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Calderaro A, Buttrini M, Farina B, Montecchini S, Martinelli M, Arcangeletti MC, Chezzi C, De Conto F. Characterization of Clostridioides difficile Strains from an Outbreak Using MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071477. [PMID: 35889196 PMCID: PMC9320467 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071477] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) has changed over the last two decades, due to the emergence of C. difficile strains with clinical relevance and responsible for nosocomial outbreaks with severe outcomes. This study reports an outbreak occurred in a Long-term Care Unit from February to March 2022 and tracked by using a Matrix-Assisted Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) typing approach (T-MALDI); subsequently, a characterization of the toxigenic and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the C. difficile isolates was performed. A total of 143 faecal samples belonging to 112 patients was evaluated and C. difficile DNA was detected in 51 samples (46 patients). Twenty-nine C. difficile isolates were obtained, and three different clusters were revealed by T-MALDI. The most representative cluster accounted 22 strains and was considered to be epidemic, in agreement with PCR-Ribotyping. Such epidemic strains were susceptible to vancomycin (MIC ≤ 0.5 mg/mL) and metronidazole (MIC ≤ 1 mg/mL), but not to moxifloxacin (MIC > 32 mg/mL). Moreover, they produced only the Toxin A and, additionally, the binary toxin. To our knowledge, this is the first reported outbreak referable to a tcdA+/tcdB-/cdt+ genotypic profile. In light of these results, T-MALDI is a valid and rapid approach for discovering and tracking outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.B.); (B.F.); (M.C.A.); (C.C.); (F.D.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0521-033499; Fax: +39-0521-993620
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.B.); (B.F.); (M.C.A.); (C.C.); (F.D.C.)
| | - Benedetta Farina
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.B.); (B.F.); (M.C.A.); (C.C.); (F.D.C.)
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Unit of Clinical Virology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Monica Martinelli
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Maria Cristina Arcangeletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.B.); (B.F.); (M.C.A.); (C.C.); (F.D.C.)
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.B.); (B.F.); (M.C.A.); (C.C.); (F.D.C.)
| | - Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.B.); (B.F.); (M.C.A.); (C.C.); (F.D.C.)
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Calderaro A, Montecchini S, Buttrini M, Piccolo G, Rossi S, Arcangeletti MC, Farina B, De Conto F, Chezzi C. Malaria Diagnosis in Non-Endemic Settings: The European Experience in the Last 22 Years. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9112265. [PMID: 34835391 PMCID: PMC8620059 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9112265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurate, prompt, and reliable tools for the diagnosis of malaria are crucial for tracking the successes or drawbacks of control and elimination efforts, and for future programs aimed at global malaria eradication. Although microscopy remains the gold standard method, the number of imported malaria cases and the risk of reappearance of autochthonous cases stimulated several laboratories located in European countries to evaluate methods and algorithms suited to non-endemic settings, where skilled microscopists are not always available. In this review, an overview of the field evaluation and a comparison of the methods used for the diagnosis of malaria by European laboratories is reported, showing that the development of numerous innovations is continuous. In particular, the combination of rapid diagnostic tests and molecular assays with microscopy represents a reliable system for the early diagnosis of malaria in non-endemic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0521-033499; Fax: +39-0521-993620
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Giovanna Piccolo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Sabina Rossi
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy;
| | - Maria Cristina Arcangeletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Benedetta Farina
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (B.F.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
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Calderaro A, Buttrini M, Martinelli M, Montecchini S, Covan S, Ruggeri A, Rodighiero I, Di Maio A, Galullo M, Larini S, Arcangeletti MC, Chezzi C, De Conto F. Active surveillance for carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and correlation with infection in subjects attending an Italian tertiary-care hospital: a 7-year retrospective study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042290. [PMID: 33875440 PMCID: PMC8057555 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042290] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The distribution of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CPKP) phenotypes and genotypes in samples collected during 2011-2018 was evaluated. The association between patients with CPKP-positive rectal swab and those with CPKP infection, as well as the overall analysis of CPKP-infected patients, was performed. SETTING The study was performed in a tertiary-care hospital located in Northern Italy. PARTICIPANTS Two groups were considered: 22 939 'at-risk' patients submitted to active surveillance for CPKP detection in rectal swabs/stools and 1094 CPKP-infected patients in which CPKP was detected in samples other than rectal swabs. RESULTS CPKP-positive rectal swabs were detected in 5% (1150/22 939). A CPKP infection was revealed in 3.1% (719/22 939) of patients: 582 with CPKP-positive rectal swab (50.6% of the 1150 CPKP-positive rectal swabs) and 137 with CPKP-negative rectal swab. The 49.4% (568/1150) of the patients with CPKP-positive rectal swab were carriers. The overall frequency of CPKP-positive patients (carriers and infected) was almost constant from 2012 to 2016 (excluding the 2015 peak) and then increased in 2017-2018. blaKPC was predominant followed by blaVIM. No difference was observed in the frequency of CPKP-positive rectal swab patients among the different material groups. Among the targeted carbapenemase genes, blaVIM was more significantly detected from urine than from other samples. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of carriers without evidence of infection, representing a potential reservoir of CPKP, suggests to maintain the guard about this problem, emphasising the importance of active surveillance for timely detection and separation of carriers, activation of contact precautions and antibiotic treatment guidance on suspicion of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Monica Martinelli
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Unit of Clinical Virology, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Covan
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alberto Ruggeri
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Alan Di Maio
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Mariapia Galullo
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sandra Larini
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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De Conto F, Conversano F, Razin SV, Belletti S, Arcangeletti MC, Chezzi C, Calderaro A. Host-cell dependent role of phosphorylated keratin 8 during influenza A/NWS/33 virus (H1N1) infection in mammalian cells. Virus Res 2021; 295:198333. [PMID: 33556415 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198333] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the involvement of keratin 8 during human influenza A/NWS/33 virus (H1N1) infection in semi-permissive rhesus monkey-kidney (LLC-MK2) and permissive human type II alveolar epithelial (A549) cells. In A549 cells, keratin 8 showed major expression and phosphorylation levels. Influenza A/NWS/33 virus was able to subvert keratin 8 structural organization at late stages of infection in both cell models, promoting keratin 8 phosphorylation in A549 cells at early phases of infection. Accordingly, partial colocalizations of the viral nucleoprotein with keratin 8 and its phosphorylated form were assessed by confocal microscopy at early stages of infection in A549 cells. The employment of chemical activators of phosphorylation resulted in structural changes as well as increased phosphorylation of keratin 8 in both cell models, favoring the influenza A/NWS/33 virus's replicative efficiency in A549 but not in LLC-MK2 cells. In A549 and human larynx epidermoid carcinoma (HEp-2) cells inoculated with respiratory secretions from pediatric patients positive for, respectively, influenza A virus or respiratory syncytial virus, the keratin 8 phosphorylation level had increased only in the case of influenza A virus infection. The results obtained suggest that in A549 cells the influenza virus is able to induce keratin 8 phosphorylation thereby enhancing its replicative efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | | | - Sergey V Razin
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences and Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Silvana Belletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Calderaro A, Buttrini M, Montecchini S, Piccolo G, Martinelli M, Dell’Anna ML, Di Maio A, Arcangeletti MC, Maccari C, De Conto F, Chezzi C. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 and Other Infectious Agents in Lower Respiratory Tract Samples Belonging to Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units of a Tertiary-Care Hospital, Located in an Epidemic Area, during the Italian Lockdown. Microorganisms 2021; 9:185. [PMID: 33467079 PMCID: PMC7830127 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010185] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was the detection of infectious agents from lower respiratory tract (LRT) samples in order to describe their distribution in patients with severe acute respiratory failure and hospitalized in intensive care units (ICU) in an Italian tertiary-care hospital. LRT samples from 154 patients admitted to ICU from 27 February to 10 May 2020 were prospectively examined for respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, bacteria and/or fungi. SARS-CoV-2 was revealed in 90 patients (58.4%, 72 males, mean age 65 years). No significant difference was observed between SARS-CoV-2 positives and SARS-CoV-2 negatives with regard to sex, age and bacterial and/or fungal infections. Nonetheless, fungi were more frequently detected among SARS-CoV-2 positives (44/54, 81.4%, p = 0.0053). Candida albicans was the overall most frequently isolated agent, followed by Enterococcus faecalis among SARS-CoV-2 positives and Staphylococcus aureus among SARS-CoV-2 negatives. Overall mortality rate was 40.4%, accounting for 53 deaths: 37 among SARS-CoV-2 positives (mean age 69 years) and 16 among SARS-CoV-2 negatives (mean age 63 years). This study highlights the different patterns of infectious agents between the two patient categories: fungi were prevalently involved among SARS-CoV-2-positive patients and bacteria among the SARS-CoV-2-negative patients. The different therapies and the length of the ICU stay could have influenced these different patterns of infectious agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (C.M.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (C.M.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Unit of Clinical Virology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.L.D.)
| | - Giovanna Piccolo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (C.M.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Monica Martinelli
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.M.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Maria Loretana Dell’Anna
- Unit of Clinical Virology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (S.M.); (M.L.D.)
| | - Alan Di Maio
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.M.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Maria Cristina Arcangeletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (C.M.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Clara Maccari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (C.M.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (C.M.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy; (M.B.); (G.P.); (M.C.A.); (C.M.); (F.D.C.); (C.C.)
