 71% of the Greek population, 37.7% of the Albanian and 58.2% of the Kurds and Iraquis. Against Poliovirus type 1, seroprotection in the Greek population was 98.9%, against Poliovius type 2, 97.7% and against Poliovirus type 3 (79.9%). In the Albanian population the rates were 53.1%, 95.7% and 66.6% respectively. From 1995, the laboratory is a member of the WHO network of Poliomyelitis surveillance. This Network organized by the WHO has as goal, the Global eradication of Poliomyelitis by the year 2000. The WHO subjects our laboratory annually to a proficiency test and last year we achieved the score of 95%. In the summer of 1996, following the outbreak of Poliomyelitis in Albania, 3 Poliovirus type 1 non-sabin like were isolated in our laboratory from unvaccinated gypsy children (from the region of Attika and Crete). It was the first time since 1981 that non-sabin like strains were isolated and characterized.

Prospects

  • The results obtained last year using immunocapture, ELISA and RT - PCR for Influenza will be extended in more samples and a comparative study will be made using samples cultured in embryonated hens eggs, immunocapture ELISA directly in clinical samples and finally by RT - PCR before and after cultivation in embryonated hens eggs. This study will improve the assessement of a rapid and sensitive method for the diagnosis and typing of Influenza viruses.
  • After the comments made by Dr. Lipskaya, Acting Coordinator, Regional Polio Reference Laboratory Network, Wsorld Health Organisation Regional Office for Europe, more virological studies should be made to strengthen virological surveillance in Greece.The major problem for virological surveillance in Greece lies outside its direct responsibility of the National Laboratory (NL). Only very few stool samples are delivered to the NL for Polio virus isolation. Stool samples from healthy children under the age of five, of high risk polio groups of population, such as gypsies, Albanians, Kurds should be taken from the immigration settlements in different parts of Greece. Environmental samples from sewage should also continue and it is recommended to be taken from the sewage of the immigration settlements. The network of meningitis surveillance existing in Greece should be used for the screening for possible polio virus isolation.
  • The already extended number of virological tests in our laboratory will be extended in the field of respiratory viruses (adenoviruses, parainfluenza 1, 2, 3, RSV), as well as in the field of Herpetoviridae (HSV 1&2, HCMV, VZV, EBV, HHV6) which has special interest in virus implication in encephalitis and is urgently requested by clinicians. Finally, we hope that the revenue of approximately 110 million drachmas achieved in 1997 will be increased in the forthcoming years.

Development of molecular biology techniques (PCR, RT-PCR, Nested PCR) and their application to viral diagnosis

Group Composition

  • Panayotis Markoulatos (Ph.D. Biochemist, Researcher)
  • Niki Spyrou (Medical Doctor, Researcher)
  • Amalia Georgopoulou (B.Sc. Biologist, Doctoral Student)
  • Elias Plakokefalos (M.Sc. Biologist, Doctoral Student)
  • Nikos Siafakas (B.Sc. Biologist, Doctoral Student)

