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Guadano-Procesi I, Berrilli F, Cave DD. First molecular detection and characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi different genotypes in human patients from Italy. Acta Trop 2024; 252:107136. [PMID: 38296015 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the 17 microsporidian species pathogenic to humans in low and high-income countries, inducing both symptomatic and asymptomatic intestinal infections, independently of the immunological condition of the infected individual. Faecal-oral transmission occurs in a broad hosts range, including several animal species, but the parasite's zoonotic potential remains still unclear. Few studies are available in Italy regarding E. bieneusi presence in humans and no data on its genetic variability are so far reported. In this investigation, through the ITSr RNA sequences analysis, we provided the first E. bieneusi molecular characterization from symptomatic patients in Italy. Faecal samples from 410 patients sent for routine analyses to the Unit of Parasitology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, and resulted positive for E. bieneusi to a cartridge-based molecular test for qualitative detection (Novodiag® Stool Parasites assay), were collected. DNA was extracted, endpoint PCR performed and then sequences obtained for 3/410 patients (0.7 %). Genotype A (N = 1), genotype C (N = 1) and genotype K (N = 1) were identified, all belonging to phylogenetic Group 1. One patient (identified as genotype A) showed positivity to the same genotype previously characterized after a two-month period. Additional investigations are required, within a One Health framework, to review the importance of a zoonotic potential linked to E. bieneusi in human populations, animals and environmental reservoirs worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Guadano-Procesi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy
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Guadano-Procesi I, Berrilli F, Montalbano Di Filippo M, Di Cave D. Detection and genotyping of Dientamoeba fragilis from symptomatic patients: New insights from Italy into a little-known gastrointestinal protozoan. Parasitol Int 2024; 98:102816. [PMID: 37838287 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2023.102816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Dientamoeba fragilis (D. fragilis) represents a common protozoan in both high and low income countries. Despite this, epidemiological data on dientamoebiasis are still limited, and it is possible that the actual prevalence rates of D. fragilis have been underestimated due to the challenges in its detection and identification. In the present study, symptomatic patients from Rome (Central Italy) were surveyed for two years to determine D. fragilis percentage of infection and genotypes. Stool samples collection was performed over 864 patients, DNA extracted, and RT-PCR performed by the SeeGene Allplex™ Gastrointestinal Parasite Panel Assays. Seventy-nine resulted positive for D. fragilis (9.1%). Co-infections were detected in 22 isolates: 21 displayed Blastocystis sp. + D. fragilis (27.8%). Based on the sequence of a central fragment of the SSU rRNA gene, only genotype 1 was identified. These findings are among the few available data regarding genetic diversity of D. fragilis in Italy. Large-scale human and animal research are required to enhance our knowledge of prevalence, host range, genetic variability and zoonotic transmission of this little-known intestinal protozoan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Guadano-Procesi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy.
| | | | - David Di Cave
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of "Tor Vergata", Rome 00133, Italy
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3
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Del Prete V, Paterno G, Cennamo O, Berrilli F, Di Cave D. The effect of COVID-19 on the frequency of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia: a monocentric, retrospective, and observational study. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:693. [PMID: 37848811 PMCID: PMC10583417 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08545-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) and SARS-CoV2 share some similarities in their effects on the respiratory system, clinical presentation, and management. The COVID-19 pandemic required rapid action to curb transmission and mitigate its lethiferous impact. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were globally adopted. We hypothesized that these measures reduced the transmission and acquisition of P. jirovecii in both hospital and community settings. METHODS We conducted a retrospective observational study on 2950 respiratory specimens from patients with suspected pulmonary infection, analyzed at the Laboratory of Parasitology Unit of the Policlinico Tor Vergata of Rome, Italy, from January 2014 to December 2022. RESULTS We show a significant reduction in the frequency of PCP in the COVID-19 pandemic era compared to the previous period. Among the four sequence types of P. jirovecii identified, genotype 1 was the most prevalent (37%). We observed a non-significant trend of decreasing cases with genotype 1 and increasing cases with genotype 3 over the study period. CONCLUSIONS The nationwide implementation of NPIs against COVID-19 may have changed the microbiological landscape of exposure, thereby decreasing the exposure to P. jirovecii and consequently reducing the incidence of PCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Del Prete
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovangiacinto Paterno
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Oreste Cennamo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Troisi A, Di Cave D, Carola V, Nanni RC. The behavioral immune system in action: Psychological correlates of pathogen disgust sensitivity in healthcare professionals working in a COVID-19 hospital. Physiol Behav 2022; 251:113821. [PMID: 35461836 PMCID: PMC9021045 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113821] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The behavioral immune system includes a set of proactive mechanisms that inhibit contact with pathogens in the first place. These mechanisms offer a sort of psychological and behavioral prophylaxis against infection. The aim of this study was to assess the functionality of the behavioral immune system under conditions of strong ecological validity. Our hypothesis was that the emotional and more primitive component of the behavioral immune system (i.e. pathogen disgust sensitivity) acts as a powerful predictor of fear of infection. The sample was made up of 101 healthcare professionals working in a COVID-19 hospital when vaccination was not yet available. We conducted a hierarchical regression analysis to assess the role of germ-related disgust in modulating levels of fear. After controlling for the significant effects of depressive symptoms and exposure to people with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, we found that fear of infection was more intense in those healthcare workers who reported higher levels of germ-related disgust. Fear of infection was not related to perceived infectability, an individual variable informed by more rational cognitive appraisals. These findings show that, even in healthcare workers who can take advantage of their professional knowledge and acquired skills for rational appraisals, the most primitive component of the behavioral immune system still plays a major role in eliciting fear of COVID-19. It is likely that the psychological reactions elicited by the behavioral immune system promote preventive health behaviors in modern environments as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Troisi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, via Montpellier 1, Rome 00133, Italy.
