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Fakoury MK, Schmidt SL, Brandão Mello CE, Filho ADC, Amendola Pires MM. Cognitive Performance in Asymptomatic Elderly People with Hepatitis C: The Role of Education. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4588. [PMID: 37510703 PMCID: PMC10380825 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurotropism of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) can be the source of subtle neuropsychological symptoms in non-cirrhotic patients. Age is a risk factor for cognitive impairment (CI). Thus, asymptomatic elderly people who carry HCV might be at a greater risk of CI. Education can influence test performance. OBJECTIVES (1) To verify whether elderly people with HCV performed poorer than controls on cognitive tests. (2) To analyze how education affects performance. (3) To verify whether the extent of the effect of education on performance depends on the group (HCV vs. controls) and the type of cognitive test. METHODS Asymptomatic HCV carriers older than 60 years (n = 41) were matched with 41 corresponding controls. All participants performed the following tests: Mini-Cog, Mini Mental State Examination, clock drawing test (CDT), and verbal fluency. RESULTS (1) There were no significant differences in cognitive performance between the two groups. (2) Higher education was always associated with better performance. (3) There was a significant group difference in the slopes of the regression lines between years of education and CDT performance. No differences were found for the other three tests. CONCLUSION Considering the scores on the CDT, the rate of improvement in performance when schooling increases is higher in HCV carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Kopti Fakoury
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Neurology, Department of Neurology, PPGNEURO-UNIRIO, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- RENASCER Multidisciplinary Program of the Third Age, Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Sergio Luis Schmidt
- Graduate Program in Neurology, Department of Neurology, PPGNEURO-UNIRIO, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- RENASCER Multidisciplinary Program of the Third Age, Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Carlos Eduardo Brandão Mello
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Neurology, Department of Neurology, PPGNEURO-UNIRIO, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Graduate Program in HIV/AIDS Infection and Viral Hepatitis, PPGHIV/HV-UNIRIO, School of Medicine and Surgery, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Aureo do Carmo Filho
- Graduate Program in Neurology, Department of Neurology, PPGNEURO-UNIRIO, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
| | - Marcia Maria Amendola Pires
- Graduate Program in Neurology, Department of Neurology, PPGNEURO-UNIRIO, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-853, Brazil
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Gutiérrez-Rojas L, de la Gándara Martín JJ, García Buey L, Uriz Otano JI, Mena Á, Roncero C. Patients with severe mental illness and hepatitis C virus infection benefit from new pangenotypic direct-acting antivirals: Results of a literature review. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2023; 46:382-396. [PMID: 35718017 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem that can results in cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and even death. HCV infection is 3-20-fold more prevalent among patients with versus without severe mental illness (SMI), such as major depressive disorder, personality disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Treatment options for HCV were formerly based on pegylated interferon alpha, which is associated with neuropsychiatric adverse events, and this contributed to the exclusion of patients with SMI from HCV treatment, elimination programmes, and clinical trials. Moreover, the assumption of poor adherence, scant access to healthcare and the stigma and vulnerability of this population emerged as barriers and contributed to the low rates of treatment and efficacy. METHODS This paper reviews the literature published between December 2010 and December 2020 exploring the epidemiology of HCV in patients with SMI, and vice versa, the effect of HCV infection, barriers to the management of illness in these patients, and benefits of new therapeutic options with pangenotypic direct antiviral agents (DAAs). RESULTS The approval of DAAs has changed the paradigm of HCV infection treatment. DAAs have proven to be an equally efficacious and safe option that improves quality of life (QoL) in patients SMI. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of the consequences of the HCV infection and the benefits of treatment with new pangenotypic DAAs among psychiatrists can increase screening, referral and treatment of HCV infection in patients with SMI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luisa García Buey
- Gastroenterology Department, Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa (IIS-IP), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan I Uriz Otano
- Gastroenterology Department, Liver Unit, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Mena
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Internal Medicine Service, Clinical Virology Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC)-Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Universidade da Coruña, Coruña, Spain