Objectives

The aim of the project is the use of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and its improvement for amplifying, analysing and detecting minute quantities of nucleic acids. Most infectious agents are available only in limited quantities unless they are first cultured. Some infectious agents cannot be cultured and others often require a long period of culture before hybridization assays will detect them. To perceive limited amounts of nucleic acids with DNA probes without cell cultivation, the target nucleic sequence must be amplified, thus increasing the amount of target nucleic acid available for detection. Using PCR we have developped the detection of HIV-1 and HIV-2 viruses with ten pairs of primers covering namely the entire HIV-1 and HIV-2 genome and this technique was applied to polytransfused thalassemic and haemophiliac patients. PCR and variations of this technique (Reverse Transcriptase RT - PCR, Nested - PCR) were developped also for Hepatitis C virus, CMV, EBV, HSV-1&2, VZV, as well as for poliovirus 1, 2 and 3. Using Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) the poliovirus strains were differentiated as wild or vaccinal strains. During the past years, enteroviruses were being detected by PCR using broadly reactive primers. However, it is difficult to determine the genotypes among the 71 enterovirus serotypes, due to the fact that knowledge of the genomic nucleotide sequences is still limited. PCR amplification with genotype-specific primer pairs or hybridization with genotype-specific probes is only limited to those enteroviruses with already sequenced genomes. Few attempts to genotype enterovirus strains have already been reported. Forty one out of seventy one prototype enterovirus strains have been investigated by RT-PCR followed by RFLP: polioviruses Sabin 1 to 3 and polioviruses Mahoney, MEF and Sauckett (source: Hellenic Pasteur Institute - H.P.I.). Coxsackie B strains 1 to 6 (source: American Type Culture Collection - ATCC). Coxsackie A strains: A16 (source ATCC) and A7, A9 (source Dr. G. Berensci, Hungary). Echoviruses strains: 3, 7, 14, 17, 21 (source ATCC) and 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32 (source Dr. G. Berensci, Hungary). The primer pair was chosen from within the 5'noncoding region, which is highly conserved among all the enterovirus strains, completely or partially sequenced to date. This primer pair UC53/UG52 amplified all 41 investigated strains. Applying 3 to 5 and in some cases only 2 restriction enzymes we were able to successfully identify the serotype of 26 out of the 41 prototype strains. The remaining 15 prototype strains were divided into 7 groups (groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G), in which differentiation was found to be impossible between members of the same group, despite the fact that 5 restriction enzymes were used. However, prototype strains are easily identified from group to group, according to their RFLP pattern. It is also noteworthy, that so far the study of 11 clinical samples has been encouraging. The results of enzymatic amplification and restriction analysis matched with those of seroneutralization assays and all 11 samples were correctly identified. In conclusion, the proposed RT-PCR combined with RFLP analysis can be used for the genotyping and diagnosis of enteroviral infections. This technique can be applied to routine laboratory analysis in parallel with classical seroneutralization assays for the rapid and sensitive detection as well as the differentiation of these viruses.

Environmental Virology

There are at least 140 human enteric virus types that exist in untreated or treated sewage. Among these enteric viruses, are 72 serotypes of enteroviruses, in addition to adenoviruses, reoviruses, rotaviruses, hepatitis A and E viruses, Norwalk virus and calicivirus. These viruses are transmitted through the oral-faecal route i.e. infection is accomplished by the consumption of faecally contaminated materials.The enteroviruses and hepatitis A virus are transimitted through the digestive tract (oral-faecal route) and can cause a wide range of diseases. Enteric adenoviruses 40 and 41 are the principal cause of infantile gastrenteritis. Land application of treated sewage is increasing because this disposal process removes some of the pollutants, constitues aquifer recharge source and increases crop yields by supplying essential nutrients and by improving soil properties. However, disadvantages of land application may include degradation of quality of surface and groundwater through chemical and microbial contamination. In the present project, 54 samples originating from the area of Inofita and from a biological waste processing plant of the area of Metamorphosis, as well as samples originating from soil and leaves in areas where the waste by-products were used for irrigation or fertilization, were examined. The samples were initially concentrated and subjected to RT - PCR (enteroviruses and hepatitis A virus) and to Nested - PCR (adenoviruses and hepatitis A virus). The concentration of the viruses was performed by two different techniques: a) ultracentrifugation and elution of viral particles in glycine solution and b) PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) precipitation and ultrafiltration. For the detection of enteroviruses two pairs of primers based on the 5'non-coding region were used. For the detection of hepatitis A virus (HAV), the primer pair A and B, with sequences derived from the VP1 - coding region was used. In order to improve the sensitivity and yield of this technique, Semi - Nested PCR with the internal primer C was used along with A. For the detection of adenoviruses, Nested-PCR was also applied with primer pairs based on the ¨hexon¨ genomic region of the viruses. These primers are capable of detecting all adenoviruses. From the 30 examined samples of sewage taken from all the stages of the biological treatment plant in Metamorphosis, 12 were positive for enteroviruses, 12 for hepatitis A virus (HAV) and 20 were positive for adenoviruses. From the 24 samples taken from the area of Inofita, 4 were positive for enteroviruses and 3 for adenoviruses, whereas all the samples were HAV - negative. The results indicate the presence of enteroviruses, HAV and adenoviruses in both untreated sewage and in the products of the final stages of sewage treatment. So the spread of viruses by the usage of biological treatment products for irrigation and fertilization is possible and may constitute a source of pathogens to the groundwater, surface water and soil. It was not possible for these viruses to be detected in samples of soil and leaves irrigated by the corresponding products of biological treatment, since leaves do not come into contact with the subterranean or surface irrigation system, which has special new technology dropping devices, and viral particles within the ground are spread throughout several cubic meters of soil (viral migration up to 400m in both vertical and horizontal directions has been reported).

