1
|
de Cal M, Lorenzin A, Risino B, Zanetti F, Fanton G, Fallico L, Rassu M, De Rosa S, Ronco C, Zanella M. Extracorporeal therapy in the treatment of sepsis: In vitro assessment of the effect of an absorbent cartridge on the circulating bacterial concentration and its interaction with the antibiotic therapy. Int J Artif Organs 2023:3913988231168155. [PMID: 37066442 DOI: 10.1177/03913988231168155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis is one of the major causes of death worldwide. In its physiopathological process, a broad spectrum of pro and antiinflammatory mediators plays a strategic role, leading to a sepsis induced state of immunoparalysis. The rationale behind the employment of extracorporeal purification techniques as a complement to therapy for sepsis is based on their ability to remove the mediators involved. Until now, attention was focused on the immunomodulation allowed by purification therapies. However, the focus of studies on the application possibilities that these techniques offer as a supplement to antimicrobial therapy and resuscitation of critically ill patients must be extended. In this study, the possible removal by adsorption that the Jafron® HA330 cartridge operates against bacteria (S. aureus) was evaluated in vitro. Subsequently, it was evaluated whether the adsorptive capabilities toward bacteria were maintained by using a cartridge functionalized with Vancomycin and whether the latter maintains its bactericidal activity. This study showed that HA330 reduces the circulating bacterial load, even in the presence of pre-adsorbed Vancomycin. Vancomycin, once adsorbed by the cartridge, does not guarantee its bactericidal activity during the 2-h of hemoperfusion treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo de Cal
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, St. Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
- International Renal Research Institute of Vicenza (IRRIV), Vicenza, Italy
| | - Anna Lorenzin
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, St. Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
- International Renal Research Institute of Vicenza (IRRIV), Vicenza, Italy
| | - Benedetta Risino
- International Renal Research Institute of Vicenza (IRRIV), Vicenza, Italy
| | - Fiammetta Zanetti
- International Renal Research Institute of Vicenza (IRRIV), Vicenza, Italy
| | - Giulia Fanton
- International Renal Research Institute of Vicenza (IRRIV), Vicenza, Italy
| | - Loredana Fallico
- Department of Microbiology, St. Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Mario Rassu
- Department of Microbiology, St. Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Silvia De Rosa
- Centre for Medical Sciences - CISMed, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Santa Chiara Regional Hospital, Trento, Italy
| | - Claudio Ronco
- International Renal Research Institute of Vicenza (IRRIV), Vicenza, Italy
| | - Monica Zanella
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, St. Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
- International Renal Research Institute of Vicenza (IRRIV), Vicenza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carta M, Pascarella M, Cappelletti A, Rassu M, Giavarina D. Evaluating the role of a fully automated SARS-CoV-2 antigen ECLIA immunoassay in the management of the SARS COV 2 pandemic on general population. Diagnosis (Berl) 2022; 9:491-498. [PMID: 36181728 DOI: 10.1515/dx-2022-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) automated assays (fourth-generation antigen test) for SARS-CoV-2 detection are promising because of their analytical productivity, but have lower sensitivity and specificity than rt-PCR assays. The authors of this paper evaluated a recent immunoassay implemented on Siemens Atellica IM, investigating how much this could affect the actual feasibility of this diagnostic during the pandemic. METHODS From the three-day routine 134 positive and 241 negative swab samples by rt-PCR test were evaluated, selected as 1/3 positive - 2/3 negative. RESULTS Using rt-PCR as gold standard, the specificity of immunoassay was 96.7%, while sensitivity was 68.0%. Sensitivity is inversely proportional to the viral load: 100% for cycles threshold (CT) values from 14 to 29, 95% until 30 CT, then 85, 74, 72, 68%, for 31-35 CT respectively. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms the reliability of the fourth-generation antigen assay in recognizing negative samples. Conversely, sensitivity appears to be less reliable (68.0%) than reported in the literature. This could be due to a non-randomized study group: many swab samples were taken from patients with expected low viral load (hospitalized for COVID for more than 10-12 days or asymptomatic patients for epidemiological surveillance). The strong correlation of sensitivity and viral load could prove significant to track the infectiousness of infected people, as previous studies reported that a viral load of at least 10E6 copies of RNA/mL, corresponding to 25 CT, is the threshold of transmission of the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mario Rassu
- Microbiology Unit, AULSS 8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dettin M, Roso M, Messina GML, Iucci G, Peluso V, Russo T, Zamuner A, Santi M, Milan Manani S, Zanella M, Battocchio C, Marletta G, Modesti M, Rassu M, De Cal M, Ronco C. Electrospun Chitosan Functionalized with C12, C14 or C16 Tails for Blood-Contacting Medical Devices. Gels 2022; 8:gels8020113. [PMID: 35200494 PMCID: PMC8872026 DOI: 10.3390/gels8020113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Medical applications stimulate the need for materials with broad potential. Chitosan, the partially deacetylated derivative of chitin, offers many interesting characteristics, such as biocompatibility and chemical derivatization possibility. In the present study, porous scaffolds composed of electrospun interwoven nanometric fibers are produced using chitosan or chitosan functionalized with aliphatic chains of twelve, fourteen or sixteen methylene groups. The scaffolds were thoroughly characterized by SEM and XPS. The length of the aliphatic tail influenced the physico-chemical and dynamic mechanical properties of the functionalized chitosan. The electrospun membranes revealed no interaction of Gram+ or Gram− bacteria, resulting in neither antibacterial nor bactericidal, but constitutively sterile. The electrospun scaffolds demonstrated the absence of cytotoxicity, inflammation response, and eryptosis. These results open the door to their application for blood purification devices, hemodialysis membranes, and vascular grafts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Dettin
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.D.); (M.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Martina Roso
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.D.); (M.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Grazia M. L. Messina
- Department of Chemistry, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.M.L.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Giovanna Iucci
- Department of Sciences, University Roma Tre, Via della Vasca Navale 79, 00146 Rome, Italy; (G.I.); (M.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Valentina Peluso
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Viale J.F. Kennedy 54−Mostra d’Oltremare PAD. 20, 80125 Naples, Italy; (V.P.); (T.R.)
| | - Teresa Russo
- Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council of Italy, Viale J.F. Kennedy 54−Mostra d’Oltremare PAD. 20, 80125 Naples, Italy; (V.P.); (T.R.)
| | - Annj Zamuner
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.D.); (M.R.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-0498-275-553
| | - Marta Santi
- Department of Sciences, University Roma Tre, Via della Vasca Navale 79, 00146 Rome, Italy; (G.I.); (M.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Sabrina Milan Manani
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, International Renal Research Institute (IRRIV), AULSS8, San Bortolo Hospital, Viale Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy; (S.M.M.); (M.Z.); (M.R.); (M.D.C.); (C.R.)
| | - Monica Zanella
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, International Renal Research Institute (IRRIV), AULSS8, San Bortolo Hospital, Viale Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy; (S.M.M.); (M.Z.); (M.R.); (M.D.C.); (C.R.)
| | - Chiara Battocchio
- Department of Sciences, University Roma Tre, Via della Vasca Navale 79, 00146 Rome, Italy; (G.I.); (M.S.); (C.B.)
| | - Giovanni Marletta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6, 95125 Catania, Italy; (G.M.L.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Michele Modesti
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.D.); (M.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Mario Rassu
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, International Renal Research Institute (IRRIV), AULSS8, San Bortolo Hospital, Viale Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy; (S.M.M.); (M.Z.); (M.R.); (M.D.C.); (C.R.)
| | - Massimo De Cal
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, International Renal Research Institute (IRRIV), AULSS8, San Bortolo Hospital, Viale Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy; (S.M.M.); (M.Z.); (M.R.); (M.D.C.); (C.R.)
| | - Claudio Ronco
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, International Renal Research Institute (IRRIV), AULSS8, San Bortolo Hospital, Viale Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy; (S.M.M.); (M.Z.); (M.R.); (M.D.C.); (C.R.)
