Speakers - 2025

Biography

Dr. Migena Qato is a board-certified Infectious Disease Specialist and holds a PhD in Medical Sciences. She completed her residency in Infectious Diseases at the University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, QSUT, from 2008 to 2012. Alongside her clinical work, she serves as a lecturer in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the University of Medicine in Tirana.

Dr. Qato has authored and co-authored numerous scientific articles published in both national and international journals, including Medico Research Chronicles, ENCEP, the Albanian Medical Journal etc.Her scientific contributions span a wide range of topics in infectious diseases, with active participation in international and national conferences.

Dr. Qato is fluent in English and Italian and is known for her clear communication and engaging speaking style. She brings both academic depth and practical clinical insight to her presentations, making her a valued contributor in the field of infectious diseases.

Abstract

Introduction: West Nile Virus (WNV) is a re-emerging pathogen whose natural cycle can lead to an accidental infection of humans. The vast majority of WNV infections are asymptomatic. However, a significant number of patients present with a flu-like clinical presentation, while a small percentage, especially the elderly or immunosuppressed subjects, present the most severe form of this infection: neuroinvasive disease.

Objective: Highlighting our experience during the outbreak of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection in Albanian adults and evidence of epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and neuroimaging characteristics of WNV neuroinvasive disease.

Material and methods: We collected epidemiological, clinical, and diagnostic data from a total of 84 patients hospitalized in the Infectious Diseases Service in the period of July-September 2024. The diagnosis was determined by the detection of antibodies in CSF, serum, and/or urine.

Results: Epidemiological The study included 84 cases: 66.7% males and 33.3% females. The average age was 68 years, and the most affected age groups were 71-80 years (42.8%) and 61-71 years (29.76%). The majority of patients were residents of the areas of Lushnja 18, Fier 14, Tirana 11, & Berat 8. Clinical The most frequent symptoms were fever, 96.7% (continuous/intense fever in 52 of 16 cases, continuous/high in 36, and intermittent high in 32 cases); altered consciousness, 55.9%; headache, 25%; asthenia, 47.61%; and nausea/vomiting, 16.66%. Coexisting pathologies that were also identified as risk factors resulted in HTA 50, IKK 2, SRK 3, POST AVC 4, Mellitus 30, and HIV 1 Laboratory. In hemocytograms and biochemical analysis, significant alterations stood out: leukopenia 2.3%, lymphocytosis 77.3%, thrombocytopenia 26.19%, and thrombocytosis 3.5%. Elevated LDH in 53.5%, CK in 46.4%, hepatic enzymes ALT in 63.1%, and AST in 72.6%. Inflammatory tests showed an increase in all patients: PCR in 78.57% of cases, fibrinogen in 48.80%, and ferritinemia in 36.90%. Antibodies to WNV were detected in CSF in 53.57% of patients, in serum in 91.66%, and in urine in 44%. Imaging showed cerebral edema in 53 cases, chronic hypodensity in 5, cerebral atrophy in 29

Conclusion: Although severe clinical forms of WNV infection are rare, they should be considered statistically significant, considering the morbidity and mortality associated with them.