Prevalence of HIV infections in hospitalised immigrants in Clinics of Infectious Diseases in Italy: a multicentric survey

Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of HIV infection in immigrants hospitalised in infectious disease settings in Italy during 2002. Each participating centre filled in a CRF which regarded the number of immigrants hospitalised in ordinary regime or in day-hospital during 2002 and, for HIV-positive patients only, some demographic (age, sex, origin) and clinical features (only HIV positivity or AIDS, new diagnosis or not, diagnosis of opportunistic infections). A total of 46 Infectious Diseases Units participated in the study and a total number of 2255 patients were tested for anti-HIV, irrespective of the cause of hospitalization, with 378 (16%) cases of positivity. Women accounted for 47.9%; the mean age of the population was 34.5 years. African patients showed a higher prevalence of HIV infections than subjects from other geographical areas (61.9% of all cases). Most HIV-infected patients were unaware of their positivity. In conclusion, HIV infection represents one of the main health problems among immigrants, particularly of African origin.

Simit epidemiological multicentric study on hospitalized immigrants in Italy during 2002

The aim of this article is to retrospectively evaluate the patient characteristics and the most common infectious diseases in immigrant patients hospitalized in 46 Italian infectious disease clinics during 2002. The main Italian infectious disease clinics were invited to fill in a questionnaire that regarded the number and type of hospital admissions, the country of origin, and demographic features (age, sex, and resident state) of immigrants. A total of 46 clinics including 2255 patients participated in the study. Most patients were men (63%) with an age between 16 and 40 years (63.4%) covered by the National Health Service (71%) and coming from Africa (44.3%). The main infectious diseases observed were: 378 (16.76%) cases of HIV infection, 303 (13.43%) cases of tuberculosis diseases, 282 (12.5%) cases of various forms of viral hepatitis, 177 (7.84%) cases of respiratory diseases, and 196 (8.69%) gastrointestinal diseases. Tropical diseases found were 134 (5.94%) including 95 cases of malaria (70.9%). In conclusion, a broad range of diseases was noted in immigrants which were directly correlated with conditions of poverty. Only a few tropical diseases were diagnosed and therefore the immigrant should not be considered as an infectious disease carrier.

[Epidemiologic multicenter study of the prevalence of hepatitis in hospitalised immigrants in Italy in the year 2002]

AIM

To retrospectively evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis in immigrant patients hospitalised in 48 Italian Operative Unit of Infectious Diseases during 2002.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

in our study we included the clinical data of 2255 immigrated patients hospitalised, during the period between 01/01/2002-31/12/2002, in ordinary admission or in Day Hospital in Infectious Diseases O.U. and we have evaluated the prevalence of hepatitis in this population.

RESULTS

282 patients affected by hepatitis has been evidenced (12.5% of total hospitalised patients). The prevalent form was HBV-related (41.6% in chronic forms and 48.4% in acute), while the rate for HCV were less (37.5% in chronic and 3% in acute). The most part of patient were men (59.6%), with a mean age of 34.2 years and come from east-European countries (34.39%).

CONCLUSION

Viral hepatitis are the third infectious diseases evidenced in immigrated population. HBV-chronic hepatitis is the prevalent form in immigrated patients, as expression of absence of vaccine prophylaxis in many countries. HCV-form was less frequent and it is particularly presents in east-European patients, probably as expression of endogenous drug abuse.

[Steinert disease: abnormal onset or "casual" diagnosis?]

The most frequent myopathy is "Steinert's disease" (also called myotonic dystrophy). We present a case of particular interest due to the way diagnosis was made. A 20-year-old male was transferred to our Department from another Hospital with a diagnosis of "acute liver disease". He presented with fever (39 degrees C), tetrahyposthenia, dehydration and spatial-temporal disorientation. The most apparent laboratory data was a significant increase in serum levels of creatine phosphokinase (196,260 IU/L; normal values < 50 IU/L). After therapy based on parenteral nutrition and steroids, our patient improved progressively, with normalization of laboratory values. Muscle biopsy and electromyography yielded a diagnosis of Steinert's disease, and the patient's mother was found to be the carrier of a myotonine-kinase gene mutation. In this case, the onset of what appeared to be an influenza-A virus infection (the only positive data observed in the serological analysis) permitted the diagnosis of a hereditary myopathy that had remained asymptomatic up to that time.

Short-course treatment of visceral leishmaniasis with liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome)

We evaluated liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome; Vestar, San Dimas, CA) administered to 88 immunocompetent patients (56 children) with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania infantum. Thirteen patients received 4 mg/kg on days 1-5 and 10 (total dose, 24 mg/kg), and all were cured; 42 received 3 mg/kg on days 1-5 and 10 (18 mg/kg), and 41 were cured; 32 received 3 mg/kg on days 1-4 and 10 (15 mg/kg), and 29 were cured (amastigotes were not cleared from 1 child, and 2 relapsed). One adult was cured with a total dose of 12mg/kg. The four children who were not cured received 3 mg/kg for 10 days; none had further relapses. There were no significant adverse events. For VL due to L. infantum, we recommended a total dose of AmBisome of > or = 20 mg/kg, given in > or = 5 doses of 3-4 mg/kg over > or = 10 days.