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Barzon L, Gobbi F, Capelli G, Montarsi F, Martini S, Riccetti S, Sinigaglia A, Pacenti M, Pavan G, Rassu M, Padovan MT, Manfrin V, Zanella F, Russo F, Foglia F, Lazzarini L. Autochthonous dengue outbreak in Italy 2020: clinical, virological and entomological findings. J Travel Med 2021; 28:6354471. [PMID: 34409443 PMCID: PMC8499737 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taab130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In August 2020, in the context of COVID-19 pandemics, an autochthonous dengue outbreak was identified for the first time in Italy. METHODS Following the reporting of the index case of autochthonous dengue, epidemiological investigation, vector control and substances of human origin safety measures were immediately activated, according to the national arbovirus surveillance plan. Dengue cases were followed-up with weekly visits and laboratory tests until recovery and clearance of viral RNA from blood. RESULTS The primary dengue case was identified in a young woman, who developed fever after returning from Indonesia to northern Italy, on 27 July 2020. She spent the mandatory quarantine for COVID-19 at home with relatives, six of whom developed dengue within two weeks. Epidemiological investigation identified further five autochthonous dengue cases among people who lived or stayed near the residence of the primary case. The last case of the outbreak developed fever on 29 September 2020. Dengue cases had a mild febrile illness, except one with persistent asthenia and myalgia. DENV-1 RNA was detected in blood and/or urine in all autochthonous cases, up to 35 days after fever onset. All cases developed IgM and IgG antibodies which cross-reacted with West Nile virus (WNV) and other flaviviruses. Sequencing of the full viral genome from blood samples showed over 99% nucleotide identity with DENV-1 strains isolated in China in 2014-2015; phylogenetic analysis classified the virus within Genotype I. Entomological site inspection identified a high density of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which conceivably sustained local DENV-1 transmission. Aedes koreicus mosquitoes were also collected in the site. CONCLUSIONS Areas in Europe with high density of Aedes mosquitoes should be considered at risk for dengue transmission. The presence of endemic flaviviruses, such as WNV, might pose problems in the laboratory diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Barzon
- Veneto Region Arbovirosis Task Force, Dorsoduro, 3493 - Rio Nuovo - 30123 Venezia, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy.,Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Federico Gobbi
- Veneto Region Arbovirosis Task Force, Dorsoduro, 3493 - Rio Nuovo - 30123 Venezia, Italy.,Department of Infectious/Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Via Luigi Rizzardi 4, 37024, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Veneto Region Arbovirosis Task Force, Dorsoduro, 3493 - Rio Nuovo - 30123 Venezia, Italy.,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Veneto Region Arbovirosis Task Force, Dorsoduro, 3493 - Rio Nuovo - 30123 Venezia, Italy.,Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Simone Martini
- Veneto Region Arbovirosis Task Force, Dorsoduro, 3493 - Rio Nuovo - 30123 Venezia, Italy.,Entostudio s.r.l., Viale del Lavoro, 66, 35020 Ponte San Nicolò, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Riccetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sinigaglia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Monia Pacenti
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Giacomina Pavan
- Department of Microbiology, St. Bortolo Hospital, Viale Ferdinando Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
| | - Mario Rassu
- Department of Microbiology, St. Bortolo Hospital, Viale Ferdinando Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Padovan
- Department of Public Health, Azienda AULSS8 Berica, Viale Ferdinando Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
| | - Vinicio Manfrin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Bortolo Hospital, Viale Ferdinando Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
| | - Francesca Zanella
- Veneto Region Arbovirosis Task Force, Dorsoduro, 3493 - Rio Nuovo - 30123 Venezia, Italy.,Direzione Prevenzione, Sicurezza Alimentare Veterinaria, Dorsoduro, 3493 - Rio Nuovo - 30123 Venice, Italy
| | - Francesca Russo
- Veneto Region Arbovirosis Task Force, Dorsoduro, 3493 - Rio Nuovo - 30123 Venezia, Italy.,Direzione Prevenzione, Sicurezza Alimentare Veterinaria, Dorsoduro, 3493 - Rio Nuovo - 30123 Venice, Italy
| | - Felice Foglia
- Department of Public Health, Azienda AULSS8 Berica, Viale Ferdinando Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
| | - Luca Lazzarini
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Bortolo Hospital, Viale Ferdinando Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tramarin A, Gennaro N, Dal Grande G, Bragagnolo L, Carta MR, Giavarina D, Pascarella M, Rassu M, Matteazzi A, Stopazzolo G. The impact of COVID-19 first wave on long term care facilities of an Italian Province: an historical reference. Geriatr Care 2021. [DOI: 10.4081/gc.2021.9654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic will leave a profound imprint in the collective memory of humanity. In Italy, Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) have seen a disproportionally high number of deaths during and the COVID-19 pandemic and, certainly, they may be considered as its epicenter. Aiming to leave a symbolic mark of what the pandemic did in these care settings, we report on an outbreak in a single LTCF where, 53 out of 64 residents, resulted infected. Our narration is based on an epidemiological field investigation together with a calendar of passages through the stages of disease in the infected population. We found an age-gradient in all clinical and epidemiological variables explored such as symptoms onset, illness severity, recovery from symptoms and deaths. According to the disease staging, 26 (49%) were asymptomatic; 9 (17%) had a mild disease; 7 (13%) a moderate stage and 11 (21%) a severe illness severity of whom 10 died. For a more comprehensive description of the impact of the pandemic on LTCFs, we compared the standard mortality ratio (SMR) in the first six months of 2020 to that of 2018 and 2019 in all the 34 facilities of the Vicenza province. Overall, there was a SMR higher 60% than the equivalent period of the previous years.
Collapse
|
6
|
Carta M, Bragagnolo L, Tramarin A, Cappelletti A, Barzon E, Forner L, Meneghini MG, Tripodi C, Gottardo M, Dal Lago F, Marinello S, Dal Grande G, Pascarella M, Rassu M, Giavarina D. Prospective serological evaluation of anti SARS-CoV-2 IgG and anti S1-RBD antibodies in a community outbreak. Clin Chem Lab Med 2021; 59:e322-e325. [PMID: 33641271 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2021-0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariarosa Carta
- Laboratory Medicine Department, St. Bortolo Hospital, AULSS 8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Luciana Bragagnolo
- Microbiology Department, St. Bortolo Hospital Vicenza, AULSS 8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | | | - Anna Cappelletti
- Laboratory Medicine Department, St. Bortolo Hospital, AULSS 8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Elena Barzon
- Laboratory Medicine Department, St. Bortolo Hospital, AULSS 8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Lauretta Forner
- Laboratory Medicine Department, St. Bortolo Hospital, AULSS 8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Tripodi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, St. Bortolo Hospital, AULSS 8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Marlene Gottardo
- Laboratory Medicine Department, St. Bortolo Hospital, AULSS 8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Francesca Dal Lago
- Laboratory Medicine Department, St. Bortolo Hospital, AULSS 8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Sara Marinello
- Laboratory Medicine Department, St. Bortolo Hospital, AULSS 8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | | | - Michela Pascarella
- Microbiology Department, St. Bortolo Hospital Vicenza, AULSS 8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Mario Rassu
- Microbiology Department, St. Bortolo Hospital Vicenza, AULSS 8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Davide Giavarina
- Laboratory Medicine Department, St. Bortolo Hospital, AULSS 8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chieregato K, Bernardi M, Alghisi A, Giordano R, Lazzari L, Perbellini O, Rassu M, Ruggeri M, Astori G. A flow cytometric assay for the quantification of MSC lysis by peripheral blood mononucleated cells. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06036. [PMID: 33553772 PMCID: PMC7856420 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are attractive candidates for the treatment of acute graft versus host disease (aGvHD) or autoimmune disorders. However, mechanisms of MSC recognition remain unclear and there are evidences that MSC are not totally immunoprivileged. Data suggest that MSC undergo apoptosis after infusion in presence of cytotoxic cells and their death could drive immunosuppression. In GvHD patients, that activity was associated with clinical response. It is mandatory to develop an in vitro potency testing predictor of the "in vivo" response to the therapy. We describe a flow cytometric assay based on differential immunostaining of target and effector cells where BM MSC are enumerated with fluorospheres to determine the loss of target cells after co-culture with PB MNC. 6/13 (46%) of BM MSC lots were lysed by PB MNC and the lysis was proportional to the E/T cell ratio. The method overcomes the problems linked to the use of dyes or radioactive, evidencing the limitations linked to the use of a single vital dye and proposing a precise gating strategy based on absolute cell counts where cells are left untouched. The assay is easy and could be used to predict the response of the patients to the therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katia Chieregato
- Advanced Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Haematology Unit, Vicenza Hospital, Italy.,CORIS Veneto - Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria, Padova, Italy
| | - Martina Bernardi
- Advanced Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Haematology Unit, Vicenza Hospital, Italy.,CORIS Veneto - Consorzio per la Ricerca Sanitaria, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberta Alghisi
- Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine Service, Vicenza Hospital, Italy
| | - Rosaria Giordano
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine - Cell Factory, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Lorenza Lazzari
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine - Cell Factory, Department of Transfusion Medicine and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Omar Perbellini
- Advanced Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Haematology Unit, Vicenza Hospital, Italy
| | - Mario Rassu
- Department of Microbiology, Vicenza Hospital, Italy
| | - Marco Ruggeri
- Advanced Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Haematology Unit, Vicenza Hospital, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Astori
- Advanced Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Haematology Unit, Vicenza Hospital, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Carta M, Bragagnolo L, Tramarin A, Barzon E, Cappelletti A, Pascarella M, Forner L, Meneghini MG, Tripodi C, Rassu M, Giavarina D. Anti SARS-CoV-2 antibodies monitoring in a group of residents in a long term care facility during COVID-19 pandemic peak. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 7:395-400. [PMID: 32827394 DOI: 10.1515/dx-2020-0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Clinical laboratories plays a key role in screening, diagnosis and containment of the Coronavirus 2019 infection epidemic. The etiological diagnosis presupposes the isolation of virus genetic material in the patient's biological sample but laboratory diagnostics also make use of searching possibility for immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgM classes antibodies. The characteristics of the antibody response are not yet completely clear. Methods This study describes a serological monitoring of subjects, elderly nursing care residence guests, interested by a very large infection outbreak. After first nasopharyngeal swab, all the positive subjects (43) were monitored for the persistence of the virus infection through nasopharyngeal swab after 20 days (16-24), 32 days (28-36) and after 49 days (47-50). At the same time, during the second (day 32) and third (day 49) follow up, all the guests were investigated for IgM and IgG anti SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, by using a quantitative chemiluminescence method. Results Thirty two days after performing the first diagnostic swab, 39 of 43 patients (90%) had IgG higher than the cut off value. After 49 days the four patients with negative IgG were still negative. The comparison of the levels of IgG-Ab between the controls shows a significant decrease in concentrations (-10%). Conclusions Our study confirms that in most patients affected by COVID-19 there is a typical antibody response with IgG-Ab present in 90% of nursing care COVID-19 positive residence guests. For IgM-Ab only 23% of tested subjects were positive on the 32nd and 49th day of illness, always in parallel with the IgG-Ab positivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elena Barzon