| | - Carlos Roncero
- Psychiatry Service, University of Salamanca Health Care Complex and Psychiatric Unit, School of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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3
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Santos-Lima C, Souza-Marques B, Vieira F, Isabel Schinoni M, Quarantini LC, Abreu N. Neuropsychological effects of direct-acting antiviral treatment for Hepatitis C virus subjects: A systematic review. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1672-1682. [PMID: 34320255 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have been approved in recent years to treat patients infected by the Hepatitis C virus (HCV). The DAAs treatment is well tolerated and increases sustained virological responses, but there is no consensus about the neuropsychological functioning related to the treatment. This systematic review aims to provide an overview of the recent findings exploring the cognitive effects of DAAs treatment in patients with HCV. After a systematic search on PubMed, Embase, Scopus and LILACS, studies that assessed neuropsychological data related to DAAs treatment were included. We found nine articles, considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three other manuscripts were included after searching for the references listed in the previously mentioned articles. We observed methodological heterogeneity in terms of neuropsychological tests used, cognitive domain explored and the sample characteristic presented between the studies. Studies presented data from HCV subjects monoinfected with or without cirrhosis, advanced liver disease and post-transplant patients; and HCV subjects coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Most results from the 12 studies that explored the effect of DAAs treatment in HCV subjects' neurocognitive functioning demonstrated cognitive improvement following treatment. In general, HCV and HCV/HIV subjects improved processing speed, verbal fluency and verbal/visual episodic memory. The DAAs treatment is effective for neurocognitive functioning in HCV monoinfected and coinfected subjects, with or without advanced liver disease, since neuropsychological scores increased after treatment. Further studies, however, are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassio Santos-Lima
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicologia, Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.,Laboratório de Pesquisa em Neuropsicologia Clínica e Cognitiva, Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.,Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria, Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Breno Souza-Marques
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria, Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Flávia Vieira
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria, Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Maria Isabel Schinoni
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Lucas C Quarantini
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria, Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Neander Abreu
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicologia, Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.,Laboratório de Pesquisa em Neuropsicologia Clínica e Cognitiva, Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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A Review on Extrahepatic Manifestations of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection and the Impact of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112249. [PMID: 34835054 PMCID: PMC8619859 DOI: 10.3390/v13112249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Extrahepatic manifestations are a feature of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In the course of chronic HCV infection, about 70% of patients have one or more extrahepatic manifestations. The latter are often the first and only clinical sign of infection. Experimental and clinical data support a causal association for many extrahepatic manifestations and HCV infection, which include mixed cryoglobulinemia, non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL), cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, neurological and psychiatric disease and other rheumatic diseases. All these extrahepatic conditions influence the morbidity, quality of life and mortality of HCV-infected patients. Currently, interferon-free therapeutic regimens with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) offer the possibility of treatment to almost the entire infected population, irrespective of stage of cirrhosis and associated serious comorbidities, always maintaining a high efficacy and tolerability. Several studies have shown a close association between HCV clearance by DAAs and an improvement or reduction in the risk of extrahepatic manifestations. Patients with HCV after a sustained virologic response (SVR) by DAA treatment have a lower risk than non-responders of developing cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. Furthermore, the SVR by DAA also reduces the risk of acute coronary syndrome, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, and it improves atherosclerosis. HCV clearance by DAA also improves the quality of life and survival of patients with chronic HCV infection with associated extrahepatic diseases. Thus, DAAs should be initiated as early as possible in HCV patients with extrahepatic manifestations.
