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Marzucco A, Gatti G, Montanari MS, Fantini M, Colosimo C, Tamburini MV, Arfilli V, Morotti M, Schiavone P, Congestrì F, Manera M, Denicolò A, Brandolini M, Taddei F, Grumiro L, Zannoli S, Dirani G, De Pascali AM, Sambri V, Cricca M. Evaluation of Biofilm Production and Antifungal Susceptibility to Fluconazole in Clinical Isolates of Candida spp. in Both Planktonic and Biofilm Form. Microorganisms 2024; 12:153. [PMID: 38257980 PMCID: PMC10820201 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Candida spp. are an important opportunistic pathogen that can represent a possible cause of severe infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The clinical impact of Candida spp. depends, in part, on the ability to form biofilms, communities of nestled cells into the extracellular matrix. In this study, we compared the biofilm formation ability of 83 strains of Candida spp. isolated from blood cultures and other materials, such as respiratory samples, urine, and exudate, and their sensitivity to fluconazole (FLZ). Strains were divided into tertiles to establish cut-offs to classify isolates as low, moderate, or high biofilm producers (<0.26, 0.266-0.839, >0.839) and biofilms with low, moderate, or high metabolic activity (<0.053, 0.053-0.183, >0.183). A non-linear relationship between biofilm production and metabolic activity was found in C. glabrata and C. tropicalis. In addition, the increase in minimum biofilm eradication concentrations (MBEC50) compared to the Minor Inhibitory Concentration (PMIC) of the planktonic form in Candida spp. confirms the role of biofilm in the induction of resistance to FLZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Marzucco
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences—DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (C.C.); (M.B.); (A.M.D.P.)
| | - Giulia Gatti
- DIN—Department of Industrial Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Maria Sofia Montanari
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Michela Fantini
- Health Services Research, Evaluation and Policy Unit, AUSL Romagna, 42123 Rimini, Italy;
| | - Claudia Colosimo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences—DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (C.C.); (M.B.); (A.M.D.P.)
| | - Maria Vittoria Tamburini
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Valentina Arfilli
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Manuela Morotti
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Pasqualina Schiavone
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Francesco Congestrì
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Martina Manera
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Agnese Denicolò
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Martina Brandolini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences—DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (C.C.); (M.B.); (A.M.D.P.)
| | - Francesca Taddei
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Laura Grumiro
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Silvia Zannoli
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Giorgio Dirani
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
| | - Alessandra Mistral De Pascali
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences—DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (C.C.); (M.B.); (A.M.D.P.)
| | - Vittorio Sambri
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences—DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (C.C.); (M.B.); (A.M.D.P.)
| | - Monica Cricca
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Hub Laboratory, 47522 Pievesestina, Italy; (M.S.M.); (M.V.T.); (V.A.); (M.M.); (P.S.); (F.C.); (M.M.); (A.D.); (F.T.); (L.G.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (V.S.); (M.C.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences—DIMEC, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (C.C.); (M.B.); (A.M.D.P.)
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Gatti G, Brandolini M, Mancini A, Taddei F, Zannoli S, Dirani G, Manera M, Arfilli V, Denicolò A, Marzucco A, Montanari MS, Zaghi I, Guerra M, Tennina R, Marino MM, Grumiro L, Cricca M, Sambri V. Genomic and Temporal Analysis of Deletions Correlated to qRT-PCR Dropout in N Gene in Alpha, Delta and Omicron Variants. Viruses 2023; 15:1630. [PMID: 37631974 PMCID: PMC10458892 DOI: 10.3390/v15081630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, mutations such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion/deletions (INDELs) have changed and characterized the viral genome sequence, structure and protein folding leading to the onset of new variants. The presence of those alterations challenges not only the clinical field but also the diagnostic demand due to failures in gene detection or incompleteness of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results. In particular, the analysis of understudied genes such as N and the investigation through whole-genome next generation sequencing (WG-NGS) of regions more prone to mutate can help in the identification of new or reacquired mutations, with the aim of designing robust and long-lasting primers. In 48 samples of SARS-CoV-2 (including Alpha, Delta and Omicron variants), a lack of N gene amplification was observed in the genomes analyzed through WG-NGS. Three gene regions were detected hosting the highest number of SNPs and INDELs. In several cases, the latter can interfere deeply with both the sensitivity of diagnostic methodologies and the final protein folding. The monitoring over time of the viral evolution and the reacquisition among different variants of the same mutations or different alterations within the same genomic positions can be relevant to avoid unnecessary consumption of resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gatti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC)—Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.G.); (M.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Martina Brandolini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC)—Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.G.); (M.B.); (M.C.)
| | - Andrea Mancini
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy; (A.M.); (F.T.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (M.M.); (V.A.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (M.S.M.); (I.Z.); (M.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Francesca Taddei
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy; (A.M.); (F.T.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (M.M.); (V.A.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (M.S.M.); (I.Z.); (M.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Silvia Zannoli
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy; (A.M.); (F.T.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (M.M.); (V.A.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (M.S.M.); (I.Z.); (M.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Giorgio Dirani
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy; (A.M.); (F.T.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (M.M.); (V.A.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (M.S.M.); (I.Z.); (M.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Martina Manera
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy; (A.M.); (F.T.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (M.M.); (V.A.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (M.S.M.); (I.Z.); (M.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Valentina Arfilli
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy; (A.M.); (F.T.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (M.M.); (V.A.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (M.S.M.); (I.Z.); (M.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Agnese Denicolò
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy; (A.M.); (F.T.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (M.M.); (V.A.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (M.S.M.); (I.Z.); (M.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Anna Marzucco
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy; (A.M.); (F.T.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (M.M.); (V.A.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (M.S.M.); (I.Z.); (M.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Maria Sofia Montanari
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy; (A.M.); (F.T.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (M.M.); (V.A.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (M.S.M.); (I.Z.); (M.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Irene Zaghi
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy; (A.M.); (F.T.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (M.M.); (V.A.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (M.S.M.); (I.Z.); (M.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Massimiliano Guerra
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy; (A.M.); (F.T.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (M.M.); (V.A.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (M.S.M.); (I.Z.); (M.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Rita Tennina
- Unit of Laboratory Medicine—Local Health Authority 1 Complex Operative Unit, 67051 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Maria Michela Marino
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy; (A.M.); (F.T.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (M.M.); (V.A.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (M.S.M.); (I.Z.); (M.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Laura Grumiro
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy; (A.M.); (F.T.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (M.M.); (V.A.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (M.S.M.); (I.Z.); (M.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Monica Cricca
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC)—Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.G.); (M.B.); (M.C.)
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy; (A.M.); (F.T.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (M.M.); (V.A.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (M.S.M.); (I.Z.); (M.G.); (L.G.)
| | - Vittorio Sambri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC)—Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.G.); (M.B.); (M.C.)