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Calderaro A, De Conto F, Buttrini M, Piccolo G, Montecchini S, Maccari C, Martinelli M, Di Maio A, Ferraglia F, Pinardi F, Montagna P, Arcangeletti MC, Chezzi C. Human respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, circulating in the winter season 2019-2020 in Parma, Northern Italy. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 102:79-84. [PMID: 33017694 PMCID: PMC7530558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.09.1473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of respiratory virus infections, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), during the winter period December 2019 to March 2020, via a tertiary care hospital-based survey in Parma, Northern Italy. METHODS A total of 906 biological samples from the respiratory tract were analysed by both conventional assays (including culture) and molecular assays targeting nucleic acids of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses. RESULTS Overall, 474 samples (52.3%) were positive for at least one virus, with a total of 583 viruses detected. Single infections were detected in 380 (80.2%) samples and mixed infections were detected in 94 (19.8%). Respiratory syncytial virus (138/583, 23.7%) and rhinovirus (130/583, 22.3%) were the most commonly identified viruses, followed by SARS-CoV-2 (82/583, 14.1%). Respiratory syncytial virus predominated until February, with 129 detections; it then decreased drastically in March to only nine detections. SARS-CoV-2 was absent in the study area until February 26, 2020 and then reached 82 detections in just over a month. SARS-CoV-2 was found in mixed infections in only three cases, all observed in children younger than 1 year old. CONCLUSIONS This study showed a completely different trend between SARS-CoV-2 and the 'common' respiratory viruses: the common viruses mostly affected children, without any distinction according to sex, while SARS-CoV-2 mostly affected adult males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Piccolo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Unit of Clinical Virology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Clara Maccari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Monica Martinelli
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Alan Di Maio
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Francesca Ferraglia
- Unit of Clinical Virology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Federica Pinardi
- Unit of Clinical Virology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Paolo Montagna
- Unit of Clinical Virology, University Hospital of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | | | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
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Calderaro A, Buttrini M, Martinelli M, Covan S, Montecchini S, Ruggeri A, Arcangeletti MC, De Conto F, Chezzi C. Rapid microbial identification and phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing directly from positive blood cultures: a new platform compared to routine laboratory methods. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 96:114955. [PMID: 31839334 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2019.114955] [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: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The Accelerate Pheno™ System (APS), a new platform that combines rapid identification (ID) of bacteria and yeasts and phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) in a single assay, has been evaluated directly from positive blood cultures in comparison to routine laboratory methods. The APS ID results showed an overall sensitivity and specificity of 92.6% and 99.6%, respectively. With regard to AST results, 31 discrepancies (8 single errors and 23 combined errors) were observed, including 13 major errors (3.3%) and 18 minor errors (4.6%) mainly involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa. No very major error was observed. The APS ID results were obtained in 1.5 h and the AST results were available in 7 h, on average 34.1 h before routine laboratory methods. This reduction in AST time-to-result represents one of the main advantages of this technology, reducing the time to provide to the physician the microbiological report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma -, Parma, Italy.
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma -, Parma, Italy
| | - Monica Martinelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma -, Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Covan
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma -, Parma, Italy
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma -, Parma, Italy
| | - Alberto Ruggeri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma -, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma -, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma -, Parma, Italy
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De Conto F, Conversano F, Medici MC, Ferraglia F, Pinardi F, Arcangeletti MC, Chezzi C, Calderaro A. Epidemiology of human respiratory viruses in children with acute respiratory tract infection in a 3-year hospital-based survey in Northern Italy. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 94:260-267. [PMID: 30745224 PMCID: PMC7126416 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [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: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children. The viral etiology of ARTIs was investigated over 3 years (October 2012–September 2015) in 2575 children in Parma, Italy, using indirect immunofluorescent staining of respiratory samples for viral antigens, cell culture, and molecular assays. Respiratory viruses were detected in 1299 cases (50.44%); 1037 (79.83%) were single infections and 262 (20.17%) mixed infections. The highest infection incidence was in children aged >6 months to ≤3 years (57.36%). Human respiratory syncytial virus (27.12%) and human adenovirus (23.58%) were the most common viruses identified. The virus detection rate decreased significantly between the first and third epidemic season (53.9% vs. 43.05%, P < 0.0001). The simultaneous use of different diagnostic tools allowed us to identify a putative viral etiology in half the children examined and to provide an estimate of the epidemiology and seasonality of respiratory viruses associated with ARTIs. Respiratory viruses were assessed in children from October 2012 to September 2015. Viruses were detected using antigen and molecular assays, and cell culture. Respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus were the most common viruses detected. Influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus detection showed seasonal variation. Respiratory virus detection was highest in children aged >6 months to ≤3 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Francesca Conversano
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Medici
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferraglia
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Pinardi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
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Calderaro A, Martinelli M, Buttrini M, Montecchini S, Covan S, Rossi S, Ferraglia F, Montagna P, Pinardi F, Larini S, Arcangeletti MC, Medici MC, Chezzi C, De Conto F. Contribution of the FilmArray ® Gastrointestinal Panel in the laboratory diagnosis of gastroenteritis in a cohort of children: a two-year prospective study. Int J Med Microbiol 2018; 308:514-521. [PMID: 29748124 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmm.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [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: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This study represents a 2-year picture of the epidemiology of enteric pathogens in children suffering from gastroenteritis using the FilmArray® Gastrointestinal Panel (FA-GP), a multiplex molecular assay that allows to simultaneously detect a large panel of pathogens independently of the etiological suspicion and to evaluate its potential contribution to the diagnosis compared to the conventional methods. A total of 1716 stool samples, collected from children with clinical suspicion of bacterial and/or viral gastroenteritis attending the University Hospital of Parma, was submitted to the FA-GP and, when an adequate aliquot was available, to electron microscopy (n = 1163) for virus detection and to an enterovirus-targeting real-time PCR (n = 1703). Specimens with positive results for Salmonella, Yersinia enterocolitica, Vibrio, diarrheagenic Escherichia coli/Shigella, Campylobacter, Plesiomonas shigelloides and/or parasites by the FA-GP were also submitted to conventional diagnostic methods. The FA-GP gave positive results in 958 (55.8%) cases, 64.8% from inpatients: 647 (67.5%) contained a single agent and 311 (32.5%) multiple agents, for a total of 1374 pathogens. Enteropathogenic E. coli, rotavirus, norovirus, toxigenic Clostridioides difficile, and sapovirus were the most commonly detected pathogens. A total of 812 additional agents (344 of which as single pathogen) was detected by the FA-GP and not included in the clinical suspicion. The overall recovery rate of the conventional methods from stools that resulted positive by the FA-GP was 38.6% for bacteria, 50% and 84.2% for Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium, respectively, and ranged from 3.7% to 64.6% for viruses, if excluding all electron microscopy-negative astroviruses. Enterovirus, an agent not targeted by the FA-GP, was revealed in 9.6% (164/1703) of the examined samples, and in 52 cases it was the only agent detected. The results of this study allowed to extend the range of detectable pathogens independently of the clinical suspicion, to detect co-infections in almost one third of children positive for at least one agent and to show that conventional methods would have missed more than half of the enteric agents detected by the FA-GP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Monica Martinelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Covan
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sabina Rossi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Montagna
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Pinardi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sandra Larini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Calderaro A, Piccolo G, Montecchini S, Buttrini M, Rossi S, Dell'Anna ML, De Remigis V, Arcangeletti MC, Chezzi C, De Conto F. High prevalence of malaria in a non-endemic setting: comparison of diagnostic tools and patient outcome during a four-year survey (2013-2017). Malar J 2018; 17:63. [PMID: 29402283 PMCID: PMC5800101 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-018-2218-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 08/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria is no longer endemic in Italy since 1970 when the World Health Organization declared Italy malaria-free, but it is now the most commonly imported disease. The aim of the study was to analyse the trend of imported malaria cases in Parma, Italy, during January 2013–June 2017, reporting also the treatment and the outcome of cases, exploring the comparison of the three diagnostic tests used for malaria diagnosis: microscopy, immunochromatographic assay (ICT) (BinaxNOW®) and Real-time PCR assays detecting Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale curtisi, Plasmodium ovale wallikeri, and Plasmodium knowlesi. Results Of the 288 patients with suspected malaria, 87 were positive by microscopy: 73 P. falciparum, 2 P. vivax, 8 P. ovale, 1 P. vivax/P. ovale, 1 P. malariae and 2 Plasmodium sp. All samples were positive by ICT except 6. Plasmodial DNA was revealed in the 87 cases and in 2 additional cases showing P. falciparum-specific bands by ICT, as follows: 75 P. falciparum, 2 P. vivax, 6 P. ovale curtisi, 3 P. ovale wallikeri, 1 P. malariae, and 2 mixed infections. 72 patients were foreigners and 17 Italians travelling for tourism or business. The majority of these patients presented with fever at blood collection and did not have chemoprophylaxis. No fatal cases were observed and the drug mostly used was quinine observing a negative blood smear or a parasitaemia < 0.001% after 48–72 h’ therapy. Conclusions The study shows an update and a thorough analysis of imported malaria cases in the area of Parma during 4.5 years from the point of view of the total case management, clinical and diagnostic. The prevalence of malaria in such area in the considered period was especially due to immigrants mostly from Africa. Molecular methods were more sensitive and specific than microscopy and ICT, both detecting additional cases of P. falciparum malaria missed by microscopy and correctly identifying the Plasmodium species of medical interest. The data reported in this study may stimulate the clinicians in non-endemic areas to suspect malaria also in cases, where the most typical symptoms are absent, and the parasitologists to confirm the results of microscopy, remaining the reference method, with molecular methods to avoid misdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14, 43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Piccolo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Sabina Rossi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Loretana Dell'Anna