- Medicina di Laboratorio, AULSS 8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Mario Rassu
- Microbiologia, AULSS 8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ghodousi A, Borroni E, Peracchi M, Palù G, Fallico L, Rassu M, Manfrin V, Mantegani P, Monzillo V, Manganelli R, Tortoli E, Cirillo DM. Genomic analysis of cardiac surgery-associated Mycobacterium chimaera infections in Italy. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239273. [PMID: 32976495 PMCID: PMC7518601 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239273] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
One hundred and twenty-two Mycobacterium chimaera strains isolated in Italy from cardiac surgery-related patients, cardiac surgery-unrelated patients and from heater-cooler units, were submitted to whole-genome sequencing and to subsequent SNP analysis. All but one strains isolated from cardiac surgery-related patients belonged to Subgroup 1.1 (19/23) or Subgroup 1.8 (3/23). Only 28 out of 79 strains isolated from heater-cooler units belonged to groupings other than 1.1 and 1.8. The strains isolated from cardiac surgery-unrelated patients were instead distributed across the phylogenetic tree. Our data, the first on isolates from Italy, are in agreement with a recent large genomic study suggesting a common source, represented by strains belonging to Subgroups 1.1 and 1.8, of cardiac surgery-related Mycobacterium chimaera infections. The strains belonging to groupings other than 1.1 and 1.8 isolated from heather-cooler units evidently resulted from contaminations at hospital level and had no share in the Mycobacterium chimaera outbreak. One Mycobacterium chimaera strain investigated in this study proved distant from every previously known Mycobacterium chimaera Groups (1, 2, 3 and 4) and we propose to assign to a novel group, named “Group 5”.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arash Ghodousi
- Emerging Bacterial Pathogens Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Borroni
- Emerging Bacterial Pathogens Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Paola Mantegani
- Emerging Bacterial Pathogens Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzina Monzillo
- U.O.C Microbiologia e Virologia, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Tortoli
- Emerging Bacterial Pathogens Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Maria Cirillo
- Emerging Bacterial Pathogens Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lazzarini L, Barzon L, Foglia F, Manfrin V, Pacenti M, Pavan G, Rassu M, Capelli G, Montarsi F, Martini S, Zanella F, Padovan MT, Russo F, Gobbi F. First autochthonous dengue outbreak in Italy, August 2020. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 25. [PMID: 32914745 PMCID: PMC7502902 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2020.25.36.2001606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [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] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
In August 2020, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, five locally acquired cases of dengue virus type 1 were detected in a family cluster in Vicenza Province, North-East Italy where Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are endemic. The primary case was an importation from West Sumatra, Indonesia. This is the first outbreak of autochthonous dengue reported in Italy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, screening of febrile travelers from endemic countries is crucial in areas where competent vectors are present.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Lazzarini
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Luisa Barzon
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Italy.,Veneto Region Arbovirosis Task Force, Venezia, Italy
| | | | - Vinicio Manfrin
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Monia Pacenti
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Giacomina Pavan
- Department of Microbiology, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Mario Rassu
- Department of Microbiology, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Gioia Capelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Region Arbovirosis Task Force, Venezia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Region Arbovirosis Task Force, Venezia, Italy
| | - Simone Martini
- Entostudio s.r.l., Ponte San Nicolò, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Region Arbovirosis Task Force, Venezia, Italy
| | - Francesca Zanella
- Direzione Prevenzione, Sicurezza Alimentare Veterinaria - Regione Veneto, Venice, Italy.,Veneto Region Arbovirosis Task Force, Venezia, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Russo
- Direzione Prevenzione, Sicurezza Alimentare Veterinaria - Regione Veneto, Venice, Italy.,Veneto Region Arbovirosis Task Force, Venezia, Italy
| | - Federico Gobbi
- Department of Infectious/Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy.,Veneto Region Arbovirosis Task Force, Venezia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Arena F, Argentieri M, Bernaschi P, Fortina G, Kroumova V, Pecile P, Rassu M, Spanu T, Rossolini GM, Fontana C. Compliance of clinical microbiology laboratories with recommendations for the diagnosis of bloodstream infections: Data from a nationwide survey in Italy. Microbiologyopen 2020; 9:e1002. [PMID: 32012494 PMCID: PMC7142361 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.1002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2014, the Italian Working Group for Infections in Critically Ill Patient of the Italian Association of Clinical Microbiologists updated the recommendations for the diagnostic workflow for bloodstream infections (BSI). Two years after publication, a nationwide survey was conducted to assess the compliance with the updated recommendations by clinical microbiology laboratories. A total of 168 microbiologists from 168 laboratories, serving 204 acute care hospitals and postacute care facilities, were interviewed during the period January–October 2016 using a questionnaire consisting of nineteen questions which assessed the level of adherence to various recommendations. The most critical issues were as follows: (a) The number of sets of blood cultures (BC) per 1,000 hospitalization days was acceptable in only 11% of laboratories; (b) the minority of laboratories (42%) was able to monitor whether BCs were over or under‐inoculated; (c) among the laboratories monitoring BC contamination (80%), the rate of contaminated samples was acceptable in only 12% of cases;(d) the Gram‐staining results were reported within 1 hr since BC positivity in less than 50% of laboratories. By contrast, most laboratories received vials within 2–4 hr from withdrawal (65%) and incubated vials as soon as they were received in the laboratory (95%). The study revealed that compliance with the recommendations is still partial. Further surveys will be needed to monitor the situation in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Arena
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.,IRCCS Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, Florence, Italy
| | - Marta Argentieri
- Microbiology Unit, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Bernaschi
- Microbiology Unit, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Fortina
- Italian Work Group for Infections in Critically Ill Patient (GliPac-AMCLI), Milan, Italy
| | - Vesselina Kroumova
- Infection Control Unit, University Hospital "Maggiore della Carità", Novara, Italy
| | - Patrizia Pecile
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Florence Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Rassu
- Microbiology and Virology Lab, AULS 8 Berica, S. Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Teresa Spanu
- Institute of Microbiology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Rossolini
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Florence Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Carla Fontana
- Department Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Microbiology and Virology Lab, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
mondino S, Manfrin V, Rassu M, Fallico L, Mantoan P, Zanon MP, Cazzaro R, Barra S. The public health task force in the management of the Mycobacterium chimaera case in the Vicenza hospital, Italy. Access Microbiol 2020. [DOI: 10.1099/acmi.fis2019.po0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maria Paola Zanon
- Specialization School in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chiarini A, Liu D, Rassu M, Armato U, Eccher C, Dal Prà I. Over Expressed TKTL1, CIP-2A, and B-MYB Proteins in Uterine Cervix Epithelium Scrapings as Potential Risk Predictive Biomarkers in HR-HPV-Infected LSIL/ASCUS Patients. Front Oncol 2019; 9:213. [PMID: 31001477 PMCID: PMC6456695 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
High oncogenic risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) promote cervical carcinoma development, the fourth most common feminine cancer. A slow oncodevelopmental phase—defined histopathologically as Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) grades 1–3, or cytologically as Low- or High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (LSIL or HSIL)—precedes the malignancy. Cervical carcinoma screenings through HR-HPV genotyping and Pap smears are regularly performed in Western countries. Faulty cytology screening or genotyping or patients' non-compliance with follow-ups can let slip an oncoprogression diagnosis. Novel biomarker tests flanking HR-HPV genotyping and cytology could objectively predict the risk of disease progression thus helping triage LSIL/ASCUS patients. Here, anonymized leftovers of fresh cervical epithelium scrapings from twice (LSIL/ASCUS and HR-HPV DNA)-positive and twice (Pap smear- and HR-HPV DNA)-negative (control) patients in a proteome-preserving solution served to assess the biomarker worth of three cervical carcinoma-related proteins, i.e., B-MYB (or MYBL2), Cancerous Inhibitor of PP2A (CIP-2a), and transketolase-like1 (TKTL1). Leftovers anonymity was strictly kept and storage at −80°C, protein extraction, immunoblotting, and band densitometry were blindly performed. Only after tests completion, the anonymous yet code-corresponding HR-HPV-genotyping and cytology data allowed to assign each sample to the twice-positive or twice-negative group. Descriptive statistics showed that the three proteins levels significantly increased in the twice-positive vs. twice-negative scrapings. Diagnostic ROC curve analysis identified each protein's Optimal Decision Threshold (OTD) showing that TKTL1 and CIP-2a are stronger risk predictive biomarkers (Sensitivity, 0.91–0.93; Specificity, 0.77–0.83) than B-MYB. Logistic Regression coupled with Likelihood-Ratio Tests confirmed that a highly significant relation links increasing TKTL1/CIP-2a/B-MYB protein levels in twice-positive cervical scrapings to the risk of HR-HPV-driven oncoprogression. Finally, a 3 year clinical follow-up showed that 13 patients (50% of total) of the twice-positive group with biomarker values over OTDs compliantly underwent scheduled colposcopy and biopsy. Of these, 11 (i.e., 84.7%) received a positive histological diagnosis, i.e., CIN1 (n = 5; 38.5%) or CIN2/CIN2+ (n = 6; 46,2%). Therefore, TKTL1/CIP-2a/B-MYB protein levels could objectively predict oncoprogression risk in twice (HR-HPV- and Pap smear)-positive women. Further studies will assess the translatability of these findings into clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chiarini
- Human Histology and Embryology Unit, University of Verona Medical School, Verona, Italy
| | - Daisong Liu
- Human Histology and Embryology Unit, University of Verona Medical School, Verona, Italy.,Plastic Surgery Department, Xiangya Third Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mario Rassu
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Ubaldo Armato
- Human Histology and Embryology Unit, University of Verona Medical School, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Dal Prà
- Human Histology and Embryology Unit, University of Verona Medical School, Verona, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bergallo M, Fava P, Galliano I, Novelli M, Montanari P, Daprà V, Rassu M, Quaglino P, Fierro MT. Molecular genetic analyses of human endogenous retroviral elements belonging to the HERV-P and HERV-R family in primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2018; 32:e297-e298. [PMID: 29405482 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.14840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Bergallo
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases Unit, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - P Fava
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - I Galliano
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases Unit, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - M Novelli