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Carola
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Paterno G, Guarnera L, Palmieri R, Del Prete V, Bonanni F, Buzzatti E, Moretti F, Casciani P, Savi A, Di Cave D, Maurillo L, Buccisano F, Venditti A, Del Principe MI. Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with previously untreated acute myeloid leukaemia. Mycoses 2021; 65:233-238. [PMID: 34883533 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV infection, undergoing cancer chemotherapy or organ transplant, have led to the development of guidelines on the use of prophylaxis to prevent Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), in these specific conditions. Instead, since the association between PJP and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is not clearly defined, the role of prophylaxis in patients with AML is not yet established. METHODS We retrospectively analysed 251 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed non-M3-AML, admitted at the Hematology Unit of University Tor Vergata in Rome, during the period 2010-2020. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of PJP among AML patients during their first hospital admission, and to identify subjects at a high risk to develop PJP. RESULTS Among 251 consecutive patients with non-M3-AML, 67 bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) were performed. PJP was proven in 11/67 (16.7%) subjects undergoing BAL (11 males, median age 71 years), with an incidence of 4.3%. The most common reason for BAL execution were radiological findings such as ground-glass opacities (6/11, 55%) and atypical patterns like consolidations and nodules (5/11, 45%). One patient died because of PJP after 11 days of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole therapy. In multivariate analysis older age and smoking habit were independent factors significantly associated with PJP (p = .021 and 0.017 respectively). CONCLUSION We conclude that PJP infection is not uncommon among patients with AML. If intensive chemotherapy is planned, physicians should be aware of this risk and prophylaxis should be considered, particularly in older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Guarnera
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Department of Onco-Hematology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Palmieri
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Department of Onco-Hematology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Del Prete
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bonanni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Department of Onco-Hematology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Buzzatti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Department of Onco-Hematology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Moretti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Department of Onco-Hematology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Casciani
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Savi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Department of Onco-Hematology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Maurillo
- Department of Onco-Hematology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Buccisano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Department of Onco-Hematology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Venditti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Department of Onco-Hematology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Ilaria Del Principe
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.,Department of Onco-Hematology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Troisi A, Nanni RC, Riconi A, Carola V, Di Cave D. Fear of COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers: The Role of Neuroticism and Fearful Attachment. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4358. [PMID: 34640375 PMCID: PMC8509269 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Fear of becoming infected is an important factor of the complex suite of emotional reactions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among healthcare workers (HWs), fear of infection can put at risk their psychological well-being and occupational efficiency. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of personality (i.e., the big five traits) and adult attachment in predicting levels of fear (as measured by the FCV-19S) in 101 HWs employed in a COVID-19 university hospital. The three significant predictors retained by the stepwise regression model were age (beta = 0.26, t = 2.89, p < 0.01), emotional stability (i.e., the inverse of neuroticism) (beta = -0.26, t = -2.89, p < 0.01), and fearful attachment (beta = 0.25, t = 2.75, p < 0.01). Older HWs with higher levels of neuroticism and fearful attachment reported more intense fear of COVID-19. Our results can be useful to identify vulnerable subgroups of HWs and to implement selective programs of prevention based on counseling and psychological support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Troisi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Riconi
- Psychiatry Residency Program, Medical School, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Valeria Carola
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00143 Rome, Italy;
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
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Di Cristanziano V, Farowski F, Berrilli F, Santoro M, Di Cave D, Glé C, Daeumer M, Thielen A, Wirtz M, Kaiser R, Eberhardt KA, Vehreschild MJGT, D’Alfonso R. Analysis of Human Gut Microbiota Composition Associated to the Presence of Commensal and Pathogen Microorganisms in Côte d'Ivoire. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9081763. [PMID: 34442844 PMCID: PMC8400437 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The human gut microbiota is a microbial ecosystem contributing to the maintenance of host health with functions related to immune and metabolic aspects. Relations between microbiota and enteric pathogens in sub-Saharan Africa are scarcely investigated. The present study explored gut microbiota composition associated to the presence of common enteric pathogens and commensal microorganisms, e.g., Blastocystis and Entamoeba species, in children and adults from semi-urban and non-urban localities in Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: Seventy-six stool samples were analyzed for microbiota composition by 16S rRDNA sequencing. The presence of adeno-, entero-, parechoviruses, bacterial and protozoal pathogens, Blastocystis, and commensal Entamoeba species, was analyzed by different molecular assays. Results: Twelve individuals resulted negative for any tested microorganisms, 64 subjects were positive for one or more microorganisms. Adenovirus, enterovirus, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), and Blastocystis were frequently detected. Conclusions: The bacterial composition driven by Prevotellaceae and Ruminococcaceae confirmed the biotype related to the traditional dietary and cooking practices in low-income countries. Clear separation in UniFrac distance in subjects co-harboring Entamoeba hartmanni and Blastocystis was evidenced. Alpha diversity variation in negative control group versus only Blastocystis positive suggested its possible regulatory contribution on intestinal microbiota. Pathogenic bacteria and virus did not affect the positive outcome of co-harbored Blastocystis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Di Cristanziano
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50935 Cologne, Germany; (M.W.); (R.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-221-478-85828
| | - Fedja Farowski
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (F.F.); (M.J.G.T.V.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.S.); (D.D.C.)
| | - Maristella Santoro
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.S.); (D.D.C.)
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.S.); (D.D.C.)
| | - Christophe Glé
- Centre Don Orione Pour Handicapés Physiques, Bonoua BP 21, Côte d’Ivoire; (C.G.); (R.D.)
| | - Martin Daeumer
- Seq-IT GmbH & Co KG, 67655 Kaiserslautern, Germany; (M.D.); (A.T.)
| | | | - Maike Wirtz
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50935 Cologne, Germany; (M.W.); (R.K.)
| | - Rolf Kaiser
- Institute of Virology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50935 Cologne, Germany; (M.W.); (R.K.)
| | - Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine & I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20359 Hamburg, Germany;
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maria J. G. T. Vehreschild
- Department I of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (F.F.); (M.J.G.T.V.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Rossella D’Alfonso
- Centre Don Orione Pour Handicapés Physiques, Bonoua BP 21, Côte d’Ivoire; (C.G.); (R.D.)
