Emerging Viral Infections

Our main goals are the virologic and immunologic monitoring of viral diseases that impact public health, with an emphasis on emerging and re-emerging viral infections. 

Ongoing and past studies are linked to the molecular epidemiology of the HIV, hepatitis viruses, and arboviral infections in Romania, in order to determine the effects of genotypic diversity on the pathogenesis, clinical evolution, and treatment response.

Current projects in the laboratory are focused on the (1) kinetics of the immune response post-infection and post-vaccination (for SARS CoV-2, HPV, measles, hepatitis B) (2) new prognostic biomarkers for viral hepatitis; (3) HIV neuropathogenesis; (4) the role of viruses in non-communicable diseases.

The department is hosting the medical Virology chair of the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, providing lectures and practical training for third-year medical students (approx. 1200 students/year, Romanian and English Modules) and residents in Laboratory Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (30 residents/year). Other educational activities are directed to testing, counseling and information dissemination for HIV and viral hepatitis infections, for the general population and vulnerable groups.

SIMONA RUŢĂ is senior researcher (part time) and founder of the HIV International Research Center
CAMELIA SULTANA is Head of the Department for Emerging Viral Diseases at Ştefan S. Nicolau
AURA TEMEREANCA is senior researcher III at Viral Emerging Diseases Department. Expertise area includes HIV
CAMELIA GRANCEA is senior researcher III at Department of Emerging Viral Diseases. Expertise area includes:
LAURA-IULIA GRECU is a medical doctor and part-time researcher at the Department of Emerging Viral
CHIRIAC DANIELA is researcher at Department of Emerging Viral Diseases. Expertise area includes: molecular biology
Matthews P.C., Campbell C., Sandulescu O., Maticic M., Ruta S.M., Rivero-Juarez A., Van Welzen B.J., Tan B.K., Garcia F., Gherlan G.S., Cinar G., Hasanoglu I., Gmizic I., Nicolini L.A., Santos L., Sargsyants N., Velikov P., Habibovic S., Fourati S., Zidovec-Lepej S., Herder V., Dudman S., Miron V.D., Irving W., Sahin

111. Dudman S., Zerja A., Hasanoglu I., Ruta S., Van Welzen B., Nicolini L.A., Yonga P., Overbo J., Rawat S., Habibovic S., Kim T.B., Rivero-Juarez A., Members E. Global vaccination against hepatitis E virus: Position paper from the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Viral Hepatitis Study Group. Clinical Microbiology And Infection Feb 2025, 31, 201-210, doi:10.1016/j.cmi.2024.11.016. IF=10.9; Q1

110. Temereanca A., Ene L., Tardei G., Grancea C., Achim C.L., Ruta S. Impact of combined antiretroviral treatment (CART) on latent cytomegalovirus infection. Viruses-Basel Jan 2025, 17, doi:10.3390/v17010076. IF=3.8; Q2

109. Bejan I., Popescu C.P., Ruta S.M. Insights into the risk factors and outcomes of post-COVID-19 syndrome-results from a retrospective, cross-sectional study in Romania. Life-Basel Nov 2024, 14, doi:10.3390/life14111519. IF=3.2; Q1

108. Augello M., Wagenhäuser I., Krone M., Dauby N., Ferrara P., Sabbatucci M., Ruta S., Rezahosseini O., Velikov P., Gkrania-Klotsas E., Montes J., Franco-Paredes C., Goodman A.L., Küçükkaya S., Tuells J., Harboe Z.B., Epaulard O. Should Sars-Cov-2 serological testing be used in the decision to deliver a COVID-19 vaccine booster? A pro-con assessment. Vaccine Nov 2024, 42, doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126184. IF=4.5; Q2

107. Grecu L.I., Pavel-Tanasa M., Matei L., Sultana C., Ruta S.M., Grecu R.I., Ursu R.G., Cianga P., Iancu L.S. Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis D virus in the north-east region of Romania. Pathogens Sep 2024, 13, doi:10.3390/pathogens13090793. IF=3.3; Q2

106. Sultana C., Falanga C., Chicin G., Ion L., Grancea C., Chiriac D., Iliescu A., Gori A. HIV, HCV and HIV-HCV coinfections in the general population versus inmates from Romania. Viruses-Basel Aug 2024, 16, doi:10.3390/v16081279. IF=3.8; Q2

105. Ruta S., Popescu C.P., Matei L., Grancea C., Paun A.M., Oprea C., Sultana C. SARS-CoV-2 humoral and cellular immune responses in people living with HIV. Vaccines Jun 2024, 12, doi:10.3390/vaccines12060663. IF=5.2; Q1

104. Iancu I.V., Diaconu C.C., Plesa A., Fudulu A., Albulescu A., Neagu A.I., Pitica I.M., Dragu L.D., Bleotu C., Chivu-Economescu M., Matei L., Mambet C., Nedeianu S., Popescu C.P., Sultana C., Ruta S.M., Botezatu A. LncRNAs expression profile in a family household cluster of COVID-19 patients. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine Apr 2024, 28, doi:10.1111/jcmm.18226. IF=4.3; Q2

