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Pasquarella C, Pompili M, Valeriani F, Morgado M, Milicia GM, Veronesi L, Odone A, Zoni R, Saccani E, Savino G, Persi Y, Pinelli M, Liguori G, Gallè F, Di Onofrio V, Fallace P, Romano Spica V. The prevention of doping and the improper use of drugs and food supplements in sports and physical activities: a survey on the activity of the prevention departments of Italian local health authorities. Ann Ig 2020; 31:533-547. [PMID: 31616898 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2019.2314] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Doping is an important public health problem widespread not only among elite athletes, but also among amateur and recreational athletes and the general population. In Italy the introduction of doping prevention within the Essential Levels of Care (LEA) with the DPCM 12/1/2017 represents a crucial step towards the implementation of education and health promotion interventions. In this context, the Departments of Prevention (DP) of the Local Health Authorities (LHA) have to play a fundamental role, becoming the cultural and operational reference on this issue. As part of the "Doping prevention: development of a permanent educational tool coordinated by the National Health Service Prevention Departments" project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Health, a survey was conducted on the activities carried out by the DP regarding doping prevention and improper use and abuse of drugs and food supplements in sports and physical activities, as a basis for the harmonization of organizational structures and prevention programs and the creation of a collaboration network at a regional and national level. METHODS A semi-structured questionnaire consisting of 11 questions, prepared on an electronic platform, was sent to the DP of all the Italian LHA. RESULTS A total of 38 DP out of 131 (29%) completed the questionnaire, with representation from all regions. 42.1% of DP carried out or are still running programs for the prevention of doping, a percentage that decreases to 27% considering the programs for the prevention of misuse and abuse of drugs and food supplements in sports and in physical activities; in less than half of the DP, 37.5% and 41.7%, respectively, dedicated funds have been allocated. The professionals most involved in prevention of doping are the Specialists in Sport Medicine (81.3%) followed by Specialists in Hygiene (43.8%) and Psychologists (37.5%), while Health Care Assistants (50%) are the professionals most involved in the prevention of the improper use of drugs and food supplements, followed by Specialists in Hygiene and Specialists in Sport Medicine (40%). Most of the DP (71.9%) believe that the introduction of programs to prevent and counteract doping in the LEA will have repercussions on their approach against doping. CONCLUSIONS The survey, although conducted on a limited sample, has provided an important framework relating to programs for the prevention of doping and the misuse and abuse of drugs and food supplements in sports and in the physical activities carried out by DP. A remarkable heterogeneity has been highlighted, both at national and regional level. It is urgent to provide DP with homogeneous and effective organizational models and adequate operational tools, paying particular attention to the training of all the professionals involved. It is also essential to implement permanent monitoring tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Pasquarella
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy - WDPP, Working Group Doping Prevention Project
| | - M Pompili
- Local Health Autority Area Vasta n.1, Fano, Italy - RRN, Regional Referents Network
| | - F Valeriani
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - M Morgado
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - G M Milicia
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - L Veronesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - A Odone
- University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - R Zoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - E Saccani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - G Savino
- Emilia-Romagna Antidoping Center, AUSL Modena, Modena, Italy - WDPP, Working Group Doping Prevention Project
| | - Y Persi
- Emilia-Romagna Antidoping Center, AUSL Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - M Pinelli
- Emilia-Romagna Antidoping Center, AUSL Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - G Liguori
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples "Parthenope", Naples, Italy - GSMS-SItI, Working Group on Movement Sciences for Health, Italian Society of Hygiene Preventive Medicine and Public Health - WDPP, Working Group Doping Prevention Project
| | - F Gallè
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples "Parthenope", Naples, Italy
| | - V Di Onofrio
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Naples "Parthenope", Naples, Ital
| | - P Fallace
- Prevention Department of ASL Napoli 2 Nord, Naples, Italy - WDPP, Working Group Doping Prevention Project - RRN, Regional Referents Network
| | - V Romano Spica
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy - WDPP, Working Group Doping Prevention Project