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Berrilli F, Di Cave D, Novelletto A, Montalbano Di Filippo M. PCR-based identification of thermotolerant free-living amoebae in Italian hot springs. Eur J Protistol 2021; 80:125812. [PMID: 34139569 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejop.2021.125812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Several thermal areas, also used for leisure purposes, may represent suitable habitats for free-living amoebae (FLAs), but few studies have been carried out in search for these organisms. The aim of this study was to assess the presence and distribution of FLAs by culture detection and molecular identification, over a one year-round sampling of two sites in Central Italy. Two geothermal springs (Site A and Site B) were investigated for a total of 36 water samples. Four sets of primers were used to amplify FLA DNA from all cultures positive for amoebic growth at both 37 °C and 45 °C. Overall, 33 (91.6%) water samples produced PCR amplification. Eleven taxa were identified. The array of identified species varied over the sampling period, and differed between the two hot springs, Site A harbouring 11 taxa compared to 5 of site B. However, both sites were characterized by the most common species Vermamoeba vermiformis and Naegleria australiensis. Acanthamoeba genotypes T4 and T15 were found at low frequency. Differences in the composition between the two sites could reflect environmental changes in biotic and chemical/physical parameters. From a public health perspective, the detection of potentially pathogenic amoebae could unveil a potential risk for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Novelletto
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Margherita Montalbano Di Filippo
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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9
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Russini V, Di Filippo MM, Fanelli R, Polidori M, Berrilli F, Di Cave D, Novelletto A, Calderini P. Characterization of prevalence and genetic subtypes of Blastocystis sp. in wild and domestic Suidae of central Italy aided by amplicon NGS. Vet Parasitol Reg Stud Reports 2020; 22:100472. [PMID: 33308752 DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2020.100472] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Blastocystis spp. is a common single-celled intestinal symbiont, comprising several genetic subtypes (ST) and transmissible by animal-to-animal, human-to-human, animal-to-human and, possibly, human-to-animal routes. This work was designed to explore the presence of Blastocystis in sympatric domestic and wild suids and their ability to carry zoonotic STs, in a condition of widespread opportunity to come in contact with the microorganism through their shared water and food resources, and other carriers. We sampled 42 and 37 stool samples from wild boars and domestic pigs, respectively. STs were first identified by PCR followed by Sanger sequencing. Sequences represented in double-band PCR products or in Sanger chromatograms displaying multiple peaks, were resolved by next generation sequencing (NGS). Twenty-six (61.9%) wild boar and 26 (70.2%) pig samples were PCR-positive, respectively. ST3, ST5 and ST15 were found in 3.8%, 38.4% and 80.8% of the positive wild boars and 11.5%, 88.5%, 11.5% of the positive pigs, respectively. ST1 was found only in pigs (3.8%). STs 5 and 15 were common in both groups of animals, but in reversed proportions, suggesting preferential colonization. We found significantly different ST distributions among wild boars and domestic pigs. This might indicate that lifestyle differences between the two populations influence their risk for contracting certain subtypes, or that ST5 and ST15 can colonize preferentially wild or domestic animals. Based on the STs described here, wild boars and domestic pigs can act as reservoirs with zoonotic potential. The ability of suids to carry zoonotic STs appears to be higher when using NGS than Sanger sequencing, and resolution of complex sequencing profiles is imperative before excluding the presence of STs of human concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Russini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Lazio e Toscana, sezione di Rieti, Italy
| | | | - Rita Fanelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Lazio e Toscana, sezione di Rieti, Italy
| | - Miriam Polidori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Lazio e Toscana, sezione di Rieti, Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Calderini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Lazio e Toscana, sezione di Rieti, Italy
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10
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Tuvo B, Totaro M, Cristina ML, Spagnolo AM, Di Cave D, Profeti S, Baggiani A, Privitera G, Casini B. Prevention and Control of Legionella and Pseudomonas spp. Colonization in Dental Units. Pathogens 2020; 9:E305. [PMID: 32326140 PMCID: PMC7238104 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9040305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Dental Unit Waterlines (DUWLs) have shown to be a source of Legionella infection. We report the experience of different dental healthcare settings where a risk management plan was implemented. Materials and methods: In a Hospital Odontostomatology Clinic (HOC) and three Private Dental Clinics (PDCs) housing 13 and six dental units (DUs), respectively, an assessment checklist was applied to evaluate staff compliance with guideline recommendations. DUWLs microbial parameters were investigated before and after the application of corrective actions. Results: In the HOC a poor adherence to good practices was demonstrated, whereas protocols were carefully applied in PDCs. L. pneumophila sg 2-15 was isolated in 31% (4/13) and 33% (2/6) of DUs in HOC and PDCs, respectively, mainly from handpieces (32%, 6/19) with counts >102 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/L), often associated with P. aeruginosa (68%, 13/19). The shock disinfection with 3% v/v hydrogen peroxide (HP) showed a limited effect, with a recolonization period of about 4 weeks. Legionella was eradicated only after 6% v/v HP shock disinfection and filters-installation, whilst P. aeruginosa after the third shock disinfection with a solution of 4% v/v HP and biodegradable surfactants. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate the presence and persistence of microbial contamination within the DUWLs, which required strict adherence to control measures and the choice of effective disinfectants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Tuvo
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy; (B.T.); (M.T.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (G.P.)
| | - Michele Totaro
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy; (B.T.); (M.T.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (G.P.)
| | - Maria Luisa Cristina
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.L.C.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Anna Maria Spagnolo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.L.C.); (A.M.S.)
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Sara Profeti
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy; (B.T.); (M.T.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (G.P.)
| | - Angelo Baggiani
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy; (B.T.); (M.T.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (G.P.)
| | - Gaetano Privitera
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy; (B.T.); (M.T.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (G.P.)
| | - Beatrice Casini
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, 56123 Pisa, Italy; (B.T.); (M.T.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (G.P.)