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy; (A.M.); (F.T.); (S.Z.); (G.D.); (M.M.); (V.A.); (A.D.); (A.M.); (M.S.M.); (I.Z.); (M.G.); (L.G.)
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3
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Zannoli S, Brandolini M, Marino MM, Denicolò A, Mancini A, Taddei F, Arfilli V, Manera M, Gatti G, Battisti A, Grumiro L, Scalcione A, Dirani G, Sambri V. SARS-CoV-2 Co-Infection in Immunocompromised Host Leads to Generation of Recombinant Strain. Int J Infect Dis 2023; 131:65-70. [PMID: 36924839 PMCID: PMC10014127 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Recombination related to co-infection is a huge driving force in determining the virus genetic variability, particularly in conditions of partial immune control leading to prolonged infection. Here we characterized a distinctive mutational pattern, highly suggestive of Delta-Omicron double infection, in a lymphoma patient. The specimen was characterized through a combined approach, analyzing the results of deep sequencing in primary sample, viral culture and plaque assay. Bioinformatic analysis on the sequences deriving from the primary sample supports the hypothesis of a double viral population within the host. Plaque assay on viral culture led to the isolation of a recombinant strain deriving from Delta and Omicron lineages, named XS, which virtually replaced its parent lineages within a single viral propagation. It is impossible to establish whether the recombination event happened within the host or in vitro, however it is important to monitor co-infections, especially in the exceptional intra-host environment of immunocompromised patients, as strong driving forces of viral evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Zannoli
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena (FC), Italy.
| | - Martina Brandolini
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena (FC), Italy
| | - Maria Michela Marino
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena (FC), Italy
| | - Agnese Denicolò
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena (FC), Italy
| | - Andrea Mancini
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena (FC), Italy
| | - Francesca Taddei
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena (FC), Italy
| | - Valentina Arfilli
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena (FC), Italy
| | - Martina Manera
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena (FC), Italy
| | - Giulia Gatti
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena (FC), Italy
| | - Arianna Battisti
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena (FC), Italy
| | - Laura Grumiro
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena (FC), Italy
| | - Agata Scalcione
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena (FC), Italy
| | - Giorgio Dirani
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena (FC), Italy
| | - Vittorio Sambri
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Pievesestina di Cesena (FC), Italy; Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Pievesestina di Cesena (FC), Italy
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Bosman M, Esteve A, Gabbanelli L, Jordan X, López-Gay A, Manera M, Martínez M, Masjuan P, Mir L, Paradells J, Pignatelli A, Riu I, Vitagliano V. Stochastic simulation of successive waves of COVID-19 in the province of Barcelona. Infect Dis Model 2023; 8:145-158. [PMID: 36589597 PMCID: PMC9792425 DOI: 10.1016/j.idm.2022.12.005] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Analytic compartmental models are currently used in mathematical epidemiology to forecast the COVID-19 pandemic evolution and explore the impact of mitigation strategies. In general, such models treat the population as a single entity, losing the social, cultural and economical specificities. We present a network model that uses socio-demographic datasets with the highest available granularity to predict the spread of COVID-19 in the province of Barcelona. The model is flexible enough to incorporate the effect of containment policies, such as lockdowns or the use of protective masks, and can be easily adapted to future epidemics. We follow a stochastic approach that combines a compartmental model with detailed individual microdata from the population census, including social determinants and age-dependent strata, and time-dependent mobility information. We show that our model reproduces the dynamical features of the disease across two waves and demonstrates its capability to become a powerful tool for simulating epidemic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Bosman
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Corresponding author.
| | - A. Esteve
- Centre d’Estudis Demogràfics (CED-CERCA), Barcelona, Spain
- Serra Húnter Fellow, Departament de Ciències Polítiques i Socials, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - L. Gabbanelli
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - X. Jordan
- i2CAT Foundation, Edifici Nexus (Campus Nord UPC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A. López-Gay
- Centre d’Estudis Demogràfics (CED-CERCA), Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Geografia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - M. Manera
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Serra Húnter Fellow, Departament de Física, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - M. Martínez
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - P. Masjuan
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Física, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Ll.M. Mir
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J. Paradells
- i2CAT Foundation, Edifici Nexus (Campus Nord UPC), Barcelona, Spain
- Departament d’Enginyeria Telemàtica, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A. Pignatelli
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - I. Riu
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - V. Vitagliano
- Institut de Física d’Altes Energies (IFAE), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- DIME, University of Genova, Via all’Opera Pia 15, 16145, Genova, Italy
- INFN, Sezione di Genova, via Dodecaneso 33, 16146, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Mathematics and Physics, University of Hull, Kingston upon Hull, HU6 7RX, UK
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5
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Brandolini M, Gatti G, Grumiro L, Zannoli S, Arfilli V, Cricca M, Dirani G, Denicolò A, Marino MM, Manera M, Mancini A, Taddei F, Semprini S, Sambri V. Omicron Sub-Lineage BA.5 and Recombinant XBB Evasion from Antibody Neutralisation in BNT162b2 Vaccine Recipients. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11010191. [PMID: 36677483 PMCID: PMC9866687 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010191] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent emergence of a number of new SARS-CoV-2 variants resulting from recombination between two distinct parental lineages or sub-lineages within the same lineage has sparked the debate regarding potential enhanced viral infectivity and immune escape. Among these, XBB, recombinant of BA.2.10 and BA.2.75, has caused major concern in some countries due to its rapid increase in prevalence. In this study, we tested XBB escape capacity from mRNA-vaccine-induced (BNT162b2) neutralising antibodies compared to B.1 ancestral lineage and another co-circulating variant (B.1.1.529 BA.5) by analysing sera collected 30 days after the second dose in 92 healthcare workers. Our data highlighted an enhanced and statistically significant immune escape ability of the XBB recombinant. Although these are preliminary results, this study highlights the importance of immune escape monitoring of new and forthcoming variants and of the reformulation of existing vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Brandolini
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES)—Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Gatti
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Laura Grumiro
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Silvia Zannoli
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Valentina Arfilli
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Monica Cricca
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES)—Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Dirani
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Agnese Denicolò
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Maria Michela Marino
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Martina Manera
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Andrea Mancini
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Francesca Taddei
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Simona Semprini
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy
| | - Vittorio Sambri
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522 Cesena, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES)—Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence:
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6
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Brandolini M, Dirani G, Taddei F, Zannoli S, Denicolò A, Arfilli V, Battisti A, Manera M, Mancini A, Grumiro L, Marino MM, Gatti G, Fantini M, Semprini S, Sambri V. Mutational induction in SARS-CoV-2 major lineages by experimental exposure to neutralising sera. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12479. [PMID: 35864211 PMCID: PMC9302871 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16533-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and the emergence of new viral variants bearing specific escape mutations responsible for immune evasion from antibody neutralisation has required a more accurate characterisation of the immune response as one of the evolutive forces behind viral adaptation to a largely immunised human population. In this work, culturing in the presence of neutralising sera vigorously promoted mutagenesis leading to the acquisition of known escape mutations on the spike as well as new presumptive escape mutations on structural proteins whose role as target of the neutralizing antibody response might have been thus far widely neglected. From this perspective, this study, in addition to tracing the past evolution of the species back to interactions with neutralising antibody immune response, also offers a glimpse into future evolutive scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Brandolini
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522, Cesena, Italy
| | - Giorgio Dirani
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522, Cesena, Italy
| | - Francesca Taddei
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522, Cesena, Italy
| | - Silvia Zannoli
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522, Cesena, Italy
| | - Agnese Denicolò
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522, Cesena, Italy
| | - Valentina Arfilli
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522, Cesena, Italy
| | - Arianna Battisti
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522, Cesena, Italy
| | - Martina Manera
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522, Cesena, Italy
| | - Andrea Mancini
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522, Cesena, Italy
| | - Laura Grumiro
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522, Cesena, Italy
| | - Maria Michela Marino
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522, Cesena, Italy
| | - Giulia Gatti
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522, Cesena, Italy
| | - Michela Fantini
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522, Cesena, Italy
| | - Simona Semprini
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522, Cesena, Italy
| | - Vittorio Sambri
- Unit of Microbiology, The Greater Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, 47522, Cesena, Italy.