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Margarucci LM, Romano Spica V, Protano C, Gianfranceschi G, Giuliano M, Di Onofrio V, Mucci N, Valeriani F, Vitali M, Romano F. Potential antimicrobial effects of photocatalytic nanothecnologies in hospital settings. Ann Ig 2020; 31:461-473. [PMID: 31304526 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2019.2307] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, several advanced technologies have been considered to reduce the microbial load in hospital environments and control Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs) incidence. New strategies for preventing HAIs have continuously evolved, including enforcement of hygiene procedures by novel liquid biocides or no-touch technologies, self-disinfecting surfaces coated by heavy metals or light-activated photosensitizers such as Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. STUDY DESIGN Review publications concerning the use of photocatalytic systems in hospital setting, focusing on products based on TiO2. METHODS Specific keywords combinations were analitically searched in PubMed and Scopus databases. RESULTS Starting 80s-90s, over 2000 papers report "in vitro" studies on antimicrobial activity of TiO2 photocatalysis on several microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeasts, and antibiotic resistant strains. Besides, at least 4 selected papers addressed the potentials of this approach by "in field" studies, showing a widespread pool of applications in hospital and healthcare settings. However, the low number of available experiences and their heterogeneity represent major limitations to achieve a comprehensive final overview on effectiveness and feasibility of these technologies. CONCLUSIONS Photocatalytic systems based on TiO2 represent a promising strategy for hospital hygiene and HAI prevention. Additional "in field" studies are desirable in a next future to further evaluate and exploit this novel and interesting health technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Margarucci
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro De Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - V Romano Spica
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro De Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - C Protano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - G Gianfranceschi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro De Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - M Giuliano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Section, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - V Di Onofrio
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - N Mucci
- INAIL, Department of Technological Innovations and Safety of Plants, Products and Anthropic Seattlements, Rome, Italy
| | - F Valeriani
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Piazza Lauro De Bosis 6, 00135 Rome, Italy
| | - M Vitali
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - F Romano
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Liguori G, Gallé F, Di Onofrio V, Valeriani F, Romano Spica V. Higher education on physical activity and sport: The Movement Sciences graduate as a resource to promote healthy lifestyles in the National Health System. Ann Ig 2019; 31:642-648. [PMID: 31616907 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2019.2323] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Currently, physical activity is an important tool that may be useful to improve people health and quality of life through sustainable and effective interventions. In order to obtain durable improvements of individuals' behaviors, however, consistent changes in services organization and the creation of new opportunities in life settings are needed. This requires necessarily the involvement of complementary figures with specific competences. Considering their peculiar training curriculum, Movement Sciences graduates represent key figures in this context and they can operate fully in interventions of health education and promotion, within multidisciplinary teams collaborating with the National Health System (NHS), in order to obtain the global undertaking of citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Liguori
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples "Parthenope", Naples, Italy - WDPP, Working Group Doping Prevention Project - GSMS-SItI, Working Group on Movement Sciences for Health, Italian Society of Hygiene Preventive Medicine and Public Health
| | - F Gallé
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples "Parthenope", Naples, Italy
| | - V Di Onofrio
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Naples "Parthenope", Naples, Italy
| | - F Valeriani
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - V Romano Spica
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy - WDPP, Working Group Doping Prevention Project - GSMS-SItI, Working Group on Movement Sciences for Health, Italian Society of Hygiene Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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Gallé F, Cirella A, Salzano AM, Onofrio VD, Belfiore P, Liguori G. Analyzing the Effects of Psychotherapy on Weight Loss after Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass or Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding in Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder: A Prospective Study. Scand J Surg 2017; 106:299-304. [DOI: 10.1177/1457496917701670] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background and Aims: Personality disorders are frequently associated with eating disorders in obese patients and may negatively affect weight loss and maintenance after bariatric surgery. This non-randomized study aimed to assess the effects of different psychotherapeutic interventions on weight loss in a sample of patients with borderline personality disorder who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. Materials and Methods: A total of 153 bariatric patients meeting borderline personality disorder criteria were chosen voluntarily and consecutively to undergo an interpersonal individual treatment (n = 50), a dialectical behavioral group treatment (n = 50), or treatment as usual (n = 53) for a year after surgery. Their body mass index was measured before and at the end of each treatment. Results and Conclusion: A total of 12 patients (7.8%) dropped out of the study. Significantly higher body mass index reductions were registered in both experimental groups (−14.2 and −9.4 kg/m2, respectively) compared with the treatment as usual group (−2.1 kg/m2; p < 0.01). Treated patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass (total n = 94) showed better outcomes than those who underwent laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (total n = 45), while no differences were observed in untreated patients. This study demonstrates the role of pre-operative psychological assessment and post-operative psychotherapeutic support in improving weight loss among bariatric patients with borderline personality disorder. A randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Gallé