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11
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Spagnolo AM, Sartini M, Cave DD, Casini B, Tuvo B, Cristina ML. Evaluation of Microbiological and Free-Living Protozoa Contamination in Dental Unit Waterlines. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:ijerph16152648. [PMID: 31344972 PMCID: PMC6696308 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16152648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Studies conducted over the last 40 years have demonstrated that the water output from dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) is often contaminated with high densities of microorganisms. It has been monitored the microbiological quality of the water in 30 public dental facilities in northern Italy in order to assess the health risk for patients and dental staff. In each facility, samples of water both from taps and from DUWLs were analyzed in order to evaluate heterotrophic plate counts (HPCs) at 22 °C and 36 °C, and to detect coliform bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Legionella pneumophila and amoebae. In 100% of the samples taken from the DUWLs, the concentration of HPCs was above the threshold as determined by the Ministère de la Santé et des Solidarités (2007). The concentration of P. aeruginosa was greater than the indicated threshold in 16.67% of the hand-pieces analyzed. A total of 78.33% of samples were contaminated by L. pneumophila, while in the samples taken from the DUWLs alone, this percentage rose to 86.67%. Amoebae were detected in 60% of the samples taken from hand-pieces; all belonging to the species V. vermiformis. This study documented the presence of various microorganisms, including Legionella spp., at considerably higher concentrations in water samples from DUWLs than in samples of tap water in the same facilities, confirming the role of the internal DUWLs in increasing microbial contamination, especially in the absence of proper management of waterborne health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Spagnolo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Marina Sartini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genova, Italy.
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Casini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Benedetta Tuvo
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Cristina
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genova, Via Pastore 1, 16132 Genova, Italy
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De Liberato C, Berrilli F, Bossù T, Magliano A, Montalbano Di Filippo M, Di Cave D, Sigismondi M, Cannavacciuolo A, Scaramozzino P. Outbreak of swimmer's itch in Central Italy: Description, causative agent and preventive measures. Zoonoses Public Health 2019; 66:377-381. [DOI: 10.1111/zph.12570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” Rome Italy
| | | | - Teresa Bossù
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” Rome Italy
| | - Adele Magliano
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” Rome Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Paola Scaramozzino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Lazio e della Toscana “M. Aleandri” Rome Italy
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13
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Antonelli A, Favuzza E, Galano A, Montalbano Di Filippo M, Ciccone N, Berrilli F, Mencucci R, Di Cave D, Rossolini GM. Regional spread of contact lens-related Acanthamoeba keratitis in Italy. New Microbiol 2018; 41:83-85. [PMID: 29505068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Acanthamoeba ocular infections, known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, are an emerging problem among contact lens wearers. Infections mediated by Acanthamoeba are uncommon, but they can be underestimated due to poor awareness and delayed diagnosis. The routine use of rapid and cost-effective molecular methods like Real Time PCR for the diagnosis of this important pathogen could improve diagnosis and therapy outcome. This report describes the detection by Real Time PCR assay of six T4 and one T3 Acanthamoeba infections, as the first reported cases in Tuscany, Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Antonelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Favuzza
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, Eye Clinic, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Angelo Galano
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Florence Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Nunziata Ciccone
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Florence Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Mencucci
- Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, Eye Clinic, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Foundation Polyclinic Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Rossolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Florence Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
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14
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Pini P, Orsi CF, La Regina A, Peppoloni S, Berrilli F, Blasi E, Di Cave D. Pneumocystis jirovecii genotyping: experience in a tertiary-care hospital in Northern Italy. New Microbiol 2017; 40:208-211. [PMID: 28920631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory samples from Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) cases collected at a tertiary-care university hospital in Modena were analyzed for the presence of specific polymorphisms in the mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA (mtLSU-rRNA). Retrospectively, 57 cases were selected in a six-year period and 34 out of the 57 processed BAL samples returned PCR positive results, thus allowing further molecular analysis. The following P.jirovecii genotype distribution was observed: genotype 3 (50%), genotype 2 (23%), genotype 1 (18%), genotypes 1 or 4 (9%). These data add novel insights on P.jirovecii epidemiology, investigating a previously unstudied area of Northern Italy. A peculiar local distribution is highlighted with respect to other areas within the national panorama, thus encouraging further in-depth studies in an attempt to better understand the overall situation concerning P.jirovecii genotype circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Pini
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinic of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Blasi
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinic of Modena, Modena, Italy
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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15
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Ricciardi A, Gentilotti E, Coppola L, Maffongelli G, Cerva C, Malagnino V, Mari A, Di Veroli A, Berrilli F, Apice F, Toschi N, Di Cave D, Parisi SG, Andreoni M, Sarmati L. Infectious disease ward admission positively influences P. jiroveci pneumonia (PjP) outcome: A retrospective analysis of 116 HIV-positive and HIV-negative immunocompromised patients. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0176881. [PMID: 28505159 PMCID: PMC5432209 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
