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Pinnetti C, Mondi A, Mazzotta V, Vita S, Carletti F, Aguglia C, Beccacece A, Vergori A, Gagliardini R, Specchiarello E, Ascoli Bartoli T, Baldini F, Giancola ML, Valli MB, D'Abramo A, Gebremeskel Teklè S, Fontana C, Garbuglia AR, Girardi E, Maggi F, Vaia F, Nicastri E, Antinori A. Pharyngo-tonsillar involvement of Mpox in a cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM): A serious risk of missing diagnosis. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:130-136. [PMID: 38000313 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
During the 2022-outbreak, peculiar clinical presentations of Mpox have been described, some of which can make the diagnosis of the disease extremely challenging. Here we report a case series of fourteen patients with Mpox pharynogotonsillar involvement (PTI) seen at National Institute for Infectious Diseases, "Lazzaro Spallanzani", in Rome, Italy from May to September 2022. All included patients were men who have sex with men (median age 38 years) reporting unprotected sex within three weeks from symptoms onset. Seven out of fourteen patients needed hospitalization due to uncontrolled pain, reduced airspace and difficulty swallowing, of whom five were effectively treated with tecovirimat or cidofovir. The remaining two patients were treated with symptomatic drugs. The typical Mpox muco-cutaneous manifestations were not observed simultaneously with PTI in three patients, two of whom developed the lesions after several days, while one never manifested them. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for Mpox virus was positive in oropharyngeal swab, saliva and serum. Although PTI occurs in only a small percentage of Mpox cases, its diagnosis is of utmost importance. In fact, this localization, if not identified, could lead to serious complications in the absence of early antiviral treatment and to missed diagnosis with an increased risk of disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Pinnetti
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Mondi
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Valentina Mazzotta
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Vita
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Carletti
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Aguglia
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Beccacece
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Vergori
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Gagliardini
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Eliana Specchiarello
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Ascoli Bartoli
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Baldini
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Giancola
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Beatrice Valli
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra D'Abramo
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Saba Gebremeskel Teklè
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Fontana
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Biological Bank, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Girardi
- Scientific Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Vaia
- General Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Antinori
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Zulian V, Fiscon G, Paci P, Garbuglia AR. Hepatitis B Virus and microRNAs: A Bioinformatics Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17224. [PMID: 38139051 PMCID: PMC10743825 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of gene expression, and the identification of viral miRNAs (v-miRNAs) within some viruses, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), has attracted significant attention. HBV infections often progress to chronic states (CHB) and may induce fibrosis/cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The presence of HBV can dysregulate host miRNA expression, influencing several biological pathways, such as apoptosis, innate and immune response, viral replication, and pathogenesis. Consequently, miRNAs are considered a promising biomarker for diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment response. The dynamics of miRNAs during HBV infection are multifaceted, influenced by host variability and miRNA interactions. Given the ability of miRNAs to target multiple messenger RNA (mRNA), understanding the viral-host (human) interplay is complex but essential to develop novel clinical applications. Therefore, bioinformatics can help to analyze, identify, and interpret a vast amount of miRNA data. This review explores the bioinformatics tools available for viral and host miRNA research. Moreover, we introduce a brief overview focusing on the role of miRNAs during HBV infection. In this way, this review aims to help the selection of the most appropriate bioinformatics tools based on requirements and research goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verdiana Zulian
- Virology Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giulia Fiscon
- Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (P.P.)
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science “Antonio Ruberti”, National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Paci
- Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.F.); (P.P.)
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science “Antonio Ruberti”, National Research Council, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Virology Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy;
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3
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Minosse C, Matusali G, Meschi S, Grassi G, Francalancia M, D’Offizi G, Spezia PG, Garbuglia AR, Montalbano M, Focosi D, Girardi E, Vaia F, Ettorre GM, Maggi F. Torquetenovirus Loads in Peripheral Blood Predict Both the Humoral and Cell-Mediated Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Elicited by the mRNA Vaccine in Liver Transplant Recipients. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1656. [PMID: 38005988 PMCID: PMC10674741 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Three years into the COVID-19 pandemic, mass vaccination campaigns have largely controlled the disease burden but have not prevented virus circulation. Unfortunately, many immunocompromised patients have failed to mount protective immune responses after repeated vaccinations, and liver transplant recipients are no exception. Across different solid organ transplant populations, the plasma levels of Torquetenovirus (TTV), an orphan and ubiquitous human virus under control of the immune system, have been shown to predict the antibody response after COVID-19 vaccinations. We show here a single-institution experience with TTV viremia in 134 liver transplant recipients at their first or third dose. We found that TTV viremia before the first and third vaccine doses predicts serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) IgG levels measured 2-4 weeks after the second or third dose. Pre-vaccine TTV loads were also associated with peripheral blood anti-SARS-CoV-2 cell-mediated immunity but not with serum SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Minosse
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (G.M.); (M.F.); (P.G.S.); (A.R.G.); (F.M.)
| | - Giulia Matusali
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (G.M.); (M.F.); (P.G.S.); (A.R.G.); (F.M.)
| | - Silvia Meschi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (G.M.); (M.F.); (P.G.S.); (A.R.G.); (F.M.)
| | - Germana Grassi
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology and Pharmacology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy;
| | - Massimo Francalancia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (G.M.); (M.F.); (P.G.S.); (A.R.G.); (F.M.)
| | - Gianpiero D’Offizi
- Department of Liver Transplantation POIT, Clinical and Research Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (M.M.); (G.M.E.)
| | - Pietro Giorgio Spezia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (G.M.); (M.F.); (P.G.S.); (A.R.G.); (F.M.)
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (G.M.); (M.F.); (P.G.S.); (A.R.G.); (F.M.)
| | - Marzia Montalbano
- Department of Liver Transplantation POIT, Clinical and Research Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (M.M.); (G.M.E.)
| | - Daniele Focosi
- North-Western Tuscany Blood Bank, Pisa University Hospital, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Enrico Girardi
- Scientific Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Vaia
- General Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Maria Ettorre
- Department of Liver Transplantation POIT, Clinical and Research Department of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (M.M.); (G.M.E.)
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (G.M.); (M.F.); (P.G.S.); (A.R.G.); (F.M.)
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Garbuglia AR, Lapa D, Pauciullo S, Raoul H, Pannetier D. Nipah Virus: An Overview of the Current Status of Diagnostics and Their Role in Preparedness in Endemic Countries. Viruses 2023; 15:2062. [PMID: 37896839 PMCID: PMC10612039 DOI: 10.3390/v15102062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nipah virus (NiV) is a paramyxovirus responsible for a high mortality rate zoonosis. As a result, it has been included in the list of Blueprint priority pathogens. Bats are the main reservoirs of the virus, and different clinical courses have been described in humans. The Bangladesh strain (NiV-B) is often associated with severe respiratory disease, whereas the Malaysian strain (NiV-M) is often associated with severe encephalitis. An early diagnosis of NiV infection is crucial to limit the outbreak and to provide appropriate care to the patient. Due to high specificity and sensitivity, qRT-PCR is currently considered to be the optimum method in acute NiV infection assessment. Nasal swabs, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, and blood are used for RT-PCR testing. N gene represents the main target used in molecular assays. Different sensitivities have been observed depending on the platform used: real-time PCR showed a sensitivity of about 103 equivalent copies/reaction, SYBRGREEN technology's sensitivity was about 20 equivalent copies/reaction, and in multiple pathogen card arrays, the lowest limit of detection (LOD) was estimated to be 54 equivalent copies/reaction. An international standard for NiV is yet to be established, making it difficult to compare the sensitivity of the different methods. Serological assays are for the most part used in seroprevalence studies owing to their lower sensitivity in acute infection. Due to the high epidemic and pandemic potential of this virus, the diagnosis of NiV should be included in a more global One Health approach to improve surveillance and preparedness for the benefit of public health. Some steps need to be conducted in the diagnostic field in order to become more efficient in epidemic management, such as development of point-of-care (PoC) assays for the rapid diagnosis of NiV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy; (D.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy; (D.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Silvia Pauciullo
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy; (D.L.); (S.P.)
| | - Hervé Raoul
- French National Agency for Research on AIDS—Emerging Infectious Diseases (ANRS MIE), Maladies Infectieuses Émergentes, 75015 Paris, France;
| | - Delphine Pannetier
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Jean Mérieux BSL4 Laboratory, 69002 Lyon, France;
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Visco Comandini U, De Santis E, De Maria F, Lionetti R, Taibi C, Montalbano M, Rianda A, Piccolo P, De Ponte C, Mazzotta S, Caioli A, Garbuglia AR, Maggi F, D'Offizi G. "Real world" efficacy of bulevirtide in HBV/HDV-related cirrhosis including people living with HIV: Results from the compassionate use programme at INMI Spallanzani in Rome, Italy. HIV Med 2023; 24:1075-1082. [PMID: 37287427 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We describe the preliminary results of bulevirtide compassionate use in patients with hepatitis B and delta virus (HBV/HDV)-related cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension, including those living with HIV. METHODS We conducted a prospective observational study of consecutive patients. Clinical evaluation, liver function tests, bile acid levels, HDV-RNA, HBV-DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen, and liver and spleen stiffness were assessed at baseline and after treatment months 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and 12. HIV-RNA and CD4+/CD8+ count were assessed in people living with HIV. The first drug injection was administered under nurse supervision, and counselling was provided and adherence reviewed at each visit. RESULTS In total, 13 patients (61.5% migrants) were enrolled. The median treatment duration was 11 months. At month 6, mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels fell by 64.5% and mean liver and spleen stiffness decreased by 8.6 and 0.9 kPa, respectively. The mean baseline HDV-RNA was 3.34 log IU/mL and 5.10 log IU/mL in people without and with HIV (n = 5) (p = 0.28), respectively. A similar mean decline was observed in both groups: -2.06 log IU/mL and -1.93 log IU/mL, respectively (p = 0.87). A combined response (undetectable HDV RNA or ≥ -2 log IU/mL decline vs. baseline, with ALT normalization) was achieved in 66% of subjects without and in 60% of patients with HIV. Patients with HIV showed persistently undetectable HIV-RNA and a progressive increase in CD4+/CD8+ cells during treatment. No patient discontinued bulevirtide because of adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary results suggest that bulevirtide is feasible and well-tolerated in populations with difficult-to-treat conditions, such as those with HIV/HBV/HDV co-infection and migrants, when special attention is given to patient education. HDV-RNA decline during treatment was similar in people living with and without HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ubaldo Visco Comandini
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela De Santis
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco De Maria
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Lionetti
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Taibi
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Montalbano
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Rianda
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Piccolo
- Internal Medicine Unit, Fatebenefratelli Isola Tiberina Hospital-Gemelli Isola, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara De Ponte
- Pharmacy Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Mazzotta
- Pharmacy Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Caioli
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Virology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Virology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpiero D'Offizi
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Salichos L, Minosse C, Visco-Comandini U, Taibi C, Zulian V, D’Offizi G, Pallothu N, McPhee F, Garbuglia AR. Phylogenetic and Phylodynamic Analysis of Delta Strains Circulating in Italy. Viruses 2023; 15:1791. [PMID: 37766200 PMCID: PMC10537423 DOI: 10.3390/v15091791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis delta virus (HDV) exhibits high genetic and evolutionary variability and is classified into eight genotypes (HDV-1 to -8). HDV-1 is the most widespread genotype worldwide and includes several subtypes. It predominates mainly in Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Northern Africa, and is associated with both severe and mild forms of liver disease. In this study, we performed phylogenetic and phylodynamic analyses of HDV strains circulating in Regione Lazio, Italy, to understand when these strains were introduced into the Lazio region and to define their genetic variability in Italy. Fifty HDV RNA positive patient samples were amplified using a nested RT-PCR approach targeting the HDV R0 region and sequenced. A phylogenetic tree of patient-derived sequences and reference sequences representing HDV-1 to -8 was constructed using the GTRGAMMA model in RAxML v8. The results indicated that HDV-1 was the predominant genotype with HDV-1d being the most frequently inferred subtype. HDV-1 sequences clustering with subtypes 1b and 1e were also identified. A phylodynamic analysis of HDV-1 sequences employing a Bayesian birth-death model inferred a clock rate of 3.04 × 10-4 substitutions per site per million years, with a 95% Highest Posterior Density (HPD) interval of 3.45 × 10-5 to 5.72 × 10-4. A Bayesian birth-death analysis with tree calibration based on a sample dating approach indicated multiple original sources of infection (from the late 1950s to late 1980s). Overall, these results suggest that HDV sequences from the native Italian and non-Italian patients analyzed in this study represent multiple lineages introduced across a wide period. A common ancestral origin should be excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonidas Salichos
- Biological and Chemical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Manhattan, NY 10023, USA; (L.S.); (N.P.)
| | - Claudia Minosse
- Virology Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (V.Z.)
| | - Ubaldo Visco-Comandini
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (U.V.-C.); (C.T.); (G.D.)
| | - Chiara Taibi
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (U.V.-C.); (C.T.); (G.D.)
| | - Verdiana Zulian
- Virology Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (V.Z.)
| | - Gianpiero D’Offizi
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (U.V.-C.); (C.T.); (G.D.)
| | - Nayan Pallothu
- Biological and Chemical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Manhattan, NY 10023, USA; (L.S.); (N.P.)
| | | | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Virology Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (V.Z.)