Prospects

  • The usefulness of genotyping Enteroviruses by RT-PCR followed by restriction enzyme digestion will be further investigated by the incorporation of a higher number of serotyped clinical isolates and will be extended to the other thirty enteroviral strains. As far as the strains that have not been differentiated are concerned, there are different approaches which are being considered, such as sequencing of the PCR amplicons or Single Strand Conformation Polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. As soon as sequence information becomes available from the 5´- NCR on more enterovirus serotypes inconclusive restriction enzyme patterns will be diminished by the right choice of restriction enzymes.
  • In addition to the existing methods for detection and identification of Influenza viruses employed in our laboratory, we would like to further analyze the strains isolated from previous years, in order to study the periodic changes in the antigenic properties of Influenza. By using a large number of polyclonal ferret antisera, antigenic changes may be identified by submitting the RT-PCR products to Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP). Can these changes be revealed on the Haemagglutinin-(HA) gene? Define groups with similar RFLP pattern and try to determine the nature of these changes on amino acid sequences. By this approach it is possible to detect changes in the viral genome and predict the direction of genetic drift.

Publications

  1. Kouloumbis, K., Krikelis, V., Spyrou, N., Markoulatos, P., Vincent, J., (1981). Epidemie d'Adenovirus dans une unite militaire a Athenes. Arch. Inst. Pasteur Hellenique, 27, 63-68.
  2. Papacharilaou E., Krikelis, V., Markoulattos, P., Vincent, J., (1981). Presence de Rotavirus chez l'adulte, portants sains et cas cliniques. Arch. Inst. Pasteur Helleno, 27, 53-63.
  3. Markoulatos, P., Spyrou, N., Ghubril, V., Vincent, J., (1981). Donnees preliminaires sur la presence d'anticorps antivirus Bk (groupe Rapova) dans deux populations differentes de Grece. Arch. Inst. Pasteur Hellen., 27, 45-51.
  4. Markoulatos, P., Krikelis, V., Vincent, J., (1982). Perte apparente de titre sur des suspensions dilues de virus Polio type I (Mahoney) apres traitement au chloroforme. Arch. Inst. Pasteur Hellen. 28, 37-45.
  5. Markoulatos, P., Portocala, R., Vincent, J., (1983). Le virus de 1'Herpes de 1'homme. Recherche des antigenes specifiques du type 1 et de type 2, pour l'identification des souches HSV-1 et HSV-2. Arch. Inst. Pasteur Hellen., 29, 107-120.
  6. Papacharilaou E., Markoulatos, P., Spyrou, N., Vincent, J., Dauguet, C., (1983). Etude comparative de differentes methodes de concentration, extraction et purification d'un Rotavirus (souche UK) a partir du milieu extracellulaire et des cellules. Arch. Inst. Pasteur Hellen. 29, 19-43.
  7. Krikelis, V., Spyrou, N., Markoulatos, P., Serie Ch., (1985). Seasonal distribution of Enteroviruses and Adenoviruses in domestic sewage. Can. J. Microb. 31, (1), 24-25.
  8. Krikelis, V., Markoulatos, P., Spyrou, N., Serie Ch., (1985). Detection of indigenous Enteric viruses in raw sewage effluents of the city of Athens, Greece, during a two year survey. Wat. Sci. Tech. 17, (10), 159-164.
  9. Krikelis, Markoulatos, P., Spyrou, N., (1986). Viral pollution of coastal waters resulting from the disposal of untreated sewage effluent. Wat. Sci. Tech., 18, 43-48.
  10. Spyrou, N., Krikelis, V., Markoulatos, P., Kouloumbis, K., Deligiorgis, D., Serie, C., (1986). A study of Adenovirus infections in southern Greece during 1978-1984. Hellenic Army Forces Medical Review 20 (suppl. 1), 47-49.
  11. Agnantis, N.J., Petraki, E., Markoulatos, P., Spandidos, D.A., (1986). Imnunohistochemical study of the ras oncogene expression in human breast lesions. Anticancer Research, 6. 1157-1160.
  12. Agnantis, N.J., Pintzas, A., Kakkanas, A.,,Markoulatïò, P., Spandidos, D.A., (1987). Expression of the ras oncogene pzi protein in human breast tumors and in several benign conditions using the Y13 259 monoclonal antibody. Fundamental Problems in Breast Cancer, 323-325. Martinus Nijhoff Publishing.
  13. Krikelis, V., Spyrou, N., Markoulatos, P., (1988) Evaluation of Enteric Virus levels and serotypes recovered from wastewater and sea-water. J. Hygiene, Epidem. Microb. Immun. 32, no 2, 153-158.
  14. Krikelis, V., Spyrou, N., Markoulatos, P.. Labropoulou V., (1988). Human enteric Virus serotypes occuring in domestic sewage in Greece. Z. gesamte Hyg. , 34, 523-526.