103. Rigatou A., Sultana M.C. SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: A comparison between the epidemiological situation in Greece and Romania. Cureus Journal of Medical Science Feb 2024, 16, doi:10.7759/cureus.54460. IF=1.0; Q3

102. Stanescu A., Ruta S.M., Cernescu C., Pistol A. Suboptimal MMR vaccination coverages – a constant challenge for measles elimination in Romania. Vaccines Jan 2024, 12, doi:10.3390/vaccines12010107. IF=5.2; Q1

101. Grecu L.I., Sultana C., Pavel-Tanasa M., Ruta S.M., Chivu-Economescu M., Matei L., Ursu R.G., Iftimi E., Iancu L.S. Non-invasive prediction scores for hepatitis B virus- and hepatitis D virus-infected patients – A cohort from the north-eastern part of Romania. Microorganisms Nov 2023, 11, 2895. IF=4.1; Q2

100. Balan A., Ruta S.M. Influenza vaccination of Romanian medical students and resident physicians-a matter of accessibility. Vaccines Oct 2023, 11, doi:10.3390/vaccines11101551.742. IF=5.2; Q1

99. Ruta S., Grecu L., Iacob D., Cernescu C., Sultana C. HIV-HBV coinfection-current challenges for virologic monitoring. Biomedicines Apr 2023, 11, doi:10.3390/biomedicines11051306. IF=3.9; Q2

98. Ene L., Duiculescu D., Radoi R., Lazar M., Tardei G., Ungureanu E., Ruta S., Vinters H.V., Letendre S., Grant I., Ellis R.J., Achim C.L. Subacute myoclonic measles encephalitis – an opportunistic HIV-associated infection. Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience Apr 2023, 17, doi:10.3389/fncel.2023.1113935. IF=4.2; Q2

97. Temereanca A., Ruta S. Strategies to overcome HIV drug resistance-current and future perspectives. Frontiers in Microbiology Feb 2023, 14, doi:10.3389/fmicb.2023.1133407. IF=4.0; Q2

96. Iacob D.G., Luminos M., Benea O.E., Tudor A.M., Olariu C.M., Iacob S.A., Ruta S. Liver fibrosis progression in a cohort of young HIV and HIV-HBV co-infected patients: A longitudinal study using non-invasive apri and fib-4 scores. Frontiers in Medicine Jul 2022, 9, doi:10.3389/fmed.2022.888050. IF=3.9; Q2

95. Cristescu C.V., Alain S., Ruta S.M. The role of CMV infection in primary lesions, development and clinical expression of atherosclerosis. Journal of Clinical Medicine Jul 2022, 11, doi:10.3390/jcm11133832. IF=3.9; Q2

94. Chivu-Economescu M., Vremera T., Ruta S.M., Grancea C., Leustean M., Chiriac D., David A., Matei L., Diaconu C.C., Gatea A., Ilie C., Radu I., Cornienco A.M., Iancu L.S., Cirstoiu C., Pop C.S., Petru R., Strambu V., Malciolu S., Popescu C.P., Florescu S.A., Rafila A., Furtunescu F.L., Pistol A. Assessment of the humoral immune response following COVID-19 vaccination in healthcare workers: A one-year longitudinal study. Biomedicines Jul 2022, 10, doi:10.3390/biomedicines10071526. IF=4.7; Q2

93. Lupascu R.E., Ilie M.I., Velescu B.S., Udeanu D.I., Sultana C., Ruta S., Arsene A.L. Covid-19-current therapeutical approaches and future perspectives. Processes Jun 2022, 10, doi:10.3390/pr10061053. IF=3.5; Q2

92. Cristescu C.V., Ghica M., Udeanu D.I., Amzar A.I., Dita C., Grancea C., Siliste R., Vintila A.M., Homentcovschi C.S., Alain S., Ruta S. Cytomegalovirus infection and cardiovascular risk in a monocentric Romanian adult patient group. Farmacia Mar-Apr 2022, 70, 300-306, doi:10.31925/farmacia.2022.2.16. IF=1.6; Q3

91. Sultana C., Casian M., Oprea C., Ianache I., Grancea C., Chiriac D., Ruta S. Hepatitis B virus genotypes and antiviral resistance mutations in Romanian HIV-HBV-co-infected patients. Medicina-Lithuania Apr 2022, 58, doi:10.3390/medicina58040531. IF=2.6; Q3

90. Chivu-Economescu M., Bleotu C., Grancea C., Chiriac D., Botezatu A., Iancu I.V., Pitica I., Necula L.G., Neagu A., Matei L., Dragu D., Sultana C., Radu E.L., Nastasie A., Voicu O., Ataman M., Nedeianu S., Mambet C., Diaconu C.C., Ruta S.M. Kinetics and persistence of cellular and humoral immune responses to SARS-Cov-2 vaccine in healthcare workers with or without prior COVID-19. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine Feb 2022, 26, 1293-1305, doi:10.1111/jcmm.17186. IF=5.3; Q2