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Lapa D, Specchiarello E, Francalancia M, Girardi E, Maggi F, Garbuglia AR. Detection of Anti-Rift Valley Fever Virus Antibodies in Serum Samples of Patients with Suspected Arbovirus Infection. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2081. [PMID: 37630641 PMCID: PMC10460000 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The definitive diagnosis of the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) requires a form of testing that is available only in reference laboratories. It includes indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), the serum neutralization assay (NA), and real-time PCR. Therefore, often, no attempts are made to detect it, even among travelers from endemic areas. In this study, the presence of anti-RVFV IgG and IgM was retrospectively screened in stored serum samples from people who were admitted with arbovirus symptoms at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) L. Spallanzani, Rome, Italy. Overall, 80 residual serum samples were anonymized, and sub-aliquots were prepared and tested for anti-RVFV IgG and IgM. A serum neutralization assay was used as a confirmatory test. There was a positive result in eight out of 80 samples (10%) for anti-RVFV IgG, with titers ranging from 1:40 up to 1:1280. Three of eight (2.6%) samples were confirmed as seropositive through an in-house serum neutralization assay, with antibody titers ranging from 1:10 to 1:160. All samples resulted negative for anti-RVFV IgM and RVFV RNA when tested by IFA and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Our data highlight that several RVFV infections can possibly escape routine virological diagnosis, which suggests RVFV testing should be set up in order to monitor virus prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Eliana Specchiarello
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Massimo Francalancia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Enrico Girardi
- Scientific Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy;
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (A.R.G.)
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Balestrieri M, Carnovale-Scalzo C, Garbuglia AR, Chiantore MV, Accardi L, Di Bonito P. Conventional therapy for genital herpesvirus and remission of HPV-related lesions: a case series. Infect Agent Cancer 2023; 18:36. [PMID: 37269015 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-023-00511-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This report covers the case of 7 women affected by pathologies related to genital Herpesvirus and Papillomavirus. They were referred to the gynaecology outpatient clinic for colposcopic examination, and received pharmacological antiviral treatment. The patients presented clinical signs of genital Herpesvirus infections in the cervix and vulva. Cervical lesions and condylomatosis, which are characteristic of Papillomavirus infections were also detected, and patients underwent cervical cancer screening. Patients received oral and topical treatment with Acyclovir or oral treatment with Valacyclovir. During weekly or biweekly gynaecological follow-up visits, patients showed different times of remission of genital Herpesvirus. During the antiviral treatments, the vulvar and cervical Papillomavirus lesions also showed complete resolution with restitutio ad integrum of the tissues, and no recurrence at follow-up visits. Herpesvirus and Papillomavirus infections are often associated in genital infections and, as sexual transmitted infections, share the same risk factors. In the cases presented, the observed remission of HPV-related pathologies during Acyclovir and Valaciclovir treatments may suggest that antivirals are also effective in the treatment of HPV lesions. The cases described could pave the way for further investigations and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Balestrieri
- Gynaecology and Diagnostic Colposcopy Clinic, Via Enea, 23, 00181, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Carnovale-Scalzo
- Histopathology Laboratory, Ospedale San Carlo di Nancy, GVM Care and Research, Via Aurelia 265, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani, IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Vincenza Chiantore
- Department of Infectious Diseases, EVOR Unit, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Accardi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, EVOR Unit, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Di Bonito
- Department of Infectious Diseases, EVOR Unit, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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9
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Mondi A, Mastrorosa I, Piselli P, Cimaglia C, Matusali G, Carletti F, Giannico G, Milozzi E, Biliotti E, Di Bari S, Chinello P, Beccacece A, Faraglia F, Vittozzi P, Mosti S, Tetaj N, Stazi GV, Pinnetti C, Camici M, D'Annunzio A, Marani A, Fabeni L, Specchiarello E, Gruber CEM, Villanacci A, Minicucci S, Garbuglia AR, Ianniello S, Marchioni L, Taglietti F, D'Offizi G, Palmieri F, Nicastri E, Maggi F, Vaia F, Girardi E, Antinori A. Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern over a period of Delta and Omicron cocirculation, among patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in an Italian reference hospital: Impact on clinical outcomes. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28831. [PMID: 37246793 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Despite the higher transmissibility of Omicron Variant of Concern (VOC), several reports have suggested lower risk for hospitalization and severe outcomes compared to previous variants of SARS-CoV-2. This study, enrolling all COVID-19 adults admitted to a reference hospital who underwent both the S-gene-target-failure test and VOC identification by Sanger sequencing, aimed to describe the evolving prevalence of Delta and Omicron variants and to compare the main in-hospital outcomes of severity, during a trimester (December 2021 to March 2022) of VOCs' cocirculation. Factors associated with clinical progression to noninvasive ventilation (NIV)/mechanical ventilation (MV)/death within 10 days and to MV/admission to intensive care unit (ICU)/death within 28 days, were investigated through multivariable logistic regressions. Overall, VOCs were: Delta n = 130/428, Omicron n = 298/428 (sublineages BA.1 n = 275 and BA.2 n = 23). Until mid-February, Delta predominance shifted to BA.1, which was gradually displaced by BA.2 until mid-March. Participants with Omicron VOC were more likely to be older, fully vaccinated, with multiple comorbidities and to have a shorter time from symptoms' onset, and less likely to have systemic symptoms and respiratory complications. Although the need of NIV within 10 days and MV within 28 days from hospitalization and the admission to ICU were less frequent for patients with Omicron compared to those with Delta infections, mortality was similar between the two VOCs. In the adjusted analysis, multiple comorbidities and a longer time from symptoms' onset predicted 10-day clinical progression, while complete vaccination halved the risk. Multimorbidity was the only risk factor associated with 28-day clinical progression. In our population, in the first trimester of 2022, Omicron rapidly displaced Delta in COVID-19 hospitalized adults. Clinical profile and presentation differed between the two VOCs and, although Omicron infections showed a less severe clinical picture, no substantial differences for clinical progression were found. This finding suggests that any hospitalization, especially in more vulnerable individuals, may be at risk for severe progression, which is more related to the underlying frailty of patients than to the intrinsic severity of the viral variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Mondi
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Mastrorosa
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluca Piselli
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Cimaglia
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Matusali
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Carletti
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Giannico
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenia Milozzi
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Biliotti
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Bari
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Chinello
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Beccacece
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Faraglia
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Vittozzi
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Mosti
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Nardi Tetaj
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Valeria Stazi
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Pinnetti
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Camici
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto D'Annunzio
- Health Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Marani
- Health Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Fabeni
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Eliana Specchiarello
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alberta Villanacci
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Minicucci
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Ianniello
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Marchioni
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Taglietti
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpiero D'Offizi
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Palmieri
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Vaia
- General Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Girardi
- Department of Epidemiology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Scientific Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Antinori
- Clinical and Research Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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10
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Ruggieri S, Aiello A, Tortorella C, Navarra A, Vanini V, Meschi S, Lapa D, Haggiag S, Prosperini L, Cuzzi G, Salmi A, Quartuccio ME, Altera AMG, Garbuglia AR, Ascoli Bartoli T, Galgani S, Notari S, Agrati C, Puro V, Nicastri E, Gasperini C, Goletti D. Dynamic Evolution of Humoral and T-Cell Specific Immune Response to COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Followed until the Booster Dose. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108525. [PMID: 37239872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This study characterizes antibody and T-cell immune responses over time until the booster dose of COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) undergoing different disease-modifying treatments (DMTs). We prospectively enrolled 134 PwMS and 99 health care workers (HCWs) having completed the two-dose schedule of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine within the last 2-4 weeks (T0) and followed them 24 weeks after the first dose (T1) and 4-6 weeks after the booster (T2). PwMS presented a significant reduction in the seroconversion rate and anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD)-Immunoglobulin (IgG) titers from T0 to T1 (p < 0.0001) and a significant increase from T1 to T2 (p < 0.0001). The booster dose in PwMS showed a good improvement in the serologic response, even greater than HCWs, as it promoted a significant five-fold increase of anti-RBD-IgG titers compared with T0 (p < 0.0001). Similarly, the T-cell response showed a significant 1.5- and 3.8-fold increase in PwMS at T2 compared with T0 (p = 0.013) and T1 (p < 0.0001), respectively, without significant modulation in the number of responders. Regardless of the time elapsed since vaccination, most ocrelizumab- (77.3%) and fingolimod-treated patients (93.3%) showed only a T-cell-specific or humoral-specific response, respectively. The booster dose reinforces humoral- and cell-mediated-specific immune responses and highlights specific DMT-induced immune frailties, suggesting the need for specifically tailored strategies for immune-compromised patients to provide primary prophylaxis, early SARS-CoV-2 detection and the timely management of COVID-19 antiviral treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Ruggieri
- Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, 00152 Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Aiello
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Tortorella
- Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, 00152 Rome, Italy
| | - Assunta Navarra
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Disease Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Vanini
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
- UOS Professioni Sanitarie Tecniche, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Meschi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Shalom Haggiag
- Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, 00152 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Prosperini
- Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, 00152 Rome, Italy
| | - Gilda Cuzzi
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Salmi
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anna Maria Gerarda Altera
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Ascoli Bartoli
- Clinical Division of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Galgani
- Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, 00152 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Notari
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Agrati
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Puro
- UOC Emerging Infections and Centro di Riferimento AIDS (CRAIDS), National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- Clinical Division of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Gasperini
- Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, 00152 Rome, Italy
| | - Delia Goletti
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
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11
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Specchiarello E, Matusali G, Carletti F, Gruber CEM, Fabeni L, Minosse C, Giombini E, Rueca M, Maggi F, Amendola A, Garbuglia AR. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Variants via Different Diagnostics Assays Based on Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:1573. [PMID: 37174964 PMCID: PMC10177602 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13091573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is characterized by fast evolution with the appearance of several variants. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology is considered the gold standard for monitoring known and new SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, the complexity of this technology renders this approach impracticable in laboratories located in areas with limited resources. We analyzed the capability of the ThermoFisher TaqPath COVID-19 RT-PCR (TaqPath) and the Seegene Novaplex SARS-CoV-2 Variant assay (Novaplex) to detect Omicron variants; the Allplex VariantII (Allplex) was also evaluated for Delta variants. Sanger sequencing (SaS) was the reference method. The results obtained with n = 355 nasopharyngeal samples were: negative with TaqPath, although positive with other qualitative molecular assays (n = 35); undetermined (n = 40) with both the assays; negative for the ∆69/70 mutation and confirmed as the Delta variant via SaS (n = 100); positive for ∆69/70 and confirmed as Omicron BA.1 via SaS (n = 80); negative for ∆69/70 and typed as Omicron BA.2 via SaS (n = 80). Novaplex typed 27.5% of samples as undetermined with TaqPath, 11.4% of samples as negative with TaqPath, and confirmed 100% of samples were Omicron subtypes. In total, 99/100 samples were confirmed as the Delta variant with Allplex with a positive per cent agreement (PPA) of 98% compared to SaS. As undermined samples with Novaplex showed RdRp median Ct values (Ct = 35.4) statistically higher than those of typed samples (median Ct value = 22.0; p < 0.0001, Mann-Whitney test), the inability to establish SARS-CoV-2 variants was probably linked to the low viral load. No amplification was obtained with SaS among all 35 negative TaqPath samples. Overall, 20% of samples which were typed as negative or undetermined with TaqPath, and among them, twelve were not typed even by SaS, but they were instead correctly identified with Novaplex. Although full-genome sequencing remains the elected method to characterize new strains, our data show the high ability of a SNP-based assay to identify VOCs, also resolving samples typed as undetermined with TaqPath.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Specchiarello
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Matusali
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Carletti
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Cesare Ernesto Maria Gruber
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Fabeni
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Minosse
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Giombini
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Rueca
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Amendola
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy
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12
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Aiello A, Coppola A, Ruggieri S, Farroni C, Altera AMG, Salmi A, Vanini V, Cuzzi G, Petrone L, Meschi S, Lapa D, Bettini A, Haggiag S, Prosperini L, Galgani S, Quartuccio ME, Bevilacqua N, Garbuglia AR, Agrati C, Puro V, Tortorella C, Gasperini C, Nicastri E, Goletti D. Longitudinal characterisation of B and T-cell immune responses after the booster dose of COVID-19 mRNA-vaccine in people with multiple sclerosis using different disease-modifying therapies. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2023; 94:290-299. [PMID: 36522154 PMCID: PMC10086471 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2022-330175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The decline of humoral response to COVID-19 vaccine led to authorise a booster dose. Here, we characterised the kinetics of B-cell and T-cell immune responses in patients with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) after the booster dose. METHODS We enrolled 22 PwMS and 40 healthcare workers (HCWs) after 4-6 weeks from the booster dose (T3). Thirty HCWs and 19 PwMS were also recruited 6 months (T2) after the first dose. Antibody response was measured by anti-receptor-binding domain (RBD)-IgG detection, cell-mediated response by an interferon (IFN)-γ release assay (IGRA), Th1 cytokines and T-cell memory profile by flow cytometry. RESULTS Booster dose increased anti-RBD-IgG titers in fingolimod-treated, cladribine-treated and IFN-β-treated patients, but not in ocrelizumab-treated patients, although antibody titres were lower than HCWs. A higher number of fingolimod-treated patients seroconverted at T3. Differently, T-cell response evaluated by IGRA remained stable in PwMS independently of therapy. Spike-specific Th1-cytokine response was mainly CD4+ T-cell-mediated, and in PwMS was significantly reduced (p<0.0001) with impaired IL-2 production compared with HCWs at T3. In PwMS, total Th1 and IFN-γ CD4+ T-cell responders to spike protein were increased from T2 to T3.Compared with HCWs, PwMS presented a higher frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ terminally differentiated effector memory cells and of CD4+ effector memory (TEM) cells, independently of the stimulus suggesting the association of this phenotype with MS status. CD4+ and CD8+ TEM cell frequency was further increased at T3 compared with T2. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 vaccine booster strengthens humoral and Th1-cell responses and increases TEM cells in PwMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Aiello
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Coppola
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Ruggieri
- Department of Human Neurosciences, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.,Neuroimmunology Unit, Santa Lucia Foundation Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Farroni
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Gerarda Altera