  15. Krikelis, V., Markoulatos, P., Spyrou, N., Govari, N., Karabatsas, P., (1989). DNA Restriction enzyme analysis of Adenoviruses isolated from Waters. Wat. Sci, Tech., 21, 3, 169-172.
  16. Markoulatos, P., (1989). Fractions contenant des antigenes specifiques du virus de I'herpes type I (HSV-1) et type 2 (HSV-2), procede d'isolement de ces fractions et methode de diagnostic specifique du virus de 1'herpes HSV-1 et/ou HSV-2 a l'aide des dites fractions. European Patent, number of publication No 263 025, Munich 30.06.93.
  17. Spyrou, N., Markoulatos, P., Labropoulou, V., Krikelis, V., (1989). A serological survey of Coxsackie B virus infections, 1982-1986. Hell. Arm. Forces Medical Review, Vol. 23, Suppl., 43-46.
  18. Archimandritis, A., Markoulatos, P., Tjivras M., Alexiou,A., Kordossi,A., Kordossis, T., Fertakis,A.,(1992). Herpes Simplex Virus Types 1 and 2 and Cytomegalovirus in Peptic ulcer Disease and Non-ulcer Dyspepsia. Hepato-Gastroenterol. 39 , 540-541.
  19. Moncany, M., Berthier, A., Markoulatos P., Montagnier, L., (1993). Late seroconversion in three multitransfused young Haemophiliacs confirmed by HIV PCR analysis. J. Vir. Dis., vol. 1,3 : 14-23.
  20. Markoulatos, P., Kordossi, A., Karagiorga-Lagana, M., Labropoulou, V., Moncany, M., HIV related sequences detection by PCR in seronegative multitransfused Thalassamic patients. J. Vir. Dis., vol. 1,3 : 50-60.
  21. Markoulatos,P., Labropoulou, V., Kordossi, A., Krikelis, V., Spyrou, N., Moncany, M. A combined Indirect ELISA and Immunoblotting for the detection of lntrathecal HSV IgG antibody synthesis in patients with Herpes Simplex virus encephalitis. Journal of Clin. Lab, Analysis, 9,325-333.
  22. Markoulatos, P.,Koussidis,G.,Mamuris,Z.,Velissariou,V.,Vamvakopoulos,N.,(1996). Mapping Interleukin enhancer binding factor 2 gene (ILF2) to human chromosome 1 (1q11-qter and 1p11-p12) by polymerase chain reaction amplification of human rodent somatic cell hybrid DNA templates.J. Interferon and Cytokine Res.16,1035-1038.
  23. Vamvakopoulos,N.,Siotopoulou,T.,Mamuris,Z.,Markoulatos,P.,Ávgerinos,D., (1996). Regulation of corticotropin releasing hormone receptor type 1 messenger RNA level in Y-79 retinoblastoma cells: potential implications for human stress responce and immune /inflamatory reaction.Mediators of Inflammation 5, 328-333.
  24. Markoulatos, P., Fountoucidou, P., Marinakis, G., Krikelis, V., Spyrou, N., Vamvakopoulos, N., Moncany, M. (1997). Clear detection and typing of herpes simplex virus type 1and 2 by indirect ELISA assay. Comparison with three different methods: capture ELISA, restriction enzymes, and polymerase chain reaction. Journal of Clin. Lab. Analysis, 11, 146-153.
  25. Markoulatos P., Avgerinos E.,Tsantzalos D., Vamvakopoulos N. (1998). Mapping Interleukin enhancer binding factor 3 Gene (ILF3) to human chromosome 19 (19q11-qter & 19p11-p13.1) by polymerase chain reaction amplification of human rodent somatic cell hybrid DNA templates. J.Interferon & Cytokine Research, 18, 351-355.
  26. Magana-Vougiouka O., Markoulatos P., Nomikou K., Koptopoulos G., Bakandritsos N., Papadopoulos O. Sheep pox virus identification by PCR in cell cultures. J. Virol. Methods, (accepted for publication).
  27. Moncany M., Courtois P., Markoulatos P. Probabilistic comparison of the regulatory sequences of the promoters of primate Lentiviruses. Submitted to publication.
  28. Markoulatos P., Samara V., Siafakas N., Plakokefalos I., Spyrou N., Moncany M. Development of a quadriplex polymerase chain reaction for human cytomegalovirus. J. Clin. Lab. Analysis, (accepted for publication).
  29. Georgopoulou A., Markoulatos P., Spyrou N., Vamvakopoulos N. Genotyping of Polio and Coxsackie B Enteroviruses by reverse transcriptase PCR followed by restriction endonuclease digestion analysis. Submitted to publication.
  30. K.Priftis*, N.Spyrou**, M.Kanellopoulou*, A.Filoxenidi*, S.Korra**, Z.Karakatsani, E.Malamou, A.Haidas.*1st,2nd Paediatric and Microbiology Depts, Penteli Childrens Hospital, **Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece. Viral pathogens associated with acute lower respiratory tract infection in young children in Greece: 1988-1991. The European Respiratory Journal, August 1992, Volume 5 Supplement 15, pg 2275.
  31. T.Karpathios, M.Kostaki, S. Drakonaki, A.Garoufi, N.Spyrou, Ch.Theodorides. 1995. An epidemic with influenza B virus causing benign acute myositis in ten boys and two girls. Letters to the Editor. Eur. J. Paediatr. Springer - Verlag Artikel 55. Rothenburg. 1-2.