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - P Montanari
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases Unit, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - V Daprà
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases Unit, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - M Rassu
- Department of Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases Unit, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - P Quaglino
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - M T Fierro
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
De Cal M, Cazzavillan S, Rassu M, Ronco C. Residual of Bacterial Dna in Hemodialyzers: The Proof of Subclinical Infection Sustaining Chronic Inflammation. Int J Artif Organs 2018; 31:395-404. [DOI: 10.1177/039139880803100504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and purpose Inflammation and infection seem to be important causes of morbidity and mortality in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients. Subclinical infections have been proposed as an important cause of inflammatory syndrome but to date this hypothesis remains speculative. In this investigation, we developed a method for molecular detection of the presence of bacterial DNA in a population of chronic kidney disease patients in order to correlate molecular data with the degree and level of inflammation and to evaluate the usefulness of the method in the diagnosis of subclinical infection. Design The study was divided into two phases: the study of a population of 81 CKD patients for prevalence and level of inflammation and infection; and the molecular evaluation of a subgroup of 38 patients without evident clinical causes of inflammation for molecular evaluation of subclinical infection. Results Patients hemoculture negative turned out positive for the presence of bacterial DNA when molecular methods were used. We found a trend of correlation with the presence of bacterial DNA and the increase in hs-CRP, IL-6 and oxidative stress (AOPP) levels and a reduction in MFI DR+. Hemodialyzer membranes seem to have properties that are “sticky” to bacteria/bacterial DNA and work as concentrators. Moreover our data suggest that DNA can traverse hemodialysis membranes. Conclusions Molecular methods have turned out to be far more sensitive than standard methods in detecting subclinical infection. The presence of bacterial DNA seems to influence the variation of some parameters of inflammation and immunity. Apart from the limitations and pitfalls, a molecular method could be useful for the screening of subclinical infection and diagnosis of sepsis when the hemoculture is negative. The identification of the microorganism involved, however, must be done with species-specific primers. These results are preliminary and more investigations will have to be performed in order to confirm our results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. De Cal
- Department of Nephrology, San Bortolo Hospital, International Renal Research Institute Vicenza (IRRIV), Vicenza - Italy
| | - S. Cazzavillan
- Department of Pathology, San Bortolo Hospital, International Renal Research Institute Vicenza (IRRIV), Vicenza - Italy
| | - M. Rassu
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, San Bortolo Hospital, International Renal Research Institute Vicenza (IRRIV), Vicenza - Italy
| | - C. Ronco
- Department of Nephrology, San Bortolo Hospital, International Renal Research Institute Vicenza (IRRIV), Vicenza - Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Stevan M, Fusato E, Armanini D, Bertoloni G, De Seta F, Leli C, Rassu M. In vitro effects of glycyrrhetinic acid and hyaluronic acid on the growth of vulvovaginal Candida albicans and other yeasts. Microbiol Med 2017. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2017.6974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims. The present study aimed to test the in vitro activity against Candida albicans and non-albicans strains of 18-β glycyrrhetinic acid (18-β GA) and hyaluronic acid (HA), both alone and in combination. This antimicrobial activity was assessed using the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) method on Candida strains that were isolated from patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). Results. Our results demonstrate that the anti-Candida activity is independent from antifungal susceptibility level and the fact that the growth inhibition is stronger at acidic pH level makes the two drugs a promising biological alternative for the topical treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and RVVC. Conclusions. Furthermore, the reduction of both budding cells formation and germ tube elongation, on mammalian cell monolayers, may explain the observed growth inhibition and suggest a decreased virulence, respectively.
Collapse
|
17
|
Bernardi M, Agostini F, Chieregato K, Amati E, Durante C, Rassu M, Ruggeri M, Sella S, Lombardi E, Mazzucato M, Astori G. The production method affects the efficacy of platelet derivatives to expand mesenchymal stromal cells in vitro. J Transl Med 2017; 15:90. [PMID: 28460641 PMCID: PMC5412035 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-017-1185-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of fetal bovine serum (FBS) as a media supplement for the ex vivo expansion of bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSC) has been discouraged by regulatory agencies, due to the risk of transmitting zoonoses and to elicit immune reactions in the host once transplanted. Platelet derivatives are valid FBS substitutes due to their content of growth factors that can be released disrupting the platelets by physical methods or physiological stimuli. We compared platelet derivatives produced by freezing/thawing (platelet lysates, PL) or after CaCl2 activation (platelet releasate surnatant rich in growth factors, PR-SRGF) for their content in growth factors and their ability to support the ex vivo expansion of BM-MSC. Methods The cytokine content in the two platelet derivatives was evaluated. BM-MSC were expanded in complete medium containing 10, 7.5 and 5% PL or PR-SRGF and the cell phenotype, clonogenic capacity, immunomodulation properties and tri-lineage differentiation potential of the expanded cells in both media were investigated. Results The concentration of PDGF-AB, PDGF-AA, PDGF-BB in PR-SRGF resulted to be respectively 5.7×, 1.7× and 2.3× higher compared to PL. PR-SRGF promoted a higher BM-MSC proliferation rate compared to PL not altering BM-MSC phenotype. Colony forming efficiency of BM-MSC expanded in PR-SRGF showed a frequency of colonies significantly higher than cells expanded in PL. BM-MSC expanded in PL or PR-SRGF maintained their immunomodulatory properties against activated lymphocytes even if BM-MSC expanded in FBS performed significantly better. Conclusions The method used to release platelet factors significantly affects the enrichment in growth factors and overall product performance. The standardization of the production process of platelet derivatives and the definition of their release criteria requires further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Bernardi
- Advanced Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Hematology Unit, Vicenza Hospital, Vicenza, Italy.,Hematology Project Foundation, Contrà S. Francesco 41, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Francesco Agostini
- Stem Cell Collection and Processing Unit, CRO National Cancer Institute-IRCCS Aviano, Aviano, Italy
| | - Katia Chieregato
- Advanced Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Hematology Unit, Vicenza Hospital, Vicenza, Italy.,Hematology Project Foundation, Contrà S. Francesco 41, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Eliana Amati
- Advanced Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Hematology Unit, Vicenza Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Cristina Durante
- Stem Cell Collection and Processing Unit, CRO National Cancer Institute-IRCCS Aviano, Aviano, Italy
| | - Mario Rassu
- Department of Microbiology, San Bortolo Hospital, Via Rodolfi 37, 36100, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Marco Ruggeri
- Advanced Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Hematology Unit, Vicenza Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Sabrina Sella
- Advanced Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Hematology Unit, Vicenza Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Lombardi
- Stem Cell Collection and Processing Unit, CRO National Cancer Institute-IRCCS Aviano, Aviano, Italy
| | - Mario Mazzucato
- Stem Cell Collection and Processing Unit, CRO National Cancer Institute-IRCCS Aviano, Aviano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Astori
- Advanced Cellular Therapy Laboratory, Hematology Unit, Vicenza Hospital, Vicenza, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Sanna D, Alzari V, Nuvoli D, Nuvoli L, Rassu M, Sanna V, Mariani A. β-Cyclodextrin-based supramolecular poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels prepared by frontal polymerization. Carbohydr Polym 2017; 166:249-255. [PMID: 28385230 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.02.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [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: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Frontal polymerization (FP) was successfully applied to the synthesis of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-grafted-acryloyl-β-cyclodextrin supramolecularly crosslinked hydrogels. It was established that acryloyl-β-cyclodextrin (AβCD) allowed performing successful frontal polymerizations with N-isopropylacrylamide even in the absence of any covalent crosslinker, which is something generally required. It was found that the swelling properties of the resulting hydrogels can be tuned by varying the amount of AβCD. Namely, when little amounts of this non-covalent crosslinker were used, superabsorbent hydrogels were obtained. Hydrogels containing also a covalent crosslinker were also prepared for comparison. These latter exhibited swelling ratios that are much lower than the others.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Sanna
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, and INSTM Unit, via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - V Alzari
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, and INSTM Unit, via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - D Nuvoli
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, and INSTM Unit, via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - L Nuvoli
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, and INSTM Unit, via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - M Rassu
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, and INSTM Unit, via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - V Sanna
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, and INSTM Unit, via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| | - A Mariani
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, and INSTM Unit, via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Arena F, Argentieri M, Bernaschi P, Fortina G, Kroumova V, Manso E, Montanera PG, Nicoletti P, Pecile P, Rassu M, Rossolini GM, Spanu T, Clerici P, Fontana C. Real life turnaround time of blood cultures in the clinical microbiology laboratory: results of the first Italian survey, May 2015. Microbiol Med 2016. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2016.6127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
<em>Background and aims</em>: Blood culture (BC) results are essential to guide antimicrobial chemotherapy for patients with sepsis. However, BC is a time-consuming exam, which can take several days. Reducing BCs turn around time (TAT) could impact on multiple outcome parameters and TAT monitoring is an important tool for measurement of microbiology laboratory performance. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of BC TATs among Italian microbiology laboratories. <br /><em>Materials and methods</em>: Five laboratories collected and recorded, for a month period, date and time of the BC processing events. Cumulative TATs were analysed using the GraphPad software. <br /><em>Results</em>: Participating laboratories reported data from 302 sepsis episodes. The median time from when the BC system produced a positive signal until Gram-stain results were reported was 7.6 hours. A rapid molecular identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed in 26.5% of BCs. Mean TAT for identification report was significantly lower when a molecular approach was adopted (12 vs. 28.7 hours, P<0.001). Similarly, results of the molecular AST were obtained more than 24 hours in advance compared with phenotypic AST (mean 13.2 vs. 47.6, P<0.001). TATs from BC positivity of laboratories opened 7 days/week were not significantly lower than those of laboratories opened 6 days/week. <br /><em>Conclusions</em>: BC is a time-consuming exam, however, molecular identification and AST methods can drastically reduce time to results. The lack of difference between TATs observed for laboratories working 7 days/week and 6 days/week, coupled with a high rate of BCs turning positive during the night enable to conclude that the most urgent measure to reduce TATs is the expansion of laboratory regular duty hours.