P. jiroveci (Pj) causes a potentially fatal pneumonia in immunocompromised patients and the factors associated with a bad outcome are poorly understood. A retrospective analysis on Pj pneumonia (PjP) cases occurring in Tor Vergata University Hospital, Italy, during the period 2011–2015. The patients’ demographic, clinical and radiological characteristics and the Pj genotypes were considered. The study population included 116 patients, 37.9% of whom had haematological malignancy or underwent haematological stem cell transplantation (HSCT), 22.4% had HIV infection, 16.4% had chronic lung diseases (CLD), 7.8% had a solid cancer, and 3.4% underwent a solid organ transplant (SOT). The remaining 12.1% had a miscellaneous other condition. At univariate analysis, being older than 60 years was significantly correlated with a severe PjP (OR [95%CI] 2.52 [0.10–5.76]; p = 0.031) and death (OR [95%CI] 2.44 [1.05–5.70]; p = 0.036), while a previous trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) prophylaxis were significantly associated with a less severe pneumonia (OR[95%CI] 0.35 [0.15–0.84], p = 0.023); moreover, death due to PjP was significantly more frequent in patients with CLD (OR[95%CI] 3.26 [1.17–9.05]; p = 0.019) while, admission to the Infectious Diseases Unit was significantly associated with fewer deaths (OR[95%CI] 0.10 [0.03–0.36], p = 0.002). At multivariate analysis, a better PjP outcome was observed in patients taking TMP/SMX prophylaxis and that were admitted to the Infectious Diseases Unit (OR[95%CI] 0.27 [0.07–1.03], p = 0.055, OR[95%CI] 0.16 [0.05–0.55]; p = 0.004, respectively). In conclusion, in our study population, TMP/SMX prophylaxis and infectious disease specialist approach were variables correlated with a better PjP outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luigi Coppola
- Infectious Diseases, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carlotta Cerva
- Infectious Diseases, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Mari
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Ambra Di Veroli
- Department of Haematology, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Apice
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Toschi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
- Department of Radiology, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Saverio Giuseppe Parisi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy, Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Loredana Sarmati
- Infectious Diseases, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Del Chierico F, Di Cave D, Accardi C, Santoro M, Masotti A, D'Alfonso R, Berrilli F, Urbani A, Putignani L. Identification and typing of free-living Acanthamoeba spp. by MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper. Exp Parasitol 2016; 170:82-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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17
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Iebba V, Santangelo F, Totino V, Pantanella F, Monsia A, Di Cristanziano V, Di Cave D, Schippa S, Berrilli F, D'Alfonso R. Gut microbiota related to Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba spp. and Blastocystis hominis infections in humans from Côte d'Ivoire. J Infect Dev Ctries 2016; 10:1035-1041. [PMID: 27694739 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.8179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Literature data provide little information about protozoa infections and gut microbiota compositional shifts in humans. This preliminary study aimed to describe the fecal bacterial community composition of people from Côte d'Ivoire harboring Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba spp., and Blastocystis hominis, in trying to discover possible alterations in their fecal microbiota structure related to the presence of such parasites. METHODOLOGY Twenty fecal samples were collected from people inhabiting three different localities of Côte d'Ivoire for copromicroscopic analysis and molecular identification of G. duodenalis, Entamoeba spp., and B. hominis. Temporal temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TTGE) was used to obtain a fingerprint of the overall bacterial community; quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to define the relative abundances of selected bacterial species/group, and multivariate statistical analyses were employed to correlate all data. RESULTS Cluster analysis revealed a significant separation of TTGE profiles into four clusters (p < 0.0001), with a marked difference for G. duodenalis-positive samples in relation to the others (p = 5.4×10-6). Interestingly, qPCR data showed how G. duodenalis-positive samples were related to a dysbiotic condition that favors potentially harmful species (such as Escherichia coli), while Entamoeba spp./B. hominis-positive subjects were linked to a eubiotic condition, as shown by a significantly higher Faecalibacterium prausnitzii-Escherichia coli ratio. CONCLUSIONS This preliminary investigation demonstrates a differential fecal microbiota structure in subjects infected with G. duodenalis or Entamoeba spp./B. hominis, paving the way for using further next-generation DNA technologies to better understand host-parasite-bacteria interactions, aimed at identifying potential indicators of microbiota changes.
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Di Cristanziano V, Timmen-Wego M, Lübke N, Kaiser R, Pfister H, Di Cave D, Berrilli F, Kaboré Y, D'Alfonso R. Application of Luminex Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel to human stool samples from Côte d'Ivoire. J Infect Dev Ctries 2015; 9:884-9. [PMID: 26322882 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.6460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gastrointestinal infections caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites are endemic in most developing countries due to inadequate provision of safe water supplies, sanitation, and hygiene. To investigate the enteric pathogens infecting people living in Côte d'Ivoire, the Luminex Gastrointestinal Pathogen Panel (xTAG GPP) assay was used to analyze 34 human fecal samples. This study represents the first application of this technology to samples from a sub-Saharan African country. METHODOLOGY Thirty-four stool samples from asymptomatic and symptomatic patients, 1-15 years of age, were analyzed by xTAG GPP. The Luminex assay represents a qualitative bead-based multiplexed molecular diagnostic test able to identify concurrently 15 enteric pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. RESULTS Overall, 22 out of 34 (64.7%) fecal specimens were detected to be positive by xTAG GPP. Sixteen were from asymptomatic subjects, and 10 patients (45.4%) showed co-infections. G. duodenalis was detected in 15 patients, in both mono- and co-infections, representing the most frequent pathogen, followed by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) LT/ST. Four norovirus isolates were also detected and assigned to genogroups I and II. CONCLUSIONS Considering the burden of enteric infections in developing countries, particularly among children, and the high rate of co-infections in asymptomatic subjects, this study shows the need for diagnostic tools such as xTAG GPP to improve diagnosis and treatment of these infections in endemic areas.
