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Quattrone F, Mazzetti P, Aquino F, Sani S, Carneglia L, Pistello M, Lopalco PL, Tavoschi L. Two clusters of Toscana virus meningo-encephalitis in Livorno Province and Elba Island, July-September 2018. Ann Ig 2020; 32:674-681. [PMID: 33175077 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2020.2387] [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] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toscana virus (TOSV) is an arbovirus transmitted to humans by Phlebotomus spp sandflies. It causes aseptic meningitis and meningoencephalitis with marked seasonality. Here we describe the clinical, microbiological and epidemiological features of two clusters of cases occurred in Tuscany in 2018. METHODS A confirmed case was defined as the detection of anti-TOSV IgM and IgG in serum sample, in presence of typical clinical manifestations. We consulted hospital records of hospitalized patients to collect clinical information and obtained epidemiological information from the local health authority investigation report. We telephonically interviewed patients using a standard questionnaire for a 6 months follow-up. RESULTS A total of 12 cases of TOSV meningo-encephalitis with onset between 4th of July and 12th of September accessed health care services in the province of Livorno. Eight cases were males with median age 41,5 and four were not resident in the area. Serological investigations confirmed a recent TOSV infection. Eight cases reported visiting Elba Island and four had a possible occupational-related exposure. CONCLUSIONS This surge of infection emphasizes the need of information campaigns coupled with adequate surveillance and control interventions against TOSV that, among other arboviruses, is a growing issue of concern in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Quattrone
- Hygiene and Epidemiology Section, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - P Mazzetti
- Virology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy - Retrovirus Center and Virology section, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Aquino
- Public Health Unit, ASL Toscana Nord Ovest, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Sani
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Livorno Hospital, Livorno, Italy
| | - L Carneglia
- Public Health Unit, ASL Toscana Nord Ovest, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Pistello
- Virology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy - Retrovirus Center and Virology section, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - P L Lopalco
- Hygiene and Epidemiology Section, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Tavoschi
- Hygiene and Epidemiology Section, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Casini B, Baggiani A, Totaro M, Mansi A, Costa AL, Aquino F, Miccoli M, Valentini P, Bruschi F, Lopalco PL, Privitera G. Detection of viable but non-culturable legionella in hospital water network following monochloramine disinfection. J Hosp Infect 2017; 98:46-52. [PMID: 28917570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevention of legionellosis remains a critical issue in healthcare settings where monochloramine (MC) disinfection was recently introduced as an alternative to chlorine dioxide in controlling Legionella spp. contamination of the hospital water network. Continuous treatments with low MC doses in some instances have induced a viable but non-culturable state (VBNC) of Legionella spp. AIM To investigate the occurrence of such dormant cells during a long period of continuous MC treatment. METHODS Between November 2010 and April 2015, 162 water and biofilm samples were collected and Legionella spp. isolated in accordance with standard procedures. In sampling sites where MC was <1.5mg/L, VBNC cells were investigated by ethidium monoazide bromide (EMA)-real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and 'resuscitation' test into Acanthamoeba polyphaga CCAP 1501/18. According to the Health Protection Agency protocol, free-living protozoa were researched in 60 five-litre water samples. FINDINGS In all, 136 out of 156 (87.2%) of the samples taken from sites previously positive for L. pneumophila ST269 were negative by culture, but only 47 (34.5%) negative by qPCR. Although no positive results were obtained by EMA-qPCR, four out of 22 samples associated with MC concentration of 1.3 ± 0.5mg/L showed VBNC legionella resuscitation. The presence of the amoeba A. polyphaga in the hospital water network was demonstrated. CONCLUSION Our study is the first report evidencing the emergence of VNBC legionella during a long period of continuous MC treatment of a hospital water network, highlighting the importance of keeping an appropriate and uninterrupted MC dosage to ensure the control of legionella colonization in hospital water supplies.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Casini
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - A Baggiani
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Totaro
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Mansi
- INAIL, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Monte Porzio Catone (Roma), Roma, Italy
| | - A L Costa
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Aquino
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Miccoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - P Valentini
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Bruschi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - P L Lopalco
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Privitera
- Department of Translational Research, N.T.M.S., University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Baggiani A, Casini B, Totaro M, Aquino F, Valentini P, Bruni B, Porretta A, Casalini F, Miccoli M, Privitera G. Colonization by Legionella spp. of water networks in residential buildings of the Province of Pisa, Italy. Ann Ig 2015; 27:718-25. [PMID: 26661913 DOI: 10.7416/ai.2015.2064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increase of community acquired cases of legionellosis in Italy over the last years, the Italian guidelines do not give indications for prevention and control of Legionella in the hot water networks (or centralized conditioning systems) of residential buildings. We performed a survey on eight medium sized apartment buildings in the Pisa district to assess the prevalence of Legionella spp. in the water network and the respondance to drinking water requisites at the point of use, according to the Italian norms. METHODS For each building two hot water and three cold water samples (located at water entrance from the aqueduct network into the building pipework, at the exit from pressure autoclave, and at a remote tap) were collected. RESULTS Legionella was detected in 20% of residential buildings, mostly in those with a central hot water production system. CONCLUSIONS The study highlights a condition of potential risk for susceptible population subgroups and supports the need for measures of risk assessment and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Baggiani