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES)-Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
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7
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Zannoli S, Dirani G, Taddei F, Gatti G, Poggianti I, Denicolò A, Arfilli V, Manera M, Mancini A, Battisti A, Sambri V. A deletion in the N gene may cause diagnostic escape in SARS-CoV-2 samples. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2021; 102:115540. [PMID: 34649189 PMCID: PMC8447549 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2021.115540] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Five SARS-CoV-2-positive samples showed N-gene drop-out with a RT-PCR multiplex test. WGS found all samples to harbor a deletion in the same region of the N gene, which is likely to impair the efficiency of amplification. This highlights the need for a continued surveillance of viral evolution and diagnostic test performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Zannoli
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Dirani
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Italy
| | - Francesca Taddei
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Italy
| | - Giulia Gatti
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Italy
| | - Ilaria Poggianti
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Italy
| | - Agnese Denicolò
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Italy
| | | | - Martina Manera
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Italy
| | - Andrea Mancini
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Italy
| | - Arianna Battisti
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Italy
| | - Vittorio Sambri
- Unit of Microbiology, The Great Romagna Area Hub Laboratory, Italy; Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna
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8
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Filardo S, Di Pietro M, Pasqualetti P, Manera M, Diaco F, Sessa R. In-cell western assay as a high-throughput approach for Chlamydia trachomatis quantification and susceptibility testing to antimicrobials. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251075. [PMID: 33974662 PMCID: PMC8112659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251075] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis, the leading cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases in developed countries, with around 127 million new cases per year, is mainly responsible for urethritis and cervicitis in women, and urethritis and epididymitis in men. Most C. trachomatis infections remain asymptomatic (>50%) and, hence, untreated, leading to severe reproductive complications in both women and men, like infertility. Therefore, the detection of C. trachomatis as well as the antimicrobial susceptibility testing becomes a priority, and, along the years, several methods have been recommended, like cell culture and direct immunofluorescence (DFA) on cell cultures. Herein, we described the application of In-Cell Western assay (ICW) via Odyssey CLx as a fast, more accessible, and high-throughput platform for the quantification of C. trachomatis and the screening of anti-chlamydial drugs. As a first step, we set up a standard curve by infecting cell monolayers with 2-fold serial dilutions of C. trachomatis Elementary Body (EB) suspension. Then, different unknown C. trachomatis EB suspensions were quantified and the chlamydial susceptibility testing to erythromycin was performed, using the DFA as comparison. Our results showed a very high concordance between these two assays, as evidenced by the enumeration of chlamydial IFUs as well as the determination of erythromycin Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). In conclusion, the ICW assay may be a promising candidate as an accurate and accessible methodology for C. trachomatis antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Filardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Marisa Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizio Pasqualetti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Health Statistics and Biometry, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Manera
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Diaco
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Section of Microbiology, University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
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9
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Dezfuli BS, Castaldelli G, Tomaini R, Manera M, DePasquale JA, Bosi G. Challenge for macrophages and mast cells of Chelon ramada to counter an intestinal microparasite, Myxobolus mugchelo (Myxozoa). Dis Aquat Organ 2020; 138:171-183. [PMID: 32213665 DOI: 10.3354/dao03459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Thinlip mullet Chelon ramada is the most abundant mullet species found in the Comacchio lagoons (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy). Histological and ultrastructural sections of the intestine of C. ramada showed that over 83% of 48 mullets were infected with the intestinal parasite Myxobolus mugchelo (Myxozoa). In histological sections, plasmodia of M. mugchelo containing mature spores were situated closer to mucosal folds and were surrounded by numerous mast cells (MCs). Mature spores, generally oval in shape, were observed in the paracellular space among the enterocytes or within them. Near the infected epithelial cells, several MCs, rodlet cells and few neutrophils occurred. In intestinal epithelium, large cells resembling macrophages, some with spores of M. mugchelo inside, were observed. These macrophage-like cells were foamy and possessed elongate striated granules. The number of MCs and macrophages in the intestinal epithelium was significantly higher in parasitized fish. In some parasitized intestines, portions of epithelium were displaced by spores, or the spores were observed inside the damaged enterocytes. Immunohistochemical analysis of C. ramada infected or uninfected intestinal tissue revealed the presence of histamine, serotonin (5-HT), leu-enkephalin and inducible-nitric oxide synthase in epithelial macrophages. Several epithelial cells positive to proliferating cell-nuclear antigen were also observed in the proximity of the macrophages. The current study is the first to record the occurrence of intraepithelial macrophages which engulf myxozoan spores. A hypothesis on migration of spores from pancreas via intestinal wall to gut lumen is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Sayyaf Dezfuli
- Department of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, St Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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10
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Di Pietro M, Filardo S, Frasca F, Scagnolari C, Manera M, Sessa V, Antonelli G, Sessa R. Interferon-γ Possesses Anti-Microbial and Immunomodulatory Activity on a Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection Model of Primary Human Synovial Fibroblasts. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E235. [PMID: 32050567 PMCID: PMC7074713 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8020235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chlamydia trachomatis, an obligate intracellular pathogen, is the most common cause of bacterial sexually transmitted diseases, and it is potentially responsible for severe chronic sequelae, such as reactive arthritis. To date, details of the mechanisms by which Chlamydiae induce innate antimicrobial pathways in synovial fibroblasts, are not well characterized; therefore, herein, we investigated the effects of interferon (IFN)α, IFNβ, and IFNγ on the infection, and replication phases of the C. trachomatis developmental cycle, as well as on the induction of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and IFN-related pathways. To do so, we set up an in vitro chlamydial-infection model of primary human synovial cells treated with IFNs before or after the infection. We then determined the number of chlamydial inclusion forming units and inclusion size, as well as the expression of toll like receptor (TLR)2, TLR3, TLR4, cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS), stimulator of IFN gene (STING), IRF9, ISG56, and GBP1. The main result of our study is the significant inhibition of C. trachomatis infection and replication in human synovial cells following the treatment with IFNγ, whereas IFN-I proved to be ineffective. Furthermore, IFNγ greatly upregulated all the PRRs and ISGs examined. In conclusion, IFNγ exhibited a potent anti-Chlamydia activity in human synovial cells as well as the ability to induce a strong increase of innate immune pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Di Pietro
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (M.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Simone Filardo
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (M.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Federica Frasca
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia–Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.F.); (C.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Carolina Scagnolari
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia–Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.F.); (C.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Martina Manera
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (M.M.); (R.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Sessa
- Department of Orthopedics, San Giovanni Calibita-Fatebenefratelli Hospital, 00186 Rome, Italy;
| | - Guido Antonelli
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Molecular Medicine, affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia–Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.F.); (C.S.); (G.A.)