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Anti-eukaryotic topoisomerase drugs, Camptothecin and Etoposide, were tested for their ability of selectively interfering with the replication of simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA. Nalidixic acid was also assayed for a comparison, since the compound has been previously reported to affect papoyavirus growth. Our results indicate that anti-eukaryotic topoisomerase drugs significantly inhibit viral DNA replication but at concentrations that are also toxic for uninfected cells. Etoposide treatment produced a relatively higher number of DNA-protein cross-links in virus-infected cells as compared to uninfected control cells. Nalidixic acid displayed some degree of selectivity for inhibiting SV40 DNA synthesis more effectively than synthesis of cellular DNA without appreciable reduction of cell growth. This activity does not appear to depend on DNA damage or interference with topoisomerase II and deserves further evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B. Maschera
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Padova Medical School, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - E. Ferrazzi
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Padova Medical School, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - M. Rassu
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Padova Medical School, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - M. Toni
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Padova Medical School, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - G. Palù
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Padova Medical School, Via A. Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cereda PM, Palù G, Rassu M, Toni M, Malwood W, Dettin M, di Bello C. Anti-HIV-1 Activity of CD4 Synthetic Oligopeptides Representative of the Putative gp120 Binding Site. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/095632029100200305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Two CD4 oligopeptides, corresponding to residues (37–53) and (37–55) of the V1 domain of CD4, which recent structural studies propose as the most likely binding site of HIV-1 gp120, have been chemically synthesized by solid-phase techniques, modified by the addition of two side-chain protected cysteines at both termini and purified by HPLC. Their ability to inhibit the infectivity of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) (HTLV-IIIB, RF and GB8 strains) in different cell lines was monitored by the production of progeny virus, p24 and reverse transcriptase activity in the culture supernatants and by electron microscopy. The results indicated that the peptides inhibited HIV-1 infectivity in a dose-dependent fashion without any detectable cytotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P. M. Cereda
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Pavia, Via Brambilla, Italy
| | - G. Palù
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Padova, Via Gabelli, Italy
| | - M. Rassu
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Padova, Via Gabelli, Italy
| | - M. Toni
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Padova, Via Gabelli, Italy
| | - W. Malwood
- National Institute for Medical Research, Mill Hill, London, UK
| | - M. Dettin
- Institute of Industrial Chemistry, University of Padova, Via Marzolo, Italy
| | - C. di Bello
- Institute of Industrial Chemistry, University of Padova, Via Marzolo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Visco C, Falisi E, Young KH, Pascarella M, Perbellini O, Carli G, Novella E, Rossi D, Giaretta I, Cavallini C, Scupoli MT, De Rossi A, D'Amore ESG, Rassu M, Gaidano G, Pizzolo G, Ambrosetti A, Rodeghiero F. Epstein-Barr virus DNA load in chronic lymphocytic leukemia is an independent predictor of clinical course and survival. Oncotarget 2016; 6:18653-63. [PMID: 26087198 PMCID: PMC4621917 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The relation between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA load and clinical course of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is unknown. We assessed EBV DNA load by quantitative PCR at CLL presentation in mononuclear cells (MNC) of 220 prospective patients that were enrolled and followed-up in two major Institutions. In 20 patients EBV DNA load was also assessed on plasma samples. Forty-one age-matched healthy subjects were tested for EBV DNA load on MNC. Findings were validated in an independent retrospective cohort of 112 patients with CLL. EBV DNA load was detectable in 59%, and high (≥2000 copies/µg DNA) in 19% of patients, but it was negative in plasma samples. EBV DNA load was significantly higher in CLL patients than in healthy subjects (P < .0001). No relation was found between high EBV load and clinical stage or biological variables, except for 11q deletion (P = .004), CD38 expression (P = .003), and NOTCH1 mutations (P = .05). High EBV load led to a 3.14-fold increase in the hazard ratio of death and to a shorter overall survival (OS; P = .001). Poor OS was attributable, at least in part, to shorter time-to-first-treatment (P = .0008), with no higher risk of Richter's transformation or second cancer. Multivariate analysis selected high levels of EBV load as independent predictor of OS after controlling for confounding clinical and biological variables. EBV DNA load at presentation is an independent predictor of OS in patients with CLL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Visco
- Department of Cell Therapy and Hematology, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Erika Falisi
- Department of Cell Therapy and Hematology, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Ken H Young
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Omar Perbellini
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Carli
- Department of Cell Therapy and Hematology, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Novella
- Department of Cell Therapy and Hematology, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Davide Rossi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Amedeo Avogadro University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Giaretta
- Department of Cell Therapy and Hematology, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Chiara Cavallini
- Research Center LURM (University Laboratory of Medical Research), University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Scupoli
- Research Center LURM (University Laboratory of Medical Research), University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Anita De Rossi
- Section of Oncology and Immunology, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Istituto Oncologico Veneto(IOV)-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Mario Rassu
- Department of Microbiology, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gaidano
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, Amedeo Avogadro University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pizzolo
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Achille Ambrosetti
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Fallico L, Couvin D, Peracchi M, Pascarella M, Franchin E, Lavezzo E, Rassu M, Manganelli R, Rastogi N, Palù G. Four year longitudinal study of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates in a region of North-Eastern Italy. Infection, Genetics and Evolution 2014; 26:58-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2014.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
|
24
|
Rassu M, Filardo S, Mastromarino P. Chlamydia Pneumoniae and Cardiovascular Disease in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients: An Update. EUR J INFLAMM 2013. [DOI: 10.1177/1721727x1301100206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), due to accelerated atherosclerosis, are responsible for approximately 50% of mortality in End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD). Over the last decade, Chlamydia pneumoniae, a respiratory pathogen, has been involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and several reports have suggested the association between C. pneumoniae infection and CVD in HD patients. This report reviews the contribution of C. pneumoniae infection in cardiovascular diseases in ESRD patients, in light of recent studies on cardiovascular risk factors; we hypothesize that C. pneumoniae-infection may contribute to mineral bone disorder and, consequently, vascular calcification. However, further studies are needed to define the relationship between C pneumoniae and bone and vascular disorders in HD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Rassu
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - S. Filardo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - P. Mastromarino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Corradi V, Cruz D, Vázquez-Rangel A, Furlan F, Grillone R, Bonaccorsi A, Cazzavillan S, de Cal M, Frisone P, Morea A, Brendolan A, Rassu M, Ronco C. Purity and stability of online-prepared hemodiafiltration fluid after storage. Blood Purif 2013; 35:112-8. [PMID: 23343555 DOI: 10.1159/000346095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Previous studies have suggested that online hemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) fluid can be used as dialysate for continuous renal replacement therapies, and thus HDF costs can be reduced. The aims of this study were to determine the purity of OL-HDF fluid and to verify the stability of the electrolyte composition and acid-base balance during its storage. METHODS OL-HDF fluid was collected in 70 individual bags and stored for up to 7 days. The following tests were performed daily in 10 bags: natural visible precipitation (macrocrystallization), sample collection for chemical analysis and fluid culture, limulus amebocyte lysate endotoxin test, standard culture of NALGENE® filters after passing of the fluid, and molecular analysis of bacterial DNA. RESULTS The values of pH and pCO(2) showed a significant change starting at 24 h (p < 0.001); after 72 h, their values were beyond the measurable range. Coefficient of variation for pCO(2) was as high as 25.7%. Electrolyte composition (Na(+), K(+), Cl(-), Ca(2+) and glucose) showed a statistically significant difference over time (p < 0.05); however, their coefficients of variation were low (1.7, 1.4, 0.6, 2.3 and 0.9%, respectively), which might not be considered clinically significant. Negative results were obtained at all points by fluid and filter cultures, endotoxin test and molecular analysis. No macrocrystallization was observed at any time point. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate the microbiological purity of OL-HDF fluid stored for up to 7 days. The electrolyte composition was stable, except for a relevant change in pCO(2) and consequently in pH (first noted at 24 h), emphasizing the need to reassess the acid-base balance in multilayer plastic bags in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Corradi