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Valeria De Remigis
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
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Calderaro A, Buttrini M, Montecchini S, Rossi S, Piccolo G, Arcangeletti MC, Medici MC, Chezzi C, De Conto F. MALDI-TOF MS as a new tool for the identification of Dientamoeba fragilis. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:11. [PMID: 29301570 PMCID: PMC5755284 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2597-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study for the first time, a Dientamoeba fragilis protein profile by MALDI-TOF MS was created in order to identify specific markers for the application of this technology in the laboratory diagnosis of dientamoebiasis. In particular, one D. fragilis reference strain was used to create a reference spectrum and 14 clinical isolates to verify the reliability of the obtained results. RESULTS While 15 peaks were found to be discriminating between the reference strain and the culture medium used, six peaks, observed in all the 14 strains tested, were considered as markers able to identify D. fragilis. CONCLUSIONS In our hands, MALDI-TOF MS technology was demonstrated as a useful tool to be used in association with or in replacement of the real-time PCR assay for the identification of D. fragilis used in our laboratory on xenic cultures, due to its accuracy, rapidity and low cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sabina Rossi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanna Piccolo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Medici MC, Tummolo F, Martella V, De Conto F, Arcangeletti MC, Pinardi F, Ferraglia F, Chezzi C, Calderaro A. Emergence of novel recombinant GII.P16_GII.2 and GII. P16_GII.4 Sydney 2012 norovirus strains in Italy, winter 2016/2017. New Microbiol 2018; 41:71-72. [PMID: 29505067] [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: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In the winter season 2014/15, the GII.P17_GII.17 norovirus strain Kawasaki 2014 emerged in Italy, cocirculating with pandemic GII.4 strains. In March 2016, molecular investigation identified novel GII.P16 recombinant noroviruses in children with gastroenteritis in Italy. In 43.10% of the genotyped noroviruses GII.P16 strains were identified: 12 were characterized as GII.2 and 13 as GII.4 Sydney 2012 capsid genotypes. The GII.P16 genotype became predominant in January- February 2017 along with an increase in norovirus activity. The capsid gene was characterized as GII.2 or GII.4 Sydney 2012 variant. The emergence of two different recombinant GII.P16 viruses, of which one harboring a pandemic GII.4 capsid sequence, suggests the potential for a future pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabio Tummolo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University Aldo Moro of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Federica Pinardi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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De Conto F, Fazzi A, Razin SV, Arcangeletti MC, Medici MC, Belletti S, Chezzi C, Calderaro A. Mammalian Diaphanous-related formin-1 restricts early phases of influenza A/NWS/33 virus (H1N1) infection in LLC-MK2 cells by affecting cytoskeleton dynamics. Mol Cell Biochem 2017; 437:185-201. [PMID: 28744815 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-017-3107-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Viruses depend on cellular machinery to efficiently replicate. The host cytoskeleton is one of the first cellular systems hijacked by viruses in order to ensure their intracellular transport and promote the development of infection. Our previous results demonstrated that stable microfilaments and microtubules interfered with human influenza A/NWS/33 virus (H1N1) infection in semi-permissive LLC-MK2 cells. Although formins play a key role in cytoskeletal remodelling, few studies addressed a possible role of these proteins in development of viral infection. Here, we have demonstrated that mammalian Diaphanous-related formin-1 (mDia1) is involved in the control of cytoskeleton dynamics during human influenza A virus infection. First, by employing cytoskeleton-perturbing drugs, we evidenced a cross-talk occurring between microtubules and microfilaments that also has implications on the intracellular localization of mDia1. In influenza A/NWS/33 virus-infected LLC-MK2 cells, mDia1 showed a highly dynamic intracellular localization and partially co-localized with actin and tubulin. A depletion of mDia1 by RNA-mediated RNA interference was found to improve the outcome of influenza A/NWS/33 virus infection and to increase the dynamics of microfilament and microtubule networks in LLC-MK2 cells. Consistent with these findings, observations made in epithelial respiratory cells from paediatric patients with acute respiratory disease assessed that the expression of mDia1 is stimulated by influenza A virus but not by respiratory syncytial virus. Taken together, the obtained results suggest that mDia1 restricts the initiation of influenza A/NWS/33 virus infection in LLC-MK2 cells by counteracting cytoskeletal dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora De Conto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Fazzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sergey V Razin
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences and Lomonosow Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Silvana Belletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Calderaro A, Arcangeletti MC, Rodighiero I, Buttrini M, Montecchini S, Vasile Simone R, Medici MC, Chezzi C, De Conto F. Identification of different respiratory viruses, after a cell culture step, by matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Sci Rep 2016; 6:36082. [PMID: 27786297 PMCID: PMC5081539 DOI: 10.1038/srep36082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), a reliable identification method for the diagnosis of bacterial and fungal infections, is presented as an innovative tool to investigate the protein profile of cell cultures infected by the most common viruses causing respiratory tract infections in humans. MALDI-TOF MS was applied to the identification of influenza A and B viruses, adenovirus C species, parainfluenza virus types 1, 2 and 3, respiratory syncytial virus, echovirus, cytomegalovirus and metapneumovirus. In this study MALDI-TOF MS was proposed as a model to be applied to the identification of cultivable respiratory viruses using cell culture as a viral proteins enrichment method to the proteome profiling of virus infected and uninfected cell cultures. The reference virus strains and 58 viruses identified from respiratory samples of subjects with respiratory diseases positive for one of the above mentioned viral agents by cell culture were used for the in vitro infection of suitable cell cultures. The isolated viral particles, concentrated by ultracentrifugation, were used for subsequent protein extraction and their spectra profiles were generated by MALDI-TOF MS analysis. The newly created library allowed us to discriminate between uninfected and respiratory virus infected cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine – Unit of Microbiology and Virology - University of Parma – Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Arcangeletti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine – Unit of Microbiology and Virology - University of Parma – Parma, Italy
| | - Isabella Rodighiero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine – Unit of Microbiology and Virology - University of Parma – Parma, Italy
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine – Unit of Microbiology and Virology - University of Parma – Parma, Italy
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine – Unit of Microbiology and Virology - University of Parma – Parma, Italy
| | - Rosita Vasile Simone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine – Unit of Microbiology and Virology - University of Parma – Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Medici
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine – Unit of Microbiology and Virology - University of Parma – Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine – Unit of Microbiology and Virology - University of Parma – Parma, Italy
| | - Flora De Conto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine – Unit of Microbiology and Virology - University of Parma – Parma, Italy
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Medici MC, Tummolo F, Arcangeletti MC, De Conto F, Chezzi C, Dodi I, Calderaro A. A cluster of Enterovirus 71 subgenogroup C2 in a nursery school, Italy, 2014. New Microbiol 2016; 39:295-298. [PMID: 27455182] [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: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
During October 2014, enterovirus (EV) RNA was detected in the stools of four children attending the same class in a nursery school, and hospitalized with mild febrile and vomiting disease in Parma, Italy. Upon sequencing, the viruses were characterized as EV71 subgenogroup C2. Phylogenetic analysis of the four EV71 C2 viruses allowed the distinction of a diverging lineage within subgenogroup C2, containing the Italian EV71 C2 strains and viruses detected in France in 2013. The identification of an outbreak of EV71 C2 in Italy extended information on the geographic diffusion and clinical relevance of these viruses in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Medici
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Fabio Tummolo
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Arcangeletti
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Flora De Conto
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Icilio Dodi
- Paediatric Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Adriana Calderaro
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Calderaro A, Piergianni M, Montecchini S, Buttrini M, Piccolo G, Rossi S, Arcangeletti MC, Medici MC, Chezzi C, De Conto F. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry as a potential tool for Trichomonas vaginalis identification. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:261. [PMID: 27282151 PMCID: PMC4901424 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1594-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 09/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan causing trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted human infection, with around 276.4 million new cases estimated by World Health Organization. Culture is the gold standard method for the diagnosis of T. vaginalis infection. Recently, immunochromatographic assays as well as PCR assays for the detection of T. vaginalis antigen or DNA, respectively, have been also available. Although the well-known genome sequence of T. vaginalis has made possible the application of proteomic studies, few data are available about the overall proteomic expression profiling of T. vaginalis. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential application of MALDI-TOF MS as a new tool for the identification of T. vaginalis. Methods Twenty-one isolates were analysed by MALDI-TOF MS after the creation of a Main Spectrum Profile (MSP) from a T. vaginalis reference strain (G3) and its subsequent supplementation in the Bruker Daltonics database, not including any profile of protozoa. This was achieved after the development of a new identification method created by modifying the range setting (6–10 kDa) for the MALDI-TOF MS analysis in order to exclude the overlapping of peaks derived from the culture media used in this study. Results Two MSP reference spectra were created in 2 different range: 3–15 kDa (standard range setting) and 6–10 kDa (new range setting). Both MSP spectra were deposited in the MALDI BioTyper database for further identification of additional T. vaginalis strains. All the 21 strains analysed in this study were correctly identified by using the new identification method. Conclusions In this study it was demonstrated that changes in the MALDI-TOF MS standard parameters usually used to identify bacteria and fungi allowed the identification of the protozoan T. vaginalis. This study shows the usefulness of MALDI-TOF MS in the reliable identification of microorganism grown on complex liquid media such as the protozoan T. vaginalis, on the basis of the proteic profile and not on the basis of single markers, by using a “new range setting” different from that developed for bacteria and fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14-43126, Parma, Italy.