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope,” Naples, Italy
| | - A. Cirella
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope,” Naples, Italy
| | | | - V. Di Onofrio
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Naples “Parthenope,” Naples, Italy
| | - P. Belfiore
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope,” Naples, Italy
| | - G. Liguori
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope,” Naples, Italy
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Romano Spica V, Giampaoli S, Di Onofrio V, Liguori G. Safety of sports facilities and training of graduates in physical education. Ann Ig 2015; 27:3-10. [PMID: 25748500 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2015.2017] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Post-industrial societies have to face the problem of physical inactivity and inappropriate lifestyles. Programs to promote physical activity are strongly supported by supranational, national and local institutions and organizations. These programs can be developed in sport facilities but also in places that are not institutionally dedicated to sport. The use of urban and working sites has the advantage of better reach the various segments of the population, but at the same time requires coordination between various professionals in structuring an effective intervention. METHODS Bibliographical research in the historical archives of the library of the University of Rome Foro Italico, online databases, paleoigiene (wikigiene), documents archives (GSMS-SItI, WHO, ISS, OsEPi, INAIL, ISTAT, national laws). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Several guidelines and regulations face the problem of safety in sport environments. The context is in rapid evolution and directions are provided by public health authorities. Graduates in Sport and Physical Activity, represent an additional resource in terms of: prevention and safety in the workplace, health education, application of preventive and adapted physical activities in the territory. These tasks can be integrated in all prevention stages: e.g. childhood and primary prevention programs in school, adapted physical activity for the elderly. The contribution of public health specialists is strategic in the surveillance and coordination of integrated projects. At the same time, graduates in Physical Education appear to be pivots for health promotion and qualified resources for institutions in the territory. Their training should always include contents related to prevention and safety, regulations on sport and working environments, along with bases of preventive medicine related to the context of physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Romano Spica
- Public Health Unit, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome Italy
| | - S Giampaoli
- Public Health Unit, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome Italy
| | - V Di Onofrio
- Department of Sciences and Technologies, Parthenope University, Naples, Italy
| | - G Liguori
- Department of Movement and Wellbeing Sciences, Parthenope University, Naples Italy
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Pasquarella C, Veronesi L, Napoli C, Castaldi S, Pasquarella ML, Saccani E, Colucci ME, Auxilia F, Gallè F, Di Onofrio V, Tafuri S, Signorelli C, Liguori G. Swimming pools and health-related behaviours: results of an Italian multicentre study on showering habits among pool users. Public Health 2013; 127:614-9. [PMID: 23489712 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2013.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Revised: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Showering before entering a swimming pool is highly recommended to reduce the risk of biological and chemical contamination. This study evaluated the behaviour of indoor swimming pool users; analysed the variables associated with lack of showering; and assessed awareness of the importance of showering. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data about users of swimming pools located in five different Italian cities. The association between specific variables and the lack of showering was assessed. P < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS In total, 4356 questionnaires were analysed. Sixty-five percent of interviewees always showered before entering the pool. The main reason given for pre-swim showering was 'to wash oneself' (50.5%); or 'to get used to the temperature of the water' (44.3%); and 5.2% answered 'for both reasons'. Risk factors significantly associated with lack of showering were: female sex (odds ratio (OR) 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-1.59), age 14-17 years (OR 5.09, 95% CI 3.40-7.64); not reading the swimming pool rules (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10-1.41); living in Central Italy (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.65-4.1) or Southern Italy (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.18-1.55); and previous/current attendance of a swimming course (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.48-1.97). CONCLUSIONS The results revealed low compliance with the rule of showering before entering a swimming pool, and little awareness of the preventive role of showering in the hygienic management of swimming pools. There is a need for targeted educational interventions to inform swimming pool users of the reasons for the importance of showering before entering a pool.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Pasquarella
- Department of Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences, University of Parma, Italy.