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Salmi
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Vanini
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy.,Unità Operativa Semplice (UOS) Professioni Sanitarie Tecniche, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy
| | - Gilda Cuzzi
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Petrone
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Meschi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy
| | - Aurora Bettini
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy
| | - Shalom Haggiag
- Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Prosperini
- Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Galgani
- Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Nazario Bevilacqua
- Clinical Division of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Agrati
- Cellular Immunology Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy.,Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Puro
- UOC Emerging Infections and Centro di Riferimento AIDS (CRAIDS), National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Tortorella
- Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Gasperini
- Department of Neurosciences, San Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- Clinical Division of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy
| | - Delia Goletti
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Institute for Hospitalization and Care Scientific, Rome, Italy
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13
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Bordi L, Sberna G, Lalle E, Fabeni L, Mazzotta V, Lanini S, Corpolongo A, Garbuglia AR, Nicastri E, Girardi E, Vaia F, Antinori A, Maggi F. Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 Detection in Nasopharyngeal Swab and Saliva Samples from Patients Infected with Omicron Variant. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054847. [PMID: 36902277 PMCID: PMC10003189 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To compare the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in nasopharyngeal-swab (NPS) and oral saliva samples. 255 samples were obtained from 85 Omicron-infected patients. SARS-CoV-2 load was measured in the NPS and saliva samples by using Simplexa™ COVID-19 direct and Alinity m SARS-CoV-2 AMP assays. Results obtained with the two diagnostic platforms showed very good inter-assay concordance (91.4 and 82.4% for saliva and NPS samples, respectively) and a significant correlation among cycle threshold (Ct) values. Both platforms revealed a highly significant correlation among Ct obtained in the two matrices. Although the median Ct value was lower in NPS than in saliva samples, the Ct drop was comparable in size for both types of samples after 7 days of antiviral treatment of the Omicron-infected patients. Our result demonstrates that the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant is not influenced by the type of sample used for PCR analysis, and that saliva can be used as an alternative specimen for detection and follow-up of Omicron-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Licia Bordi
- Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety Laboratories, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani” IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0655170693
| | - Giuseppe Sberna
- Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety Laboratories, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani” IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Lalle
- Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety Laboratories, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani” IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Fabeni
- Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety Laboratories, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani” IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Mazzotta
- Clinical and Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani” IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Lanini
- Clinical and Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani” IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Corpolongo
- Clinical and Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani” IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety Laboratories, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani” IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- Clinical and Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani” IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Girardi
- Scientific Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani” IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Vaia
- General and Health Management Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani” IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Antinori
- Clinical and Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani” IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Laboratory of Virology and Biosafety Laboratories, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani” IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
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14
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Mazzotta V, Scorzolini L, Falasca L, Lionetti R, Aguglia C, Kontogiannis D, Colombo D, Colavita F, De Palo MG, Carletti F, Mondi A, Pinnetti C, Maffongelli G, Garbuglia AR, Baldini F, Corpolongo A, Maggi F, D'Offizi G, Girardi E, Vaia F, Nicastri E, Del Nonno F, Antinori A. Lymphofollicular lesions associated with monkeypox (Mpox) virus proctitis. Int J Infect Dis 2023; 130:48-51. [PMID: 36858309 PMCID: PMC10013572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In the recent 2022 monkeypox (Mpox) global outbreak, cases have been mostly documented among men who have sex with men. Proctitis was reported in almost 14% of cases. In this study, four Mpox-confirmed cases requiring hospitalizations for severe proctitis were characterized by clinical, virological, microbiological, endoscopic, and histological aspects. The study showed the presence of lymphofollicular lesions associated with Mpox virus rectal infection for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Mazzotta
- Clinical and Research Infectious Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Scorzolini
- Clinical and Research Infectious Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Falasca
- Laboratory of Electron Microscopy, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Raffaella Lionetti
- Infectious Diseases Hepatology Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Aguglia
- Clinical and Research Infectious Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Dimitra Kontogiannis
- Clinical and Research Infectious Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Colombo
- Pathology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Francesca Colavita
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia De Palo
- Infectious Diseases Hepatology Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Carletti
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Mondi
- Clinical and Research Infectious Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Pinnetti
- Clinical and Research Infectious Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetano Maffongelli
- Clinical and Research Infectious Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Baldini
- Clinical and Research Infectious Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Corpolongo
- Clinical and Research Infectious Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpiero D'Offizi
- Infectious Diseases Hepatology Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Girardi
- Scientific Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Vaia
- General Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- Clinical and Research Infectious Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Franca Del Nonno
- Pathology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Antinori
- Clinical and Research Infectious Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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15
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Abstract
Ebola is a highly pathogenic virus, which in humans reaches a mortality rate above 50%. Due to a lack of laboratories in territories where Ebola viruses are endemic and the limited number of surveillance programmes, tests for the confirmation of suspected cases of Ebola are often performed in Reference Laboratories. While this provides guarantees regarding the accuracy of results, the shipment of samples to a centralized facility where the diagnostic test can be performed and the time required to achieve the results takes several days, which increases costs and entails delays in the isolation of positive subjects and therapeutic intervention with negative consequences both for patients and the community. Molecular tests have been the most frequently used tool in Ebola diagnosis in recent outbreaks. One of the most commonly used molecular tests is the Real-Star Altona, which targets a conserved area of the L gene. This assay showed different sensitivities depending on the Ebola virus: 471 copies/mL (EBOV) and 2871 copies/ml (SUDAN virus). The Cepheid system also showed good sensitivity (232 copies/mL). The LAMP platform is very promising because, being an isothermal reaction, it does not require high-precision instrumentation and can be considered a Point of Care (PoC) tool. Its analytical sensitivity is 1 copy/reaction. However, since data from real life studies are not yet available, it is premature to give any indications on its feasibility. Moreover, in November 2014, the WHO recommended the development of rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) according to ASSURED criteria. Several RDT assays have since been produced, most of which are rapid tests based on the search for antibody anti-Ebola viral proteins with immunochromatographic methods. Several viral antigens are used for this purpose: VP40, NP and GP. These assays show different sensitivities according to the protein used: VP40 57.4-93.1%, GP 53-88.9% and 85% for NP compared to reference molecular assays. From these results, it can be deduced that no RDT reaches the 99% sensitivity recommended by the WHO and therefore any RDT negative results in suspected cases should be confirmed with a molecular test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Bettini
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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16
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Farroni C, Aiello A, Picchianti-Diamanti A, Laganà B, Petruccioli E, Agrati C, Garbuglia AR, Meschi S, Lapa D, Cuzzi G, Petrone L, Vanini V, Salmi A, Altera AMG, Repele F, Grassi G, Bettini A, Vita S, Mariano A, Damiani A, Infantino M, Grossi V, Manfredi M, Niccoli L, Puro V, Rosa RD, Salemi S, Sesti G, Scolieri P, Bruzzese V, Benucci M, Cantini F, Nicastri E, Goletti D. Booster dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines strengthens the specific immune response of patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A prospective multicenter longitudinal study. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 125:195-208. [PMID: 36328289 PMCID: PMC9622025 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize the kinetics of humoral and T-cell responses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-patients followed up to 4-6 weeks (T3) after the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine booster dose. METHODS Health care workers (HCWs, n=38) and RA-patients (n=52) having completed the mRNA vaccination schedule were enrolled at T3. In each cohort, 25 subjects were also sampled after 5 weeks (T1) and 6 months (T2) from the first vaccine dose. The humoral response was assessed by measuring anti-Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD) and neutralizing antibodies, the T-cell response by interferon-(IFN)-γ-release assay (IGRA), T-cell cytokine production and B-cell phenotype at T3 by flow cytometry. RESULTS RA-patients showed a significant reduction of antibody titers from T1 to T2 and a significant increase at T3. T-cell response by IGRA persisted over time in RA-patients, while increased in HCWs. Most RA-patients scored positive for anti-RBD, neutralizing antibody and T-cell responses, although the magnitude was lower than HCWs. The spike-specific-cytokine response was mainly CD4+ T cells-restricted in both cohorts, and significantly lower with reduced IL-2 response and CD4-antigen-responding naïve T cells in RA-patients. Unswitched memory B-cells were reduced in RA-patients compared with HCWs independently of vaccination. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 vaccine booster strengthens the humoral immunity in RA-patients even with a reduced cytokine-response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Farroni
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Aiello
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Picchianti-Diamanti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University, S. Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Laganà
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University, S. Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Petruccioli
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Agrati
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Meschi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Gilda Cuzzi
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Linda Petrone
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Vanini
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy,Unità Operativa Semplice (UOS) Professioni Sanitarie Tecniche, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Salmi
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Gerarda Altera
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Repele
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Germana Grassi
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Aurora Bettini
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Vita
- Clinical Division of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Mariano
- Clinical Division of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Damiani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Infantino
- Immunology and Allergology Laboratory, S. Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Azienda USL-Toscana Centro, Florence, Italy
| | - Valentina Grossi
- Immunology and Allergology Laboratory, S. Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Azienda USL-Toscana Centro, Florence, Italy
| | - Mariangela Manfredi
- Immunology and Allergology Laboratory, S. Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Azienda USL-Toscana Centro, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Niccoli
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital of Prato, Prato Italy
| | - Vincenzo Puro
- UOC Emerging Infections and Centro di Riferimento AIDS (CRAIDS), National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Di Rosa
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University, S. Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Salemi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University, S. Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Sesti
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University, S. Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Palma Scolieri
- UOC di Medicina e Rete Reumatologica, Ospedale Nuovo Regina Margherita, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Bruzzese
- UOC di Medicina e Rete Reumatologica, Ospedale Nuovo Regina Margherita, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Benucci
- Rheumatology Unit, S. Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Azienda USL-Toscana Centro, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Emanuele Nicastri
- Clinical Division of Infectious Diseases, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Delia Goletti
- Translational Research Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy,Corresponding author: Translational Research Unit of the Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Padiglione del Vecchio, Room 39, Via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy. Tel.: +39 06 55170 906; fax: +39 06 5582 825
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17
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Berger K, Garbuglia AR. Editorial: Diagnosis of zoonoses: Relevance of BSL3 and BSL4 facilities. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1052082. [PMID: 36325464 PMCID: PMC9621615 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1052082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Berger
- Board on Life Sciences, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) National Institute of Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani”, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Anna Rosa Garbuglia,
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18
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Sberna G, Fabeni L, Berno G, Carletti F, Specchiarello E, Colavita F, Meschi S, Matusali G, Garbuglia AR, Bordi L, Lalle E. Rapid and qualitative identification of SARS-CoV-2 mutations associated with variants of concern using a multiplex RT-PCR assay coupled with melting analysis. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 122:401-404. [PMID: 35760381 PMCID: PMC9233866 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Considering the spread of new genetic variants and their impact on public health, it is important to have assays that are able to rapidly detect SARS-CoV-2 variants. METHODS We retrospectively examined 118 positive nasopharyngeal swabs, first characterized by the Sanger sequencing, using the Simplexa® SARS-CoV-2 Variants Direct assay, with the aim of evaluating the performance of the assay to detect N501Y, G496S, Q498R, Y505H, E484K, E484Q, E484A, and L452R mutations. RESULTS A total of 111/118 nasopharyngeal swabs were in complete agreement with the Sanger sequencing, whereas the remaining seven samples were not amplified due to the low viral load. The evaluation of the ability of the assay to detect the E484Q mutation was performed using a viral isolate of the SARS-CoV-2 Kappa variant, showing concordance in 15/15 samples. Simplexa® SARS-CoV-2 Variant Direct assay was able to detect mutation pattern of Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron variants with 100% specificity and 94% sensitivity, whereas 100% sensitivity and specificity for the Kappa variant was observed. CONCLUSION The assay can be useful to obtain faster results, contributing to a prompt surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants; however, it requires to be confirmed by the Sanger method, especially in the case of pattern of mutations that are different from those expected and also requires updates as new variants emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Licia Bordi
- Corresponding author: Licia Bordi, Laboratory of Virology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani” – IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy
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19
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Amendola A, Minosse C, Carletti F, Specchiarello E, Lalle E, Bordi L, Castilletti C, Forbici F, Pisciotta M, Rossi F, Scarparo T, Garbuglia AR, Vaia F. Passengers screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection at Rome Fiumicino Airport: a strategy aimed at limiting the spreading of the infection through COVID-free air flights revealed the airport role as a formidable sentinel center for monitoring pandemic trends and viral variants circulation. Microbiol Med 2022. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2022.10682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: At the Fiumicino Rome Airport, passengers can undergo the antigen or molecular test for SARS-CoV-2 at the COVID-19 Test Area (CTA), in compliance with the boarding regulations on air flights and those for entering the destination countries. The aim of this study was to describe the adaptability and usefulness of using rapid molecular tests designed for point of care (POC) in a context such as the CTA of Rome Fiumicino airport, by describing the volume and activities performed in the last period of the state of emergency in Italy, July 10, 2021- March 31, 2022.