89. Balan A., Bejan I., Bonciu S., Eni C.E., Ruta S. Romanian medical students’ attitude towards and perceived knowledge on COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccines Aug 2021, 9, doi:10.3390/vaccines9080854.IF=4.961; Q2

88. Popescu C.P., Zaharia M., Nica M., Stanciu D., Moroti R., Benea S., Melinte V., Vasile T., Ceausu E., Ruta S., Florescu S.A. Anthrax meningoencephalitis complicated with brain abscess-a case report. International Journal of Infectious Diseases Jul 2021, 108, 217-219, doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2021.05.013.IF=12.073; Q1

87. Popescu C.P., Cotar A.I., Dinu S., Zaharia M., Tardei G., Ceausu E., Badescu D., Ruta S., Ceianu C.S., Florescu S.A. Emergence of toscana virus, Romania, 2017-2018. Emerging Infectious Diseases May 2021, 27, 1482-1485, doi:10.3201/eid2705.204598.IF=16.126; Q1

86. D’haese S., Lacroix C., Garcia F., Plana M., Ruta S., Vanham G., Verrier B., Aerts J.L. Off the beaten path: Novel mRNA-nanoformulations for therapeutic vaccination against HIV. Journal of Controlled Release Feb 2021, 330, doi:10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.11.009. IF=11.467; Q1

85. Popescu C.P., Florescu S.A., Ruta S.M. West Nile virus in Central Europe – Pandora’s box is wide open! Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease Sep-Oct 2020, 37, doi:10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101864.IF=6.211; Q1

84. Dragu D.L., Neagu A.I., Matei L., Bleotu C., Ruta S.M., Diaconu C.C. Characterization of a platform based on dendritic cells for new therapeutic vaccine development. Romanian Biotechnological Letters Sep-Oct 2020, 25, doi:10.25083/rbl/25.5/1899.1907.

83. Popescu C.P., Marin A., Melinte V., Gherlan G.S., Banicioiu F.C., Dogaru A., Smadu S., Veja A.M., Nedu E., Stanciu D., Voinescu B., Simion V., Toderan A., Dascalu A., Oprisan C., Tardei G., Nica M., Ceausu E., Ruta S.M., Florescu S.A. Covid-19 in a tertiary hospital from Romania: Epidemiology, preparedness and clinical challenges. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease May-Jun 2020, 35, doi:10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101662. IF=8.490; Q1

82. Temereanca A., Ene L., Rosca A., Diaconu C.C., Luca A., Burlacu R., Radoi R., Bulacu-Talnariu A., Marcotte T.D., Achim C.L., Ruta S. Neurocognitive impairment in the combined antiretroviral therapy era in a Romanian cohort of young adults with chronic HIV infection. Aids Research and Human Retroviruses May 2020, 36, doi:10.1089/aid.2019.0132.IF=2.205; Q4

81. Iancu I.V., Botezatu A., Plesa A., Huica I., Fudulu A., Albulescu A., Bostan M., Mihaila M., Grancea C., Manda D.A., Dobrescu R., Vladoiu S.V., Anton G., Badiu C.V. Alterations of regulatory factors and DNA methylation pattern in thyroid cancer. Cancer Biomarkers May 2020, 28, 255-268, doi:10.3233/cbm-190871.IF=4.388; Q2

80. Iacob D.G., Rosca A., Ruta S.M. Circulating microRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for hepatitis b virus liver fibrosis. World Journal of Gastroenterology Mar 2020, 26, doi:10.3748/wjg.v26.i11.1113.IF=5.742; Q2

79. Rosca A., Iacob D., Ene L., Temereanca A., Grancea C., Sultana C., Achim C.L., Ruta S. Liver function in a cohort of young HIV-HBV co-infected patients on long-term combined antiretroviral therapy. Farmacia Jan-Feb 2020, 68, doi:10.31925/farmacia.2020.1.7.IF=1.433; Q4

78. Popescu C.P., Florescu S.A., Hasbun R., Harxhi A., Evendar R., Kahraman H., Neuberger A., Codreanu D., Zaharia M.F., Tosun S., Ceausu E., Ruta S.M., Dragovac G., Pshenichnaya N., Gopatsa G., Shmaylenko O., Nagy E., Malbasa J.D., Strbac M., Pandak N., Pullukcu H., Lakatos B., Cag Y., Cascio A., Coledan I., Oncu S., Erdem H. Prediction of unfavorable outcomes in west nile virus neuroinvasive infection – result of a multinational ID-IRI study. Journal of Clinical Virology Jan 2020, 122, doi:10.1016/j.jcv.2019.104213. IF=3.168; Q3