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Faccioli J, Nardelli S, Gioia S, Riggio O, Ridola L. Neurological and psychiatric effects of hepatitis C virus infection. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:4846-4861. [PMID: 34447230 PMCID: PMC8371503 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i29.4846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is widespread and affects 71 million people worldwide. Although hepatic manifestations are the most frequent, ranging from chronic hepatitis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, it is also associated with several extrahepatic manifestations. Infected patients may present non-specific neurological symptoms, regardless of the presence of liver cirrhosis. Several pathogenetic mechanisms underlying neurological symptoms have been hypothesized: neuroinvasion, immune-mediated damage, neurotransmitter alterations and cryoglobulinemia. Alterations of the central nervous system include cerebral vasculopathy, acute or subacute encephalopathy and inflammatory disorders. HCV infection may be responsible for neuropathies, of which the most frequent form is symmetrical axonal sensory or sensory-motor polyneuropathy which causes loss of leg sensitivity and weakness. Up to 50% of patients with HCV infection may experience cognitive decline and psychological disorders, such as depression and fatigue. HCV associated neurocognitive disorder is independent of the presence of liver cirrhosis and affects different domains than in patients with hepatic encephalopathy. It can be studied using specific tests that mainly explore executive functions, verbal learning and verbal recall. These disorders significantly reduce the quality of life. The new antiviral therapies improve the extrahepatic symptoms of HCV infection and their success depends on the achievement of sustained virological response. However, the effect of therapy may differ depending on the type of organ involved; neurological symptoms can be irreversible if there is organic liver damage. The aim of this review is to provide a critical overview of physiopathological mechanisms, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies of the neurological and psychiatric effects of HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Faccioli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Silvia Nardelli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Stefania Gioia
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Oliviero Riggio
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ridola
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy
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Tassi A, Gitto S, Piras C, Cursaro C, Alicandro T, Margotti M, Rivi M, Andreone P. Cognitive, neurological and psychiatric disorders occurring in Hepatitis C Virus infection. Minerva Med 2021; 112:238-245. [PMID: 33576202 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4806.21.07388-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic Hepatitis C is associated with many extrahepatic manifestations. Central nervous system is frequently involved, but the pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood. Local and systemic inflammation, ischemia, immune-mediated phenomena have been described in this context. Clinical manifestations include cognitive alterations, stroke, depression and demyelinating phenomena. It is unclear if cognitive deficits can be improved or resolved with viral eradication and to understand this, could have important therapeutical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tassi
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefano Gitto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Piras
- Graduating School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Carmela Cursaro
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Tatiana Alicandro
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Postgraduate School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marzia Margotti
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Rivi
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Postgraduate School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Pietro Andreone
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy - .,Postgraduate School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Unit of Internal and Metabolic Medicine, Civil Hospital of Baggiovara, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Baggiovara, Modena, Italy
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The Many Difficulties and Subtleties in the Cognitive Assessment of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection. Int J Hepatol 2020; 2020:9675235. [PMID: 32257447 PMCID: PMC7106929 DOI: 10.1155/2020/9675235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of HCV in 1989, several diseases have been related to chronic infection by this virus. Often, patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) complain of cognitive impairment even before the development of hepatic cirrhosis, which they described as "brain fog." Several studies have proposed a link between chronic HCV infection and the development of cognitive alterations, but the inclusion of confounding factors in their samples significantly limits the analysis of the results. In this article, we will give an overview about cognitive dysfunction in patients with HCV.
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de Gennaro N, Diella L, Monno L, Angarano G, Milella M, Saracino A. Efficacy and tolerability of DAAs in HCV-monoinfected and HCV/HIV-coinfected patients with psychiatric disorders. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:196. [PMID: 32138757 PMCID: PMC7059311 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-4922-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few data are available regarding the use of direct antiviral agents (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C in psychiatric patients. The aim of the study is to assess safety and outcome of DAAs in patients with psychiatric comorbidities. METHODS This retrospective, observational, single-centre study enrolled patients treated with psychiatric drugs who initiated DAAs between 2015 and 2018. Patients were classified into two groups: A (on anxiolitycs/antidepressant) and B (on antipsychotics). Week-12 sustained virological response (SVR-12) and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated. RESULTS One hundred forty-four patients were included (A:101; B:43). Patients were 49.3% males, mean age 60 years (SD ± 13.5); 31.9% cirrhotic; 125 (86.8%) HCV-monoinfected and 19 (13.2%) HCV /HIV-coinfected. Twenty patients (13.8%) required a change of psychiatric therapy before initiation of DAA. Overall, SVR-12 was achieved in 88.2% of subjects in intention-to-treat(ITT)-analysis. Lower SVR rates were observed in group B vs A (79% vs 92%, p = 0.045) and in those changing psychiatric drugs vs others (8% vs 30%, p = 0.015). According to per-protocol (PP)-analysis, SVR-12 was achieved in 93/95 (97.9%) in group A versus 34/36 (94.4%) in group B (p = 0.30). At least one AE occurred in 60 patients (41.6%), including 10 severe AEs, leading to 3 discontinuations. AEs were more frequently reported in group A (p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS The study confirms effectiveness and safety of DAA-based treatment also in this special population, even if a careful evaluation of history and drug-drug interactions is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò de Gennaro
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, University Hospital Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare n. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Lucia Diella
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, University Hospital Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare n. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Laura Monno
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, University Hospital Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare n. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Angarano
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, University Hospital Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare n. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Milella
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, University Hospital Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare n. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Annalisa Saracino
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, University Hospital Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare n. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
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