OBJECTIVES Molecular-genetic analysis is a determining step in setting the diagnosis of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA). We present the first nation-wide study and experience with this disease and its diagnosis in Slovakia. The study is enriched by comparison of genetic findings from Slovak patients to patients from other countries. METHODS Molecular-genetic analysis was performed f...

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is caused by tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), a virus species of the genus Flavivirus within the Flaviviridae family. In Western Europe, TBEV is transmitted primarily by the Ixodes ricinus (I. ricinus) tick. During the last 30 years, there has been a continued increase in human cases of TBE in Europe. A total number of 102 cases in Slovakia was reported in 201...

AIM To describe cataract surgical services in 1998 in 12 eastern European countries and to identify their needs to reduce cataract blindness. METHODS All inpatient eye departments in the 12 countries received a standardised questionnaire; the data obtained were further processed at the coordinating centre in Prague. RESULTS All 458 eye departments in the region were involved. The response r...

Twenty years after the ‘velvet revolution’ of 1989, several years after joining the European Union (2004) and NATO (2002), the independent Slovak Republic (since 1st January 1993) has been incorporated into the community of democratic states. The first phase of existence of the independent Slovakia brought in serious tasks including the constitution of basic civil institutions and introducetion...

The harlequin ladybird beetle Harmonia axyridis (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) has invaded and established in Slovakia. Following unintentional introduction in 2008, the spread of the alien coccinellid was very fast. By the end of 2009, it was recorded across the whole country, and by the end of 2012 it was widely distributed and common in various habitats, particularly gardens, orchards and urban...

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women in districts of Eastern Slovakia with a diverse prevalence of Roma population. METHODS Overall 59,279 serum samples from 9 regional departments of clinical microbiology from Eastern Slovakia were collected in the period from January 2008 till December 2009 and analysed. RESULTS The number ...

The previously unknown male of Leptotyphluskovaci Šustek, 2000 is described and illustrated. The relationship of the species is discussed. The species is also reported from Gemerskoteplická jaskyňa near Jelšavská Teplica (Slovakia).