| | - Maddalena Piergianni
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14-43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14-43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14-43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanna Piccolo
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14-43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Sabina Rossi
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14-43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Arcangeletti
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14-43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Medici
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14-43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14-43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Flora De Conto
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci, 14-43126, Parma, Italy
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Medici MC, Tummolo F, Martella V, Arcangeletti MC, De Conto F, Chezzi C, Magrì A, Fehér E, Marton S, Calderaro A, Bányai K. Whole genome sequencing reveals genetic heterogeneity of G3P[8] rotaviruses circulating in Italy. Infection, Genetics and Evolution 2016; 40:253-261. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2016.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Medici MC, Tummolo F, Martella V, Arcangeletti MC, De Conto F, Chezzi C, Fehér E, Marton S, Calderaro A, Bányai K. Analysis of the full genome of human group C rotaviruses reveals lineage diversification and reassortment. J Gen Virol 2016; 97:1888-1898. [PMID: 27154899 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Group C rotaviruses (RVC) are enteric pathogens of humans and animals. Whole-genome sequences are available only for few RVCs, leaving gaps in our knowledge about their genetic diversity. We determined the full-length genome sequence of two human RVCs (PR2593/2004 and PR713/2012), detected in Italy from hospital-based surveillance for rotavirus infection in 2004 and 2012. In the 11 RNA genomic segments, the two Italian RVCs segregated within separate intra-genotypic lineages showed variation ranging from 1.9 % (VP6) to 15.9 % (VP3) at the nucleotide level. Comprehensive analysis of human RVC sequences available in the databases allowed us to reveal the existence of at least two major genome configurations, defined as type I and type II. Human RVCs of type I were all associated with the M3 VP3 genotype, including the Italian strain PR2593/2004. Conversely, human RVCs of type II were all associated with the M2 VP3 genotype, including the Italian strain PR713/2012. Reassortant RVC strains between these major genome configurations were identified. Although only a few full-genome sequences of human RVCs, mostly of Asian origin, are available, the analysis of human RVC sequences retrieved from the databases indicates that at least two intra-genotypic RVC lineages circulate in European countries. Gathering more sequence data is necessary to develop a standardized genotype and intra-genotypic lineage classification system useful for epidemiological investigations and avoiding confusion in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Medici
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Fabio Tummolo
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University Aldo Moro of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Arcangeletti
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Flora De Conto
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Enikő Fehér
- Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Marton
- Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adriana Calderaro
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Krisztián Bányai
- Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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Calderaro A, Piergianni M, Piccolo G, Rossi S, Montecchini S, Buttrini M, Arcangeletti MC, Medici MC, Chezzi C, De Conto F. Diagnostic performances of antigen detection compared to conventional and nucleic acid detection of Entamoeba histolytica in a non-endemic setting. New Microbiol 2016; 39:153-155. [PMID: 27196557] [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: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the immunochromatographic (IC) assay "TECHLAB(®) E. HISTOLYTICA QUIK CHEK™" analysing 36 faecal samples and 7 cultured strains. This assay was compared to the methods performed in our laboratory for the diagnosis of amoebiasis. The IC assay revealed a detection limit of 103 trophozoites/g faeces and no cross-reactivity with other parasites and failed to detect E. histolytica antigen in frozen faeces. In our laboratory located in a non-endemic setting this assay could not replace the methods currently used for the diagnosis of amoebiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maddalena Piergianni
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanna Piccolo
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sabina Rossi
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Arcangeletti
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Medici
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Flora De Conto
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Medici MC, Tummolo F, Calderaro A, Chironna M, Giammanco GM, De Grazia S, Arcangeletti MC, De Conto F, Chezzi C, Martella V. Identification of the novel Kawasaki 2014 GII.17 human norovirus strain in Italy, 2015. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 20:30010. [PMID: 26530698 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2015.20.35.30010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Surveillance of noroviruses in Italy identified the novel GII.17 human norovirus strain, Kawasaki 2014, in February 2015. This novel strain emerged as a major cause of gastroenteritis in Asia during 2014/15, replacing the pandemic GII.4 norovirus strain Sydney 2012, but being reported only sporadically elsewhere. This novel strain is undergoing fast diversification and continuous monitoring is important to understand the evolution of noroviruses and to implement the future strategies on norovirus vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Medici
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Medici MC, Chezzi C, De Conto F, Ferraglia F, Pinardi F, Arcangeletti MC, Bernasconi D, Galli C, Calderaro A. Evolving strategy for HCV testing in an Italian tertiary care hospital. J Clin Virol 2016; 77:92-8. [PMID: 26921741 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2016.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnostic tests for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection should be adapted according to the clinical status of the patient. OBJECTIVES We exploited the application of different HCV diagnostic algorithms in a tertiary care hospital practice. STUDY DESIGN The laboratory clinical reports to the medical orders for HCV testing during three years were clustered by different combinations of assays for anti-HCV antibodies (HCV Ab) (screening and confirmatory), HCV nucleic acid (HCV-RNA), HCV core antigen (HCV Ag). The latter was the first-line assay in acute HCV infections requiring a rapid assessment of the infectious state. RESULTS The majority (91.9%) of the 2726 subjects whose samples were analyzed were inpatients. Most of the patients/subjects were tested for clinical suspicion of viral hepatitis (49.2%), or occupational accident to health care professionals (20.0%). On 66% of samples HCV Ag test alone was performed and resulted positive in 116 cases (6%), while it was detected in 50.3% of anti-HCV positive samples. The agreement between HCV Ag and HCV-RNA was very high (k=0.97); HCV Ag positivity rates increased according to the signal of the HCV Ab screening test. CONCLUSIONS The use of different testing strategies according to the patients' history and clinical status allowed a significant reduction of the number of tests performed and the time needed to provide a diagnostic response useful for patients' management without compromising the overall diagnostic accuracy for HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Medici
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Flora De Conto
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Ferraglia
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Pinardi
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Arcangeletti
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Adriana Calderaro
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
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Calderaro A, Martinelli M, Montecchini S, Motta F, Covan S, Larini S, Medici MC, Arcangeletti MC, Chezzi C, De Conto F. Higher recovery rate of microorganisms from cerebrospinal fluid samples by the BACTEC culture system in comparison with agar culture. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2015; 84:281-6. [PMID: 26867963 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2015.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of the BACTEC FX blood culture (BC) system as compared to the agar culture (AC) of cerebrospinal fluid samples (CSF), evaluating the recovery rate and the time to detection of microorganisms in a 3.5-year period. From December 2011 to May 2015, 1326 CSF samples (694 patients) were submitted to both AC and BC. Among the 150 positive samples (96 patients), 165 microorganisms were detected: 81 by both the protocols, 77 by BC alone, and 7 by AC alone, demonstrating a higher detection rate of BC (95.8%) than AC (53.3%). Although BC presents some disadvantages, it is able to improve the yield of clinically significant microorganisms, and it could potentially reduce the reporting time as compared to AC. The results obtained highlighted the necessity of a combined approach for the successful detection of central nervous system microbial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy.