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Hospital “Policlinico Umberto I”, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Sessa
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.D.P.); (M.M.); (R.S.)
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11
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Sayyaf Dezfuli B, Manera M, Bosi G, Merella P, DePasquale JA, Giari L. Intestinal granular cells of a cartilaginous fish, thornback ray Raja clavata: Morphological characterization and expression of different molecules. Fish Shellfish Immunol 2018; 75:172-180. [PMID: 29432864 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2018.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This investigation aims to fill gaps in our understanding of the intestinal immune cells of elasmobranchs. Whole digestive tracts of fifteen thornback ray Raja clavata were provided by a trawl fleet from the Gulf of Asinara (Sardinia, western Mediterranean Sea). Histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural observations were conducted on the spiral intestine. Three types of granular cells were identified; type I in epithelium, types II and III in lamina propria-submucosa, with each of them containing cytoplasmic granules with different ultrastructural characteristics. Data on size and density of each granular cell type are provided. Immunostaining of intestinal sections showed the reactivity of the granular cells: type I cells were positive for lysozyme, mast cell tryptase and tumor necrosis factor-ɑ based on antibody staining; type III cells were immune-reactive to anti-interleukin 6 antibody, whilst type II cells were negative to all the antibodies used. Comparison of each granular cell type with immune cells of teleosts or mammals and an hypothesis on their nature and function are reported. A potential role for granular cells in intestinal cellular immunity is also discussed with respect to type I and type III cells having similarities to Paneth cells and neutrophils, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Sayyaf Dezfuli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Borsari St. 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - M Manera
- Faculty of Biosciences, Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, Balzarini St. 1, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - G Bosi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Technologies for Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Trentacoste St. 2, 20134, Milan, Italy
| | - P Merella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - J A DePasquale
- Morphogenyx Inc, PO Box 717, East Northport, NY, 11731, USA
| | - L Giari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Borsari St. 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
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12
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Bosi G, DePasquale JA, Manera M, Castaldelli G, Giari L, Sayyaf Dezfuli B. Histochemical and immunohistochemical characterization of rodlet cells in the intestine of two teleosts, Anguilla anguilla and Cyprinus carpio. J Fish Dis 2018; 41:475-485. [PMID: 29159968 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12751] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Rodlet cells (RC) are characterized by a distinctive cell cortex and conspicuous inclusions named "rodlets." These cells are particularly abundant and large in size in intestine of eels. Histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural investigations were carried out on European eel Anguilla anguilla and Common carp Cyprinus carpio from Northern Italy. Eight biotinylated lectins were used to probe for specific carbohydrate residues in deparaffinized, hydrated intestinal sections of eel and carp. Five antibodies were tested on intestinal sections of both fish species: inducible nitric oxide synthase (i-NOS), leu-enkephalin, lysozyme, serotonin and tumour necrosis factor-α. Lectin histochemistry revealed rodlet cells (RCs) of the eel intestine to react with two of the eight lectins tested, specifically Concanavalin A (ConA) and Sambucus Nigra Agglutinin (SNA). This contrasted to lectin staining of RCs in the intestine of common carp, where four of the eight lectins showed a positive reaction; Dolichos Biflorus Agglutinin (DBA), Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA), SNA and ConA. RCs in eel and carp intestine were immunoreactive with antibodies to lysozyme and i-NOS. The occurrence of the inflammatory peptides lysozyme and i-NOS in RCs of the eel and common carp poses in favour that these cells are involved in the mechanism of defence against pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Bosi
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - M Manera
- Faculty of Biosciences, Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - G Castaldelli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - L Giari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - B Sayyaf Dezfuli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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13
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Dezfuli BS, Manera M, DePasquale JA, Pironi F, Giari L. Liver of the fish Gymnotus inaequilabiatus and nematode larvae infection: Histochemical features and expression of proliferative cell nuclear antigen. J Fish Dis 2017; 40:1765-1774. [PMID: 28493503 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Histopathological lesions due to third-larval stage of nematode Brevimulticaecum sp. within the liver of a subpopulation of 31 Gymnotus inaequilabiatus from the Pantanal Region (Brazil) were studied with histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. In 93.5% of fish, livers harboured nematode larvae and the intensity of infection ranged from 8 to 293. In livers with highest number of larvae, the hepatic tissue was occupied primarily by the nematodes. Each larva was encircled by focal inflammatory granulomatous reaction. Within the thickness of the granuloma, three concentric layers were recognized: an inner layer of densely packed epithelioid cells, a middle layer of mast cells (MCs) entrapped in a thin fibroblast-connective mesh and an outer layer of fibrous connective tissue with fibroblasts. Epithelioid cells and fibroblasts within the thickness of the granuloma wall were positive for proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Moreover, several hepatocytes in infected liver were immunoreactive to PCNA. Occurrence of rodlet cells and MCs in parenchyma, in close proximity to the encysted nematode larvae and near the blood vessel of infected liver, was observed. Macrophage aggregates (MAs) were numerous within the granulomas and scattered in parenchyma of the infected liver. High quantity of haemosiderin was encountered in MAs and hepatocytes of infected liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Sayyaf Dezfuli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Manera
- Faculty of Biosciences, Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - F Pironi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - L Giari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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14
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Dezfuli BS, Manera M, Bosi G, DePasquale JA, D'Amelio S, Castaldelli G, Giari L. Anguilla anguilla intestinal immune response to natural infection with Contracaecum rudolphii A larvae. J Fish Dis 2016; 39:1187-1200. [PMID: 26814373 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The European eel, Anguilla anguilla, is a major warm-water fish species cultured in North and South Europe. Seventy-one A. anguilla collected between 2010 and 2015 from the Comacchio lagoons were examined. Fish were infected and damaged by larvae (L3) of the nematode Contracaecum rudolphii A, which were encapsulated within the thickness of the intestinal wall and within the external visceral peritoneum (serosa). Conspicuous granulomas, visible at sites of infection, were arranged in a trilayer, formed by a series of concentric whorls. The cells involved in the immune response and their distribution in the granuloma layers were assessed by immunohistochemical, immunofluorescence, and ultrastructural techniques. The outer part of the granuloma contained macrophages, macrophage aggregates, and mast cells (MCs) scattered among fibroblasts. This layer was vascularized, with degranulation of MCs occurring in close proximity to the capillaries. The middle layer was rich in MCs and fibroblasts. The inner layer, closest to the parasite larva, consisted mainly of dark epithelioid cells, some of which were necrotic. Non-necrotic epithelioid cells formed desmosomes between themselves or with fibroblasts. Within the granulomas, numerous cells of different types were positive to proliferative cell nuclear antigen antibody, indicating a high degree of cellular proliferation around the larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Dezfuli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Manera