77. Ruta S., Burlacu R., Ene L., Umlauf A., Diaconu C., Rosca A., Temereanca A., Bulacu-Talnariu A., Soontornniyomkij B., Marcotte T., Achim C. Determinants of neurocognitive impairments in a romanian cohort of young adults with chronic HIV infection. HIV Medicine Nov 2019, 20, 310-310.IF=3.556; Q1

76.  Sultana C., Rosca A., Ruta S. Correlation between mir-125b expression and liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis c. Hepatitis Monthly Jan 2019, 19, doi:10.5812/hepatmon.84615.IF=0.705; Q4

75. Ester C., Cerban R., Iacob S., Pietrareanu C., Constantin G., Paslaru L., Ichim S., Lita M., Vadan R., Grancea C., Ruta S., Gheorghe C., Popescu I., Gheorghe L. The role of beta-7 integrin and carbonic anhydrase ix in predicting the occurrence of de novo nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in liver transplant recipients. Chirurgia Jul-Aug 2018, 113, 534-541, doi:10.21614/chirurgia.113.4.534.

74. Burlacu R., Umlauf A., Marcotte T., Soontornniyomkij B., Diaconu C., Bulacu-Talnariu A., Temereanca A., Ruta S., Letendre S., Ene L., Achim C. Plasma ip-10: A potential biomarker of hand in HIV plus women. Journal of Neurovirology Apr 2018, 24, S10, IF=3.870; Q1

73. Sultana C., Schweitzer A.M., Bogdan M., Ruta S. Are HIV, HBV and HCV voluntary counseling and testing programs needed in Balkans? Balkan Medical Journal Mar 2018, 35, doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.2017.1229.IF=1.230; Q2

72. Leblebicioglu H., Arends J.E., Ozaras R., Corti G., Santos L., Boesecke C., Ustianowski A., Duberg A.S., Ruta S., Salkic N.N., Husa P., Lazarevic I., Pinede J.A., Pshenichnaya N.Y., Tsertswadze T., Maticic M., Puca E., Abuova G., Gervain J., Bayramli R., Ahmeti S., Koulentaki M., Kilani B., Vince A., Negro F., Sunbul M., Salmon D., Esghv. Availability of hepatitis c diagnostics and therapeutics in European and Eurasia countries. Antiviral Research Feb 2018, 150, doi:10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.12.001.IF=4.130; Q1

71. Burlacu R., Umlauf A., Luca A., Gianella S., Radoi R., Ruta S.M., Marcotte T.D., Ene L., Achim C.L. Sex-based differences in neurocognitive functioning in HV-infected young adults. Aids Jan 2018, 32, doi:10.1097/qad.0000000000001687.IF=4.499; Q1

70.  Sultana C., Oprisan G., Grancea C., Teleman M.D., Oprea C., Florescu S., Dinu S., Ceausu E., Ruta S. Interferon-gamma inducible protein 10-biomarker for treatment outcome in chronic hepatitis c. Romanian Biotechnological Letters Nov-Dec 2017, 22, 13155-13162.IF=0.321; Q4

69.  Siliste R., Cristescu C.C., Dita C., Vintila A.M., Grancea C., Ruta S. The impact of chronic cytomegalovirus infection on left ventricular hypertrophy. European Journal of Heart Failure May 2017, 19, 499-500.IF=10.683; Q1

68. Popescu C.P., Florescu S.A., Lupulescu E., Zaharia M., Tardei G., Lazar M., Ceausu E., Ruta S.M. Neurologic complications of influenza b virus infection in adults, Romania. Emerging Infectious Diseases Apr 2017, 23, doi:10.3201/eid2304.161317.IF=7.422; Q1

67. Temereanca A., Oprea C., Wertheim J.O., Ianache I., Ceausu E., Cernescu C., Mehta S.R., Ruta S. HIV transmission clusters among injecting drug users in Romania. Romanian Biotechnological Letters Jan-Feb 2017, 22, 12307-12315.IF=0.321; Q4

66. Chiru D., Mambet C., Matei L., Bleotu C., Ruta S., Diaconu C.C. Delivering the “blueprints” or “DNA repairing kits” instead of drugs in the treatment of congenital hemoglobinopathies. Current Organic Chemistry Jan 2017, 21,doi:10.2174/1385272820666160511122404.IF=2.193; Q2

65. Rosca A., Anton G., Botezatu A., Temereanca A., Ene L., Achim C., Ruta S. Mir-29a associates with viro-immunological markers of HIV infection in treatment experienced patients. Journal of Medical Virology Dec 2016, 88,doi:10.1002/jmv.24586.IF=1.935; Q3

64. Sultana C., Oprisan G., Teleman M.D., Dinu S., Oprea C., Voiculescu M., Ruta S., Hepgen 88 Project T. Impact of hepatitis c virus core mutations on the response to interferon-based treatment in chronic hepatitis c. World Journal of Gastroenterology Oct 2016, 22, doi:10.3748/wjg.v22.i37.8406.IF=3.365; Q2