| | - Monica Martinelli
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Motta
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Silvia Covan
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Sandra Larini
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Medici
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Arcangeletti
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Flora De Conto
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A. Gramsci 14, 43126 Parma, Italy
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Calderaro A, Piergianni M, Buttrini M, Montecchini S, Piccolo G, Gorrini C, Rossi S, Chezzi C, Arcangeletti MC, Medici MC, De Conto F. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for the detection and differentiation of Entamoeba histolytica and Entamoeba dispar. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122448. [PMID: 25874612 PMCID: PMC4398369 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Detection of Entamoeba histolytica and its differentiation from Entamoeba dispar is an important goal of the clinical parasitology laboratory. The aim of this study was the identification and differentiation of E. histolytica and E. dispar by MALDI-TOF MS, in order to evaluate the application of this technique in routine diagnostic practice. MALDI-TOF MS was applied to 3 amebic reference strains and to 14 strains isolated from feces that had been differentiated by molecular methods in our laboratory. Protein extracts from cultures of these strains (axenic cultures for the 3 reference strains and monoxenic cultures for the 14 field isolates) were analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS and the spectra obtained were analyzed by statistical software. Five peaks discriminating between E. histolytica and E. dispar reference strains were found by protein profile analysis: 2 peaks (8,246 and 8,303 Da) specific for E. histolytica and 3 (4,714; 5,541; 8,207 Da) for E. dispar. All clinical isolates except one showed the discriminating peaks expected for the appropriate species. For 2 fecal samples from which 2 strains (1 E. histolytica and 1 E. dispar) out of the 14 included in this study were isolated, the same discriminating peaks found in the corresponding isolated amebic strains were detected after only 12h (E. histolytica) and 24h (E. dispar) of incubation of the fecal samples in Robinson’s medium without serum. Our study shows that MALDI-TOF MS can be used to discriminate between E. histolytica and E. dispar using in vitro xenic cultures and it also could have potential for the detection of these species in clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Maddalena Piergianni
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanna Piccolo
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Gorrini
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sabina Rossi
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Arcangeletti
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Medici
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Flora De Conto
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Medici MC, Tummolo F, Martella V, Banyai K, Bonerba E, Chezzi C, Arcangeletti MC, De Conto F, Calderaro A. Genetic heterogeneity and recombination in type-3 human astroviruses. Infect Genet Evol 2015; 32:156-60. [PMID: 25784567 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Human astroviruses (HAstVs) are important enteric pathogens and can be classified genetically and antigenically into eight types. During molecular surveillance for HAstVs in Italy, sequence analysis of the diagnostic region C (about 400 nucleotide in length), located on the capsid (ORF2) gene, identified a novel type-3 strain. Upon sequencing of the full-length ORF2, the type-3 HAstV strain was characterized as a novel ORF2 genetic lineage, designated as 3c. By converse, in the ORF1b the virus was more similar to type-1 HAstVs, rather than to type-3 strains, suggesting a recombination nature, with the crossover site being mapped to the ORF1b/ORF2 junction region. Region C sequences of similar type-3 HAstV identified from European and extra-European countries were retrieved in the databases, suggesting the global distribution of this novel type-3 lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Medici
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Fabio Tummolo
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University Aldo Moro of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Krisztián Banyai
- Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Centre for Agricultural Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Elisabetta Bonerba
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University Aldo Moro of Bari, Valenzano, Italy
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Arcangeletti
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Flora De Conto
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Adriana Calderaro
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Conto FD, Chezzi C, Fazzi A, Razin SV, Arcangeletti MC, Medici MC, Gatti R, Calderaro A. Proteasomes raise the microtubule dynamics in influenza A (H1N1) virus-infected LLC-MK2 cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 20:840-66. [DOI: 10.1515/cmble-2015-0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe dynamics of microtubule networks are known to have an impact on replication of influenza A virus in some cellular models. Here we present evidence suggesting that at late stages of LLC-MK2 cell infection by influenza A (H1N1) virus the ubiquitin-proteasome protein degradation system participates in destabilization of microtubules, and favours virus replication. Chemical inhibition of proteasome activity partially suppresses influenza A virus replication, while stimulation of proteasome activity favours influenza A virus replication. Conversely, in another cellular model, A549 cells, inhibitors and activators of proteasomes have a small effect on influenza A virus replication. These data suggest that influenza A virus might take selective advantage of proteasome functions in order to set up a favourable cytoskeletal “environment” for its replication and spread. Furthermore, the relationship between influenza virus and the host cell is likely to depend on both the cellular model and the virus strain.
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Medici MC, Tummolo F, Calderaro A, Elia G, Banyai K, De Conto F, Arcangeletti MC, Chezzi C, Buonavoglia C, Martella V. MLB1 astrovirus in children with gastroenteritis, Italy. Emerg Infect Dis 2014; 20:169-70. [PMID: 24377948 PMCID: PMC3884735 DOI: 10.3201/eid2001.131259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
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Calderaro A, Piccolo G, Gorrini C, Montecchini S, Buttrini M, Rossi S, Piergianni M, De Conto F, Arcangeletti MC, Chezzi C, Medici MC. Leptospira species and serovars identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry after database implementation. BMC Res Notes 2014; 7:330. [PMID: 24890024 PMCID: PMC4048046 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-7-330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 05/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leptospirosis, a spirochaetal zoonotic disease of worldwide distribution, endemic in Europe, has been recognized as an important emerging infectious disease, though yet it is mostly a neglected disease which imparts its greatest burden on impoverished populations from developing countries. Leptospirosis is caused by the infection with any of the more than 230 serovars of pathogenic Leptospira sp. In this study we aimed to implement the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) database currently available in our laboratory with Leptospira reference pathogenic (L. interrogans, L. borgpetersenii, L. kirschneri, L. noguchii), intermediate (L. fainei) and saprophytic (L. biflexa) strains of our collection in order to evaluate its possible application to the diagnosis of leptospirosis and to the typing of strains. This was done with the goal of understanding whether this methodology could be used as a tool for the identification of Leptospira strains, not only at species level for diagnostic purposes, but also at serovar level for epidemiological purposes, overcoming the limits of serological and molecular conventional methods. Twenty Leptospira reference strains were analysed by MALDI-TOF MS. Statistical analysis of the protein spectra was performed by ClinProTools software. Results The spectra obtained by the analysis of the reference strains tested were grouped into 6 main classes corresponding to the species analysed, highlighting species-specific protein profiles. Moreover, the statistical analysis of the spectra identified discriminatory peaks to recognize Leptospira strains also at serovar level extending previously published data. Conclusions In conclusion, we confirmed that MALDI-TOF MS could be a powerful tool for research and diagnostic in the field of leptospirosis with broad applications ranging from the detection and identification of pathogenic leptospires for diagnostic purposes to the typing of pathogenic and non-pathogenic leptospires for epidemiological purposes in order to enrich our knowledge about the epidemiology of the infection in different areas and generate control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Viale A, Gramsci, 14-43126 Parma, Italy.
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Calderaro A, Gorrini C, Piccolo G, Montecchini S, Buttrini M, Rossi S, Piergianni M, Arcangeletti MC, De Conto F, Chezzi C, Medici MC. Identification of Borrelia species after creation of an in-house MALDI-TOF MS database. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88895. [PMID: 24533160 PMCID: PMC3923052 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Lyme borreliosis (LB) is a multisystemic disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (sl) complex transmitted to humans by Ixodes ticks. B. burgdorferi sl complex, currently comprising at least 19 genospecies, includes the main pathogenic species responsible for human disease in Europe: B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (ss), B. afzelii, and B. garinii. In this study, for the first time, MALDI-TOF MS was applied to Borrelia spp., supplementing the existing database, limited to the species B. burgdorferi ss, B.spielmanii and B. garinii, with the species B. afzelii, in order to enable the identification of all the species potentially implicated in LB in Europe. Moreover, we supplemented the database also with B. hermsii, which is the primary cause of tick-borne relapsing fever in western North America, B. japonica, circulating in Asia, and another reference strain of B. burgdorferi ss (B31 strain). The dendrogram obtained by analyzing the protein profiles of the different Borrelia species reflected Borrelia taxonomy, showing that all the species included in the Borrelia sl complex clustered in a unique branch, while Borrelia hermsii clustered separately. In conclusion, in this study MALDI-TOF MS proved a useful tool suitable for identification of Borrelia spp. both for diagnostic purpose and epidemiological surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Chiara Gorrini
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanna Piccolo
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sara Montecchini
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Mirko Buttrini
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Sabina Rossi
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maddalena Piergianni
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Arcangeletti
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Flora De Conto
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Chezzi
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Medici
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Calderaro A, Martinelli M, Motta F, Larini S, Arcangeletti MC, Medici MC, Chezzi C, De Conto F. Comparison of peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization assays with culture-based matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry for the identification of bacteria and yeasts from blood cultures and cerebrospinal fluid cultures. Clin Microbiol Infect 2014; 20:O468-75. [PMID: 24304149 DOI: 10.1111/1469-0691.12490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Revised: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 11/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA FISH) is a molecular diagnostic tool for the rapid detection of pathogens directly from liquid media. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate PNA FISH assays in comparison with culture-based matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) identification, as a reference method, for both blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures, during a 1-year investigation. On the basis of the Gram stain microscopy results, four different PNA FISH commercially available assays were used ('Staphylococcus aureus/CNS', 'Enterococcus faecalis/OE', 'GNR Traffic Light' and 'Yeasts Traffic Light' PNA FISH assays, AdvanDx). The four PNA FISH assays were applied to 956 positive blood cultures (921 for bacteria and 35 for yeasts) and 11 CSF cultures. Among the 921 blood samples positive for bacteria, PNA FISH gave concordant results with MALDI-TOF MS in 908/921 (98.64%) samples, showing an agreement of 99.4% in the case of monomicrobial infections. As regards yeasts, the PNA FISH assay showed a 100% agreement with the result obtained by MALDI-TOF MS. When PNA FISH assays were tested on the 11 CSF cultures, the results agreed with the reference method in all cases (100%). PNA FISH assays provided species identification at least one work-day before the MALDI-TOF MS culture-based identification. PNA FISH assays showed an excellent efficacy in the prompt identification of main pathogens, yielding a significant reduction in reporting time and leading to more appropriate patient management and therapy in cases of sepsis and severe infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Calderaro