- Department of Nephrology, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Di Pietro M, Filardo S, Cazzavillan S, Segala C, Bevilacqua P, Bonoldi E, D'Amore ES, Rassu M, Sessa R. Could past Chlamydial vascular infection promote the dissemination of Chlamydia pneumoniae to the brain? J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2013; 27:155-164. [PMID: 23489695] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Chlamydia pneumoniae, a pathogen responsible for respiratory tract infections, has been associated with atherosclerosis which, along with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular ischemia and stroke, is a risk factor for chronic neurological disorders. Several studies have demonstrated the ability of C. pneumoniae to disseminate from lungs to arteries through peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Once inside the vascular tissue, C. pneumoniae infection may disseminate via peripheral monocytes to the brain over the intact blood-brain barrier, and contribute to the development of chronic neurological disorders. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether past C. pneumoniae vascular infection may promote the dissemination of this microorganism to the brain, therefore we investigated the presence of C. pneumoniae in post-mortem brain tissue specimens of patients with past chlamydial vascular infection. Seventy six post-mortem brain tissue specimens from 19 patients with past chlamydial vascular infection were investigated for the presence of C. pneumoniae by immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, in situ polymerase chain reaction and in situ reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. As control, 28 brain tissue specimens were taken from 7 age and sex matched subjects without chlamydial infection. C. pneumoniae was detected in 16 (84.2%) out of 19 patients with chlamydial vascular infection whereas it was not detected in control subjects (p= 0.0002). In conclusion, the main result of our study is the evidence that a chlamydial vascular infection can disseminate to the brain. It will be important for current and future researches to perform large-scale prospective studies on cardiovascular patients with chlamydial vascular infection in order to evaluate the long-term pathological alterations of the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Mazzariol A, Kocsis E, Bragagnolo L, Pellizzer G, Rassu M, Cornaglia G. Co-infection by two linezolid-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci with two different resistance determinants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 44:978-81. [DOI: 10.3109/00365548.2012.704151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
28
|
Abstract
We report the first case of Nocardia altamirensis cutaneous infection in an immunocompetent host. A 53-year-old male, with no predisposing factors, presented with a suppurative papular nodule on the dorsum of his left foot. N. altamirensis was identified by sequencing the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and treatment with amikacin led to complete resolution of the clinical picture. We believe that cutaneous nocardiosis should be kept in mind as a possible cause of serious complications also in immunocompetent hosts considering a nonspecific clinical picture and misdiagnosis of the infection as well as the poor response to empirical antimicrobial therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P. Betto
- Dermatology and Virology Unit, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - S. Cerimele
- Dermatology and Virology Unit, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - M. Rassu
- Microbiology and Virology Unit, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - C.V. Fornasa
- Dermatology and Virology Unit, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - M. Di Pietro
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| | - R. Sessa
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Benedetti P, Rassu M, Pavan G, Sefton A, Pellizzer G. Septic shock, pneumonia, and soft tissue infection due to Myroides odoratimimus: report of a case and review of Myroides infections. Infection 2011; 39:161-5. [PMID: 21246247 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-010-0077-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2010] [Accepted: 12/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The genus Myroides comprises aerobic, yellow-pigmented, non-motile, non-fermenting gram-negative rods formerly classified as Flavobacterium odoratum. Members of the genus are widely distributed in the environment, especially in water, and usually behave as low-grade opportunistic pathogens, having been found to cause urinary tract infection, endocarditis, ventriculitis, and cutaneous infections in severely immunocompromised patients. We report a case of soft tissue infection, septic shock, and pneumonia due to M. odoratimimus in an immunocompetent male. To our knowledge, this is the first description of life-threatening infection caused by this organism in an immunocompetent host. We have also reviewed the medical literature on the genus Myroides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Benedetti
- Unità Operativa di Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, Ospedale S. Bortolo, Viale F. Rodolfi, 37, 36100, Vicenza, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bertoloni G, Bertucco A, Rassu M, Vezzù K. Medical device disinfection by dense carbon dioxide. J Hosp Infect 2011; 77:42-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2010.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2009] [Accepted: 09/10/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
31
|
Schiavoni G, Di Pietro M, Ronco C, De Cal M, Cazzavillan S, Rassu M, Nicoletti M, Del Piano M, Sessa R. Chlamydia pneumoniae infection as a risk factor for accelerated atherosclerosis in hemodialysis patients. J BIOL REG HOMEOS AG 2010; 24:367-375. [PMID: 20846485] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality for end-stage renal disease patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis (HD). Several studies in recent years have identified Chlamydia pneumoniae, a respiratory pathogen, as risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in the general population. The aim of our study is to evaluate chlamydial load, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of HD patients. Furthermore, the correlation between DNA chlamydial load and markers of inflammation was also examined. PBMC specimens isolated from 49 HD patients and 46 blood donors were analyzed for the presence of C. pneumoniae DNA by real-time PCR and ompA nested touchdown PCR. In HD patients, plasma levels of several inflammatory markers were also determined. A significantly higher rate of C. pneumoniae DNA was found in HD patients (44.9 percent) than in blood donors (19.6 percent) (p=0.016); HD patients were also more likely to have a significantly high chlamydial load (p=0.0004). HD patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases have a significantly greater chlamydial load than HD patients without cardiovascular diseases (p= 0.006). A significantly higher value of C-reactive protein, IL-6 and advanced oxidative protein products was found in HD patients with a greater chlamydial load (p less than 0.05). Likewise, a significantly lower monocyte HLA-DR percentage (p=0.011) as well as a lower monocyte HLA-DR expression were found in such patients (p= 0.007). In conclusion, our results show that HD patients are at high risk of C. pneumoniae infection correlated with chronic inflammatory response which in turn can lead to accelerated atherosclerosis and other long-term clinical complications such as myocardial infarction and stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Schiavoni
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
de Cal M, Cazzavillan S, Cruz D, Nalesso F, Brendolan A, Rassu M, Ronco C. [Methylobacterium radiotolerans bacteremia in hemodialysis patients]. G Ital Nefrol 2009; 26:616-620. [PMID: 19802807] [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: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Central venous catheters (CVCs) play an important role in replacement therapy for patients with acute and chronic renal failure. Secondary infections due to central venous access are responsible for 48-73% of bacteremia in hemodialysis patients and are an important cause of morbidity and increased health costs for these patients. Episodes of unexplained fever were noted in hemodialysis patients in our center starting in October 2006. An investigation for causative microorganisms was conducted from October 2006 to April 2007. Bacterial DNA was extracted and amplified using universal primers for bacterial 16S. Amplification by multiple PCR was performed on the samples and the subsequent sequencing led to the identification of the microorganism of interest as belonging to Methylobacterium radiotolerans. We report the largest cluster of dialysis catheter-related bloodstream infections caused by M. radiotolerans, and describe the difficulties in the prompt and correct identification of these bacteria. Thirty-seven patients had positive cultures for M. radiotolerans from blood (2.7%) or CVC (29.7%) or both (67.6%). After removal and replacement of CVCs and antibiotic therapy and the strict application of an infection management protocol, there were no more fever episodes or cultures positive for M. radiotolerans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M de Cal
- Dipartimento di Nefrologia, Dialisi e Trapianto, Ospedale San Bortolo, Vicenza, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Benedetti P, Rassu M, Branscombe M, Sefton A, Pellizzer G. Gemella morbillorum: an underestimated aetiology of central nervous system infection? J Med Microbiol 2009; 58:1652-1656. [PMID: 19713361 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.013367-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A case is reported of cerebellar abscess and diffuse cerebritis due to Gemella morbillorum. The clinical course was 'biphasic', developing with an acute meningeal infection followed shortly afterwards by suppuration in the cerebellar and cerebral parenchyma; this pattern seemed to suggest a latent survival of the aetiological agent, probably within the central nervous system (CNS), despite systemic antibiotic therapy. Based upon a review of cases so far described, infections of the CNS caused by G. morbillorum appear to be an emerging reality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Benedetti
- Unità Operativa di Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, Ospedale S. Bortolo, Viale F. Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
| | - Mario Rassu