Early efficacy of liposomal amphotericin B in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis

The rapidity and efficacy of a short course of liposomal amphotericin B was evaluated in 29 children affected by visceral leishmaniasis (Leishmania infantum). Their overall health status was assessed using the prognostic inflammatory and nutritional index (PINI), and their haematological status by the reticulocyte count and haemoglobin blood levels. All these quantities were measured on day 0, and 3 and 10 d after starting therapy. A significant decrease of inflammatory signs, associated with an improved reticulocyte count, was recorded after 3 d of therapy. A significant increase of haemoglobin levels was also observed 10 d after the start of treatment. The early reduction of inflammatory signs and the improvement of bone marrow function in most patients confirmed the validity of amphotericin B therapy. The PINI score is helpful in assessing the severity of visceral leishmaniasis and the follow-up of its treatment.

[Visceral leishmaniasis in Italy. Its epidemiology, clinical picture and therapy]

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a public health problem in most countries bordering the Mediterranean sea. The disease has been found in central and southern Italy, Sicily, Sardinia; some pockets are present in Liguria. Dogs are the reservoirs and the vectors are some species of sandfly (Phlebotomus species). The incubation period is usually between 2 and 8 months; children and adults may become infected; lethality may be high and depends upon a correct diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis should be suspected on the basis of the epidemiological data and clinical picture and confirmed by the detection of specific antibodies by appropriate techniques. Leishmaniasis can be detected in splenic or bone marrow aspirates. Patients with HIV infection and VL may lack specific antibodies; parasitological diagnosis is mandatory for these patients. Antimonials are the classic therapeutic agents for VL. Recently liposomal amphotericin B (Ambisome) has been successfully used, with negligible toxicity.

Liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) in Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis: a multi-centre trial

Thirty-one patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania infantum received liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome) in a multi-centre study. Ten immunocompetent patients (six children) received 1-1.38 mg/kg/day for 21 days, and ten (nine children) received 3 mg/kg/day for 10 days. All were cured without significant adverse events and without relapse during 12-24 months of follow-up. Eleven immunocompromised adults, including seven co-infected with HIV (four with AIDS) received 100 mg (1.38-1.85 mg/kg) daily for 21 days. All were initially considered cured, but eight relapsed clinically and parasitologically at 3-22 months. Liposomal amphotericin B is a new, safe and effective drug for the treatment of VL.

The epidemiology and surveillance of visceral leishmaniasis in the Campania region of Italy. The value of zymodeme typing

Although human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a notifiable disease in Italy, there is evidence that the actual number of cases is far higher than that notified. A programme for active surveillance of VL in the 14 Italian endemic regions was launched by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità. We report data collected during a 3-year period of active surveillance in Campania, a south Tyrrhenian region covering 4.5% of the Italian territory. Out of 120 clinically suspected cases referred to medical and diagnostic references centres, there were 52 confirmed VL cases (17.3/year), i.e. 10-fold more than previously notified. Most of the infection sites were in rural areas or peripheral districts of towns in hilly parts of Naples province. An epidemic cluster of 10 cases was identified in a microfocus of Caserta province. The biochemical analysis of 23 Leishmania stocks showed a zymodeme composition indicating Campania as an old and well-established focus of VL. The data obtained emphasize that the present notification system for VL in Italy is inadequate.

Cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-6 and IgE in bacterial and viral meningitis

The aim of the present study was to assess the significance of IgE and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in paired CSF and serum of patients with viral and bacterial infections of the central nervous system. The results suggest that the detection of IL-6 and IgE in CSF is an useful marker for monitoring course and prognosis of these patients.

Hepatitis C virus-related acute and chronic hepatitis in hemodialysis patients

The incidence of HCV antibodies has been evaluated in 123 chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients (Group A; 55 M and 68 F) and in 37 consecutive HD patients (group B) admitted to our hospitals for acute hepatitis. In group A, HCV antibodies were present in 27% of the patients. 20 of 36 (55%) had previously received blood transfusions. 21 patients (58%) were also positive for HBV Ab. In 8 patients, ALT were significantly increased. In group B, the diagnosis of HCV-related acute hepatitis was made in 11 patients. 8 of them had previously received blood transfusions. Seroconversion occurred 2-3 months after onset of the disease.

Cefoperazone therapy of bacterial meningitis: a clinical trial

Sixteen hospitalized patients, aged between 10 and 76 years (mean: 34.3 years), with bacterial meningitis were treated i.v. with cefoperazone at daily doses of 4.5 g to 9 g. In two cases ampicillin was given in combination with cefoperazone during the last four days and the first five days of treatment, respectively. The following organisms were isolated: Neisseria meningitidis (n = 9), Haemophilus influenzae (n = 3), Escherichia coli (n = 2), Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 2). Fourteen patients completely recovered from infection and the pathogens were eradicated; the treatment failed in only two patients and both were cured with alternative treatment. Furthermore, in 11 patients cefoperazone serum and CSF levels were determined four times during the first week of treatment (1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th days). No important side effects were recorded.

Delta infection in the Naples area. Epidemiologic and clinical significance

To define the epidemiologic and clinical significance of delta infection in the Naples area, we sought anti-delta antibodies in all cases of HBV-associated liver diseases, hospitalized in our department during 1983 (234 acute hepatitis, 9 of which fulminant; 51 chronic hepatitis; 32 cirrhosis; 19 hepatocarcinomas) and in randomly selected acute hepatitis over the previous 6 years. Delta agent in acute forms and IgM anti-HBc in delta-positive acute forms were also tested. The acute cases were controlled for at least 9 months after dismissal. Delta infection showed a high prevalence in the Naples area (20% of all acute cases in 1983; similar prevalences in previous years; high rate of coinfections, 81%; no peculiar modalities of circulation) and a high pathogenicity, as proved by the greater prevalence in fulminant cases (66.7%) and severe chronic forms. Moreover superinfection appears a more dangerous event than coinfection as regards the diseases becoming chronic (77.8% vs 2.5%).