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Calderaro A, Motta F, Larini S, Gorrini C, Martinelli M, Piscopo G, Benecchi M, Arcangeletti MC, Medici MC, De Conto F, Montecchini S, Neri A, Scaroni P, Gandolfi S, Chezzi C. Two rare cases of Acremonium acute endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in a tertiary care hospital. New Microbiol 2013; 36:427-431. [PMID: 24177307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This report describes two cases of Acremonium sp. endophthalmitis, occurring in two patients who underwent cataract surgery on the same day in the same operating room of our hospital ophthalmology clinic. Diagnosis of fungal endophthalmitis was established by the repeated isolation of the same fungal agent from vitreous washing, acqueous fluid and intraocular lens samples and by its identification on the basis of morphological and molecular features. The cases reported in this study emphasize the need for clinical microbiology laboratories to be prepared to face the diagnosis of uncommon infectious diseases such as exogenous fungal endophthalmitis by Acremonium, and to enhance the awareness of surgeons and clinicians of this occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Microbiology and Virology, University of Parma, Italy
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Calderaro A, Piccolo G, Gorrini C, Rossi S, Montecchini S, Dell'Anna ML, De Conto F, Medici MC, Chezzi C, Arcangeletti MC. Accurate identification of the six human Plasmodium spp. causing imported malaria, including Plasmodium ovale wallikeri and Plasmodium knowlesi. Malar J 2013; 12:321. [PMID: 24034175 PMCID: PMC3847200 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-12-321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accurate identification of Plasmodium infections in non-endemic countries is of critical importance with regard to the administration of a targeted therapy having a positive impact on patient health and management and allowing the prevention of the risk of re-introduction of endemic malaria in such countries. Malaria is no longer endemic in Italy where it is the most commonly imported disease, with one of the highest rates of imported malaria among European non-endemic countries including France, the UK and Germany, and with a prevalence of 24.3% at the University Hospital of Parma. Molecular methods showed high sensitivity and specificity and changed the epidemiology of imported malaria in several non-endemic countries, highlighted a higher prevalence of Plasmodium ovale, Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium malariae underestimated by microscopy and, not least, brought to light both the existence of two species of P. ovale (Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri) and the infection in humans by Plasmodium knowlesi, otherwise not detectable by microscopy. Methods In this retrospective study an evaluation of two real-time PCR assays able to identify P. ovale wallikeri, distinguishing it from P. ovale curtisi, and to detect P. knowlesi, respectively, was performed applying them on a subset of 398 blood samples belonging to patients with the clinical suspicion of malaria. Results These assays revealed an excellent analytical sensitivity and no cross-reactivity versus other Plasmodium spp. infecting humans, suggesting their usefulness for an accurate and complete diagnosis of imported malaria. Among the 128 patients with malaria, eight P. ovale curtisi and four P. ovale wallikeri infections were detected, while no cases of P. knowlesi infection were observed. Discussion and conclusions Real-time PCR assays specific for P. ovale wallikeri and P. knowlesi were included in the panel currently used in the University Hospital of Parma for the diagnosis of imported malaria, accomplishing the goal of adhering to the recommendations of the World Health Organization to countries that are malaria-free to include the improvement of the early diagnosis of all cases of imported malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Unit of Microbiology and Virology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Viale A, Gramsci 14, Parma, Italy.
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Calderaro A, Buttrini M, Martinelli M, Gorrini C, Montecchini S, Medici MC, Arcangeletti MC, De Conto F, Covan S, Chezzi C. Comparative analysis of different methods to detect Clostridium difficile infection. New Microbiol 2013; 36:57-63. [PMID: 23435816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/09/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The increased incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile infection, particularly in North America and Europe, have brought renewed focus on the most appropriate method to detect C. difficile and/or its toxins in stools. This prospective study evaluated the usefulness of the Illumigene TM C. difficile assay in diagnostic practice for the detection of toxigenic C. difficile DNA in clinical samples. A total of 88 out of 306 stool samples analysed were positive both by Illumigene and the combination of toxigenic C. difficile culture (TC) and immunochromatographic assay (IC) with a concordance of 100%. Of the 218 samples negative by the combination of TC and IC, 204 were negative also by Illumigene with a concordance of 93.57%. In our experience, compared to conventional assays Illumigene assay proved to be easy to perform, accurate and prompt giving results within 1 hour at a cost of 28 euro per sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Calderaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Parma, Italy.
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De Conto F, Di Lonardo E, Arcangeletti MC, Chezzi C, Medici MC, Calderaro A. Highly dynamic microtubules improve the effectiveness of early stages of human influenza A/NWS/33 virus infection in LLC-MK2 cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41207. [PMID: 22911759 PMCID: PMC3401105 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 03/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to investigate the role of microtubule dynamics in the initiation of NWS/33 human influenza A (NWS) virus infection in MDCK and LLC-MK2 mammalian kidney cells. We previously demonstrated a host-dependent role of the actin cytoskeleton in inducing restriction during the early phases of NWS infection. Furthermore, we showed the differential infectious entry of NWS virus in the above mentioned cell models. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS By first employing a panel of microtubule-modulators, we evidenced that microtubule-stabilization negatively interferes with NWS replication in LLC-MK2 but not in MDCK cells. Conversely, microtubule-depolymerization improves NWS growth in LLC-MK2 but not in the MDCK model. By using immunofluorescence labelling and Western blotting analyses upon NWS infection in mammalian kidney cells, it was observed that the occurrence of alpha-tubulin hyperacetylation--a post-translational modified form suggestive of stable microtubules--was significantly delayed in LLC-MK2 when compared to MDCK cells. Furthermore, mock-infected LLC-MK2 cells were shown to have higher levels of both acetylated alpha-tubulin and microtubule-associated protein 4 (MAP4), the latter being essential for the maintenance of normal microtubule polymer levels in interphase epithelial cells. Finally, to obtain highly dynamic microtubules in LLC-MK2 cells, we knocked down the expression of MAP4 by using a RNA-mediated RNA interference approach. The results evidenced that MAP4 silencing improves NWS growth in LLC-MK2 cells. CONCLUSION By evidencing the cell type-dependent regulatory role of microtubule dynamics on NWS replication in mammalian kidney cells, we demonstrated that microtubule-stabilization represents a restriction factor for the initiation of NWS infection in LLC-MK2 but not in MDCK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora De Conto
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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Arcangeletti MC, Motta F, Rodighiero I, Germini D, Dettori G, Chezzi C. Distribution of human Cytomegalovirus gB genotypes in samples from pediatric patients in Parma during the period 1995-2003. Microbiol Med 2011. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2011.2388] [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: 11/23/2022] Open
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De Conto F, Covan S, Arcangeletti MC, Orlandini G, Gatti R, Dettori G, Chezzi C. Differential infectious entry of human influenza A/NWS/33 virus (H1N1) in mammalian kidney cells. Virus Res 2010; 155:221-30. [PMID: 20951747 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2010.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2010] [Revised: 10/07/2010] [Accepted: 10/07/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In this report we focused our interest on the early events of the replication cycle of NWS/33 human influenza A (NWS) virus in MDCK (canine), LLC-MK2 (simian), and NSK (swine) kidney cells, with different susceptibility upon infection. We have previously demonstrated that actin organization induces restriction to viral replication during the early stages of NWS virus infection in simian kidney cells. To explore how cell endocytic mechanisms are hijacked by NWS virus and may modulate the outcome of viral infection, the effect of drugs affecting selectively the entry via clathrin-coated pits, caveolar/raft-dependent endocytosis and macropinocytosis was analyzed. Results point to critical differences in terms of internalization pathways exploited by NWS virus to enter the examined cell models. Moreover, we show that some ways of entry do not allow an effective virus internalization, depending on the cell type. Understanding how specific cell functions/components may regulate early phases of viral replication allows us to deepen our knowledge on influenza virus infection and provides new insights for anti-viral researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora De Conto
- Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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Arcangeletti MC, Preti S, Esteban MDP, Djouvoup EM, Albonetti V, Dettori G, Chezzi C. Comparison of methods for laboratory diagnosis of respiratory syncytial virus. Microbiol Med 2010. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2010.2417] [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: 11/23/2022] Open
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Arcangeletti MC, Preti S, Esteban MDP, Albonetti V, Djouvoup EM, Dettori G, Chezzi C. Evaluation of a new commercial assay for the detection of Rotavirus in stool samples. Microbiol Med 2010. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2010.2469] [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: 11/23/2022] Open
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Arcangeletti MC, Medici MC, Esteban MDP, Preti S, Albonetti V, Djouvoup EM, Dettori G, Chezzi C. Evaluation of a new commercial assay for the detection of norovirus in stool samples. Microbiol Med 2010. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2010.2491] [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: 11/23/2022] Open
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Rossi GA, Medici MC, Arcangeletti MC, Lanari M, Merolla R, Paparatti UDL, Silvestri M, Pistorio A, Chezzi C. Risk factors for severe RSV-induced lower respiratory tract infection over four consecutive epidemics. Eur J Pediatr 2007; 166:1267-72. [PMID: 17308898 PMCID: PMC2042510 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-007-0418-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2006] [Revised: 12/14/2006] [Accepted: 12/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Variability in severity among different respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasons may influence hospital admission rates for RSV-induced lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in young children. The aim of the present study was to identify through logistic regression analysis, risk factors associated with higher likelihood to acquire RSV-induced LRTI, in children with symptoms severe enough to lead to hospital admission. Over four consecutive RSV seasons (2000-2004), records from children <4 years of age admitted for RSV-induced LRTI ("cases") were compared with those from children with LRTI not due to RSV and not requiring hospitalization ("controls"). 145 "case-patients" and 295 "control-patients" were evaluated. Independent from the severity of the four epidemic seasons, seven predictors for hospitalization for RSV infection were found in the bivariate analysis: number of children in the family, chronological age at the onset of RSV season, birth weight and gestational age, birth order, daycare attendance, previous RSV infections. In the logistic regression analysis, only three predictors were detected: chronological age at the beginning of RSV season [aOR =8.46; 95% CI:3.09-23.18]; birth weight category [aOR =7.70; 95% CI:1.29-45.91]; birth order (aOR =1.92; 95% CI:1.21-3.06). CONCLUSIONS Independent from the RSV seasonality, specific host/environmental factors can be used to identify children at greatest risk for hospitalization for RSV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni A Rossi
- Pulmonary Disease Unit, G. Gaslini Institute, 16147 Genoa, Italy.