Materials and methods: Rapid molecular tests for SARS-CoV-2 were carried out with ID NOWTM COVID-19 assay on the ID NOWTM platform using dry swabs collected from passengers (or airport staff) at the CTA. Swabs were stored at room temperature and analyzed within 1-2 hours of collection. Sequencing for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) identification was carried out on swabs dipped in universal transport medium (UTM), after new swab gathering from consenting passengers resulted positive with the rapid molecular assay. A proficiency panel prepared with the viral isolate 2019-nCoV/Italy INMI1 was used to evaluate analytical sensitivity; clinical sensitivity was tested by performing real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests on 50 swabs obtained from passengers who previously resulted positive to ID NOWTM COVID-19 assay.
Results: In total, 14632 rapid molecular tests for SARS-CoV-2 were performed at CTA and 5.6% resulted positive. Sequence analysis of samples with Ct value <25 (61,2 %) with real-time RT-PCR test allowed detection of all the main VOCs: B.1.617.2 (Delta) in 18% of samples, BA.1 (Omicron-1) in 34% of positive swabs and BA.2 (Omicron-2) lineage in 9% of samples. The BA.2 variant was detected in the Lazio region for the first time at CTA, in one sample obtained from an Italian passenger coming from Doha, Qatar. A proficiency panel for SARS-CoV-2 detection was used to establish the limit of detection of ID NOWTM COVID-19 assay. For clinical sensitivity evaluation, 50 subjects with positive results by ID NOWTM COVID-19 assay were tested with routine real-time RT-PCR method in the laboratory and confirmed for SARS-CoV-2 detection.
Conclusions: The great success among passengers, demonstrated by the large number of rapid molecular tests performed, confirmed the appreciation of this service by the users. Our experience at CTA showed that airports, railways and maritime stations should represent strategic surveillance centers for monitoring of circulation of respiratory pathogens, and may have a direct impact on the implementation of prevention and control strategies for public health against the spreading of infectious diseases. Indeed, SARS-CoV-2 data obtained at the CTA faithfully reflected the Italian epidemic curve trend of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. The rapid molecular ID NOWTM COVID-19 assay used at CTA has proven to be suitable for use in a special context, such as the Rome Fiumicino Airport, though it was designed for use in POC. Due to the simplicity of use, robustness of method and technology that allows the return of results in a few minutes, this system revealed itself to be an optimal tool at the CTA, ensuring passengers boarding on COVID-free flights in a short time and security.
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20
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Lapa D, Carletti F, Mazzotta V, Matusali G, Pinnetti C, Meschi S, Gagliardini R, Colavita F, Mondi A, Minosse C, Scorzolini L, Cicalini S, Maffongelli G, Specchiarello E, Camici M, Bettini A, Baldini F, Francalancia M, Mizzoni K, Garbuglia AR, Nicastri E, Girardi E, Antinori A, Vaia F, Maggi F. Monkeypox virus isolation from a semen sample collected in the early phase of infection in a patient with prolonged seminal viral shedding. The Lancet Infectious Diseases 2022; 22:1267-1269. [PMID: 35931095 PMCID: PMC9629691 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00513-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Carletti
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Mazzotta
- Clinical and Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Matusali
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Pinnetti
- Clinical and Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Meschi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Gagliardini
- Clinical and Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Colavita
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy.
| | - Annalisa Mondi
- Clinical and Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Minosse
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Scorzolini
- Clinical and Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Cicalini
- Clinical and Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetano Maffongelli
- Clinical and Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Eliana Specchiarello
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Camici
- Clinical and Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Aurora Bettini
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Baldini
- Clinical and Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Francalancia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Klizia Mizzoni
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- Clinical and Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Girardi
- Scientific Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Antinori
- Clinical and Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Vaia
- General Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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21
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Alonzi T, Aiello A, Repele F, Falasca L, Francalancia M, Garbuglia AR, Delogu G, Nicastri E, Piacentini M, Goletti D. Cysteamine exerts in vitro antiviral activity against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:288. [PMID: 35705564 PMCID: PMC9199336 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01080-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The novel SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) represent a considerable global alarm because their mutations are known to affect transmissibility and cause immune escape. While preventing severe disease and deaths, the available vaccines do not avoid infection; therefore, COVID-19 disease management still requires effective therapies. We have recently reported that the aminothiol cysteamine, a drug already applied to humans, exerts direct antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and has in vitro immunomodulatory effect. To evaluate whether this compound exerts antiviral effects also against SARS-CoV-2 variants, we performed different infected cell-based assays using Wild type, Delta, or Omicron VOC. We found that cysteamine significantly reduces the cytopathic effect induced by SARS-CoV-2 Wild type strain and Delta variant in Vero E6 cells. On the other hand, cysteamine had no effects on the survival of cells infected with the Omicron variant, due to the lack of cytotoxicity on Vero E6 cells, at least when infected at MOI = 0.001 for 72 h. Moreover, cysteamine significantly reduced the production of Wild type, Delta, and Omicron variants as measured by the virus released in the culture media (Vero E6 and Calu-3 cells) and by transmission electron microscopy analysis (Vero E6 cells). Notably, cysteamine is more effective in inhibiting the Omicron rather than Delta or Wild type viruses, with an 80% inhibition of Omicron production compared to 40% of Wild type and Delta variant. Overall, our findings demonstrate that cysteamine exerts direct antiviral actions against SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron variants, in addition to the Wild type virus. Our data further demonstrate that cysteamine is a good candidate as repurposing drug for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection for the present and, likely, the future VOC and, therefore, it would be important to investigate its clinical relevance in randomized clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonino Alonzi
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Aiello
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Repele
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Falasca
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Delogu
- Institute of Microbiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore - Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli, Rome, Italy.,Mater Olbia Hospital, Olbia, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - Delia Goletti
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani"-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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22
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Antinori A, Mazzotta V, Vita S, Carletti F, Tacconi D, Lapini LE, D'Abramo A, Cicalini S, Lapa D, Pittalis S, Puro V, Rivano Capparuccia M, Giombini E, Gruber CEM, Garbuglia AR, Marani A, Vairo F, Girardi E, Vaia F, Nicastri E. Epidemiological, clinical and virological characteristics of four cases of monkeypox support transmission through sexual contact, Italy, May 2022. Euro Surveill 2022; 27. [PMID: 35656836 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2022.27.22.2200421/cite/plaintext] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Since May 2022, an outbreak of monkeypox has been ongoing in non-endemic countries. We report four cases in Italy in young adult men reporting condomless sexual intercourse. The patients are in good clinical condition with no need for specific antiviral drugs. Biological samples from seminal fluid were positive for monkeypox viral DNA. For many other viruses found in semen there is no evidence of sexual transmission. The possibility of sexual transmission of monkeypox virus needs to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Antinori
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Mazzotta
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Vita
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Carletti
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Tacconi
- Department of Specialised and Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, San Donato Hospital, Arezzo, Italy
| | - Laura Emma Lapini
- Department of Specialised and Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, San Donato Hospital, Arezzo, Italy
| | - Alessandra D'Abramo
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Cicalini
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Lapa
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pittalis
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Puro
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Giombini
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Marani
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Vairo
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Girardi
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Vaia
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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Antinori A, Mazzotta V, Vita S, Carletti F, Tacconi D, Lapini LE, D'Abramo A, Cicalini S, Lapa D, Pittalis S, Puro V, Rivano Capparuccia M, Giombini E, Gruber CEM, Garbuglia AR, Marani A, Vairo F, Girardi E, Vaia F, Nicastri E. Epidemiological, clinical and virological characteristics of four cases of monkeypox support transmission through sexual contact, Italy, May 2022. Euro Surveill 2022; 27:2200421. [PMID: 35656836 PMCID: PMC9164671 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2022.27.22.2200421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 146.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Since May 2022, an outbreak of monkeypox has been ongoing in non-endemic countries. We report four cases in Italy in young adult men reporting condomless sexual intercourse. The patients are in good clinical condition with no need for specific antiviral drugs. Biological samples from seminal fluid were positive for monkeypox viral DNA. For many other viruses found in semen there is no evidence of sexual transmission. The possibility of sexual transmission of monkeypox virus needs to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Antinori
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Mazzotta
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Vita
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Carletti
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Tacconi
- Department of Specialised and Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, San Donato Hospital, Arezzo, Italy
| | - Laura Emma Lapini
- Department of Specialised and Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, San Donato Hospital, Arezzo, Italy
| | - Alessandra D'Abramo
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Cicalini
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Lapa
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pittalis
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Puro
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Giombini
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Marani
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Vairo
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Girardi
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Vaia
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases 'Lazzaro Spallanzani' (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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24
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Sberna G, Lalle E, Valli MB, Bordi L, Garbuglia AR, Amendola A. Changes in the Circulation of Common Respiratory Pathogens among Hospitalized Patients with Influenza-like Illnesses in the Lazio Region (Italy) during Fall Season of the Past Three Years. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19105962. [PMID: 35627498 PMCID: PMC9141595 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
A descriptive analysis of common respiratory pathogens (CRPs) detected in nasopharyngeal swabs (NPSs) from hospitalized patients with influenza-like illness during the fall seasons of the past three years, 2019–2021, in the Lazio region, Italy, was conducted to assess whether or not CRP circulation changed because of COVID-19 during the fall season. The results observed in a total of 633 NPSs subjected to molecular diagnosis for CRPs by multiplex PCR assay during the autumn seasons (exactly from week 41 to week 50) were compared with each other. In 2019, in 144 NPSs, the more represented CRPs were rhinovirus/enterovirus (7.6%) and influenza A/B (4.2%). In 2020, 55 (21.6%) out of 255 NPSs resulted positive for SARS-CoV-2 and, except for one case of Legionella pneumophila, the CRPs detected were exclusively rhinovirus/enterovirus (4.7%). In 2021, among 234 NPSs, 25.6% resulted positive for SARS-CoV-2, 14.5% for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and 12.8% for rhinovirus/enterovirus. Compared with 2019, in 2020, CRP circulation was severely limited to a few cases; in 2021, instead, infections by RSV (detected also among adults), rhinovirus/enterovirus, and other respiratory pathogens were observed again, while influenza was practically absent. The comparison of the CRPs detected in the NPSs depicts a different circulation in the Lazio region during the last three fall seasons. CRP monitoring has a direct impact on the prevention and control strategies of respiratory infectious diseases, such as the non-pharmacological interventions implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Future studies should investigate the impact of specific interventions on the spread of respiratory infections.
