Anastasia Prokopidou

Ms. Anastasia Prokopidou


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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30 August 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
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Journal Article
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OAOLYMPIA AKRITIDOU
OLYMPIA AKRITIDOU
APAthanasia-Marina Peristeri Athanasia-Marina Peristeri
Athanasia-Marina Peristeri Athanasia-Marina Peristeri
DLDiamantina Lymperatou
Diamantina Lymperatou
APAnastasia Prokopidou
Anastasia Prokopidou
ECEirini Christaki
Eirini Christaki
ANAnna Nikopoulou Nikopoulou
Anna Nikopoulou Nikopoulou
Background/Objectives: Fungal endocarditis (FE), is a rare yet life-threatening disease, which predominantly affects immunocompromised individuals, prosthetic valve recipients, and injection drug users. The purpose of this review is to summarize the evolving epidemiological trends, diagnostic challenges, and treatment strategies, by identifying evidence that supports the optimal clinical approach. Methods: A literature search was performed, drawing from sources such as PubMed and Google Scholar and included articles published between January 2015 and March 2025. Clinical studies, case series, and meta-analyses reporting on FE epidemiology, diagnostics, or treatment were included. Results: The majority of FE cases is caused by Candida species, predominantly C. albicans, while Aspergillus accounted for a lesser percentage of cases. While blood cultures showed limited sensitivity, adjunctive diagnostic tools such as serum biomarkers (β-D-glucan, galactomannan) and advanced imaging modalities (18F-FDG PET/CT) are increasingly used to guide the diagnostic process. Early surgical intervention combined with antifungals improved survival, particularly for Aspergillus, although comprehensive data regarding this approach remains limited due to the rarity of the disease. Conclusions: Fungal endocarditis requires an aggressive treatment strategy, integrating early surgery, targeted antifungals, and long-term suppression, especially for prosthetic valves. Despite advances, the complexity of the condition and the variety of the pathogens involved, continue to impede progress towards effective management of FE. Future research must prioritize rapid diagnostics, standardized treatment protocols, and novel antifungals to address this critical condition.

25 October 2025 in Antibiotics
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Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Rafail MatzarasRafail Matzaras
Rafail Matzaras
DBDimitrios Biros
Dimitrios Biros
SSSissy Foteini Sakkou
Sissy Foteini Sakkou
DLDiamantina Lymperatou
Diamantina Lymperatou
SFSempastian Filippas-Ntekouan
Sempastian Filippas-Ntekouan
ECEirini Christaki
Eirini Christaki
Background: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and the emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) represent major public health threats. Although traditionally linked to hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), MDROs are becoming gradually more prevalent in community-onset infections. Objectives: The objective of this study is to identify major risk factors associated with community-onset MDRO infections among patients admitted to the hospital. Methods: This is a retrospective study of patients admitted to the Internal Medicine Departments of the University General Hospital of Ioannina from July 2022 to August 2023 and had a microbiologically confirmed infection. Patients with HAIs were excluded. Data were extracted from both electronic and paper-based medical records and included variables such as demographics, baseline comorbidities, previous antibiotic use, previous hospitalizations, the type of MDRO and infection, and clinical outcomes. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, univariate analyses, and subsequently multiple binary regression models. Each regression model was adjusted for age and sex. Results: Our cohort included 125 participants with a mean age of 77.9 years, with the majority (58.4%) being female. The overall prevalence of MDRO infections was 43.2% (54/125). Notably, the presence of a permanent urinary catheter was associated with a nearly fourfold increase in the risk of community-onset MDRO infections (OR = 3.69; 95% CI: 1.35–10.05; p = 0.011), while prior hospitalization (OR = 3.33; 95% CI: 1.48–7.51; p = 0.004), the Charlson index score (OR = 3.08; 95% Cl: 1.1–8.68; p = 0.033) and previous antibiotic use (OR = 2.18; 95% CI: 0.98–4.84; p = 0.057) were also significant potential risk factors. Conclusions: The identification of key risk factors associated with community-onset MDRO infections in patients admitted to the hospital can assist clinicians in early stratification and rational selection of initial empirical antimicrobial treatment, support antimicrobial stewardship programs, promote targeted public health interventions, and encourage more judicious antibiotic use.