1
|
De Pasquale R, Pulvirenti J, Messina AMI, Lombardo F, Stefani S, Scalia G, Patamia I. Myiasis from Sarcophaga spp in a patient with cutaneous lymphoma. Infez Med 2019; 27:340-344. [PMID: 31545781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Human autochthonous myiasis is uncommonly reported in Europe. This report describes a case of myiasis of a wound caused by Sarcophaga spp. Suffering from cutaneous lymphoma, the patient showed, at the level of his scalp lesions, the presence of larvae that were removed during curettage surgery; they were subsequently identified as belonging to the genus Sarcophaga. Preservation of these larvae in 10% formalin did not allow identification at the species level using molecular methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rocco De Pasquale
- U.O.C. Dermatology, Vittorio Emanuele Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Jessica Pulvirenti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Agnese Maria Isabella Messina
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Stefani
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Guido Scalia
- U.O.C. Dermatology, Vittorio Emanuele Hospital of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Ildebrando Patamia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Trovato L, Oliveri S, Domina M, Patamia I, Scalia G, De Pasquale R. Molecular diagnosis of kerion celsi caused by Trichophyton tonsurans in a Italian child. Med Mycol Case Rep 2019; 24:72-74. [PMID: 31080711 PMCID: PMC6503126 DOI: 10.1016/j.mmcr.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
T. tonsurans is an anthropophilic dermatophyte causing several clinical variants of tinea capitis including the Kerion celsi that can be often unrecognised or confused with other lesions. We report a case of Kerion celsi caused by Trichophyton tonsurans in a child following an excoriation to the scalp caused by a fall in a public park. The use of multiplex PCR assay has enabled rapid diagnosis of tinea capitis from T. tonsurans with a result in less than 48 hours and therefore the possibility of quickly starting antifungal therapy. The patient had a complete recovery at the end of the antifungal treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Trovato
- U.O.C. Laboratory Analysis Unit, A.O.U. “Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele”, Via S. Sofia 78, Catania 95123, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, Catania 95123, Italy
- Corresponding author. U.O.C. Laboratory Analysis Unit, A.O.U. “Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele”, Via S. Sofia 78, Catania 95123, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Oliveri
- U.O.C. Laboratory Analysis Unit, A.O.U. “Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele”, Via S. Sofia 78, Catania 95123, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Maria Domina
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Ildebrando Patamia
- U.O.C. Laboratory Analysis Unit, A.O.U. “Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele”, Via S. Sofia 78, Catania 95123, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Guido Scalia
- U.O.C. Laboratory Analysis Unit, A.O.U. “Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele”, Via S. Sofia 78, Catania 95123, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - Rocco De Pasquale
- U.O.C Dermatology, Vittorio Emanuele Hospital, Via Plebiscito 628, Catania 95100, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Costanzo CM, Monte I, Zappal D, Palermo CI, Span S, Russo R, Oliveri S, Patamia I, Scalia G. Synergy of molecular and serological methods in minimally invasive diagnosis of enteroviral cardiac infection. New Microbiol 2011; 34:255-262. [PMID: 21811745] [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] [Received: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/04/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Treatment of myocarditis and pericarditis can differ on the basis of aetiology: systemic or auto-immune disease can be positively influenced by corticoid therapy, whereas this kind of treatment can worsen the course of virus-induced disease. Therefore, the aetiological diagnosis is extremely important. The synergistic use of minimally invasive serological, IgG, IgM, IgA, and neutralizing titres, and RNA detection was evaluated on representative patients out of 238 suffering from cardiopathies. The results obtained for each case can yield reliable guidelines that rapidly highlight the presence of a viral aetiology so that an endomyocardial biopsy can be performed thus eliminating incorrect therapies. Thus, not only is this technique rapid, minimally invasive providing the clinician with decisive data, but it is cost effective for the health system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmela M Costanzo
- Department of Microbiological and Gynecological Sciences, O.U. Clinical Virology, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, P.O. Gaspare Rodolico, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Amodeo A, Caccamo F, Fichera E, Grassi P, Grasso E, Guardo G, Mastrojeni S, Patamia I, Scriffignano V, Sciacca A, Nicoletti G. Use of the T-spot.TB test for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection. Microbiol Med 2010. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2010.2430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
5
|