- Laboratorio di Microbiologia, Ospedale S. Bortolo, Viale F. Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
| | - Michele Branscombe
- Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Centre for Infectious Disease, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Armine Sefton
- Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Centre for Infectious Disease, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London E1 2AT, UK
| | - Giampietro Pellizzer
- Unità Operativa di Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, Ospedale S. Bortolo, Viale F. Rodolfi 37, 36100 Vicenza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Rassu M, Bertoloni G, Mengoli C, Peron A, Benedetti P, Palu' G. HPV genotype prevalence in cervical specimens with abnormal cytology: A report from north-east Italy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 37:476-81. [PMID: 16012008 DOI: 10.1080/00365540510036633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We have investigated the prevalence of HPV DNA in cervical samples collected from 1335 women with abnormal Pap test and analysed the degree of association of HPV genotype with cervical cytological abnormality and also with patient age. The study was principally aimed at providing some cross-sectional figures on the epidemiology of HPV in our area, where the ethnic background is expected to rapidly evolve due to extensive immigration from overseas. 471 (35.3%) of the 1335 patients screened were positive for HPV DNA. A clear association was observed between cytological findings and the proportion of patients with positive HPV PCR, namely 24.0% HPV positivity in the ASCUS group (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance), 48.7% in LSIL group (low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions), and 71.9% in HSIL group (high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions) (p-value < 0.001). High-risk (HR) HPV prevalence appeared to be different from other areas of the world; we have detected a high prevalence rate of HPV-16, 31, and 58 and a low prevalence rate of HPV-18 and 11. The prevalence of both HR and low risk (LR) genotype groups was clearly related to age (p-value < 0.001), since the prevalence of LR group had a nadir between 41 and 50 y of age and 2 peaks at 15-20 y and at over 60 y, while the curve of prevalence of HR genotypes displayed an almost inverse trend.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rassu
- Department of Microbiology, S. Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Pellati D, Fiore C, Armanini D, Rassu M, Bertoloni G. In vitro effects of glycyrrhetinic acid on the growth of clinical isolates of Candida albicans. Phytother Res 2009; 23:572-4. [PMID: 19067381 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Compounds derived from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. root have been used widely for centuries for their numerous therapeutic properties. The present study aimed to test the in vitro activity against Candida albicans strains of the compound 18-beta glycyrrhetinic acid (18-beta GA), derived from the root of Glycyrrhiza species. This antimicrobial activity was assessed using the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) method on C. albicans strains that were isolated from patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). The in vitro growth of the C. albicans strains was markedly reduced, in a pH-dependent manner, by relatively low doses (6.2 microg/mL) of 18-beta GA. The results demonstrate that 18-beta GA is a promising biological alternative for the topical treatment of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Pellati
- Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnologies, Via Gabelli, 63, 35121-Padua, University of Padua, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Brugnaro P, Fedeli U, Pellizzer G, Buonfrate D, Rassu M, Boldrin C, Parisi SG, Grossato A, Palù G, Spolaore P. Clustering and risk factors of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriage in two Italian long-term care facilities. Infection 2008; 37:216-21. [PMID: 19148574 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-008-8165-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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: 04/21/2008] [Accepted: 08/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a well-recognized agent of health care-associated infections in long-term care facilities, but few data about the circulation of MRSA in this setting in Italy are available. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors for MRSA carriage in nursing home residents in Vicenza (northeastern Italy). PATIENTS AND METHODS A point prevalence survey was conducted in two long-term care facilities (subdivided into 15 wards) from 12 June 2006 to 6 July 2006. Anterior nasal swabs were obtained from residents and laboratory screening for MRSA was performed; full antibiotic susceptibility was assessed in MRSA isolates. Macrorestriction analysis of chromosomal DNA was carried out by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). For each subject, demographic data, length of stay, dependency, cognitive function, presence of medical devices, comorbidities, current and previous antibiotic treatment, previous hospital admission and presence of infection were assessed on the day of sample collection. Factors that were found to be significantly associated with MRSA carriage at univariate analysis were introduced into multilevel logistic regression models in order to estimate the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the risk of MRSA colonization, taking into account the clustering of patients within wards. RESULTS Nasal swabs were obtained in 551 subjects; overall 43 MRSA carriers were detected (7.8%; CI = 5.7-10.4%). The rate of nasal carriers was very similar in the two institutions, and varied from 0% (0/36) to 18% (7/39) between wards. Only two out of 15 wards were found to have no MRSA carriers; overall, three pairs of colonized roommates were detected. Upon multilevel logistic regression, the risk of MRSA carriage was increased in patients with cancer (OR = 6.4; CI = 2.5-16.4), in those that had undergone recent hospitalization (OR = 2.2; CI = 1.0-4.4), and it reached OR = 4.0 (CI = 1.7-9.9) in those with three or more antibiotic treatments in the previous year; about 10% of the variability in MRSA carriage could be attributed to differences between wards. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis analysis permitted the definition of six clusters; two of these comprised 78.6% of the studied isolates and were quite similar, with one being more strongly represented among subjects hospitalized in the previous 12 months. All of the MRSA strains were resistant to ciprofloxacine; nevertheless, the majority were susceptible to most other non-betalactam antibiotics. CONCLUSION The study suggests that nursing homes are a significant reservoir for MRSA. Statistical and PFGE analyses indicate a scenario where MRSA seems to be endemic and individual risk factors, namely recent hospitalizations and repeated antibiotic treatments, play a major role in the selection of drug-resistant organisms. Infection control measures should be coordinated among different health care settings, and the appropriate use of antibiotics has emerged as an important issue for improving the quality of care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Brugnaro
- SER - Epidemiological Department, Veneto Region, Via Ospedale 18, 31033, Castelfranco Veneto, TV, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Benedetti P, Pellizzer G, Furlan F, Nicolin R, Rassu M, Sefton A. Staphylococcus caprae meningitis following intraspinal device infection. J Med Microbiol 2008; 57:904-906. [PMID: 18566153 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.2008/000356-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A case is reported of Staphylococcus caprae meningitis due to infection of an intraspinal analgesia pump. The subclinical and pauci-symptomatic clinical course of the infection strongly suggested a chronic device contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Benedetti
- Unità Operativa di Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, Ospedale S. Bortolo, Viale F. Rodolfi, 37, 36100 - Vicenza, Italy
| | - Giampietro Pellizzer
- Unità Operativa di Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, Ospedale S. Bortolo, Viale F. Rodolfi, 37, 36100 - Vicenza, Italy
| | - Francesca Furlan
- Laboratorio di Microbiologia, Ospedale S. Bortolo, Viale F. Rodolfi, 37, 36100 - Vicenza, Italy
| | - Roberto Nicolin
- Unità Operativa di Malattie Infettive e Tropicali, Ospedale S. Bortolo, Viale F. Rodolfi, 37, 36100 - Vicenza, Italy
| | - Mario Rassu
- Laboratorio di Microbiologia, Ospedale S. Bortolo, Viale F. Rodolfi, 37, 36100 - Vicenza, Italy
| | - Armine Sefton
- Institute of Cell and Molecular Science, Centre for Infectious Disease, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London E1 2AT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Latino MA, De Maria D, Caneparo A, Rosso C, De Intinis G, Calì AM, Clerici P, Cusini M, Dal Conte I, Maggino T, Magliano E, Panuccio A, Pozzoli R, Rassu M, Suligoi B, Terramocci R. Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections. Microbiol Med 2008. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2008.2591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
39
|
Cazzavillan S, Verbine A, D’Amore E, Furlan F, Grillone R, Zoppelletto M, Ronco C, Rassu M. IMPIEGO DI METODI MOLECOLARI (16SrRNA) PER L’IDENTIFICAZIONE DI AGENTI INFETTIVI RESPONSABILI DI INFEZIONI CATETERECORRELATE IN PAZIENTI EMODIALIZZATI. Microbiol Med 2007. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2007.2852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
40
|