63. Ene L., Marcotte T.D., Umlauf A., Grancea C., Temereanca A., Bharti A., Achim C.L., Letendre S., Ruta S.M. Latent toxoplasmosis is associated with neurocognitive impairment in young adults with and without chronic HIV infection. Journal of Neuroimmunology Oct 2016, 299, doi:10.1016/j.jneuroim.2016.08.003. IF=2.720; Q3

62. Ianache I., Calistru P., Tardei G., Ruta S., Oprea C. Late presentation in HIV-infected injecting drug users – a huge challenge for the romanian health-care system. Romanian Journal of Legal Medicine Jun 2016, 24, doi:10.4323/rjlm.2016.122. IF=0.108; Q4

61. Florian P.E., Rouillé Y., Ruta S., Nichita N., Roseanu A. Recent advances in human viruses imaging studies. Journal of Basic Microbiology Jun 2016, 56, doi:10.1002/jobm.201500575.IF=1.438; Q4

60. Florian P.E., Petrareanu G., Ruta S., Roseanu A. Optimization of recombinant lipoic acid ligase expression from bacterial cells. Romanian Biotechnological Letters May-Jun 2016, 21, 11539-11542.IF=0.396; Q4

59. Ruta S., Sultana C., Oprea C., Vagu C., Ceausu E., Cernescu C. HCV non-1b genotypes in injecting drug users from Romania. Journal of Infection in Developing Countries May 2016, 10, doi:10.3855/jidc.7019. IF=1.353; Q4

58. Popescu C.P., Ceausu E., Florescu S.A., Chirita D., Ruta S. Complications of varicella in unvaccinated children from Romania, 2002-2013. Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal Feb 2016, 35, doi:10.1097/inf.0000000000000969.IF=2.486; Q3

57. Iacob S., Iacob R., Vagu C., Ruta S., Gheorghe C., Popescu I., Gheorghe L. Rs199508964 deletion in exon 6 of irf5 gene is correlated with il28b gene snp rs12980275 in patients with recurrent hepatitis c following liver transplantation. Transplant International Nov 2015, 28, 508-508.IF=2.835; Q1

56. Ruta S., Cernescu C. Injecting drug use: A vector for the introduction of new hepatitis c virus genotypes. World Journal of Gastroenterology Oct 2015, 21, doi:10.3748/wjg.v21.i38.10811.IF=2.787; Q2

55. Florian P., Lazar C., Nichita N., Galantonu R., Popescu C., Ruta S., Roseanu A. Coumarin labeling of hepatitis b virus. Journal of Viral Hepatitis Sep 2015, 22, 44-44..IF=4.179; Q1

54. Antipa C., Popa M., Marutescu L., Bleotu C., Veronica L., Bertesteanu S., Grigore R., Bezirtzoglou E., Ruta S.M. Virulence profiles of bacterial strains isolated from periodontal lesions. Romanian Biotechnological Letters Jul-Aug 2015, 20, 10662-10669.IF=0.381; Q4

53. Bleotu C., Chifiriuc M.C., Lazar V., Dragusel R., Matei L., Aldea I.M., Dragu L.D., Ionescu B., Diaconu C.C., Cernescu C., Mogoanta C.A., Popescu C.R., Popescu B., Grigore R., Bertesteanu S.V.G. Influence of staphylococcus aureus attachment to the herpes simplex virus infected cells. Romanian Journal of Morphology and Embryology Jul 2015, 56, 433-437.IF=0.811; Q4

52. Rosca A., Ene L., Anton G., Temereanca A., Achim C.L., Ruta S.M. Mir-29a: A potential marker of neurocognitive impairment in HIV-infected patients. Journal of Neurovirology Jun 2015, 21, S63-S63.

51. Ene L., Oliveira M.F., Tardei G., Diaconu C., Grancea C., Soontornniyomkij B., Ruta M.S., Smith D.M., Achim C.L. Cmv impact on neurocognitive impairment in a cohort of romanian young adults with chronic HIV-infection. Journal of Neurovirology Jun 2015, 21, S19-S19.IF=4.382; Q1

50. Ene L., Marcotte T., Grancea C., Temereanca A., Luca A., Bharti A., Umlauf A., Achim C.L., Letendre S., Ruta S.M. Latent toxoplasmosis is associated with neurocognitive impairment in a cohort of young adults with chronic HIV infection from Romania. Journal of Neurovirology Jun 2015, 21, S18-S19.IF=4.382; Q1

49. Ene L., Duiculescu D., Tardei G., Ruta S., Smith D.M., Mehta S., Letendre S., Achim C.L. Hepatitis b virus compartmentalization in the cerebrospinal fluid of HIV-infected patients. Clinical Microbiology and Infection Apr 2015, 21, doi:10.1016/j.cmi.2014.11.012.IF=4.575; Q1