Scalia G, Russo R, Palermo I, Gussio M, Bellissimo F, Fatuzzo F, Montineri A, Patamia I, Costanzo M, Zappala D, Russo R, Cacopardo B. [Clinical, virological and epidemiological aspects of acute B hepatitis in the Catania area (Italy)]. Infez Med 2010; 18:169-174. [PMID: 20956872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Starting from January 1997 we prospectively evaluated all cases of acute hepatitis B admitted to two of the main Infectious Diseases Units in Catania (eastern Sicily). The survey was extended throughout a 10-year period up to December 2007. Between 1997 and 1999 we observed 21 cases of acute hepatitis B; between 2000 and 2002 18 cases; between 2003 and 2005 22 cases and, finally, 37 cases were reported in the period 2006-2007. We found an increase in acute hepatitis B cases among people aged 26 to 44 years (from 38% in 1997-99 to 70% in 2006-07). A progressive decrease in intravenous drug abuse as a risk factor for acute hepatitis B was also observed (from 61% to 14%) together with a parallel increase in cases due to sexual transmission (from 19% to 56%) and outpatient cosmetic surgical procedures. Mean time to serum HBsAg negativization was longer in the last period (2006-07), with 6 cases out of 37 showing HBsAg persistence beyond 12 months from the clinical onset. Furthermore, in 2006-07 there were 12 cases (42%) of acute hepatitis due to HBV genotypes A and F. In our area, a progressive drop of hepatitis B cases due to intravenous drug abuse occurred, whereas heterosexual and iatrogenic cases increased. Cases due to HBV non-D genotypes may well be related to migration from endemic areas towards Sicily.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guido Scalia
- Policlinico Universitario "Gaspare Rodolico", Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Amodeo A, Caccamo F, Fichera E, Grassi P, Grasso E, Guardo G, Mastrojeni S, Patamia I, Scriffignano V, Sciacca A. Syphilis serology: Seroprevalence in a selected population and considerations on the Euroline WB test. Microbiol Med 2010. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2010.2440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
|
7
|
Patamia I, Cappello E, Castellano-Chiodo D, Greco F, Nigro L, Cacopardo B. A human case of Hymenolepis diminuta in a child from eastern Sicily. Korean J Parasitol 2010; 48:167-9. [PMID: 20585535 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2010.48.2.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2010] [Revised: 04/16/2010] [Accepted: 04/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of Hymenolepis diminuta infection in a 2-year-old child living in a suburban area of Catania, Italy. This case was initially referred to us as Dipylidium caninum infection, which was not cured after being treated twice with mebendazole. However, by analyzing the clinical presentation and stool samples we arrived to the diagnosis of H. diminuta infection. The case presented with atypical allergic manifestations which had never been reported as clinical features of symptomatic H. diminuta infection; remittent fever with abdominal pain, diffuse cutaneous itching, transient thoracic rash, and arthromyalgias. The patient was treated with a 7-day cycle of oral niclosamide, which proved to be safe and effective. This case report emphasizes that a correct parasitological diagnosis requires adequate district laboratories and trained personnel. In addition, we recommend the importance of reporting all H. diminuta infection cases, in order to improve knowledge on epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment protocols.
Collapse
|
8
|
Neri S, Pulvirenti D, Patamia I, Zoccolo A, Castellino P. Acute renal failure in Plasmodium malariae infection. Neth J Med 2008; 66:166-168. [PMID: 18424865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
We report an unusual case of transfusion-transmitted malaria which remained undiagnosed for several months in an Italian woman splenectomised and polytransfused for thalassaemia major. The infecting species was Plasmodium malariae, and the patient developed acute renal failure, severe thrombocytopenia, and hepatic failure. Treatment with chlorochine was followed by a slow, but complete recovery of renal function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Neri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Unit of Nephrology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Grassi P, Grasso E, Torrisi C, Guardo G, Scrifignano V, Trapanotto G, Patamia I, Sciacca A, Nicoletti G. ANEMIA SIDEROPENICA E PRESENZA DI HELICOBACTER PYLORI NELLE FECI. Microbiol Med 2005. [DOI: 10.4081/mm.2005.3531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
10
|
Nigro L, Larocca L, Massarelli L, Patamia I, Minniti S, Palermo F, Cacopardo B. A placebo-controlled treatment trial of Blastocystis hominis infection with metronidazole. J Travel Med 2003; 10:128-30. [PMID: 12650658 DOI: 10.2310/7060.2003.31714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Blastocystis hominis, previously considered a harmless yeast, is now classified as a protozoan inhabiting the human intestinal tract. The pathogenicity of B. hominis remains controversial and is currently the subject of extensive debate.1- 5 As a result of the uncertainty surrounding the pathogenic role of B. hominis, large-scale treatment trials of B. hominis infection have so far been lacking. In spite of this, several drugs have been reported to be active against the parasite.6-8 The present study was carried out in order to evaluate the efficacy of metronidazole treatment in inducing clinical remission and parasitologic eradication in immunocompetent individuals with B. hominis as the only evident cause of diarrhea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Nigro