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Martinelli M, Medici MC, Calderaro A, Arcangeletti MC, Morelli A, Abelli LA, Portincasa P, Larini S, De Conto F, Pinardi F, Esteban M, Somenzi P, Preti S, Casula F, Dettori G, Chezzi C. EPISODIO EPIDEMICO DI GASTROENTERITE DA NOROVIRUS DI SOSPETTA ORIGINE ALIMENTARE IN UNA CASA DI RIPOSO. Microbiol Med 2007. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2007.2809] [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: 11/22/2022] Open
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Ioudinkova E, Arcangeletti MC, Rynditch A, De Conto F, Motta F, Covan S, Pinardi F, Razin SV, Chezzi C. Control of human cytomegalovirus gene expression by differential histone modifications during lytic and latent infection of a monocytic cell line. Gene 2006; 384:120-8. [PMID: 16989963 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2006.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2006] [Revised: 06/23/2006] [Accepted: 07/04/2006] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Non-differentiated THP-1 cells can be infected by human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) Towne strain, which persists in these cells in a non-active (latent) form without undergoing a productive cycle. The same cells become permissive for HCMV lytic infection after induction of cell differentiation by treatment with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. We used this cellular model to study the possible role of histone modifications in the control of HCMV latency. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation with antibodies against histone H3 acetylated or dimethylated in position K9, we demonstrated that in lytically infected cells the HCMV enhancer was associated with heavy acetylated but not dimethylated H3. In the case of latent infection, the HCMV enhancer was associated with neither acetylated nor dimethylated H3. HCMV genes encoding DNA polymerase (early), pp65 (early-late) and pp150 (late) proteins were associated preferentially with acetylated H3 in lytically infected cells and with dimethylated H3 in latently infected cells. These data strongly suggest that K9 methylation of H3 is involved in HCMV gene repression, while association of the above genes with acetylated histones is likely to be necessary for active transcription. It can be postulated that the same histone modifications are used to mark active and repressed genes in both cellular and viral chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ioudinkova
- Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Viale Antonio Gramsci, 14, 43100 Parma, Italy
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Medici MC, Arcangeletti MC, Rossi GA, Lanari M, Merolla R, Paparatti UDL, Chezzi C. Four year incidence of respiratory syncytial virus infection in infants and young children referred to emergency departments for lower respiratory tract diseases in Italy: the "Osservatorio VRS" Study (2000-2004). New Microbiol 2006; 29:35-43. [PMID: 16608123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a frequent cause of hospital admission in young children and high risk babies such as premature newborns, or babies with underlying cardiac or pulmonary disease, or immunodeficiency. Outbreaks occur most frequently in the cold season in areas with temperate and Mediterranean climates. Aim of the "Osservatorio VRS" Study was to describe the time-related pattern of RSV epidemics in Italy, across four consecutive epidemics, from 2000 to 2004. Nasal specimens for RSV detection were obtained and tested by an immunoenzymatic test. A total of 2110 children were tested for RSV determination, the rate of children with RSV infection was 21%, and that of children hospitalized for RSV disease was 49%. Considering the whole study period, the RSV epidemics started in October-November and ended in May, showing a peak incidence in February, with a median of 28.1% and a maximum of 48.9%. Analysis of monthly distribution of each year of the study showed a biennial trend for an earlier appearance. A different epidemiological pattern of the infection was observed among the three national areas. In conclusion, even though the mechanism governing RSV infection periodicity remains unknown, its awareness in the absence of an RSV surveillance system as in Italy, may be useful for scheduling RSV prophylaxis and for hospital resource management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Medici
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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Medici MC, Martinelli M, Abelli LA, Ruggeri FM, Di Bartolo I, Arcangeletti MC, Pinardi F, De Conto F, Izzi G, Bernasconi S, Chezzi C, Dettori G. Molecular epidemiology of norovirus infections in sporadic cases of viral gastroenteritis among children in Northern Italy. J Med Virol 2006; 78:1486-92. [PMID: 16998898 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.20723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Surveillance of norovirus infections in sporadic cases of pediatric gastroenteritis admitted to a main hospital in Northern Italy during a full-year period (2002) showed that noroviruses (10.4%) were the second most common causative viral agent, following rotaviruses (21.1%), and noroviruses (81%) were mostly implicated in mixed infections. The epidemic period of norovirus was September-December, with September and November as months of major prevalence (33.3 and 38.5%, respectively). Six distinct norovirus genotypes were detected (GI.7, GII.1, GII.2, GII.4, GII.7, GII, not assigned named GIIb), and the predominant genotype was GII.4. A "new GII.4 2002 variant" accounted for 82.9% of total strains. Since the severity of norovirus symptoms does not usually require admission to hospital, the burden of norovirus disease in the general children population may be much higher than that suggested by the present hospital-based investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Medici
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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Arcangeletti MC, De Conto F, Pinardi F, Medici MC, Valcavi P, Ferraglia F, Motta F, Covan S, Calderaro A, Chezzi C, Dettori G. Electron microscopy as a reliable tool for rapid and conventional detection of enteric viral agents: a five-year experience report. Acta Biomed 2005; 76:165-70. [PMID: 16676566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK Since the introduction of the electron microscope and its subsequent development, virology has made a great step forward by the improvement of the basic knowledge on viral structure, as well as by broad application of electron microscopy (EM) to viral diagnosis. In this report, we describe a five-year experience in the use of EM for the diagnosis of enteric viral infections. METHODS Three thousand four hundred and ninety stool specimens were analyzed at the Virology Unit (Section of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Italy) during a five-year period, from January 1999 to January 2004. The faecal extracts were subjected to EM after negative staining and were simultaneously cultured to evidence the presence of cytopathogenic agents. RESULTS EM directly applied to the above specimens allowed the detection of several enteric viral agents, particularly evidencing those normally hard to cultivate (thus easily lost with culture methods). It also enabled diagnosis of dual gut infections, such as those from rotavirus and calicivirus. On the other hand, EM-based identification of viral agents after cell culture and ultracentrifugation of cytopathogenic agent-containing cellular extracts, allowed the identification of cultivable agents, such as picornaviruses, which can escape the direct EM detection if low concentrated. CONCLUSIONS A rationalized use of EM on selected samples, such as stool, appears suitable in epidemiological or clinical conditions when a very rapid diagnosis is required to save time, including cases of suspected emerging viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Arcangeletti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Section of Microbiology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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Medici MC, Martinelli M, Ruggeri FM, Abelli LA, Bosco S, Arcangeletti MC, Pinardi F, De Conto F, Calderaro A, Chezzi C, Dettori G. Broadly reactive nested reverse transcription-PCR using an internal RNA standard control for detection of noroviruses in stool samples. J Clin Microbiol 2005; 43:3772-8. [PMID: 16081909 PMCID: PMC1233983 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.43.8.3772-3778.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed a nested reverse transcription-PCR (nRT-PCR) for the detection of noroviruses in stools, using random primers for RT, the JV12/JV13 primer pair in the first round of nPCR, and a set of nine inner primers for the second, comprising the reverse sequences of primers SR46, SR48, SR50, and SR52, and five novel oligonucleotide sequences (113-1, 113-2, 115-1, 115-2, and 115-3). The specificity of the nRT-PCR was confirmed by testing 61 stools containing enteric viruses other than noroviruses. In comparative assays on either stools or RNA dilutions from two genogroup I and three genogroup II (GII) norovirus-positive samples, nRT-PCR was always at least as sensitive as RT-PCR and Southern hybridization. With some of the samples tested, the increase in sensitivity was 10-fold or higher. For GII viruses, the detectable range of nRT-PCR was estimated to be 8.4 x 10(4) to 2 RNA viral particles. When used on 85 stools from pediatric patients with acute gastroenteritis negative for viruses by electron microscopy and cell culture, the nRT-PCR detected norovirus in 19 samples (22.3%), while it failed to detect one reference RT-PCR-positive sample containing a Desert Shield strain. Sixteen of the 19 nRT-PCR-positive samples gave concordant results with reference RT-PCR and Southern hybridization, and all with sequence analysis. Partial sequencing of the polymerase region revealed that from January to April 2000 all GII strains except two (Rotterdam- and Leeds-like viruses) formed a tight cluster related to Hawaii virus. The nRT-PCR described could prove suitable for large epidemiological studies and for specialized clinical laboratories performing routine molecular testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Medici
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Viale Antonio Gramsci, 14, 43100 Parma, Italy.