- Faculty of Biosciences, Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - G Bosi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Technologies for Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - S D'Amelio
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - G Castaldelli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - L Giari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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15
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Manera M, Borreca C, Dezfuli BS. Cutaneous myxidiosis in European eel, Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758): histopathology, histochemistry and laminin immunohistochemistry. J Fish Dis 2016; 39:845-851. [PMID: 26525491 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Histopathology, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry of the integument of European eel, Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758), infected by Myxidium sp. are reported. Skin samples from affected and unaffected eels were dissected, formalin fixed, paraffin embedded, sectioned and stained with H&E, Periodic acid-Schiff's staining method, Alcian Blue 8 GX pH 2.5/Periodic acid-Schiff's and McCallum-Goodpasture's Gram stain. Moreover, immunohistochemistry was performed using a primary polyclonal laminin antibody. Histologically, cysts (diameter 2-3 mm) were observed mainly under the scale pockets, encircled by a thin collagen layer, lined by elongated, flattened fibroblasts and containing bipolar, PAS- and Gram-positive spores with opposite polar capsules. The epidermis stretched by the underlying cyst appeared dysplastic, thinned with a significant reduction in mucous cells number. Only inconsistent and aspecific inflammatory reaction was noted around the cysts at the dermis/epidermis interface. Intense laminin-like protein immunolabel was documented in the plasmodial ectoplasm and related to host anergia. This was the first report of laminin immunolabel in a member of the Myxozoa. Epidermal dysplasia represents likely an aspecific response against the underlying tensile force exerted by the developing parasite cyst, while fibroblast and collagen encapsulation denote a parasite-driven host response protecting, rather than harming, the encircled parasite.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Manera
- Faculty of Biosciences, Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - C Borreca
- Small Animal Praxis, Roseto degli Abruzzi, TE, Italy
| | - B S Dezfuli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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16
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Dezfuli BS, Bosi G, DePasquale JA, Manera M, Giari L. Fish innate immunity against intestinal helminths. Fish Shellfish Immunol 2016; 50:274-287. [PMID: 26868213 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Most individual fish in farmed and wild populations are infected with parasites. Upon dissection of fish, helminths from gut are often easily visible. Enteric helminths include several species of digeneans, cestodes, acanthocephalans and nematodes. Some insights into biology, morphology and histopathological effects of the main fish enteric helminths taxa will be described here. The immune system of fish, as that of other vertebrates, can be subdivided into specific and aspecific types, which in vivo act in concert with each other and indeed are interdependent in many ways. Beyond the small number of well-described models that exist, research focusing on innate immunity in fish against parasitic infections is lacking. Enteric helminths frequently cause inflammation of the digestive tract, resulting in a series of chemical and morphological changes in the affected tissues and inducing leukocyte migration to the site of infection. This review provides an overview on the aspecific defence mechanisms of fish intestine against helminths. Emphasis will be placed on the immune cellular response involving mast cells, neutrophils, macrophages, rodlet cells and mucous cells against enteric helminths. Given the relative importance of innate immunity in fish, and the magnitude of economic loss in aquaculture as a consequence of disease, this area deserves considerable attention and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Dezfuli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - G Bosi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Technologies for Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - J A DePasquale
- Morphogenyx Inc, PO Box 717, East Northport, NY 11731, USA
| | - M Manera
- Faculty of Biosciences, Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - L Giari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Manera M, Giari L, Depasquale JA, Dezfuli BS. European sea bass gill pathology after exposure to cadmium and terbuthylazine: expert versus fractal analysis. J Microsc 2015; 261:291-9. [PMID: 26469527 DOI: 10.1111/jmi.12332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare expert versus fractal analysis as new methods to evaluate branchial lamellar pathology in European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus, 1758) experimentally exposed to cadmium and to terbuthylazine. In particular, guided expert quantitative and fractal analysis were performed on selected images from semithin sections to test possible differences according to exposure class (unexposed, cadmium exposed, or terbuthylazine exposed) and the discrimination power of the two methods. With respect to guided expert quantitative analysis, the following elementary pathological features were assessed according to pre-determined cover classes: 'epithelial lifting', 'epithelial shrinkage', 'epithelial swelling', 'pillar cells coarctation', 'pillar cells detachment', 'channels fusion', 'chloride cells swelling' and 'chloride cells invasion'. Considering fractal analysis, DB (box dimension), DM (mass dimension), Dx (mean fractal dimension) as fractal dimensions and lacunarity from DM and Dx scan types were calculated both from the outlined and skeletonized (one pixel wide lines) images. Despite significant differences among experimental classes, only expert analysis provided good discrimination with correct classification of 91.7 % of the original cases, and of 87.5 % of the cross-validated cases, with a sensitivity of 95.45 % and 91.3 %, respectively, and a specificity of 75 % in both cases. Guided expert quantitative analysis appears to be a reliable method to objectively characterize fish gill pathology and may represent a powerful tool in environmental biomonitoring to ensure proper standardization and reproducibility. Though fractal analysis did not equal the discrimination power of the expert method, it certainly warrants further study to evaluate local variations in complexity or possible multiple scaling rules.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Manera
- Faculty of Biosciences, Food and Environmental Technologies, University of Teramo, Piano d'Accio, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - L Giari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, St. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - J A Depasquale
- Morphogenyx Inc, PO Box 717, East Northport, NY, 11731, U.S.A
| | - B S Dezfuli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, St. Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
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Dezfuli BS, Lui A, Pironi F, Manera M, Shinn AP, Lorenzoni M. Cell types and structures involved in tench, Tinca tinca (L.), defence mechanisms against a systemic digenean infection. J Fish Dis 2013; 36:577-585. [PMID: 23294469 DOI: 10.1111/jfd.12049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 10/13/2012] [Accepted: 10/13/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Histopathological and ultrastructural investigations were conducted on 36 tench, Tinca tinca (L.), from Lake Trasimeno (Italy). The gills, intestine, liver, spleen, kidney and heart of 21 individuals were found to harbour an extensive infection of larvae of an unidentified digenean trematode. The eyes, gonads, swim bladder and muscles were uninfected. The parasites in each tissue type were embedded in a granulomatous proliferation of tissue, forming a reactive fibroconnective capsule around each larva. Most of the encysted larvae were metacercariae, in a degenerative state, but on occasion some cercariae were found. Many of the granulomas were either necrotic or had a calcified core. Within the granuloma of each, the occurrence of granulocytes, macrophages, rodlet cells and pigment-bearing macrophage aggregates was observed. Hearts bore the highest parasitic infection. Whilst the presence of metacercariae within the intestine was found positioned between the submucosa and muscle layers, metacercariae in the liver were commonly found encysted on its surface where the hepatocytes in close contact with the granuloma were observed to have electron-lucent vesicles within their cytoplasm. Metacercariae encysting adjacent to the cartilaginous rods of gill filaments were seen to elicit a proliferation of the cartilage from the perichondrium. Rodlet cells, neutrophils and mast cells were frequently observed in close proximity to, and within, infected gill capillaries. Given the degenerated state of most granulomas, a morphology-based identification of the enclosed digeneans was not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Dezfuli