48. Florian P.E., Galantonu R.N., Lazar C., Ruta S., Roseanu A., Nichita N. Labeling of hepatitis b virus middle envelope protein with enhanced green fluorescent protein. Romanian Biotechnological Letters Nov-Dec 2014, 19, 9974-9983.IF=0.404; Q4

47. Bleotu C., Chifiriuc M.C., Pircalabioru G., Bertesteanu S.V.G., Grigore R., Ruta S.M., Lazar V. Significance of serum antibodies against hsp 60 and hsp 70 for the diagnostic of infectious diseases. Virulence Nov-Dec 2014, 5, doi:10.4161/21505594.2014.973800.IF=4.216; Q1

46. Cernescu E., Ruta S., Botezatu A., Anton G., Cernescu C. Impact of education level and life-style related factors on high-risk human papilomaviruses infections. Romanian Biotechnological Letters Mar-Apr 2014, 19, 9272-9279.IF=0.404; Q4

45. Oprea C., Ceausu E., Ruta S. Ongoing outbreak of multiple blood-borne infections in injecting drug users in Romania. Public Health Nov 2013, 127, doi:10.1016/j.puhe.2013.08.018.IF=1.475;Q2

44. Vagu C., Sultana C., Ruta S. Serum iron markers in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis Monthly Oct 2013, 13, doi:10.5812/hepatmon.13136.IF=1.796;Q4

43. Ene L., Duiculescu D., Radoi R., Tardei G., Nica M., Ruta S., Ellis R., Grant I., Achim C. High frequency of HIV-related neurologic complications in a romanian cohort of children and young adults infected with subtype f. Journal of Neurovirology Oct 2013, 19, S26-S26.IF=3.323;Q2

42. Temereanca A., Ene L., Mehta S., Manolescu L., Duiculescu D., Ruta S. Transmitted HIV drug resistance in treatment-naive romanian patients. Journal of Medical Virology Jul 2013, 85, 1139-1147, doi:10.1002/jmv.23572.IF=2.217;Q3

41. Sultana C., Erscoiu S.M., Grancea C., Ceausu E., Ruta S. Predictors of chronic hepatitis C evolution in HIV co-infected patients from Romania. Hepatitis Monthly Feb 2013, 13, doi:10.5812/hepatmon.8611. IF=1.796;Q4

40. Bleotu C., Chifiriuc M.C., Grigore R., Grancea C., Popescu C.R., Anton G., Cernescu C. Investigation of Th1/Th2 cytokine profiles in patients with laryngo-pharyngeal, HPV-positive cancers. European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology Feb 2013, 270, doi:10.1007/s00405-012-2067-7.IF=1.608;Q2

39. Bleotu C., Pircalabioru G., Dragusel R., Aldea I.M., Anca B., Banu O., Mihaescu G., Cernescu C.E., Diaconu C.C. Modulation of interaction between virus and eukaryotic host by exposure to S. aureus bacterial soluble fractions. Current Organic Chemistry Jan 2013, 17, doi:10.2174/1385272811317020009. IF=2.537;Q2

38. Sultana C., Erscoiu S.M., Ceausu E., Ruta S. HIV/HCV coinfection in Romania – can we afford not to treat? Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Dec 2012, 21, 441-442.IF=1.855;Q3

37. Marinescu P., Manolescu L.S.C. Association of Hepatitis B infection in patients with HIV encephalopathy. Romanian Biotechnological Letters Nov-Dec 2012, 17, 7817-7824.IF=0.363;Q4

36. Sultana C., Vagu C., Temereanca A., Grancea C., Slobozeanu J., Ruta S. Hepatitis C virus genotypes in injecting drug users from Romania. Central European Journal of Medicine Oct 2011, 6, doi:10.2478/s11536-011-0073-6.IF=0.312;Q4

35. Sultana C., Oprisan G., Szmal C., Vagu C., Temereanca A., Dinu S., Teleman M.D., Ruta S. Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis C virus strains from Romania. Journal of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Sep 2011, 20, 261-266.IF=1.811;Q3

34. Manolescu L., Temereanca A., Diaconu C.C., Ruta S. Correlation between resistance profile and immunosuppression in heavily treated HIV-1 infected Romanian patients. Romanian Biotechnological Letters Jul-Aug 2011, 16, 6439-6449.IF=0.349;Q4

33. Olteanu R., Grancea C., Ardeleanu C., Balanescu E., Balanescu P. Interleukin-17a mediated inflammation in cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Feb 2011, 64, AB27-AB27.IF=3.991;Q1

32. Tanasescu C., Balanescu E., Balanescu P., Olteanu R., Badea C., Grancea C., Vagu C., Bleotu C., Ardeleanu C., Georgescu A. Il-17 in cutaneous lupus erythematosus. European Journal of Internal Medicine Jun 2010, 21, 202-207, doi:10.1016/j.ejim.2010.03.004.IF=1.657;Q2