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Mazzotta V, Cozzi-Lepri A, Colavita F, Lanini S, Rosati S, Lalle E, Mastrorosa I, Cimaglia C, Vergori A, Bevilacqua N, Lapa D, Mariano A, Bettini A, Agrati C, Piselli P, Girardi E, Castilletti C, Garbuglia AR, Vaia F, Nicastri E, Antinori A. Emulation of a Target Trial From Observational Data to Compare Effectiveness of Casirivimab/Imdevimab and Bamlanivimab/Etesevimab for Early Treatment of Non-Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19. Front Immunol 2022; 13:868020. [PMID: 35514955 PMCID: PMC9066636 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.868020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Comparative analysis between different monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 are lacking. We present an emulation trial from observational data to compare effectiveness of Bamlanivimab/Etesevimab (BAM/ETE) and Casirivimab/Imdevimab (CAS/IMD) in outpatients with early mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in a real-world scenario of variants of concern (VoCs) from Alpha to Delta. Methods Allocation to treatment was subject to mAbs availability, and the measured factors were not used to determine which combination to use. Patients were followed through day 30. Viral load was measured by cycle threshold (CT) on D1 (baseline) and D7.Primary outcome was time to COVID-19-related hospitalization or death from any cause over days 0-30. Weighted pooled logistic regression and marginal structural Cox model by inverse probability weights were used to compare BAM/ETE vs. CAS/IMD. ANCOVA was used to compare mean D7 CT values by intervention. Models were adjusted for calendar month, MASS score and VoCs. We evaluated effect measure modification by VoCs, vaccination, D1 CT levels and enrolment period. Results COVID19-related hospitalization or death from any cause occurred in 15 of 237 patients in the BAM/ETE group (6.3%) and in 4 of 196 patients in the CAS/IMD group (2.0%) (relative risk reduction [1 minus the relative risk] 72%; p=0.024). Subset analysis carried no evidence that the effect of the intervention was different across stratification factors. There was no evidence in viral load reduction from baseline through day 7 across the two groups (+0.17, 95% -1.41;+1.74, p=0.83). Among patients who experienced primary outcome, none showed a negative RT-PCR test in nasopharyngeal swab (p=0.009) and 82.4% showed still high viral load (p<0.001) on D7. Conclusions In a pre-Omicron epidemiologic scenario, CAS/IMD reduced risk of clinical progression of COVID-19 compared to BAM/ETE. This effect was not associated with a concomitant difference in virological response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Mazzotta
- Clinical and Infectious Diseases Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cozzi-Lepri
- Centre for Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Modelling and Evaluation (CREME), Institute for Global Health, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Colavita
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Simone Lanini
- Clinical and Infectious Diseases Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Silvia Rosati
- Clinical and Infectious Diseases Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Eleonora Lalle
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Ilaria Mastrorosa
- Clinical and Infectious Diseases Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Claudia Cimaglia
- Clinical Epidemiology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Alessandra Vergori
- Clinical and Infectious Diseases Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Nazario Bevilacqua
- Clinical and Infectious Diseases Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Mariano
- Clinical and Infectious Diseases Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Aurora Bettini
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara Agrati
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology and Pharmacology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Pierluca Piselli
- Clinical Epidemiology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Enrico Girardi
- Scientific Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Concetta Castilletti
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Vaia
- Health Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- Clinical and Infectious Diseases Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
| | - Andrea Antinori
- Clinical and Infectious Diseases Research Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani Istituiti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Roma, Italy
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Garbuglia AR, Minosse C, Del Porto P. mRNA- and Adenovirus-Based Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 in HIV-Positive People. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040748. [PMID: 35458478 PMCID: PMC9031858 DOI: 10.3390/v14040748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
About two years have passed since the identification of SARS-CoV-2 in China. The rapid spread of this virus all over the world and its high transmissibility and pathogenicity in humans have resulted in a global pandemic. The negative impact of COVID-19 on health, society and the economy at the global level has pushed researchers and pharmaceutical companies to develop effective vaccines to fight SARS-CoV-2. Thanks to this collaborative effort, the first COVID-19 vaccine was developed in less than a year. Since then, several COVID-19 vaccines have been validated for use by the World Health Organization. Among these, mRNA- (BNT162b2 and mRNA1273) and adenovirus-based (ChAdOx1) vaccines were developed through the use of novel technologies. While all three of these vaccines have shown effectiveness against the COVID-19 disease and their immunogenicity was characterized in clinical trials in the general population, data on their efficacy and immunogenicity in people living with HIV (PLWH) are limited. In this review, we provide a description of the characteristics of mRNA- and adenovirus-based vaccines and of the immune response elicited in the general population by vaccination. Then we describe the use of these vaccines and their efficacy and immunogenicity in people living with HIV and we conclude with a discussion regarding some open questions concerning the use of mRNA- and adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccines in PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, “Lazzaro Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Claudia Minosse
- Laboratory of Virology, “Lazzaro Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy;
| | - Paola Del Porto
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’, Sapienza University, 00100 Rome, Italy;
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Giuliani E, Rollo F, Donà MG, Garbuglia AR. Human Papillomavirus Oral Infection: Review of Methodological Aspects and Epidemiology. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111411. [PMID: 34832567 PMCID: PMC8625118 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral infection by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has recently gained great attention because of its involvement in the development of a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The role of specific Alpha-HPVs in this regard has been well established, whereas the contribution of other genera is under investigation. Despite their traditional classification as “cutaneous” types, Beta and Gamma HPVs are frequently detected in oral samples. Due to the lack of a standardized protocol, a large variety of methodologies have been used for oral sample collection, DNA extraction, HPV detection and genotyping. Laboratory procedures influence the evaluation of oral HPV prevalence, which largely varies also according to the population characteristics, e.g., age, gender, sexual behavior, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) status. Nevertheless, oral infection by Beta and Gamma HPVs seems to be even more common than Alpha-HPVs. The latter is 5–7% in the general population, and increases up to 30% approximately in HIV-infected men who have sex with men. Despite major advances in the evaluation of oral HPV prevalence, its natural history is still little understood, especially for Beta and Gamma HPVs. The latest technologies, such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), can be exploited to gain new insights into oral HPV, and to improve the identification of novel HPV types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Giuliani
- Scientific Direction, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesca Rollo
- Pathology Department, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute IRCCS, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Gabriella Donà
- STI/HIV Unit, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0652665393
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, INMI Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy;
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Taibi C, Luzzitelli I, Visco Comandini U, Girardi E, Monacelli G, Rapisarda LM, Garbuglia AR, Minosse C, Guarrasi V, Vincenzi L, Iacomi F, D'Offizi G. Hepatitis C diagnosis and treatment in people who use drugs: mind the gap in the linkage to care. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:5913-5921. [PMID: 34661249 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202110_26867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to identify a simplified rapid screening and linkage-to-care model for HCV among PWUD. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study stems from a collaborative project bringing together two local Italian Centers for Drug Addiction and the Hepatology-Infectious Diseases Department of Lazzaro Spallanzani. A research physician analyzed the available medical records seeking to identify HCV and HIV infected patients in care in the addiction centers. Between March 2018 and January 2020 subjects were selected from among a cohort of 720 PWUD in the two Centers' care. The study comprises three steps: first, screening for HCVAb; second, the linkage to care; third, clinical assessment to treatment. The research physician recruited patients for the first two steps directly in their local addiction center. The third step was conducted in the Spallanzani. The characteristics of those subjects who adhered to the three-step study program were then compared to those of the non-adhering PWUD. RESULTS 194 were known HCVAb positive patients. Of the 505 PWUD in the care of the two Centers eligible for screening, 364 were enrolled in the study. 144 resulted HCVAb positive. 269 were tested for HCVRNA. 101 underwent a full assessment. 96 patients started antiviral therapy with DAA. Patients who refused first step screening were older patients and mainly heroin users; in the second step, almost all the HIV/HCV co-infected patients agreed to a viremia test; in the third step all the HIV/HCV co-infected patients refused HCV treatment. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests an on-site specialist approach conducted directly in the addiction centers themselves starting from screening; it can bring the goal of HCV PWUD microelimination closer.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Taibi
- Hepatology and Infectious Diseases Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "Lazzaro Spallanzani" IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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Fiscon G, Salvadore F, Guarrasi V, Garbuglia AR, Paci P. Assessing the impact of data-driven limitations on tracing and forecasting the outbreak dynamics of COVID-19. Comput Biol Med 2021; 135:104657. [PMID: 34303266 PMCID: PMC8285363 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The availability of the epidemiological data strongly affects the reliability of several mathematical models in tracing and forecasting COVID-19 pandemic, hampering a fair assessment of their relative performance. The marked difference between the lethality of the virus when comparing the first and second waves is an evident sign of the poor reliability of the data, also related to the variability over time in the number of performed swabs. During the early epidemic stage, swabs were made only to patients with severe symptoms taken to hospital or intensive care unit. Thus, asymptomatic people, not seeking medical assistance, remained undetected. Conversely, during the second wave of infection, total infectives included also a percentage of detected asymptomatic infectives, being tested due to close contacts with swab positives and thus registered by the health system. Here, we compared the outcomes of two SIR-type models (the standard SIR model and the A-SIR model that explicitly considers asymptomatic infectives) in reproducing the COVID-19 epidemic dynamic in Italy, Spain, Germany, and France during the first two infection waves, simulated separately. We found that the A-SIR model overcame the SIR model in simulating the first wave, whereas these discrepancies are reduced in simulating the second wave, when the accuracy of the epidemiological data is considerably higher. These results indicate that increasing the complexity of the model is useless and unnecessarily wasteful if not supported by an increased quality of the available data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fiscon
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy; Fondazione per La Medicina Personalizzata, Via Goffredo Mameli, 3/1 Genova, Italy.
| | | | - Valerio Guarrasi
- Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering "A. Ruberti" (DIAG), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Paola Paci
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "Antonio Ruberti", National Research Council, Rome, Italy; Department of Computer, Control and Management Engineering "A. Ruberti" (DIAG), Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Minosse C, Salichos L, Taibi C, Luzzitelli I, Nardozi D, Capobianchi MR, D’Offizi G, McPhee F, Garbuglia AR. Phylogenetic and Phylodynamic Analyses of HCV Strains Circulating among Patients Using Injectable Drugs in Central Italy. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9071432. [PMID: 34361868 PMCID: PMC8304011 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9071432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 71 million people worldwide are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Injectable drug use represents the most common route of transmission in Europe and other developed countries. We studied the molecular characteristics of the HCV infection among mono-infected people who used drugs (PWUD) in Italy. Among 208 PWUD with anti-HCV antibodies, 101 (48.6%) were HCV RNA-positive, the majority (47%) were infected with the HCV genotype (Gt)1a, followed by Gt3a (34.9%), Gt4 (9.1%), Gt1b (4.5%), and Gt2 (4.5%). Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of clustered HCV NS5B sequences from 66 HCV-positive PWUDs with available plasma samples indicated age and neighborhood proximity as the most common characteristics between closely related HCV strains. Population dynamics, as measured by a coalescent Bayesian skyline analysis, revealed an increase in HCV Gt1a infections from the mid-1980s to mid-1990s. While HCV Gt3a infections were first detected in the 1980s, patient numbers with this genotype subtype remained relatively constant. For both Gt1a and Gt3a, Birth–Death Bayesian Skyline analyses produced higher reproduction numbers post 2014. For earlier time intervals, slow growths were observed for both Gt1a and Gt3a with reproduction numbers (Re) of approximately 1. The evolutionary rates for Gt1a and Gt3a were estimated as 2.23 × 10−4 and 3.85 × 10−4, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Minosse
- Laboratory of Virology, “Lazzaro Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (D.N.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Leonidas Salichos
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
- Biological and Chemical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, New York, NY 11568, USA
| | - Chiara Taibi
- Hepatology and Infectious Diseases Unit, “Lazzaro Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.T.); (I.L.); (G.D.)
| | - Ilaria Luzzitelli
- Hepatology and Infectious Diseases Unit, “Lazzaro Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.T.); (I.L.); (G.D.)
| | - Daniela Nardozi
- Laboratory of Virology, “Lazzaro Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (D.N.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Laboratory of Virology, “Lazzaro Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (D.N.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Gianpiero D’Offizi
- Hepatology and Infectious Diseases Unit, “Lazzaro Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.T.); (I.L.); (G.D.)
| | - Fiona McPhee
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research and Development, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA;
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, “Lazzaro Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (D.N.); (M.R.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-55170692
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Minosse C, Gruber CEM, Rueca M, Taibi C, Zaccarelli M, Grilli E, Montalbano M, Capobianchi MR, Antinori A, D’Offizi G, McPhee F, Garbuglia AR. Late Relapse and Reinfection in HCV Patients Treated with Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) Drugs. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061151. [PMID: 34208646 PMCID: PMC8235384 DOI: 10.3390/v13061151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence after direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment is <0.5%. However, the distinction between HCV RNA late relapse and reinfection still represents a challenge in virological diagnostics. The aim of this study was to employ next-generation sequencing (NGS) to investigate HCV RNA recurrence in patients achieving a sustained virologic response (SVR) at least six months post-treatment. NGS was performed on plasma samples from six HCV-positive patients (Pt1–6) treated with DAA. NGS of HCV NS5B was analyzed before treatment (T0), after HCV RNA rebound (T1), and, for Pt3, after a second rebound (T2). Reinfection was confirmed for Pt5, and for the first rebound observed in Pt3. Conversely, viral relapse was observed when comparing T0 and T1 for Pt6 and T1 and T2 for Pt3. Z-scores were calculated and used to predict whether HCV-positive patient samples at different time points belonged to the same quasispecies population. A low Z-score of <2.58 confirmed that viral quasispecies detected at T0 and T1 were closely related for both Pt1 and Pt2, while the Z-score for Pt4 was suggestive of possible reinfection. NGS data analyses indicate that the Z-score may be a useful parameter for distinguishing late relapse from reinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Minosse
- Virology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, INMI Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (C.E.M.G.); (M.R.); (M.R.C.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Cesare E. M. Gruber
- Virology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, INMI Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (C.E.M.G.); (M.R.); (M.R.C.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Martina Rueca
- Virology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, INMI Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (C.E.M.G.); (M.R.); (M.R.C.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Chiara Taibi
- Infectious Disease—Clinical Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, INMI Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (E.G.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (G.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mauro Zaccarelli
- Infectious Disease—Clinical Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, INMI Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (E.G.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (G.D.)
| | - Elisabetta Grilli
- Infectious Disease—Clinical Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, INMI Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (E.G.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (G.D.)
| | - Marzia Montalbano
- Infectious Disease—Clinical Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, INMI Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (E.G.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (G.D.)
| | - Maria R. Capobianchi
- Virology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, INMI Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (C.E.M.G.); (M.R.); (M.R.C.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Andrea Antinori
- Infectious Disease—Clinical Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, INMI Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (E.G.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (G.D.)
| | - Gianpiero D’Offizi
- Infectious Disease—Clinical Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, INMI Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (M.Z.); (E.G.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (G.D.)
| | - Fiona McPhee
- Bristol-Myers Squibb Research and Development, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA;
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Virology Unit, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, INMI Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (C.E.M.G.); (M.R.); (M.R.C.); (A.R.G.)