- Department of Biology and Evolution, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Manera M, Giammarino A, Borreca C, Giari L, Dezfuli B. Degranulation of mast cells due to compound 48/80 induces concentration-dependent intestinal contraction in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) ex vivo. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 315:447-57. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2010] [Revised: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 05/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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20
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Manera M, Robbe D, Grotta L, Demontis MP, Giammarino A. Evaluation of in vitro GnRH effects on spontaneous contractions of the bovine myometrium. Vet Res Commun 2009; 33 Suppl 1:193-6. [DOI: 10.1007/s11259-009-9276-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Dezfuli
- Department of Biology & Evolution, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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Abstract
Intraspecific and interspecific variability in rodlet cell size in various tissues of several species of freshwater and marine fish were documented. Differences were attributed mainly to fish species, although tissue type contributed significantly, providing evidence for the presence of rodlet cell morphotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Manera
- Department of Food Science, University of Teramo, St Crispi, 212, 64100 Teramo, Italy.
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Giari L, Simoni E, Manera M, Dezfuli BS. Histo-cytological responses of Dicentrarchus labrax (L.) following mercury exposure. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2008; 70:400-410. [PMID: 17945343 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2007.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2006] [Revised: 07/18/2007] [Accepted: 08/24/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
This work deals with the damaging effects of mercury (Hg concentrations 251, 355, 501 microgl(-1)) on the structure and ultrastructure of gills, liver, intestine and kidney of farmed European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L., 1758) acutely treated for 24 and 48 h. The histoarchitecture of the gills of exposed fish was highly modified due to severe oedema, telangiectasia and secondary lamellar fusion. In hepatocytes and enterocytes hydropic cell swelling, alterations to the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria were noted, in addition to an abundance of myelinoid bodies which were frequently encountered following treatment. In the intestine and renal tubules of exposed European sea bass, rodlet cells (RCs) displayed ultrastructural modifications. Statistical analyses were conducted on the number and the size of selected cell types and structures. Following exposure to mercury for 24 and 48 h, the number of chloride cells, RCs and macrophage aggregates were found to have increased significantly in the gills, the intestine and the head kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Giari
- Department of Biology and Evolution, University of Ferrara, Via Borsari, 46, 44100 Ferrara, Italy
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Giammarino A, Manera M, Robbe D, Perugini M, Minervini F, Amorena M. Influence of mycotoxins on spontaneous contraction in myometrial strips of prepubertal lamb. Res Vet Sci 2007; 84:471-6. [PMID: 17709123 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2007.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2006] [Revised: 06/25/2007] [Accepted: 07/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The effects of mycotoxin zearalenone and their major metabolites alpha- and beta-zearalenol on spontaneous contractions in isolated lamb uterine smooth muscle were examined. The study was carried out on 20 female prepubertal lambs aged between 45 and 50 days. Myometrial strips were set up in two isolated organ baths (10ml) at 37 degrees C and were exposed to increasing concentrations (10(-11)M-10(-6)M) of these mycoestrogens and results were compared with the effect, at the same concentrations, of natural estrogen 17beta-estradiol. Our findings suggest that mycotoxins and 17beta-estradiol, at nanomolar concentrations, rapidly enhance phasic spontaneous smooth muscle contraction. In particular, zearalenone increases the uterine activity similarly to 17beta-estradiol. On the contrary, its metabolite alpha-zearalenol significantly inhibits myometrial contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Giammarino
- Department of Food Science, University of Teramo, Viale Crispi, 212, I-64100 Teramo, Italy
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Giari L, Manera M, Simoni E, Dezfuli BS. Cellular alterations in different organs of European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax (L.) exposed to cadmium. Chemosphere 2007; 67:1171-81. [PMID: 17188326 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2006.10.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2006] [Revised: 09/29/2006] [Accepted: 10/25/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Specimens of farmed European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L., 1758) were exposed to different cadmium (Cd) concentrations (4.47, 5.63, 7.08 and 8.91 mg l(-1)) for 24 and 48 h. The effects of Cd on numbers of some cell types and structures (i.e., chloride cells, CCs; macrophage aggregates, MAs; rodlet cells, RCs) and on structure and ultrastructure of the main organs (gill, liver, intestine, kidney) were studied with routine process for light and transmission electron microscopy. Following cadmium exposure, the numbers of branchial CCs as well as intestinal and renal RCs increased significantly within 24h. Increase in metal concentration did not affect the magnitude of the numerical increment of the aforementioned cells. Moreover, in treated fish (24 and 48 h) the numbers of MAs in both head kidney and spleen were significantly higher than in control conspecifics, whilst the global area of MAs was less influenced by the acute treatment. In exposed sea bass, all the examined organs exhibited cellular modifications which appeared time- and dose-dependent. The gills showed telangectasia, lamellar fusion, oedema, epithelial lifting and leukocyte infiltration. In the liver, kidney and intestine acute cell swelling and vacuolization were common. Ultrastructurally the alterations observed frequently in hepatocytes, tubular epithelial cells and enterocytes included presence of numerous myelinoid bodies, damaged mitochondria, dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum, high number of lysosomes and autophagolysosomes. In intestinal and kidney tubular epithelia of treated fish, rodlet cells displayed some anomalies like dilatation of nuclear envelope, cytoplasmic vacuolization, presence of myelinoid bodies, rodlets degeneration and extensive discharge activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Giari