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Guida M, Gallé F, Di Onofrio V, Nastro RA, Battista M, Liguori R, Battista F, Liguori G. Environmental microbial contamination in dental setting: a local experience. J Prev Med Hyg 2012; 53:207-212. [PMID: 23469590] [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: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients and operators are exposed during dental practice to an infective risk, which derives especially from microorganisms suspended in aerosols. Environmental microbiological monitoring in dental settings represents a good instrument to detect critical situations. METHODS In order to investigate environmental microbial contamination level in a local reality, we analyzed water, air and surfaces samples of a community-based dental facility by using protocol and threshold values proposed in a recent multicenter study carried out by the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health (S.It.I.) working group "Hygiene in Dentistry". Microbial contamination was assessed in the same room for 4 non-consecutive weeks during all the five working days, before and at the end of the daily activity. Air was sampled also during clinical activity, through both active and passive sampling systems. RESULTS Contamination of water showed a decrease during activities, while a decrease in air contamination was registered only at the end of the day. Passive sampling values resulted more often above threshold values adopted. At the same time, surfaces contamination increases at the end of the activity. It seems that in the dental clinic analyzed microbial buildup represents the higher critical element. No differences have been registered among the different days of the week. DISCUSSION Our study highlights the need to improve disinfection procedures and air treatment systems in the considered environment. Microbiological monitoring could represent an important element to detect the presence of risk factors and to adopt control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Guida
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
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Gallè F, Quaranta A, Napoli C, Di Onofrio V, Alfano V, Montagna MT, Liguori G. Body art practices and health risks: young adults' knowledge in two regions of southern Italy. Ann Ig 2012; 24:535-542. [PMID: 23234191] [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: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the past several decades the number of individuals, particularly young adults, acquiring body art has increased very seriously in occidental society. In order to verify young adults' practices and knowledge of the risks related to body art, an investigation was conducted among university freshmen in Bari (Apulia Region) and Naples (Campania Region), both in Southern Italy. METHODS The study was carried out during the period 2008-2010 through an anonymous questionnaire distributed to 3,868 people selected among 26 Degree Courses of the University of Bari and Naples Parthenope. The two regional samples were matched for age and sex. RESULTS On the whole, 84.4% declare to know the infectious risks associated with body art practices, but only 4.1% of them correctly identified the infectious diseases which can be transmitted through these procedures; while 59.2% of the sample declared that non-infectious diseases can occur after a tattoo or a piercing, but only 5.4% of them correctly identified allergies, cysts, bleeding and scars. The possible occurrence of infectious and non-infectious diseases has been acknowledged by most students in Apulia region (89.7 versus 79.1% and 64.8 versus 53.6% respectively). In this Region, of the 1,001 (32.4%) pierced and 597 (19.8%) tattooed youths 23.4% reported complications. Campania region youths reported a greater number of complications than Apulia did (30.3 versus 13.1%) and they also purchased more frequently their tattoos or piercings in unauthorized facilities (35.3% versus 15.9%). CONCLUSIONS With regard to the knowledge of health risks associated to body art, it has been registered a higher awareness of infectious than non-infectious diseases. Information about freshmen's knowledge and practices could help in effective planning of health promotion strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Gallè
- Department of Institutions and Territorial Systems Studies, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
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Liguori G, Di Onofrio V, Gallé F, Lucariello A, Albano L, Catania MR, Guida M. Candida albicans identification: comparison among nine phenotypic systems and a multiplex PCR. J Prev Med Hyg 2010; 51:121-124. [PMID: 21361117] [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: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Candida albicans is the most common fungal pathogen isolated from clinical samples and is also the most common yeast species carried as a commensal by healthy individuals although some non-C. albicans species account for an important number of infections. OBJECTIVES To compare nine phenotypic systems for C. albicans identification [API 20C AUX; RapID Yeast Identification panel (RYIP); Vitek2 ID-YST system; chromogenic media, CHRO-Magar, Oxoid Chromogenic Candida Agar (OCCA), Candida ID2, Candida Identification Agar, CandiSelect 4, and Chromalbicans Agar] with multiplex PCR. PATIENTS/METHODS A collection of 390 yeast strains was obtained by routine isolation from oral and vaginal swabs. All of the yeasts isolated were tested for germ tube formation, and then submitted to a multiplex PCR protocol tested in previous studies, and to nine phenotypical commercial methods, together with the reference ATCC strains. Comparison was limited to the ability of the tests to identify C. albicans. RESULTS 253 isolates were provisionally identified as C. albicans by germ tube, and their identities were further confirmed with the multiplex PCR. Sensitivity of phenotypical systems ranged from 81.9% (Vitek2) to 87.7% (Candida ID2 e CHROMagar). For specificity, the highest value was 96.8% for Candida ID2, and the lowest value (75.1%) was for Chromalbicans Agar. CONCLUSIONS Although with differences in discriminatory power, the methods tested showed overall acceptable levels of sensitivity and specificity respect to the multiplex PCR; therefore, all could be useful for C. albicans identification where molecular differentiation is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Liguori
- Department of Studies of Institutions and Territorial Systems, University of Naples Parthenope, Italy.