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - B Casini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - M Totaro
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - F Aquino
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - P Valentini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - B Bruni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - A Porretta
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - F Casalini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - M Miccoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - G Privitera
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Italy
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Francoia A, Aquino F. Research about mother's perception and behaviour about accidents with children in Brazil. Inj Prev 2012. [DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2012-040590w.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Jeusette I, Greco D, Aquino F, Detilleux J, Peterson M, Romano V, Torre C. Effect of breed on body composition and comparison between various methods to estimate body composition in dogs. Res Vet Sci 2010; 88:227-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2009.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [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: 02/18/2008] [Revised: 06/17/2009] [Accepted: 07/24/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Abstract
Starting from hydroxenin monoacetate, vitamin A acetate is obtained in a E/Z mixture by dehydration. This result could be explained by the formation of a small amount of hydrochloric acid from trichloromethane under ultrasound irradiation and based on further experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Aquino
- F. Hoffmann-LaRoche Ltd., Vitamins and Fine Chemicals Division, Grenzacherstrasse 124, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
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Aquino F. Decisive dealings with collection agencies. Med Group Manage 1986; 33:46-7, 58. [PMID: 10279414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
It is often with great reluctance that administrators turn over accounts to collection agencies. Premature placement of accounts should, of course, be avoided. However, it should be kept in mind that the desired goal is not low referral statistics, but collecting money. This straightforward guide to working with collection agencies covers what to look for in an agency, diversification techniques, fee negotiation, evaluating performance, strategies for improving efficiency, and implementing consistent criteria.
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Schleicher JB, Aquino F, Rueter A, Roderick WR, Appell RN. Antiviral activity in tissue culture systems of bis-benzimidazoles, potent inhibitors of rhinoviruses. Appl Microbiol 1972; 23:113-6. [PMID: 4333892 PMCID: PMC380287 DOI: 10.1128/am.23.1.113-116.1972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
(S,S)-1,2-bis(5-methoxy-2-benzimidazolyl)-1,2-ethanediol showed antiviral activity in monolayer tissue culture systems against 55 strains of rhinovirus, three types of poliovirus, and strains of type A and B coxsackieviruses. Neither the compound nor any of the analogues tested showed virucidal activity. Its antiviral activity was not associated with interference with viral attachment to or penetration into the cell. At a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml, this group of compounds was generally nontoxic to WI-38, primary bovine kidney, and African green monkey kidney cells and had antiviral activity with 100% inhibition of virus-induced cytopathic effects (CPE). At antiviral levels, these compounds prevented CPE of up to 10(6) median tissue culture infective dose units of virus and completely inhibited formation of new infective virions. The compounds showed antiviral activity both prophylactically and therapeutically against rhinoviruses. Infected cultures could be cleared of CPE up to 90 hr after infection.
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Shipkowitz NL, Bower RR, Schleicher JB, Aquino F, Appell RN, Roderick WR. Antiviral activity of a bis-benzimidazole against experimental rhinovirus infections in chimpanzees. Appl Microbiol 1972; 23:117-22. [PMID: 4333893 PMCID: PMC380288 DOI: 10.1128/am.23.1.117-122.1972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The marked antiviral activity of (S,S-1,2-bis(5-methoxy-2-benzimidazolyl)-1,2-ethanediol (Abbott 36683) against rhinoviruses in tissue culture warranted investigation of its antiviral activity in vivo. Antiviral levels in mouse sera were attained with an oral dose as small as 10 mg/kg and detectable antiviral levels of drug were also found in lung, liver, kidney, intestinal contents, and urine of mice given a single 300 mg/kg oral dose. Antiviral serum levels were also obtained when monkeys were given a single oral dose of Abbott 36683. Six chimpanzees were infected with 100 median tissue culture infective dose units (TCID(50)) of rhinovirus 30. Three of the animals were treated with Abbott 36683, 100 mg/kg daily for 4 consecutive days. Virus shedding occurred in the infected controls but could not be demonstrated in the treated animals from postinfection days 1 to 8. Two of the treated animals did, however, shed virus on day 9. The compound was retested in chimpanzees at dosage levels of 15 and 50 mg/kg daily for 4 days. Each animal was challenged with 100 TCID(50) of rhinovirus 49. Partial protection was obtained. In a third trial, a single 100 mg/kg dose of the compound was administered to chimpanzees infected with rhinovirus 44. Virus was isolated from all throat smears taken from treated animals, indicating that at the lowest drug level no protection occurred.
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