- Department of Biology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Perugini M, Visciano P, Giammarino A, Manera M, Di Nardo W, Amorena M. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in marine organisms from the Adriatic Sea, Italy. Chemosphere 2007; 66:1904-10. [PMID: 16962639 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2006.07.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2005] [Revised: 05/30/2006] [Accepted: 07/31/2006] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed in bivalves (Mitylus galloprovincialis), cephalopods (Todarodes sagittatus), crustaceans (Nephrops norvegicus) and fish (Mullus barbatus, Scomber scombrus, Micromesistius poutassou, Merluccius merluccius) in several pools coming from the Central Adriatic Sea. These marine organisms were selected because of their multitude, wide distribution and common use in the Italian diet, they were sampled and analyzed during the year 2004. Acenaphthene, benzo(a)pyrene, dibenz(a,h)anthracene, benzo(ghi)perylene and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene showed levels below the instrumental detection limit in all samples. Fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene and benzo(k)fluoranthene were detected at different concentrations in analyzed samples. Chrysene was detected only in mussels with very low values (average 0.74ngg(-1) wet weight). PAHs composition pattern was dominated by the presence of PAHs with 3-rings (62%) followed from those with 4-rings (37%) and 5-rings (1%). Atlantic mackerel, European hake and blue whiting showed the highest PAH concentrations, ranging from 44.1 to 63.3ngg(-1) wet weight, the group of invertebrate organisms showed a level of contamination about three times lower than those of the vertebrate groups. Mediterranean mussels that did not present very high levels of contamination expressed as sum of PAHs showed one of the highest values of benzo(a)pyrene equivalents (BaPEs). Conversely the latter value was very low in Atlantic mackerel even if this species reported the highest total PAH concentrations. No significant correlation was observed between weight, length and trophic levels and total PAHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Perugini
- Department of Food Science, Teramo University, Viale Crispi 212, I-64100 Teramo, Italy.
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Cabre A, Gaztanaga E, Manera M, Fosalba P, Castander F. Cross-correlation of Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe third-year data and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey DR4 galaxy survey: new evidence for dark energy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-3933.2006.00218.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Dezfuli BS, Simoni E, Giari L, Manera M. Effects of experimental terbuthylazine exposure on the cells of Dicentrarchus labrax (L.). Chemosphere 2006; 64:1684-94. [PMID: 16487568 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2006.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2005] [Revised: 01/04/2006] [Accepted: 01/09/2006] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The effects of acute exposure to the herbicide terbuthylazine (3.55, 5.01 and 7.08 mg l(-1)) on the cells of farmed European sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax L., were investigated by means of light and electron microscopy. In gills of treated fish, the number of chloride cells (CCs) and rodlet cells (RCs) increased significantly within 24 h and 48 h, respectively; the intestine showed the largest increase in RCs linked to treatment and exposure time. In kidney, 24 h exposure induced a significant increase in RCs and the number and global area of macrophage aggregates (MAs). Treated fish displayed cellular and/or ultrastructural alterations in all the organs examined. In the gills necrosis, lamellar and cellular oedema, epithelial lifting, telangectasia, and fusion of secondary lamellae were encountered. The liver presented myelin-like figures, cytoplasmic rarefaction and acute cell swelling of hepatocytes. In both organs, the severity of damage was dose-dependent. In RCs of gills, the intestine and kidney of exposed sea bass, high cytoplasmic vacuolization, myelin-like figures, cristolysis and varying degrees of rodlet degeneration were observed. Extensive rodlet expulsion occurred in the gut lumen. Exposure to terbuthylazine also affected the renal tubular epithelial cells, which exhibited 'blebs'. Damage to the intestinal epithelial cells was also observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Dezfuli
- Department of Biology, University of Ferrara, Via Borsari, 46, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Manera
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Piazza Aldo Moro 45, I-64100 Teramo, Italy.
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31
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De Feo S, Opasich C, Capietti M, Cazzaniga E, Mazza A, Manera M, Giorgi I, Tramarin R. Functional and psychological recovery during intensive hospital rehabilitation following cardiac surgery in the elderly. Monaldi Arch Chest Dis 2002; 58:35-40. [PMID: 12693067] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED The recovery process in the elderly after cardiac surgery is influenced not only by clinical cardiac conditions, but also by comorbidity, cognitive decline and disability. We evaluated the relationship between clinical objective and self-perceived factors and their influence on functional recovery in 204 consecutive, over-70s pts who were admitted into an intensive hospital rehabilitation program following cardiac surgery. The variables taken into consideration were: comorbidity (Charlson index), length of hospital stay and complications in cardiac surgery and rehabilitation, disability (nursing needs score index), functional status (6-min walking test), left ventricular EF, number of training sessions, self-perceived health status (EuroQol questionnaire), emotional impairment (anxiety/depression, CBA-2.0/interview). RESULTS Functional capacity: the distance walked was 198 +/- 103 m at admission and 287 +/- 121 m at discharge (p < 0.0001). Only the nursing needs score index resulted as a weak, independent predictor of the distance walked at admission (r2 = 0.14, p < 0.001, beta = 0-.21), which (beta = 0.49), together with complications during rehabilitation (beta = -0.15), self-perceived health status at discharge (beta = 0.15) and number of training sessions (beta = 0.20), was independently correlated with the distance walked at time of discharge (r2 = 050, p < 0.0001). Patients mood: anxiety correlated with depression. Emotional scores did not correlate with functional measures. Patients self-perceived health status: only the nursing needs score index was a weak, independent predictor of well-being at entry (r2 = 0.15, p < 0.0001, beta = -0.29), which, in turn, was the only predictor of perception at discharge (r2 = 0.33, p < 0.0001, beta = 0-.42). CONCLUSIONS In an intensive hospital rehabilitation program following cardiac surgery in patients over 70 a) there was no correlation between clinical and psychological variables; b) anxiety and depression were associated, but neither influenced the recovery process nor correlated to health status perception; c) functional impairment was strongly influenced by nursing needs which also affected the self-perceived health status; d) both functional and perception recovery were influenced by disability at time of admission and reacted positively after rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S De Feo
- IRCCS Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri, Dipartimento di Cardiologia, Via Ferrata 8, I-27100 Pavia, Italy
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Dezfuli BS, Simoni E, Rossi R, Manera M. Rodlet cells and other inflammatory cells of Phoxinus phoxinus infected with Raphidascaris acus (Nematoda). Dis Aquat Organ 2000; 43:61-69. [PMID: 11129382 DOI: 10.3354/dao043061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Rodlet cells (RCs), and other inflammatory cells, namely eosinophile granule cells (EGCs), eosinophilic granulocytes and epithelioid cells in the liver, pancreas and peritoneal serosa of uninfected and naturally parasitized minnow Phoxinus phoxinus (Linnaeus, 1758), were studied by light and electron microscopy. Forty-eight minnows were examined and in 18 fishes encysted larvae of the nematode Raphidascaris acus (Bloch, 1779) were encountered, mainly in the pancreas. The number of larvae in the latter organ ranged from 2 to 46. Nematode larvae were encapsulated by epithelioid granulomata, and these cells displayed typical epithelial characteristics such as desmosomes and tonofilaments. EGCs and RCs characteristically surrounded the reactive foci and were suggestive of an integrated inflammatory network involving both cell types. In many instances RCs were noticed at the periphery of the pancreas, beneath the peritoneal serosa, partially or entirely surrounded by mesothelial cells. In the latter situation partially damaged RCs were present in the splancnic cavity entirely surrounded but not truly phagocytized (no phagolysosome occurred) by mesothelial cells, which shared the same ultrastructural features of epithelioid cells. This phenomenon has never been described and may represent a peculiar turnover of RCs in the pancreas likely related to the high sensitivity to damage. A significant difference (p < 0.01) in the number of RCs between uninfected and parasitized fish was noticed in the liver and pancreas. The data suggest that RCs represent an inflammatory cell type closely linked to other piscine inflammatory cells, such as EGCs, epithelioid cells and mesothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Dezfuli
- Department of Biology, University of Ferrara, Italy.