Cazzavillan S, Ratanarat R, Segala C, Corradi V, de Cal M, Cruz D, Ocampo C, Polanco N, Rassu M, Levin N, Ronco C. Inflammation and Subclinical Infection in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Molecular Approach. Blood Purif 2006; 25:69-76. [PMID: 17170541 DOI: 10.1159/000096401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation and infection seem to be important causes of morbidity and mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients; subclinical infections have been proposed as an important cause of inflammatory syndrome, but to date this hypothesis remains speculative. We developed a method for the molecular detection of the presence of bacterial DNA in a population of CKD patients in order to correlate the molecular data with the degree and level of inflammation and to evaluate its usefulness in the diagnosis of subclinical infection. The study was divided into two phases: (1) a population of 81 CKD patients was screened for the prevalence and level of inflammation and the presence of possible infection, and (2) a subgroup of 38 patients, without evident clinical causes of inflammation, underwent complete molecular evaluation for subclinical infection using bacterial DNA primers for sequencing. Additionally, complete analysis was carried out in the blood and dialysate compartments of the hemodialyzers used. The general population showed a certain degree of subclinical inflammation and no difference was found between patients with and without evident causes of inflammation. Hemoculture-negative patients were positive for the presence of bacterial DNA when molecular methods were used. We found a correlation trend between the presence of bacterial DNA and the increase in hs-CRP, IL-6 and oxidative stress (advanced oxidation protein product) levels and a reduction in the mean fluorescence intensity for HLA-DR. Hemodialyzer membranes seem to have properties that stick to bacteria/bacterial DNA and work as concentrators. In fact, patients with negative bacterial DNA in the circulating blood displayed positivity in the blood compartment of the dialyzer. The dialysate was negative for bacterial DNA but the dialysate compartment of the hemodialyzers used was positive in a high percentage. Moreover our data suggest that bacterial DNA can traverse hemodialysis membranes. Molecular methods have been found to be far more sensitive than standard methods in detecting subclinical infection. The presence of bacterial DNA seems to influence the variation in some parameters of inflammation and immunity. Apart from the limitations and pitfalls, the molecular method could be useful to screen for subclinical infection and diagnose subclinical sepsis when the hemoculture is negative. However, the identification of the microorganism implicated must be done with species-specific primers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Cazzavillan
- Department of Pathology, S. Bortolo Hospital, Viale Rodolfi 37, IT-36100 Vicenza, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Ratanarat R, Cazzavillan S, Ricci Z, Rassu M, Segala C, de Cal M, Cruz D, Corradi V, Manfro S, Roessler E, Levin N, Ronco C. Usefulness of a Molecular Strategy for the Detection of Bacterial DNA in Patients with Severe Sepsis Undergoing Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy. Blood Purif 2006; 25:106-11. [PMID: 17170546 DOI: 10.1159/000096406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Sepsis is associated with cell necrosis and apoptosis. Circulating plasma levels of DNA have been found in conditions associated with cell death, including sepsis, pregnancy, stroke, myocardial infarction and trauma. Plasma DNA can also derive from bacteria. We have recently implemented a method to detect bacterial DNA and, in the present study, we validated this technique comparing it to standard blood culture in terms of diagnostic efficacy. METHODS We examined a cohort of 9 critically ill patients with a diagnosis of severe sepsis and acute renal failure requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). We analyzed bacterial DNA in blood, hemofilters, and ultrafiltrate (UF) by polymerase chain reaction amplification of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Standard blood cultures were performed for all patients. RESULTS The blood cultures from 2 of the 9 (22%) patients were positive. However, bacterial DNA was identified in the blood of 6 patients (67%), including the 2 septic patients with positive blood cultures. In 9 (100%) patients bacterial DNA was found on the filter blood side, whereas in 7 (78%) subjects it was found in the dialysate compartment of the hemofilters. Bacterial DNA was never detected in the UF. CONCLUSIONS Using the 16S rRNA gene, the detection of bacterial DNA in blood and adsorbed within the filter could be a useful screening tool in clinically septic, blood culture-negative patients undergoing CRRT. However, the identification of the etiologic agent is not feasible with this technique because specific primers for the defined bacteria must be used to further identify the suspected pathogenic organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ranistha Ratanarat
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, St Bortolo Hospital, Viale Rodolfi 31, IT-36100 Vicenza, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Paccagnella S, Bertoloni G, Rassu M, Scarin M. SENSIBILITÀ AGLI ANTIFUNGINI DI CEPPI DI C.ALBICANS ISOLATI DA VULVOVAGINITI RECIDIVANTI (RVVC). Microbiol Med 2006. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2006.3182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
43
|
Cazzavillan S, Ratanarat R, De Cal M, Segala C, Corradi V, D’Amore E, Ronco C, Rassu M. DETERMINAZIONE DEL DNA BATTERICO PER LO STUDIO DELLE INFEZIONI SUBCLINICHE IN PAZIENTI EMODIALIZZATI. Microbiol Med 2006. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2006.3357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
44
|
Cazzavillan S, Ratanarat R, De Cal M, Zoppelletto M, Grillone R, Corradi V, D’Amore E, Ronco C, Rassu M. INTERAZIONE FRA DNA BATTERICO E MEMBRANE PER EMODIALISI: UN MODELLO “IN VITRO”. Microbiol Med 2006. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2006.3375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
45
|
Cazzavillan S, Segala C, D’Amore E, Bonoldi E, Rassu M. NEUROBORRELIOSI DI LYME E MALATTIA DI PARKINSON: STUDIO DI UN CASO POST-MORTEM. Microbiol Med 2006. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2006.3358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
46
|
Cazzavillan S, Segala C, Bevilacqua P, Bonoldi E, D’Amore E, Rassu M. PRESENZA DI CHLAMYDOPHILA PNEUMONIAE IN CAMPIONI AUTOPTICI CEREBRALI. Microbiol Med 2006. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2006.3374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
47
|
Cazzavillan S, Segala C, Bonoldi E, Manfro S, D’Amore E, Rassu M. Localizzazione e valutazione dell’espressione di Chlamydophila pneumoniae mediante RT-PCR in situ. Microbiol Med 2005. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2005.2966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
48
|
Fabris P, Floreani A, Carlotto A, Baldo V, Bozzola L, Giordani MT, Negro F, Rassu M, Tramarin A, de Lalla F. Impact of liver steatosis on virological response in [corrected] Italian patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with peg-interferon alpha-2b plus ribavarin. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2005; 21:1173-8. [PMID: 15854181 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2005.02452.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether liver steatosis affects sustained virological response in patients with chronic hepatitis C is still under discussion. AIM To evaluate the impact of liver steatosis in patients treated (for chronic hepatitis C) with combination therapy. METHODS We evaluated 97 (male/female 82/15, mean age 41.1 years) consecutive naive patients treated with pegylated interferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin. RESULTS Prevalence and severity of liver steatosis were significantly associated with genotype 3a [grade 3-4 in 14 of 32 patients (44%) vs. 8 of 65 patients (12%) with other genotypes; P = 0.001], while steatosis grade 1 (<10% of hepatocytes affected) was more frequently associated with genotype 1a/1b [9/39 (23%) vs. 4/57 (7%); P = 0.02]. Overall, sustained virological response was 62.8%, and was statistically uninfluenced by the presence/absence of liver steatosis. On the contrary, the following variables were independently associated with sustained virological response at logistic regression analysis: genotype other than 1a/1b, positive association, (odds ratio 3.4, P < 0.04), and low-grade liver steatosis, negative association, (odds ratio 9.0, P = 0.009), whereas sustained virological response was unaffected by severe liver steatosis, which was mainly associated with genotypes 2 and 3 [steatosis grade 2, 18/29 (62%); grade 3, 10/12 (83%); grade 4, 7/10 (70%)]. CONCLUSIONS Only low-grade liver steatosis negatively affects the outcome of combination therapy, with peginterferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin, while severe steatosis (which is virus-related in most cases) has no impact on virological response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Fabris
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, S. Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Tositti G, Rassu M, Fabris P, Giordani M, Cazzavillan S, Reatto P, Zoppelletto M, Bonoldi M, Baldo V, Manfrin V, de Lalla F. Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in HIV-positive patients: prevalence and relationship with lipid profile. HIV Med 2005; 6:27-32. [PMID: 15670249 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-1293.2005.00261.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and impact of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in HIV-positive patients and to establish the relationship between C. pneumoniae infection and lipid profile. METHODS Detection of C. pneumoniae was by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) collected from 97 HIV-positive patients. Samples were collected after overnight fast in EDTA-treated tubes. On the same day, patients were also tested for routine chemistry, HIV viral load, CD3, CD8 and CD4 cell counts and lipid profile [cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and triglycerides]. RESULTS The overall prevalence of C. pneumoniae was 39%. The prevalence of C. pneumoniae was inversely related to the CD4 lymphocyte count (P=0.03). In the naive group, C. pneumoniae-positive patients had both significantly higher HIV load (71 021+/-15 327 vs. 14 753+/-14 924 HIV-1 RNA copies/mL; P=0.03) and lower CD4 cell count (348.0+/-165.4 vs. 541.7+/-294.8; P=0.04) than C. pneumoniae-negative patients. Moreover, treatment-naive patients with C. pneumoniae infection had significantly higher mean levels of cholesterol (185.3+/-56.2 vs. 124.8+/-45.9 mg/dL; P=0.01), triglycerides (117.2+/-74.7 vs. 68+/-27.6 mg/dL; P=0.04) and LDL (122.4+/-60.1 vs. 55.6+/-58 mg/dL; P=0.05) than C. pneumoniae-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that, in HIV-positive subjects, C. pneumoniae infection is relatively frequent and is associated with both low CD4 cell count and high HIV load. Furthermore, C. pneumoniae appears to be associated with hyperlipidaemia and might therefore represent a further risk factor for cardiovascolar disease in HIV-positive patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Tositti
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, San Bortolo Hospital, Vincenza, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Sessa R, Di Pietro M, Ratanarat R, Rassu M, Ronco C. Chlamydia pneumoniae as risk factor of cardiovascular disease in dialysis patients. Int J Artif Organs 2005; 28:3-7. [PMID: 15742303 DOI: 10.1177/039139880502800102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
|