Education & Training

  • Three PhD theses are in progress in our laboratory, with the following titles:
    1. "Detection and Identification of human Echo Enteroviruses using molecular approaches"
      Student: Ms Amalia Georgopoulou (From: 1/10/1997 to date)
      University of Thessaly, Medical School.
    2. "Isolation, detection and characterization of Influenza viruses using molecular techniques"
      Student: Mr Elias Placokefalos (From: 1/10/1997 to date)
      University of Thessaly, Medical School.
    3. "Classification of Coxsackie A viruses by the detection of genomic differentiations"
      Student: Mr Nikos Siafakas (From 12/1/1998 to date)
      University of Essex, Department of Biological Sciences.
  • Undergraduate Research Training:
    "In PCR for the detection and typing of HCV in multitransfused thalassemic patients"
    Student: Mr K.Kaparos (From: 1/10/1993 Ð 31/5/1994)
    University of Patras, Department of Biological Sciences.
  • In our laboratory five students of Technical Universities (TEI) have accomplished their practical training for 6 months each, from 1992 to 1996.
  • Our laboratory has organised from 13 to 18 December 1993 a seminar in clinical Virology (theory and work shops), for thirty postgraduate scientists.
  • Our group is actively involved in the edition of "Hellenic Virology", an official publication of the Hellenic Society of Virology (four issues from 1996 - 1997).

Awards

  • Six Awards in Medical Congresses in Greece (1986, 1989, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1995)
  • One European Patent No 0263025, Munich 30.06.1993 on the HSV-1&2 type specific diagnosis (antibody and antigen detection). Related publications No 22, 26, 31.
  • Citations: 70 citations from 1987 to 1997
  • Memberships:
    • Hellenic Society of Virology
    • European Group for Rapid Viral Diagnosis, of the European Society of Clinical Virology
    • Editorial Board of the "Hellenic Virology"
    • Hellenic Society of Microbiology