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Cavallero S, De Liberato C, Friedrich KG, Di Cave D, Masella V, D'Amelio S, Berrilli F. Genetic heterogeneity and phylogeny of Trichuris spp. from captive non-human primates based on ribosomal DNA sequence data. Infect Genet Evol 2015; 34:450-6. [PMID: 26066463 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2015.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Nematodes of the genus Trichuris, known as whipworms, are recognized to infect numerous mammalian species including humans and non-human primates. Several Trichuris spp. have been described and species designation/identification is traditionally based on host-affiliation, although cross-infection and hybridization events may complicate species boundaries. The main aims of the present study were to genetically characterize adult Trichuris specimens from captive Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) and grivets (Chlorocebus aethiops), using the ribosomal DNA (ITS) as molecular marker and to investigate the phylogeny and the extent of genetic variation also by comparison with data on isolates from other humans, non-human primates and other hosts. The phylogenetic analysis of Trichuris sequences from M. fuscata and C. aethiops provided evidences of distinct clades and subclades thus advocating the existence of additional separated taxa. Neighbor Joining and Bayesian trees suggest that specimens from M. fuscata may be distinct from, but related to Trichuris trichiura, while a close relationship is suggested between the subclade formed by the specimens from C. aethiops and the subclade formed by T. suis. The tendency to associate Trichuris sp. to host species can lead to misleading taxonomic interpretations (i.e. whipworms found in primates are identified as T. trichiura). The results here obtained confirm previous evidences suggesting the existence of Trichuris spp. other than T. trichiura infecting non-human living primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Cavallero
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio De Liberato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, Via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
| | - Klaus G Friedrich
- Fondazione Bioparco, Viale del Giardino Zoologico, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, TorVergata University, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Masella
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, TorVergata University, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano D'Amelio
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, P.le Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, TorVergata University, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
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Montalbano Di Filippo M, Santoro M, Lovreglio P, Monno R, Capolongo C, Calia C, Fumarola L, D'Alfonso R, Berrilli F, Di Cave D. Isolation and molecular characterization of free-living amoebae from different water sources in Italy. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2015; 12:3417-27. [PMID: 25811766 PMCID: PMC4410193 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120403417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Free-living amoebae (FLA) are protozoa ubiquitous in Nature, isolated from a variety of environments worldwide. In addition to their natural distribution, some species have been found to be pathogenic to humans. In the present study a survey was conducted in order to evaluate the presence and to characterize at molecular level the isolates of amoebic organisms collected from different water sources in Italy. A total of 160 water samples were analyzed by culture and microscopic examination. FLA were found in 46 (28.7%) of the investigated water samples. Groundwater, well waters, and ornamental fountain waters were the sources with higher prevalence rates (85.7%, 50.0%, and 45.9%, respectively). Identification of FLA species/genotypes, based on the 18S rDNA regions, allowed to identify 18 (39.1%) Acanthamoeba isolates (genotypes T4 and T15) and 21 (45.6%) Vermamoeba vermiformis isolates. Other FLA species, including Vahlkampfia sp. and Naegleria spp., previously reported in Italy, were not recovered. The occurrence of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae in habitats related to human population, as reported in the present study, supports the relevance of FLA as a potential health threat to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maristella Santoro
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Piero Lovreglio
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Rosa Monno
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organ, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Carmen Capolongo
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organ, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Carla Calia
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organ, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Luciana Fumarola
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organ, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Rossella D'Alfonso
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Foundation Polyclinic Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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Manganelli L, Berrilli F, Di Cave D, Ercoli L, Capelli G, Otranto D, Giangaspero A. Intestinal parasite infections in immigrant children in the city of Rome, related risk factors and possible impact on nutritional status. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:265. [PMID: 23168023 PMCID: PMC3519717 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Parasitic diseases can represent a social and economic problem among disadvantaged people - even in developed countries. Due to the limited data available concerning Europe, the aims of the present study were to evaluate the presence of parasites in immigrant children and the risk factors favouring the spread of parasites. Subsequently, the possible correlation between nutritional status and parasitic infections was also investigated. Findings A convenience sample of two hundred and forty seven immigrant children (aged 0–15) attending the Poliambulatorio della Medicina Solidale in Rome was examined. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, and parasitological and anthropometric tests were applied. Chi-squared test and binary logistic multiple-regression models were used for statistical analysis. Thirty-seven children (15%) tested positive to parasites of the following species: Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba coli, Giardia duodenalis, Enterobius vermicularis, Ascaris lumbricoides and Strongyloides stercoralis. A monospecific infection was detected in 30 (81%) out of 37 parasitized children, while the others (19%) presented a polyparasitism. The major risk factors were housing, i.e. living in shacks, and cohabitation with other families (p<0.01). Children classified in the lower height Z-scores had a significantly greater prevalence of parasites (30.9%) than the others (p<0.01). Conclusions This study shows that parasite infection in children is still quite common, even in a developed country and that children’s growth and parasitism may be related. Extensive improvements in the living, social and economic conditions of immigrants are urgently needed in order to overcome these problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Manganelli
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, Rome, Italy
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22
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Berrilli F, Di Cave D, Cavallero S, D'Amelio S. Interactions between parasites and microbial communities in the human gut. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2012; 2:141. [PMID: 23162802 PMCID: PMC3499702 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2012.00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The interactions between intestinal microbiota, immune system, and pathogens describe the human gut as a complex ecosystem, where all components play a relevant role in modulating each other and in the maintenance of homeostasis. The balance among the gut microbiota and the human body appear to be crucial for health maintenance. Intestinal parasites, both protozoans and helminths, interact with the microbial community modifying the balance between host and commensal microbiota. On the other hand, gut microbiota represents a relevant factor that may strongly interfere with the pathophysiology of the infections. In addition to the function that gut commensal microbiota may have in the processes that determine the survival and the outcome of many parasitic infections, including the production of nutritive macromolecules, also probiotics can play an important role in reducing the pathogenicity of many parasites. On these bases, there is a growing interest in explaining the rationale on the possible interactions between the microbiota, immune response, inflammatory processes, and intestinal parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Berrilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Tor Vergata University Rome, Italy.
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Goldschmidt P, Degorge S, Benallaoua D, Batellier L, Di Cave D, Chaumeil C. Rapid detection and simultaneous molecular profile characterization of Acanthamoeba infections. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2012; 74:137-41. [PMID: 22819239 DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2012.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Revised: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of Acanthamoeba by microscopic examination, culture, and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) has several limitations (sensitivity, specificity, lack of detection of several strains, cost of testing for discrimination among strains). We developed a new high-resolution melting real-time PCR (HRM) to detect and characterize Acanthamoeba infections. HRM performances were evaluated with strains from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and with 20 corneal scrapings. The DNA extracted from specimens were amplified, detected, and characterized in 1 run using 2 original primers diluted in a solution containing an intercalating dye. Detection and molecular characterization of Acanthamoeba infections could be achieved in less than 2.5 h with a dramatic reduction in cost of reactants (postamplification procedures and radioactive or fluorescent-labeled molecular probes were unnecessary). HRM detection limits were 0.1 cyst/μL or less (including genotypes T5 and T11), and its sensitivity and specificity were higher than other molecular tests. For the tested strains from the ATCC, the HRM drafted 4 different profiles: Type I (genotypes T2 and T4), Type II (T5 and T7), Type III (T8), and Type IV (T1, T3, T6, T9, T11, T12, and T13).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Goldschmidt
- Laboratoire du Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie des Quinze-Vingts 28, rue de Charenton 75012 Paris, France.