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Liguori G, Di Onofrio V, Lucariello A, Gallé F, Signoriello G, Colella G, D’Amora M, Rossano F. Oral candidiasis: a comparison between conventional methods and multiplex polymerase chain reaction for species identification. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 24:76-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-302x.2008.00447.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Liguori G, Spagnoli G, Agozzino E, Marinelli A, Signoriello G, Lucariello A, Albano L, Di Onofrio V, Cammarota B, Capozza G, Lombardi R, Marinelli P. [Biological risk in the operating room: microbiological monitoring of the environment and analysis of the associated variables]. Ann Ig 2005; 17:385-400. [PMID: 16353676] [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: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The authors present an environmental microbiological monitoring programme carried out over a period of 15 months in 16 operating theatres performing specific types of surgery. The levels of microbial contamination of the air and of four of the most representative surfaces of the clean area were determined at 3 different times for each theatre, both before and during surgery. For the air assessment, the results obtained with three different samplers, Sed-3 Unit, SAS and RCS, were compared. The results were on the whole acceptable, but some poor conditions were detected during the theatres in use, especially in general surgery theatres; in some of these the floors showed levels of contamination consistently exceeding the reference limits. As the monitoring programme proceeded, the microbiological quality of the air and of the surfaces in the theatres notably improved. The three air samplers showed different conditions expressed with units of measure not always readily comparable. For active samplers, the bacterial load determined by RCS, although less variable, were always higher (even 2-3 fold) than those obtained with the SAS. Passive sampling takes longer but determines the real risk of infection for the patients; contemporary determination of the fall-out and the CFU/m3 helps to identify the occupational risks. Since the limit values established by the ISPESL guidelines for the operating theatres have been defined only for active samplers, there is urgent need for more exhaustive national guidelines to define similar values also for passive sampling. The Authors conclude stressing the importance of promoting continuing information-education programmes to heighten the awareness of all those involved in operating theatre activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Liguori
- Cattedra di Igiene ed Epidemiologia, Fac. di Scienze Motorie, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Parthenope".
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Liguori G, Marinelli A, Galdiero E, Arnese A, Di Onofrio V, Lucariello A, Marinelli P. Candida spp. morphotype differentiation on Sabouraud-Triphenyltetrazolium-Agar (STTZ-Agar) under three different experimental conditions. New Microbiol 2004; 27:193-7. [PMID: 15164633] [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: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
One hundred and thirty-two strains of Candida spp. were cultured on STTZ-Agar at 37 degrees C for 6 days and at 25 degrees C for 6 and 21 days to determine the culture conditions that would ensure maximum reproducibility in the discrimination of the strains of the same species. Standardization is of utmost importance, as varying experimental conditions can alter the results of the tests. Further studies are needed also implementing molecular tests to establish possible relationships between morphotype, genotype and virulence.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Liguori
- Department of Public, Clinic and Preventive Medicine, Section of Hygiene, Second University of Naples, Italy
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