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33
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Abstract
A branchial osteogenetic neoplasm affecting a barbel Barbus barbus plebejus (Valenciennes, 1829) is described. The osteoblasts' pleomorphism, the lack of a well-developed and complete separation, the presence of eccentric, terminal proliferative edges infiltrating the lining tissues and the abundant tumour matrix suggest a histopathological diagnosis of a 'productive osteoblastic osteosarcoma'. The occurrence of eosinophilic granule cells (EGCs) scattered among neoplastic tissue is discussed in relation to the neoplastic growth and the inflammatory reaction, with reference to recent discoveries in mammalian mast cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Manera
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie e Agroalimentari, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Teramo, Nepezzano, Italy
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Abstract
Four groups of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) were fed diets with additional metal contents: a basal diet (diet A) contained Zn at 60.9 +/- 1.9 mg/kg diet, Cu at 3.9 +/- 0.9 mg/kg diet, and Fe at 138.3 +/- 6.8 mg/kg diet; the other diets were supplemented with copper (20 mg/kg, diet B), iron (100 mg/kg, diet C), or zinc (300 mg/kg, diet D). Two consecutive year-classes (0+ and 1+ age fish) from the same parent stock were examined. Several fish tissues were analyzed for metal contents in five different periods of each year in order to determine (1) the sensitivity of certain tissues as indicators of trace element metabolism and (2) possible seasonal variations. Growth data were similar for gilthead sea bream fed the basal diet and the metal-fortified diets. Mineral concentrations in tissues were found to be little affected by the dietary supplementation of trace elements, suggesting an efficient homeostatic control of these three metal concentrations. Tissues involved in metal metabolism (e.g., liver, kidney, gills) presented greater variations between minimum and maximum values with respect to other tissues (e.g., brain, muscle, eye). Seasonal variations were observed during the 2 yr of this study and were especially evident for zinc and copper concentrations in the liver. The overall pattern of metal variations showed a decreasing trend during the 2 yr. Results from this study indicate that (1) trace element concentrations in fish tissues vary with age and life cycle and (2) trace element requirements may vary in function of age and life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Carpenè
- Department of Biochemistry (Veterinary Section), University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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35
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Majani G, Callegari S, Pierobon A, Viola L, Manera M, Opasich C, Cobelli F, Tavazzi L. [The psychological side of chronic heart failure. A pluriannual experience]. G Ital Cardiol 1997; 27:244-54. [PMID: 9244726] [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: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The present study summarizes the authors' experience reached in the last four years with chronic heart failure patients', particularly referring to the psychological aspects. The 218 male patients (age 51.7 +/- 8.3) psychological profile (obtained by means of the CBA 2.0 Primary Scales) has shown higher scores in the anxiety, depression and psychophysiological disorders scales and lower scores in some of the fear scales, compared with the reference normative group. The CBA 2.0 Schedule 4 has enlightened suicidal ideas, eating and sleep disorders, economic and sexual problems. The comparison between the psychological and the many cardiological variables taken into account, has not allowed to highlight significant relationships on the whole. Our data support the necessity to introduce other--likely subjective--variables in the studies aimed at analyzing the relationships between psychological and cardiological factors in the chronic heart failure patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Majani
- Servizio di Psicologia, Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri, IRCCS, Istituto di Riabilitazione Montescano (PV)
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Manera M, Preziosi R, Biavati S. Assessment of fibromyxoma cell proliferation in a tench (Tinca tinca L.) by the silver staining nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) technique. J Comp Pathol 1997; 116:107-12. [PMID: 9076606 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9975(97)80049-7] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A previously described fibromyxoma in a tench was examined for AgNOR proteins and mitotic index to evaluate the cell proliferation of the different tissue areas forming the tumorous mass. The different areas were: myxoid (myxoid cells in a mucous ground substance with few reticular fibres), collagenous (fibroblast-like cells and collagenous fibres) and mixed areas (intermediate cytological and histological features). A significant (P < 0.01) difference in cell proliferative activity between the three different areas was found by the AgNOR technique and confirmed by the mitotic index. The myxoid areas appeared to be the true proliferative compartment of the tumour, whereas the collagenous areas probably played a structural role, related to low cellular proliferative activity. The AgNOR technique appeared to be a convenient method for the rapid evaluation of cell proliferation in fish tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Manera
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica Veterinaria e Patologia Animale, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Italy
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37
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Manera M. [Results of the 1st use of the new method of fixing prices of proprietary medicines in Italy]. Farmaco Prat 1978; 33:417-33. [PMID: 750228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Manera M. [A new method for price determination of medicinal specialties]. Farmaco Prat 1977; 32:537-50. [PMID: 923765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Manera M. [New method of determination of brand-drug prices in Italy]. Farmaco Prat 1977; 32:265-83. [PMID: 889588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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40
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Manera M. [Company economics in the Italian pharmceutical industry]. Farmaco Prat 1975; 30:311-27. [PMID: 1157912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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