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Valcavi P, Medici MC, Casula F, Arcangeletti MC, De Conto F, Pinardi F, Calderaro A, Chezzi C, Dettori G. Evaluation of a total hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen assay for the detection of antigenaemia in anti-HCV positive individuals. J Med Virol 2004; 73:397-403. [PMID: 15170635 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.20105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A new, sensitive enzyme immunoassay has been developed for detecting and quantifying total hepatitis C virus (HCV) core antigen in anti-HCV positive or negative sera ("trak-C", Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Raritan, NJ). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of trak-C as an additional laboratory diagnostic marker of viraemia. The performance was compared to HCV-RNA detection in the "screening" of sera from a large heterogeneous population of hospitalised patients and outpatients. Six hundred and eighteen anti-HCV negative sera, 405 anti-HCV positive/HCV-RNA negative sera, 604 anti-HCV positive/HCV-RNA positive sera and 67 anti-HCV negative sera containing antigens or antibodies potentially interfering with the performance of the assay were analysed. Supplemental HCV antibody testing was performed using a commercial strip immunoblot assay. HCV-RNA was investigated using a qualitative commercial assay. A quantitative commercial RT-PCR was used for the analysis of selected samples. Sensitivity and specificity values were 94.7 and 100%, respectively. The latter was also confirmed when anti-HCV negative samples containing potentially interfering antigens/antibodies were examined. Sensitivity below 100% was probably due to an antigenaemia below the detection limit of trak-C. Besides, because 65.6% of HCV-RNA positive/trak-C negative samples presented specific antibodies against all four RIBA antigens, the hypothesis was raised that, in some cases, the dissociation step efficiency could be sub-optimal. In conclusion, trak-C seems suitable for identifying HCV infection on large based populations. It is a rapid to perform, reliable and specific assay that can be adapted to any laboratory setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Valcavi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Section of Microbiology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
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Medici MC, Martinelli M, Arcangeletti MC, Pinardi F, De Conto F, Dodi I, Virdis R, Abelli LA, Aloisi A, Zerbini L, Valcavi P, Calderaro A, Bernasconi S, Izzi GC, Dettori G, Chezzi C. Epidemiological aspects of human rotavirus infection in children hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in an area of northern Italy. Acta Biomed 2004; 75:100-6. [PMID: 15481698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Human rotavirus (HRV) is recognized as the most common cause of severe gastroenteritis in children under 5 years of age. Due to the lack of recent reports about the surveillance of HRV infection in Italy, in this study we assessed the prevalence rate of HRV infection on 1,340 stool samples belonging to 1,264 pediatric patients hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis in the period January 2000--December 2002. The stool samples were submitted to virological investigations by electron microscopy (EM) and conventional cell culture, as well as from January 2002 by RT-PCR for norovirus detection. Reovirus-like particles observed by EM were identified by electropherotyping. Single HRV infections were detected in 302 cases (23.9%, ranging from 19.1% in 2000 to 30.2% in 2001). Mixed infections were observed in 28 cases in which HRV was found to be associated with adenovirus in 16 cases (1.3%), with picornavirus in 4 (0.3%), and with norovirus in 8 (2.1% of the 388 cases examined in 2002). The 3 major epidemic periods of HRV infections were March--May 2000 (66 cases), December 2000--May 2001 (128 cases) and September 2001--April 2002 (105 cases) with peaks in March, January and March, and January, respectively. In the periods of major incidence, single HRV infection accounted even for 52.5% of the gastroenteritis cases monthly examined. According to age distribution, 68.9% (208 cases) of HRV infected children was under 4 years (69.6%: 230/330 cases, including mixed infections) and 16.9% (51 cases) was in the 5-12-year age-group. The epidemiological aspects of HRV infection, also compared to other enteric virus infections, will contribute to assess the magnitude of the problem of HRV in different settings and to devise strategies for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Medici
- Sezione di Microbiologia, Dipartimento di Patologia e Medicina di Laboratorio, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy.
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Venturi C, Zendri E, Medici MC, Gasperini M, Arcangeletti MC, Chezzi C, De Panfilis G. Eruptive pseudoangiomatosis in adults: a community outbreak. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 140:757-8. [PMID: 15210476 DOI: 10.1001/archderm.140.6.757-b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Perandin F, Manca N, Calderaro A, Piccolo G, Galati L, Ricci L, Medici MC, Arcangeletti MC, Snounou G, Dettori G, Chezzi C. Development of a real-time PCR assay for detection of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium ovale for routine clinical diagnosis. J Clin Microbiol 2004; 42:1214-9. [PMID: 15004078 PMCID: PMC356834 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.42.3.1214-1219.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 231] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A TaqMan-based real-time PCR qualitative assay for the detection of three species of malaria parasites-Plasmodium falciparum, P. ovale, and P. vivax-was devised and evaluated using 122 whole-blood samples from patients who had traveled to areas where malaria is endemic and who presented with malaria-like symptoms and fever. The assay was compared to conventional microscopy and to an established nested-PCR assay. The specificity of the new assay was confirmed by sequencing the PCR products from all the positive samples and by the lack of cross-reactivity with Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum DNA. Real-time PCR assay showed a detection limit (analytical sensitivity) of 0.7, 4, and 1.5 parasites/ micro l for P. falciparum, P. vivax, and P. ovale, respectively. Real-time PCR, like nested PCR, brought to light errors in the species identification by microscopic examination and revealed the presence of mixed infections (P. falciparum plus P. ovale). Real-time PCR can yield results within 2 h, does not require post-PCR processing, reduces sample handling, and minimizes the risks of contamination. The assay can therefore be easily implemented in routine diagnostic malaria tests. Future studies are warranted to investigate the clinical value of this technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Perandin
- Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Section of Microbiology, University of Brescia, Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Medici MC, Arcangeletti MC, Merolla R, Chezzi C. Incidence of respiratory syncytial virus infection in infants and young children referred to the emergency departments for lower respiratory tract diseases in Italy. Acta Biomed 2004; 75:26-33. [PMID: 15315084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the leading cause of emergency visits and hospitalization for acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in infants and young children worldwide. To collect specific epidemiological data on the incidence of RSV infection among infants referred to Emergency Departments (ED) for LRTI in a Mediterranean country, an Italian multicenter epidemiological surveillance program was established. METHODS Eight pediatric centers throughout Italy participated in this study. The study population included 272 children < or =4 years of age, admitted to the ED between October 2000 and April 2001 for respiratory problems that might be possibly related to LRTI. 152 children were <1 year of age, 50 between 1 and 2 years, and 70 >2 years of age. Data regarding medical history and physical examination were recorded for each child, whereas an immunoenzymatic RSV test (TestPack RSV, Abbott) was performed on nasal and pharyngeal secretions. RESULTS Out of 272 tested children, 85 were positive for RSV. The peak of the RSV epidemic occurred in February, with an earlier start and end of the RSV season in the northern and central regions, compared to the southern regions. Major risk factors for RSV infection were younger age (p<0.05) and low weight at birth (p<0.05). Among children positive for RSV infection, 55.2% were <1 year of age, 18.3% were between 1 and 2 years, and 25.7% were > 2 years of age. RSV positivity was associated with a higher rate of hospitalization in the whole study population (p<0.01) and especially in the children < or =12 months of age (p<0.01). Clinical evidence of lower respiratory tract involvement, was also more frequently observed in RSV positive than in RSV negative children, both in the whole study population (p<0.01) and in the < or =12 months of age subgroup (p<0.01). CONCLUSION These data confirm that the patterns of RSV infection in Italy are similar to those reported for other countries in the northern hemisphere: RSV is associated with a higher risk of hospitalization and clinically evident LRTI involvement than respiratory infections of other etiologies, especially in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Medici
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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