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Lapa D, Del Porto P, Minosse C, D’Offizi G, Antinori A, Capobianchi MR, Visco-Comandini U, McPhee F, Garbuglia AR, Zaccarelli M. Clinical Relevance of Torque Teno Virus (TTV) in HIV/HCV Coinfected and HCV Monoinfected Patients Treated with Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10102092. [PMID: 34068071 PMCID: PMC8152458 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10102092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Torque Teno virus (TTV) is a ubiquitous virus that causes chronic infection in humans with unknown clinical consequences. Here, we investigated the influence of TTV infection on HCV direct-acting antiviral (DAA) efficacy in HIV/HCV coinfected and HCV monoinfected patients as controls. Of 92 study patients, 79.3% were TTV DNA positive; untreated patients exhibited a significantly higher proportion of TTV DNA-positivity vs. sustained virological response (SVR) patients (100.0% vs. 65.2%, p < 0.001), while TTV positivity was not significant in DAA failure patients vs. SVR patients despite HIV/HCV coinfection. TTV DNA viral load was higher among HCV monoinfected patients vs. HIV/HCV coinfected, although marginally significant (p = 0.074) and no significant viral load difference was detected between DAA failures and SVR patients, while untreated vs. SVR patients had a significantly higher viral load (19,884, IQR 5977–333,534, vs. 469, IQR 10–4124, p = 0.004). Alpha-genogroup 3 TTV was the most prevalent genetic group, and no specific strain or genogroup was observed in relapser patients. Among HIV/HCV patients with HCV RNA detectable at end of treatment (EOT), TTV DNA was detected in 9/17 treatment responder patients and 3/5 relapser patients, thus, TTV infection does not appear to influence the control HCV viremia after EOT. Levels of IL-6 IL-4, and CD14 were not significantly different between TTV PCR-positive and -negative patients. These results suggest no association between TTV DNA positivity or viral load and HCV DAA failure whether patients were HIV/HCV coinfected or HCV monoinfected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, “Lazzaro Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (D.L.); (C.M.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Paola Del Porto
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudia Minosse
- Laboratory of Virology, “Lazzaro Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (D.L.); (C.M.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Gianpiero D’Offizi
- Hepatology and Infectious Diseases Unit, “Lazzaro Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (U.V.-C.)
| | - Andrea Antinori
- Clinical Department, “Lazzaro Spallanzani ” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (M.Z.)
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Laboratory of Virology, “Lazzaro Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (D.L.); (C.M.); (M.R.C.)
| | - Ubaldo Visco-Comandini
- Hepatology and Infectious Diseases Unit, “Lazzaro Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (G.D.); (U.V.-C.)
| | | | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, “Lazzaro Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (D.L.); (C.M.); (M.R.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-5517-0692; Fax: +39-06-559-455
| | - Mauro Zaccarelli
- Clinical Department, “Lazzaro Spallanzani ” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, 00149 Rome, Italy; (A.A.); (M.Z.)
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Sias C, Guarrasi V, Minosse C, Lapa D, Nonno FD, Capobianchi MR, Garbuglia AR, Del Porto P, Paci P. Human Papillomavirus Infections in Cervical Samples From HIV-Positive Women: Evaluation of the Presence of the Nonavalent HPV Genotypes and Genetic Diversity. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:603657. [PMID: 33324386 PMCID: PMC7723855 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.603657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-nonavalent vaccine (9v) Human papillomavirus (HPV) types have been shown to have high prevalence among HIV-positive women. Here, 1444 cervical samples were tested for HPV DNA positivity. Co-infections of the 9v HPV types with other HPV types were evaluated. The HPV81 L1 and L2 genes were used to investigate the genetic variability of antigenic epitopes. HPV-positive samples were genotyped using the HPVCLART2 assay. The L1 and L2 protein sequences were analyzed using a self-optimized prediction method to predict their secondary structure. Co-occurrence probabilities of the 9v HPV types were calculated. Non9v types represented 49% of the HPV infections; 31.2% of the non9v HPV types were among the low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion samples, and 27.3% among the high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion samples, and several genotypes were low risk. The co-occurrence of 9v HPV types with the other genotypes was not correlated with the filogenetic distance. HPV81 showed an amino-acid substitution within the BC loop (N75Q) and the FGb loop (T315N). In the L2 protein, all of the mutations were located outside antigenic sites. The weak cross-protection of the 9v types suggests the relevance of a sustainable and effective screening program, which should be implemented by HPV DNA testing that does not include only high-risk types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catia Sias
- Laboratory of Virology, Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Guarrasi
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Informatica, Automatica e Gestionale “A. Ruberti”, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Minosse
- Laboratory of Virology, Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Franca Del Nonno
- Laboratory of Pathology, Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Laboratory of Virology, Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy,*Correspondence: Anna Rosa Garbuglia,
| | - Paola Del Porto
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “C. Darwin”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Paci
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Informatica, Automatica e Gestionale “A. Ruberti”, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
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Lionetti R, Piccolo P, Lenci I, Siciliano M, Visco-Comandini U, De Santis A, Pompili M, Milana M, Taibi C, Dell'Isola S, Montalbano M, Mastroianni C, Begini P, Garbuglia AR, Angelico M, D'Offizi G. Daclatasvir, sofosbuvir with or without ribavirin for 24 weeks in hepatitis C genotype 3 cirrhosis: A real-life study. Ann Hepatol 2020; 18:434-438. [PMID: 31023614 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM Cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 3 infection show unsatisfactory outcomes after 12 weeks' treatment with direct antiviral agents. The National Italian Drug Agency allows 24 weeks of therapy in difficult-to-treat patients, including genotype 3 cirrhotics. Aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of a 24-week course of sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir±ribavirin in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS 106 consecutive cirrhotics (70.8% males, mean age 55.3±7.6 years) in 8 tertiary hepatology centers received sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir for 24 weeks. Ribavirin was administered in 85 (80.2%) based expected tolerability, at a mean dose of 964±202mg/day. Baseline Child-Pugh class was A 91.5%, B 6.6%, C 1.9%; mean baseline MELD was 8.5±2.7. RESULTS All patients completed 12-week follow-up post-treatment, and 104 (98.1%) obtained sustained virological response (100% in ribavirin -treated patients vs. 90.4% without ribavirin; p=0.04). No worsening in renal and liver function was observed, no serious adverse events occurred. Two virological failures showed resistance associated variants (Y93H and S282T). CONCLUSION An extended 24-week treatment with sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir+ribavirin obtained 100% efficacy in genotype 3 hepatitis C cirrhosis, with very limited side effects. The role of ribavirin seems crucial in this setting and should be administered if clinically feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Lionetti
- Liver and Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Disease, Rome, Italy.
| | - Paola Piccolo
- Internal Medicine Unit, Fatebenefratelli Hospital Isola Tiberina, Rome, Italy; Liver Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lenci
- Liver Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Siciliano
- Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Policlinico Gemelli, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Ubaldo Visco-Comandini
- Liver and Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Disease, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano De Santis
- Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, Policlinico Gemelli, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Milana
- Liver Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Taibi
- Liver and Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Disease, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Dell'Isola
- Medicina Protetta-Infectious Diseases, Belcolle Hospital, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Marzia Montalbano
- Liver and Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Disease, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Mastroianni
- Infectious Diseases, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Begini
- Liver Unit, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Disease, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Angelico
- Liver Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpiero D'Offizi
- Liver and Infectious Diseases, Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Disease, Rome, Italy
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Marrone G, Biolato M, Mercurio G, Capobianchi MR, Garbuglia AR, Liguori A, Vassallo G, Gasbarrini A, Miele L, Grieco A. Acute HEV hepatitis: clinical and laboratory diagnosis. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 23:764-770. [PMID: 30720185 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201901_16891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) is probably the most common cause of acute hepatitis worldwide. It has been regarded for a long time as a disease limited to developing countries. Recently, the refinement of diagnostic techniques, on the one hand, and migratory flows, on the other hand, have also led to the identification of an increased number of HEV infections in industrialized countries. Four HEV genotypes have been identified across the world, with different epidemiological burdens and a wide range of clinical presentations. Here, we report a case series of acute HEV hepatitis observed in the last three years in our hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a search for HEV IgM and IgG in all subjects admitted for acute hepatitis without evidence of other possible infectious, toxic or metabolic causes of liver damage. In subjects with HEV IgM positivity, the search for HEV-RNA was performed. RESULTS We diagnosed eight acute HEV infections: 2 epidemic and 6 sporadic forms. HEV-RNA was detected in serum in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS HEV infection appears to be a cause of acute hepatitis that we must keep in mind even in developed countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Marrone
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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Garbuglia AR, Lapa D, Sias C, Capobianchi MR, Del Porto P. The Use of Both Therapeutic and Prophylactic Vaccines in the Therapy of Papillomavirus Disease. Front Immunol 2020; 11:188. [PMID: 32133000 PMCID: PMC7040023 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted virus. The high-risk HPV types (i.e., HPV16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59) are considered to be the main etiological agents of genital tract cancers, such as cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, and anal cancers, and of a subset of head and neck cancers. Three prophylactic HPV vaccines are available that are bivalent (vs. HPV16, 18), tetravalent (vs. HPV6, 11, 16, 18), and non-avalent (vs. HPV6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33,45, 52, 58). All of these vaccines are based on recombinant DNA technology, and they are prepared from the purified L1 protein that self-assembles to form the HPV type-specific empty shells (i.e., virus-like particles). These vaccines are highly immunogenic and induce specific antibodies. Therapeutic vaccines differ from prophylactic vaccines, as they are designed to generate cell-mediated immunity against transformed cells, rather than neutralizing antibodies. Among the HPV proteins, the E6 and E7 oncoproteins are considered almost ideal as targets for immunotherapy of cervical cancer, as they are essential for the onset and evolution of malignancy and are constitutively expressed in both premalignant and invasive lesions. Several strategies have been investigated for HPV therapeutic vaccines designed to enhance CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses, including genetic vaccines (i.e., DNA/ RNA/virus/ bacterial), and protein-based, peptide-based or dendritic-cell-based vaccines. However, no vaccine has yet been licensed for therapeutic use. Several studies have suggested that administration of prophylactic vaccines immediately after surgical treatment of CIN2 cervical lesions can be considered as an adjuvant to prevent reactivation or reinfection, and other studies have described the relevance of prophylactic vaccines in the management of genital warts. This review summarizes the leading features of therapeutic vaccines, which mainly target the early oncoproteins E6 and E7, and prophylactic vaccines, which are based on the L1 capsid protein. Through an analysis of the specific immunogenic properties of these two types of vaccines, we discuss why and how prophylactic vaccines can be effective in the treatment of HPV-related lesions and relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Catia Sias
- Laboratory of Virology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Laboratory of Virology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Del Porto