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Berrilli F, D'Alfonso R, Giangaspero A, Marangi M, Brandonisio O, Kaboré Y, Glé C, Cianfanelli C, Lauro R, Di Cave D. Giardia duodenalis genotypes and Cryptosporidium species in humans and domestic animals in Côte d'Ivoire: occurrence and evidence for environmental contamination. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg 2012; 106:191-5. [PMID: 22265078 DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2011.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Revised: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis genotypes and Cryptosporidium species were studied in humans and free-ranging animals living in closed enclaves in Côte d'Ivoire. Three hundred and seven stool samples were tested from humans, and 47 from freely roaming domestic animals (dogs, goats, ducks, chickens). Molecular characterization of the isolates was performed by sequence analysis of a portion of the SSU-rDNA for Giardia and the COWP gene for Cryptosporidium, and a β-giardin SYBR-green real-time PCR was also used to confirm the assignment of Giardia isolates to Assemblages. In humans, genotyping of Giardia assigned many of the sequences (43/56 by the SSU-rDNA gene, and 36/61 by the β-giardin gene) to Assemblage B. The animal species harboured only zoonotic Assemblages A and B, except for dogs, in which host specific Assemblages C and D were also detected. Cryptosporidium meleagridis, C. parvum and C. hominis were detected in humans, while among the animals only chickens were found positive for oocysts, identified as C. meleagridis and C. parvum. The results provide further evidence about the role of free-ranging domestic animals living closely with humans in the environmental dissemination and potential transmission of these anthropozoonotic pathogens to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Berrilli
- Department of Public Health and Cell Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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Berrilli F, Prisco C, Friedrich KG, Di Cerbo P, Di Cave D, De Liberato C. Giardia duodenalis assemblages and Entamoeba species infecting non-human primates in an Italian zoological garden: zoonotic potential and management traits. Parasit Vectors 2011; 4:199. [PMID: 21988762 PMCID: PMC3214166 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-4-199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Giardia duodenalis and Entamoeba spp. are among the most common intestinal human protozoan parasites worldwide and they are frequently reported in captive non-human primates (NHP). From a public health point of view, infected animals in zoos constitute a risk for animal caretakers and visitors. In this study we carried out the molecular identification of G. duodenalis and Entamoeba spp. from nine species of primates housed in the zoological garden of Rome, to better ascertain their occurrence and zoonotic potential. Results G. duodenalis was found only in Lemur catta (47.0%). Entamoeba spp. were detected in all species studied, with the exception of Eulemur macaco and Varecia rubra. The number of positive pools ranged from 5.9% in L. catta to 81.2% in Mandrillus sphinx; in Pan troglodytes the observed prevalence was 53.6%. A mixed Entamoeba-Giardia infection was recorded only in one sample of L. catta. All G. duodenalis isolates belonged to the zoonotic assemblage B, sub assemblage BIV. Three Entamoeba species were identified: E. hartmanni, E. coli and E. dispar. Conclusions Our results highlight the importance of regularly testing animals kept in zoos for the diagnosis of zoonotic parasites, in order to evaluate their pathogenic role in the housed animals and the zoonotic risk linked to their presence. A quick detection of the arrival of pathogens into the enclosures could also be a prerequisite to limit their spread into the structure via the introduction of specific control strategies. The need for molecular identification of some parasite species/genotype in order to better define the zoonotic risk is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Berrilli
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Biologia Cellulare, Università di Roma TorVergata, Rome, Italy
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Gatti S, Rama P, Matuska S, Berrilli F, Cavallero A, Carletti S, Bruno A, Maserati R, Di Cave D. Isolation and genotyping of Acanthamoeba strains from corneal infections in Italy. J Med Microbiol 2010; 59:1324-1330. [PMID: 20705732 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.019786-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a corneal disease caused by members of a genus of free-living amoebae and is associated predominantly with contact lens (CL) use. This study reports 16 cases of culture-proven AK diagnosed in northern Italy. Genotype identification was carried out with a PCR assay based on sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA gene, and sensitivity and specificity were evaluated in comparison with traditional parasitological techniques. A 405 bp region of the 18S rRNA gene (ASA.S1) including diagnostic fragment 3 (DF3) was amplified using the genus-specific primers JDP1 and JDP2. Genotype assignment was based on phenetic analysis of the ASA.S1 subset of the nuclear small-subunit rRNA gene sequence excluding the highly variable DF3 region. Phylogenetic analysis was also performed on the sequences obtained. All patients complained of monolateral infection; 11 (68.75%) admitted improper CL disinfection. In 14/16 (87.5 %) subjects, corneal scrapings were stained with calcofluor white and haematoxylin and eosin and, in ten cases (62.5 %), microscopy was positive for Acanthamoeba cysts. In vitro culture on 3 % non-nutrient agar plates was obtained in all cases (100 %), whereas cloning and axenic growth were positive for 14 amoebic stocks (87.5 %). PCR analysis had 100 % sensitivity and specificity compared with in vitro axenic culture, showing positive amplification from 15 isolates. All Acanthamoeba strains belonged to the T4 genotype, the main AK-related genotype worldwide. These results confirmed the importance of a complete diagnostic protocol, including a PCR assay, for the clinical diagnosis of AK on biological samples. Genotyping allowed inclusion of all isolates in the T4 group, thus demonstrating the prevalence of this genotype in northern Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonetta Gatti
- Parasitology Laboratory, Virology and Microbiology Service, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Rama
- Ophthalmology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Stanislav Matuska
- Ophthalmology Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Federica Berrilli
- Department of Public Health and Cell Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Annalisa Cavallero
- Laboratory Medicine Unit, IRCCS Centro Cardiologico Monzino, 20162 Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Carletti
- Microbiology and Virology Laboratory, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Antonella Bruno
- Infectious Diseases Research Laboratories, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberta Maserati
- Infectious Diseases Research Laboratories, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Public Health and Cell Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', 00133 Roma, Italy