31. Alexiu I., Tardei G., Luca C., Chivu M., Sultana C., Grancea C., Stoian M., Diaconu C. Interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α polymorphisms and HBV infection status in two transplant patient groups. Febs Journal Jun 2010, 277, 52-52.IF=3.129;Q2

30. Ruta S., Ene L., Temereanca A., Manolescu L., Tardei G., Ceausu E., Duiculescu D. Possible independent replication of HBV in the CNS of HV-1 infected patients. Journal of Clinical Virology Sep 2009, 46, doi:10.1016/s1386-6532(09)70051-4.IF=3.124;Q2

29. Sultana C., Manolescu L., Ruta S. Evaluation of early predictors of successful therapy in HCV infected patients from Romania. International Journal of Infectious Diseases Dec 2008, 12, E427-E427, doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2008.05.1254.IF=2.210;Q3

28. Ruta S., Sultana C., Manolescu L., Tardei G., Motoc A., Brehar-Cioflec D., Szmal C., Dinu S., Oprisoreanu A.M., Oprisan G. The changing profile of circulating HCV genotypes in Romania. International Journal of Infectious Diseases Dec 2008, 12, doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2008.05.235.IF=2.210;Q3

27. Bleotu C., Chivu M., Alexiu I., Anton G., Diakonu C.C., Neagu A., Cernescu C. New in vitro models for understanding molecular mechanism of oncogenesis. Febs Journal Jun 2008, 275, 329-329.IF=3.139;Q2

26. Chivu M., Nastasia S., Sultana C., Bleotu C., Alexiu I., Hudita D. Optimizing donor selection in order to establish a cord blood banking facility: Maternal and obstetric factors impact. Central European Journal of Medicine Jun 2007, 2, doi:10.2478/s11536-007-0018-2.

25. Manolescu L., Sultana C., Marinescu P., Ruta S. P1895 low prevalence of HCV co-infection in HIV/HBV co–infected teenagers from Romania. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents Mar 2007, S543. IF=2.338;Q3

24. Kozinetz C.A., Matusa R., Ruta S., Hacker C.S., Cernescu C., Cazacu A. Alternatives to HIV-RNA and CD4 count to monitor HIV disease progression: A prospective cohort study in Romania. Journal of Medical Virology Oct 2005, 77, doi:10.1002/jmv.20433.IF=1.192;Q3

23. Matusa R.F., Ruta S.M., Sultana C., Manolescu L., Cernescu C., Medimond. Blood uric acid level and gender differences in the pathogenesis of HIV infection. In Proceedings of the 15th International AIDS Conference, Jul 2004, 119-121.

22. Kozinetz C., Matusa R., Ruta S., Cernescu C., Hacker C., Cazacu A. Alternative to HIV-RNA and CD4 count to monitor HIV disease progression: A prospective cohort study in Romania. American Journal of Epidemiology Jun 2004, 159, S40-S40.IF=4.933;Q1

21. Chivu M., Diaconu C.C., Bleotu C., Alexiu I., Brasoveanu L., Cernescu C. The comparison of different protocols for expansion of umbilical-cord blood hematopoietic stem cells. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine Apr-Jun 2004, 8, doi:10.1111/j.1582-4934.2004.tb00277.x.IF=2.153;N/A

20. Diaconu C.C., Bleotu C., Chivu M., Alexiu I., Petrusca D., Anton G., Achim R., Ruta S.M., Cernescu C. The development of larger cells that spontaneously escape senescence – a step during the immortalization of a human cancer cell line. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine Jan-Mar 2004, 8, doi:10.1111/j.1582-4934.2004.tb00263.x.IF=2.153;N/A

19. Plesa A., Anton G., Diaconu C., Stoian M., Repanovici R., Cernescu C. Cloning and expression of the l1 major capsid protein of the human papillomavirus 18 in murine cells. International Journal of Molecular Medicine Dec 2003, 12, 1021-1026.IF=1.940;Q2

18. Chivu M., Diaconu C.C., Brasoveanu L., Alexiu I., Bleotu C., Banceanu G., Miscalencu D., Cernescu C. Ex vivo differentiation of umbilical cord blood progenitor cells in the presence of placental conditioned medium. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine Oct-Dec 2002, 6, doi:10.1111/j.1582-4934.2002.tb00459.x.

17. Ceianu C.S., Ungureanu A., Nicolescu G., Cernescu C., Nitescu L., Tardei G., Petrescu A., Pitigoi D., Martin D., Ciulacu-Purcarea V., Vladimirescu A., Savage H.M. West nile virus surveillance in Romania: 1997-2000. Viral Immunology Jul 2001, 14, doi:10.1089/088282401753266765.IF=1.190;Q3

16. Mutiu A., Alexiu I., Chivu M., Petica M., Anton G., Bleotu C., Diaconu C., Popescu C., Jucu V., Cernescu C. Detection of human papillomavirus gene sequences in cell lines derived from laryngeal tumors. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine Jan-Mar 2001, 5, doi:10.1111/j.1582-4934.2001.tb00137.x.