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin," Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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De Sabato L, Di Bartolo I, Lapa D, Capobianchi MR, Garbuglia AR. Molecular Characterization of HEV Genotype 3 in Italy at Human/Animal Interface. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:137. [PMID: 32117156 PMCID: PMC7014918 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging public health issue in industrialized countries. In the last decade the number of autochthonous human infections has increased in Europe. Genotype 3 (HEV-3) is typically zoonotic, being foodborne the main route of transmission to humans, and is the most frequently detected in Europe in both humans and animals (mainly pigs and wild boars). In Italy, the first autochthonous human case was reported in 1999; since then, HEV-3 has been widely detected in both humans and animals. Despite the zoonotic characteristic of HEV-3 is well established, the correlation between animal and human strains has been poorly investigated in Italy. In the present study, we compared the subtype distribution of HEV-3 in humans and animals (swine and wild boar) in the period 2000-2018 from Italy. The dataset for this analysis included a total of 96 Italian ORF2 sequences (300 nt long), including both NCBI database-derived (n = 64) and recent sequences (2016-2018, n = 32) obtained in this study. The results show that subtype 3f is the most frequent in humans and pigs, followed by the HEV-3e, HEV-3c and other unassignable HEV-3 strains. Diversely, in wild boar a wider group of HEV-3 subtypes have been detected, including HEV-3a, which has also been detected for the first time in a human patient in Central Italy in 2017, and a wide group of unassignable HEV-3 strains. The phylogenetic analysis including, besides Italian strains, also sequences from other countries retrieved from the NCBI database, indicated that human Italian sequences, in particular those of HEV-3f and HEV-3e, form significant clusters mainly with sequences of animal origin from the same country. Nevertheless, for HEV-3c, rarely detected in Italian pigs, human sequences from Italy are more correlated to human sequences from other European countries. Furthermore, clusters of near-identical human strains identified in a short time interval in Lazio Region (Central Italy) can be recognized in the phylogenetic tree, suggesting that multiple infections originating from a common source have occurred, and confirming the importance of sequencing support to HEV surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca De Sabato
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Di Bartolo
- Department of Food Safety, Nutrition and Veterinary Public Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, “L. Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Laboratory of Virology, “L. Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, “L. Spallanzani” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Alfonsi V, Romanò L, Ciccaglione AR, La Rosa G, Bruni R, Zanetti A, Della Libera S, Iaconelli M, Bagnarelli P, Capobianchi MR, Garbuglia AR, Riccardo F, Tosti ME. Hepatitis E in Italy: 5 years of national epidemiological, virological and environmental surveillance, 2012 to 2016. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 23. [PMID: 30326991 PMCID: PMC6194909 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2018.23.41.1700517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Increasing numbers of hepatitis E cases are being reported in several European countries, including Italy, but the burden of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is largely unknown in the latter. To gain a better understanding of HEV epidemiology at national level in Italy, we piloted a strengthened and integrated human (epidemiological and virological) and environmental HEV surveillance system between 2012 and 2016. Over the 5-year period, 169 confirmed hepatitis E cases were identified, with a national annual incidence of 0.72 cases per 1,000,000. Of 65 HEV-RNA positive samples of sufficient quality for molecular analysis, 66% were genotype HEV3, 32% HEV1 and 1% HEV4. The most frequent risk factor reported by all HEV3 infected cases, was the consumption of undercooked pork and sausage. For the environmental surveillance, 679 urban sewage samples were collected from 53 wastewater treatment plants and HEV-RNA was detected in 38/679 of the samples. Among these, 25 (66%) were genotype HEV3 and the remaining were HEV1. We demonstrate that autochthonous transmission and environmental circulation of genotype HEV3 is adding to travel-related HEV transmission in Italy. We recommend the ‘One Health’ approach to integrated surveillance, and to include HEV-related messages within health information campaigns focussing on food security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Alfonsi
- Department of Infectious Diseases - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Romanò
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health - Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Ciccaglione
- Viral Hepatitis Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina La Rosa
- Department of Environment and Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bruni
- Viral Hepatitis Unit, Department of Infectious Diseases - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zanetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health - Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marcello Iaconelli
- Department of Environment and Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bagnarelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Virology - Hospital of Ancona, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy
| | | | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology - Istituto Nazionale per le Malattie Infettive "L. Spallanzani", Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Riccardo
- Department of Infectious Diseases - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Tosti
- National Center for Global Health - Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), Rome, Italy
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Lanini S, Bartolini B, Taibi C, Agresta A, Garbuglia AR, Montaldo C, Pisapia R, D'Offizi G, Scognamiglio P, Capobianchi MR, Zumla A, Ippolito G. Early improvement of glycaemic control after virus clearance in patients with chronic hepatitis C and severe liver fibrosis: a cohort study. New Microbiol 2019; 42:139-144. [PMID: 31305933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
HCV has been recognized as the cause of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) since 1990. CHC is associated with progressive liver damage and extrahepatic conditions. Direct antiviral agents (DAAs), approved in 2014, have shown effectiveness in eradicating HCV in most patients. However, little is known about the effect of viral eradication on hepatic and extra-hepatic damage. We performed a historical cohort study of patients with HCV-related liver diseases who achieved SVR from March 2015 to October 2016 at INMI Lazzaro Spallanzani liver Unit in Rome (Italy). Repeated measures of glycaemia were analysed through a multilevel analysis framework to assess short time kinetics of blood glucose level at different times after therapy and for different levels of HCV viremia. The analysis included 205 patients. A model assessing temporal kinetics and variation of glycaemia according to HCV viremia provided evidence that blood glucose levels significantly dropped in patients with diabetes achieving SVR. Most of the variations occurred at 3-5 weeks of therapy (-17.96 mg/dL; p<0.001) and in coincidence with HCV clearance (-13.92 mg/dL; p<0.001). A weak, non-statistically significant reduction was observed in normoglycemic patients. Our study provides evidence that DAAs therapy may significantly improve glycaemic control in patients with CHC achieving SVR even when liver diseases are already established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Lanini
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS- Via Portuense, 292- 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Bartolini
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS- Via Portuense, 292- 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Taibi
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS- Via Portuense, 292- 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Agresta
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS- Via Portuense, 292- 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS- Via Portuense, 292- 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Montaldo
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS- Via Portuense, 292- 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Pisapia
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS- Via Portuense, 292- 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpiero D'Offizi
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS- Via Portuense, 292- 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Scognamiglio
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS- Via Portuense, 292- 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS- Via Portuense, 292- 00149 Rome, Italy
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK and 3 NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Giuseppe Ippolito
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani-IRCCS- Via Portuense, 292- 00149 Rome, Italy
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Guzzetta G, Minosse C, Pisapia R, Giombini E, Mammone A, Vairo F, Garbuglia AR, Scognamiglio P, Capobianchi MR, Merler S, Ippolito G, Lanini S. Household transmission and disease transmissibility of a large HAV outbreak in Lazio, Italy, 2016-2017. Epidemics 2019; 29:100351. [PMID: 31326355 DOI: 10.1016/j.epidem.2019.100351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A major outbreak of Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) has swept through Europe between mid-2016 and 2017, mainly within the community of men who have sex with men (MSM). Over the same period, about 1000 outbreak-related cases of acute Hepatitis A (AHA) were recorded in Lazio region, Italy. We calibrated a Bayesian model to reconstruct likely transmission events within all 44 households where multiple infections were recorded, representing a total of 103 cases from the HAV outbreak in Lazio. Based on information on the observed times of symptom onset, we estimated the probability distribution function of the HAV generation time and used it to compute the effective and instantaneous reproduction numbers for the considered outbreak from the overall epidemic curve (N = 998 cases). We estimated a mean generation time of 30.2 days (95%CI: 25.2-33.0) and an effective reproduction number of about 1.63 (95% CI: 1.35-1.94). Transmissibility peaked in January 2017, shortly before targeted awareness and vaccination campaigns were put in place by health authorities; however, transmission remained above the epidemic threshold until June 2017. Within households, children (0-15) and young adults (16-30) infected preferentially individuals of the same age class, whereas transmission within older age groups was substantially homogeneous. These results suggest that the implemented interventions were able to slow down HAV transmission, but not to bring it rapidly to a halt. According to our estimates of the HAV transmissibility, about 50% of the at-risk persons should be immunized to prevent similar outbreaks in the future. Our results also indicate spillover from community transmission to household members, suggesting the opportunity of vaccinating household contacts of cases to prevent further spread of the epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Guzzetta
- Fondazione Bruno Kessler, via Sommarive 18, Povo (Trento) 38123, Italy.
| | - Claudia Minosse
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani - IRCSS, via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Raffaella Pisapia
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani - IRCSS, via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Emanuela Giombini
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani - IRCSS, via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Alessia Mammone
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani - IRCSS, via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Francesco Vairo
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani - IRCSS, via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani - IRCSS, via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Paola Scognamiglio
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani - IRCSS, via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani - IRCSS, via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Stefano Merler
- Fondazione Bruno Kessler, via Sommarive 18, Povo (Trento) 38123, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ippolito
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani - IRCSS, via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy
| | - Simone Lanini
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani - IRCSS, via Portuense 292, Rome 00149, Italy
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Sias C, Salichos L, Lapa D, Del Nonno F, Baiocchini A, Capobianchi MR, Garbuglia AR. Alpha, Beta, gamma human PapillomaViruses (HPV) detection with a different sets of primers in oropharyngeal swabs, anal and cervical samples. Virol J 2019; 16:27. [PMID: 30832688 PMCID: PMC6398256 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-019-1132-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies have shown a 13-fold increase of oropharyngeal cancer in the presence of HPV, while α-HPV detection seems to be rare in oral cavity in comparison to anal or cervical district, many novel β and γ types have been isolated in this anatomical site suggesting a wide tropism range. Currently, there are no guidelines recommending HPV oral cavity screening as a mandatory test, and it remains unknown which HPV types should be included in HPV screening programs. Our goal was to assess HPV prevalence in oropharyngeal, anal, and cervical swabs using different sets of primers,which are able to amplify α, β, γ HPV types. Methods We analysed the presence of HPV DNA in oropharyngeal (n = 124), anal (n = 186), cervical specimens (n = 43) from HIV positive and negative patients using FAP59/64 and MY09/11 primers. All untyped strains were genetically characterized through PCR amplification and direct sequencing of partial L1 region, and the resulting sequences were classified through phylogenetic analysis. Results HPV prevalence was 20.9% in 124 oropharyngeal swab samples, including infections with multiple HPV types (5.6%). HPV prevalence in this anatomical site was significantly associated with serostatus: 63.3%in HIV positive and 36.3% in HIV negative patients (p < 0.05). Unclassified types were detected in 6 specimens. In our analysis, we did not observe any difference in HPV (α, β, γ) prevalence between men and women. Overall, β species were the most frequently detected 69.7%. When using anal swabs, for HIV positive patients, β genus prevalence was 1% and γ genus was 3.7% including 6 unclassified types. In cervical samples from 43 HIV positive women (18 HPV negative and 25 positive by MY09/11 PCR), only one sample was positivite for β1 species (2.4%) using FAP primers. Six of the untyped strains clustered with sequences from species 7, 9, 10, 8,12 of γ genus. Four sequences remained unclassified. Finally, β and γ HPV prevalence was significantly lower than their respective HPV prevalence as identified by the Luminex system in all anatomical sites that were analyzed in previous studies. Conclusion This study provides new information about viral isolates present in oropharyngeal site and it will contribute to improve the monitoring of HPV infection. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12985-019-1132-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catia Sias
- Laboratory of Virology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Leonidas Salichos
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Franca Del Nonno
- Laboratory of Pathology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Baiocchini
- Laboratory of Pathology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Laboratory of Virology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Via Portuense, 292, 00149, Rome, Italy.