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Paladini G, Cable J, Fioravanti ML, Faria PJ, Di Cave D, Shinn AP. Gyrodactylus orecchiae sp. n. (Monogenea: Gyrodactylidae) from farmed populations of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) in the Adriatic Sea. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2009; 56:21-8. [DOI: 10.14411/fp.2009.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Giangaspero A, Cirillo R, Lacasella V, Lonigro A, Marangi M, Cavallo P, Berrilli F, Di Cave D, Brandonisio O. Giardia and Cryptosporidium in inflowing water and harvested shellfish in a Lagoon in Southern Italy. Parasitol Int 2009; 58:12-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2008.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2008] [Revised: 07/22/2008] [Accepted: 07/25/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Scaramozzino P, Di Cave D, Berrilli F, D'Orazi C, Spaziani A, Mazzanti S, Scholl F, De Liberato C. A study of the prevalence and genotypes of Giardia duodenalis infecting kennelled dogs. Vet J 2008; 182:231-4. [PMID: 18715807 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2008.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [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] [Received: 01/29/2008] [Revised: 06/30/2008] [Accepted: 07/08/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Giardia duodenalis is a protozoan parasite of animals that is zoonotic. Given the capacity of this organism to spread via the faecal-oral route, animals held in overcrowded and unhygienic conditions are at high risk of infection. Faecal samples from dogs in three kennels in Rome were examined by microscopy and PCR for G. duodenalis, and the prevalence data generated were correlated with variables such as kennel identity, age of dog, length of time the dog had been kennelled and clinical signs. The overall prevalence of the parasite in the faecal samples was 20.5% and was higher in samples from the largest kennel, which had the greatest turnover of dogs, and in faecal samples from younger animals. Giardia cysts were found more frequently in diarrhoeic animals but were also found in dogs with no clinical signs. Although the finding that the majority of isolates were dog-specific rather than zoonotic genotypes suggests that the zoonotic risk from this pathogen is less than previously thought, the higher prevalence of infection in younger dogs may pose a specific public health issue as such animals are more frequently re-homed with families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Scaramozzino
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana, via Appia Nuova 1411, 00178 Rome, Italy
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Di Cave D, Berrilli F, Orecchia P, Mecozzi B, Donia D, Bonadonna L, Briancesco R, Divizia M. Detection and genotypic characterization of Giardia cysts in water samples. Ig Sanita Pubbl 2005; 61:9-16. [PMID: 17211950] [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: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Water samples were collected from a wastewater treatment plant and from two lakes in the vicinity of Rome (Italy) for detection and genotypic characterization of Giardia. All wastewater samples and all but two of the lake samples were scored by immunofluorescence as positive for Giardia. In addition, Giardia cysts were detected, by nested PCR, in all of the examined samples. Analysis of the SSU-rRNA gene sequences showed that all Giardia isolates belonged to Assemblage A. The presence of Assemblage A genotype in wastewater and surface bathing water represents an important public health concern. In fact, isolates showing this genotype are considered to be potential human pathogens and also have zoonotic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Di Cave
- Departimento di Sanità Pubblica e Biologia Cellulare, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
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Berrilli F, Di Cave D, De Liberato C, Franco A, Scaramozzino P, Orecchia P. Genotype characterisation of Giardia duodenalis isolates from domestic and farm animals by SSU-rRNA gene sequencing. Vet Parasitol 2004; 122:193-9. [PMID: 15219360 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2004.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2003] [Revised: 03/08/2004] [Accepted: 04/02/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In order to investigate the genotypes of Giardia duodenalis from domestic and farm animals in Italy, 21 Giardia isolates, 17 from dogs, 1 from cat and 3 from dairy calves, were genetically characterised by SSU-rRNA gene sequencing. Among dogs, 76.5% of isolates showed the dog-specific genotypes (Assemblages C, D and C/D mixed Assemblage) and 23.5% exhibit potential zoonotic genotypes (Assemblage A and A/C mixed Assemblages). The cat isolate belonged to assemblage A, whereas the sequences among the isolates from calves were found to correspond to hoofed-livestock genotype, namely Assemblage E. These findings suggest that infection of humans by zoonotic genotypes from domestic animals could be of low epidemiological significance, although possible. The present study represents the first contribute to the knowledge of G. duodenalis genotypes in domestic and farm animals from Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Berrilli
- Cattedra di Parassitologia, Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Biologia Cellulare, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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Moravec F, Glamuzina B, Marino G, Merella P, Di Cave D. Occurrence of Philometra lateolabracis (Nematoda: Philometridae) in the gonads of marine perciform fishes in the Mediterranean region. Dis Aquat Organ 2003; 53:267-269. [PMID: 12691199 DOI: 10.3354/dao053267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Gravid females of the nematode Philometra lateolabracis (Yamaguti, 1935), a parasite of gonads of marine perciform fishes, were found in wild and cultured dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe) from waters near the Balear Islands (Spain, Mediterranean Sea) and Sicily (Italy, Thyrrenean Sea), and in the greater amberjack Seriola dumerili (Risso) in Croatia (south-eastern Adriatic Sea). In wild E. marginatus in Spain, the overall prevalence was 21% and the intensity of infection 1 nematode per fish. The nematodes are briefly described and illustrated. The species Sanguinofilaria jordanoi López-Neyra, 1951, described from the ovary of Epinephelus gigas Brünich from Morocco, is synonymized with P. lateolabracis. This is the first documented record of P. lateolabracis from fishes of the Mediterranean region and its finding in S. dumerili represents a new host record. The possible importance of this pathogenic parasite for cultures of marine perciform fishes in the region is stressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frantisek Moravec
- Institute of Parasitology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Branisovská 31, 370 05 Ceské Budejovice, Czech Republic.
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De Liberato C, Berrilli F, Di Cave D, Russo R, Tancioni L, Kennedy CR. Intestinal helminths of Italian barbel, Barbus tyberinus (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae), from the Tiber River and first report of Acanthocephalus clavula (Acanthocephala) in the genus Barbus. Folia Parasitol (Praha) 2002; 49:246-8. [PMID: 12418820 DOI: 10.14411/fp.2002.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio De Liberato
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Biologia Cellulare, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Italy.
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