15. Tardei G., Ruta S., Chitu V., Rossi C., Tsai T.F., Cernescu C. Evaluation of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and igg enzyme immunoassays in serologic diagnosis of West Nile virus infection. Journal of Clinical Microbiology Jun 2000, 38, 2232-2239.IF=3.503;Q1

14. Cristina D.C., Violeta C., Gratiela T., Coralia B., Maria R.S., Camelia G., Cornel Z., Eugen C.C. Quantitative semiautomated fluorescence-based assays for biological evaluation of new anti-HIV agents. Cytometry Apr 2000, 42, 146-146.IF=2.557;Q1

13. Tardei G., Duiculescu D., Capo C., Diaconu C.C., Mutiu A., Mege J.L., Cernescu C.E. Phagocytic function of monocytes in children with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection. Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology Mar 2000, 7, 296-297, doi:10.1128/cdli.7.2.296-297.2000.IF=1.796;Q3

12. Cernescu C., Nedelcu N.I., Tardei G., Ruta S., Tsai T.F. Continued transmission of West Nile virus to humans in southeastern Romania, 1997-1998. Journal of Infectious Diseases Feb 2000, 181, doi:10.1086/315225.IF=4.988;N/A

11. Han L.L., Popovici F., Alexander J.P., Laurentia V., Tengelsen L.A., Cernescu C., Gary H.E., Ion-Nedelcu N., Campbell G.L., Tsai T.F. Risk factors for west nile virus infection and meningoencephalitis, Romania, 1996. Journal of Infectious Diseases Jan 1999, 179, 230-233, doi:10.1086/314566.IF=4.842;N/A

10. Tsai T.F., Popovici F., Cernescu C., Campbell G.L., Nedelcu N.I., Laurentia V., Spantulescu L., Chitu V., Ruta S., Tardei G., Craciun D., Nicolaiciuc D., Pitigoi D., Ceianu C., Nicolescu G., Ungureanu A., Vladimirescu L.A., Deubel V., Leguenno B., Han L., Savage H., Tengelsen L., Tengelsen E.A., Knauert F., Mangiafico J.A., Rossi C., Investigative T. West Nile encephalitis epidemic in southeastern Romania. Lancet Sep 1998, 352, doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(98)03538-7.IF=11.793;Q1

9. Altaner C., Braciale T.J., Cernescu C., Doherty P., Ertl H.C.J., Gelman I.H., Hilleman M.R., Laughlin C.A., Liu M.A., Reiss C.S., Talbot P., Yewdell J.W., Zinkernagel R. The experts speak on the future of viral immunology. Viral Immunology 1995, 8, 175-197.

8. Cernescu C.E., Tardei G., Necula A., Ruta S.M., Pau C.P. The serologic significance of f-viral genotype for human-immunodeficiency-virus type-1 epidemic. Journal of Infectious Diseases Oct 1994, 170, doi:10.1093/infdis/170.4.1043.

7. Cernescu C.E. Aids vaccines and adjuvant formulations. International Journal of Immunopharmacology May-Jun 1994, 16, 369-379.

6. Constantinescu S.N., Cernescu C.D., Popescu L.M. Effects of protein-kinase-c inhibitors on viral entry and infectivity. Febs Letters Nov 1991, 292, doi:10.1016/0014-5793(91)80826-o.

5. Pau C.P., Granade T.C., Parekh B., Schochetman G., Decock K.M., Gayle H., Cernescu C., George J.R. Misidentification of HIV-2 proteins by western blots. Lancet Mar 1991, 337, doi:10.1016/0140-6736(91)91683-l.

4. Constantinescu S.N., Cernescu C., Balta F., Maniu H., Popescu L.M. The priming effect of human interferon-alpha is mediated by protein-kinase-C. Journal of Interferon Research Dec 1990, 10, doi:10.1089/jir.1990.10.589.

3. Popescu L.M., Cernescu C., Moraru, Ii, Constantinescu N., Balta F., Manciulea M., Brailoiu E., Buzila L. Cell-membrane phospholipase-c is involved in inducing the antiviral effect of interferon. Bioscience Reports Oct 1989, 9, 531-539, doi:10.1007/bf01119795.

2. Cernescu C., Constantinescu S.N., Balta F., Popescu L.M., Cajal N. Interferon-induced antiviral state is inhibited by neomycin and mimicked by diacylglycerols. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications Feb 1988, 151, doi:10.1016/0006-291x(88)90607-9.

1. Verdes F., Petrescu A., Cernescu C. Epidemiologic survey of multiple-sclerosis in Bucharest city and suburban area. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica Aug 1978, 58, 109-120. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0404.1978.tb02868.x.