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Lapa D, Agrati C, Scognamiglio P, Cimini E, Capobianchi MR, Garbuglia AR. GB virus type C cross-reactivity in clinical samples with a low hepatitis C virus antibody positive response. APMIS 2019; 127:109-111. [DOI: 10.1111/apm.12921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lapa
- Lab of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” IRCCS; Rome
| | - Chiara Agrati
- Cellular Immunology and Pharmacology Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” IRCCS; Rome
| | - Paola Scognamiglio
- Regional Service for Surveillance and Control of Infectious Diseases (SERESMI), National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” IRCCS; Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Cimini
- Cellular Immunology and Pharmacology Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” IRCCS; Rome
| | | | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Lab of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “Lazzaro Spallanzani” IRCCS; Rome
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Fosso B, Santamaria M, D'Antonio M, Lovero D, Corrado G, Vizza E, Passaro N, Garbuglia AR, Capobianchi MR, Crescenzi M, Valiente G, Pesole G. MetaShot: an accurate workflow for taxon classification of host-associated microbiome from shotgun metagenomic data. Bioinformatics 2018; 33:1730-1732. [PMID: 28130230 PMCID: PMC5447231 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btx036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary Shotgun metagenomics by high-throughput sequencing may allow deep and accurate characterization of host-associated total microbiomes, including bacteria, viruses, protists and fungi. However, the analysis of such sequencing data is still extremely challenging in terms of both overall accuracy and computational efficiency, and current methodologies show substantial variability in misclassification rate and resolution at lower taxonomic ranks or are limited to specific life domains (e.g. only bacteria). We present here MetaShot, a workflow for assessing the total microbiome composition from host-associated shotgun sequence data, and show its overall optimal accuracy performance by analyzing both simulated and real datasets. Availability and Implementation https://github.com/bfosso/MetaShot. Contact graziano.pesole@uniba.it. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Fosso
- Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bari, Italy
| | - M Santamaria
- Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bari, Italy
| | | | - D Lovero
- Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bari, Italy
| | - G Corrado
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Gynecologic Oncology Unit, "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - E Vizza
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Gynecologic Oncology Unit, "Regina Elena" National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - N Passaro
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - A R Garbuglia
- Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Rome, Italy
| | - M R Capobianchi
- Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Rome, Italy
| | - M Crescenzi
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - G Valiente
- Algorithms, Bioinformatics, Complexity and Formal Methods Research Group, Technical University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - G Pesole
- Institute of Biomembranes and Bioenergetics, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bari, Italy.,Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari "A. Moro", Bari, Italy
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44
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Vergori A, Garbuglia AR, Piselli P, Del Nonno F, Sias C, Lupi F, Lapa D, Baiocchini A, Cimaglia C, Gentile M, Antinori A, Capobianchi M, Ammassari A. Oral human Papillomavirus DNA detection in HIV-positive men: prevalence, predictors, and co-occurrence at anal site. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:25. [PMID: 29310590 PMCID: PMC5759194 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2937-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-positive patients carry an increased risk of HPV infection and associated cancers. Therefore, prevalence and patterns of HPV infection at different anatomical sites, as well as theoretical protection of nonavalent vaccine should be investigated. Aim was to describe prevalence and predictors of oral HPV detection in HIV-positive men, with attention to nonavalent vaccine-targeted HPV types. Further, co-occurrence of HPV DNA at oral cavity and at anal site was assessed. METHODS This cross-sectional, clinic-based study included 305 HIV-positive males (85.9% MSM; median age 44.7 years; IQR: 37.4-51.0), consecutively observed within an anal cancer screening program, after written informed consent. Indication for anal screening was given by the HIV physician during routine clinic visit. Paired oral rinse and anal samples were processed for the all HPV genotypes with QIASYMPHONY and a PCR with MY09/MY11 primers for the L1 region. RESULTS At the oral cavity, HPV DNA was detected in 64 patients (20.9%), and in 28.1% of these cases multiple HPV infections were found. Prevalence of oral HPV was significantly lower than that observed at the anal site (p < 0.001), where HPV DNA was found in 199 cases (85.2%). Oral HPV tended to be more frequent in patients with detectable anal HPV than in those without (p = 0.08). Out of 265 HPV DNA-positive men regardless anatomic site, 59 cases (19.3%) had detectable HPV at both sites, and 51 of these showed completely different HPV types. At least one nonavalent vaccine-targeted HPV type was found in 17/64 (26.6%) of patients with oral and 199/260 (76.5%) with anal infection. At multivariable analysis, factors associated with positive oral HPV were: CD4 cells <200/μL (versus CD4 cells >200/μL, p = 0.005) and >5 sexual partners in the previous 12 months (versus 0-1 partner, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS In this study on Italian HIV-positive men (predominantly MSM), oral HPV DNA was detected in approximately one fifth of tested subjects, but prevalence was significantly lower than that observed at anal site. Low CD4 cell count and increasing number of recent sexual partners significantly increased the odds of positive oral HPV. The absence of co-occurrence at the two anatomical sites may suggest different routes or timing of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, INMI "L.Spallanzani", Rome, Italy. .,National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS L.Spallanzani, Via Portuense, 292, 00149, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Franca Del Nonno
- Laboratory of Pathology, INMI "L.Spallanzani", Rome, Italy.,National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS L.Spallanzani, Via Portuense, 292, 00149, Rome, Italy
| | - Catia Sias
- Laboratory of Virology, INMI "L.Spallanzani", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, INMI "L.Spallanzani", Rome, Italy
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Dirani G, Paesini E, Mascetra E, Farabegoli P, Dalmo B, Bartolini B, Garbuglia AR, Capobianchi MR, Sambri V. A novel next generation sequencing assay as an alternative to currently available methods for hepatitis C virus genotyping. J Virol Methods 2017; 251:88-91. [PMID: 29045810 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chronic HCV infection is one of the leading causes of liver-related death and in many countries it is a primary reason for having a liver transplant. HCV genotype identification has long been used in the clinical practice, since different genotypes have different response rates and required different doses and durations of IFN/RBV treatment; moreover both the frequency and the pattern of resistance to different Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) classes are subtype specific. Hence the necessity to make an accurate HCV subtyping becomes a fundamental tool to optimize current and future clinical management of HCV infected subjects. In the present study the performance of a next generation sequencing (NGS: based on the Ion Torrent Platform-Vela Sentosa SQ 301 sequencer) HCV genotyping assay has been evaluated. The current method targets a region of the NS5B gene and it is the unique NGS based market CE-IVD assay. As a comparative method a commercial method based on the detection via reverse hybridization of 5'UTR and core regions (Versant HCV Genotype 2.0 Assay, LiPA, Siemens) was selected. A total 207 plasma samples from HCV infected individuals were used. No selection was made for these samples that were submitted for routine HCV genotyping. The results show Vela NGS assay assigns major number of HCV subtypes with respect LiPA. Concerning genotype 1 and 3, the discrepancy of assigned subtypes for LiPA with respect to Vela NGS assay is not relevant (1.8% and 2%, respectively); in contrast, the difference of assigned subtypes for genotypes 2 and 4 is very high (96.6% and 100%, respectively). The resistance mutations data, except for 1a and 1b subtypes, remain scarce; the future relevant challenge will be to identify subtypes-specific drug resistance mutations, which are essential to create highly personalized therapeutic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Dirani
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina, Cesena, Italy.
| | - E Paesini
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina, Cesena, Italy
| | - E Mascetra
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina, Cesena, Italy
| | - P Farabegoli
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina, Cesena, Italy
| | - B Dalmo
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina, Cesena, Italy
| | - B Bartolini
- Virology Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L.Spallanzani", Rome, Italy
| | - A R Garbuglia
- Virology Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L.Spallanzani", Rome, Italy
| | - M R Capobianchi
- Virology Laboratory, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L.Spallanzani", Rome, Italy
| | - V Sambri
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina, Cesena, Italy; DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Belvisi V, Martellucci S, Garbuglia AR, Del Borgo C, Martellucci S, Baiocchini A, Manicone AM, Bagni O, Mastroianni CM, Gallo A. Case report: human papilloma virus type 120-related papillomatosis mimicking laryngeal carcinoma. Infection 2017; 45:709-713. [PMID: 28534319 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-017-1028-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The relationship between human papilloma virus (HPV) and upper respiratory tract pathology was better understood in recent years and represents now an issue of particular interest in carcinogenesis and in immunocompromised host. We describe a case in which a rare genotype HPV-related papillomatosis mimics laryngeal carcinoma in an immunocompromised host. METHODS A 54-year-old woman with a history of HIV-HCV coinfection and anal and laryngeal cancer successfully treated some years before was hospitalized for severe dyspnea, cough and dysphagia. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation raised the suspicion of tumor relapse showing the presence of a large glottic-supraglottic ulcerated mass. Several laryngeal biopsies demonstrated koilocytosis and p16 expression, according to a possible HPV infection, and focal figures of mild dysplasia of epithelium. 18 F-FDG PET/CT did not show high glycolytic activity at laryngeal level. An invasive upper respiratory tract papillomatosis in an immunocompromised host was suspected because of the patient's clinical improvement after antiretroviral therapy. CONCLUSION Pharyngeal swab and oral rinse harboured the same HPV120 genotype sequence, a betapapillomavirus of recent description and not yet related to any similar clinical presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Belvisi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via Giulio Cesare 41\B, 04100, Latina, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Martellucci
- Department of Surgical Biotechnologies and Sciences, ENT Section, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | | | - Cosmo Del Borgo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via Giulio Cesare 41\B, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Stanislao Martellucci
- Department of Surgical Biotechnologies and Sciences, ENT Section, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | | | | | - Oreste Bagni
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, "S.M. Goretti" Hospital, Latina, Italy
| | - Claudio Maria Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Via Giulio Cesare 41\B, 04100, Latina, Italy
| | - Andrea Gallo
- Department of Surgical Biotechnologies and Sciences, ENT Section, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Latina, Italy
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Taibi C, Tempestilli M, D'Avolio A, Garbuglia AR, De Nicolò A, Montalbano M, D'Offizi G. Efficacy of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir in an HCV+ gastro-resected patient. J Clin Pharm Ther 2017; 42:621-623. [PMID: 28474408 DOI: 10.1111/jcpt.12546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE The second-generation direct-acting antivirals represented the first major turning point for the eradication of HCV infection in almost all settings of patients. However, no data were available on use in gastro-resected patients. CASE DESCRIPTION We report on a gastrectomized patient with chronic hepatitis C infection. She was treated with sofosbuvir and ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) for 12 weeks, with measurement of blood levels of the drugs. She obtained sustained virological response at week 12 and 24 without dose adjustment. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION This case report can provide information useful for clinical practice in this set of patients and can open new perspectives in evaluating actual SOF/LDV bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Taibi
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani" I.R.C.C.S., Rome, Italy
| | - M Tempestilli
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani" I.R.C.C.S., Rome, Italy
| | - A D'Avolio
- Department of Medical Sciences, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - A R Garbuglia
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani" I.R.C.C.S., Rome, Italy
| | - A De Nicolò
- Department of Medical Sciences, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - M Montalbano
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani" I.R.C.C.S., Rome, Italy
| | - G D'Offizi
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani" I.R.C.C.S., Rome, Italy
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Garbuglia AR, Bibbò A, Sciamanna R, Pisciotta M, Capobianchi MR. Performance evaluation of the Aptima ® HCV Quant Dx assay for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA detection and quantification in comparison to the Abbott RealTime HCV assay. J Clin Virol 2017; 92:1-6. [PMID: 28475925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Aptima HCV Quant Dx assay (Aptima) is a real-time transcription-mediated amplification assay CE-approved for the diagnosis and monitoring of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. OBJECTIVE Aptima's analytical performance was compared to the Abbott RealTime HCV assay (RealTime) in a clinical routine setting. STUDY DESIGN Overall 295 clinical plasma samples (117 prospective/fresh; 178 retrospective/frozen) from HCV-infected patients were tested in Aptima and RealTime to determine concordance on qualitative and quantitative results. Linearity and precision at low viral loads (VLs; 0.8-3.3LogIU/mL) was tested using dilutions of the 5th WHO standard, in 10 and 20 replicates in the two assays, respectively. The ability to measure different HCV genotypes and accuracy were analyzed using the Seracare EQA panel. RESULTS Inter-assay agreement for qualitative results (prospective samples) was 88% (kappa=0.78). For the 127 samples with quantitative results in both assays, Aptima yielded on average slightly higher values (by 0.24LogIU/mL; Bland-Altman method) than RealTime. Concordance between assay results was excellent (R=0.98). At low VLs (0.8-3.3LogIU/mL), Aptima demonstrated good linearity and precision, similar to RealTime. Aptima detected and accurately quantified all main HCV genotypes. CONCLUSIONS Aptima demonstrated excellent precision, linearity, and accuracy in all genotypes tested. Good concordance was observed between Aptima and RealTime assays in clinical samples. The performance of the Aptima assay, on the fully automated Panther platform, makes it an excellent candidate for the detection and monitoring of HCV RNA in plasma and serum samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Angela Bibbò
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Sciamanna
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Pisciotta
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Lapa D, Brega C, Mammone A, Zaccarelli M, Capobianchi MR, Garbuglia AR. Diagnostic performance of hepatitis E virus antigen assay in hepatitis E virus acute infection. New Microbiol 2016; 40:246-250. [PMID: 28994445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the sensitivity of hepatitis E virus antigen (HEV-Ag) to determine acute E hepatitis. Ninety-four serum samples resulting anti-HEV IgM by DIA.PRO assay were analyzed with Wantai assay to check for HEV-Ag. Thirty samples were anti-HEV IgM positive and HEV-RNA positive, 19 samples harbored genotype 3, whereas 11 samples were genotype 1. Overall, 16% of anti-HEV IgM samples resulted HEV-Ag positive and 33.3% of HEV-RNA positive were also HEV-Ag positive. Among 64 HEV-RNA negative samples, 5 (7.8%) were HEV-Ag positive. The concordance of HEV-RNA and HEV-Ag was low (Cohen's Kappa=0.36). The Bland-Altman plot revealed a low agreement between HEV-RNA viral load and HEV-Ag, confirmed by a not significant Spearman's correlation coefficient (rho=0.137, p>0.05). Moreover, the HEV-Ag showed 100% specificity. In genotype 3f samples with a viral load >800 cp/ml HEV-Ag was positive in 80% of samples, whereas all patients harboring genotype 3e were HEV-Ag-negative irrespective of HEV-RNA viral load. Among genotype 1, HEV-Ag positivity was observed only in 27.7% patients and in all samples the viremia was >2000 cp/ml. These data suggest that anti-HEV IgM positivity represents the main biological marker of hepatitis E acute infection in clinical real life settings in developed countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Brega
- Laboratory of Virology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Mammone
- Department of Epidemiology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Zaccarelli
- Clinical Department, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Laboratory of Virology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, "Lazzaro Spallanzani" National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Garbuglia AR, Bibbò A, Sciamanna R, Pisciotta M, Capobianchi MR. Comparative performance of new Aptima HCV Quant Dx assay with Abbott HCV Real-Time assay. J Clin Virol 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2016.08.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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