- Infectious Diseases Unit, University of Catania, c/o Ascoli-Tomaselli Hospital, via Passo Gravina 185, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cacopardo B, Berger A, Cosentino S, Boscia V, Vinci G, Restivo R, Brancati G, Russo RA, Celesia BM, Patamia I, Nunnari A, Doerr HW. Influence of hepatitis G virus coinfection on the clinical course of chronic hepatitis C. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 1998; 17:709-14. [PMID: 9865984 DOI: 10.1007/s100960050165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis G virus (HGV) is a parenterally transmitted virus, frequently associated with hepatitis C virus infection. Hepatitis G virus RNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in the serum of 40 patients with chronic hepatitis C. Nine (22.5%) patients had evidence of hepatitis G virus viraemia. No significant epidemiological or virological differences could be demonstrated between subjects infected with both hepatitis G virus and hepatitis C virus and subjects infected with hepatitis C virus alone. Aminotransferase values were comparable between the two groups, whereas higher levels of cholestatic enzymes (P< 0.001) were reported in the hepatitis G virus/hepatitis C virus-positive patients. A liver biopsy was performed on all 40 patients no later than 6 months before recruitment. The mean histological activity index did not differ between hepatitis G virus-positive and hepatitis G virus-negative patients, whereas specific histological features such as macrovesicular steatosis, portal granulomas, and bile duct damage were more commonly observed among the coinfected patients. The results indicate that coinfection with hepatitis G virus probably does not have a significant effect on hepatitis C virus-induced hepatic damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Cacopardo
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, University of Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cacopardo B, Onorante A, Nigro L, Patamia I, Tosto S, Romano F, Zappalà C, Bruno S, Nunnari A. Eosinophilic ileocolitis by Enterobius vermicularis: a description of two rare cases. Ital J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1997; 29:51-3. [PMID: 9265579] [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: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human enterobiasis is usually mild. Occasionally, however, an "ectopic" disease may occur with a more severe course. Two rare cases of eosinophilic ileocolitis due to Enterobius vermicularis infection are reported here. CASE REPORTS Case n degree 1 was 46 years old, presenting with fever and bloody diarrhoea. Blood eosinophilia was present. Stool microscopy demonstrated red blood cells and leukocytes. A 2 mm long worm with bilateral cervical wings was found in wet-mount preparations of faecal samples. The Scotch tape test was positive for Enterobius vermicularis eggs. Colon biopsy specimens showed massive eosinophilic infiltration and a typical pinworm section overlying the infiltrated mucosa. Case n degree 2 was a 24-year-old, anti-HIV negative homosexual, presenting with watery diarrhoea. Tests for malabsorption were negative. Three mm long adult male E. vermicularis were found on stool microscopy. Biopsy specimens from the colon showed eosinophilic infiltration. In both cases a 200 mg/day course of oral mebendazole eliminated the symptoms within 3 days. CONCLUSIONS In these two cases the clinical presentation of enterobiasis was atypical. A common finding was the eosinophilic infiltration of bowel mucosa, although it is still uncertain whether the worm per se may induce mast cell degranulation and eosinophil activation. Nevertheless, the possibility of Enterobius vermicularis infection should be considered in the presence of eosinophilic ileocolitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Cacopardo
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, University of Catania, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cacopardo B, Patamia I, Bonaccorso V, Di Paola O, Bonforte S, Brancati G. [Synergic effect of albendazole plus metronidazole association in the treatment of metronidazole-resistant giardiasis]. Clin Ter 1995; 146:761-7. [PMID: 8681495] [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: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Twenty patients with intestinal giardiasis, already resistant to 3-5 previous courses of oral metronidazole, were randomly distributed into 2 different groups: 10 subjects were given oral albendazole (440 mg/two times per day for 7 days) and 10 were submitted to the association of albendazole (400 mg/two times per day for 7 days) plus metronidazole (250 mg/three times per day for 7 days). All patients were evaluated both for clinical and parasitological status, immediately before and after therapy and, then, 4 weeks later. Only 3 patients of those treated with albendazole alone, showed a clinical and parasitological remission at the end of therapy, and one of them relapsed 4 weeks later. All patients who underwent albendazolemetronidazole association responded to the therapy and all except one were defined as "cured" 4 weeks later. Our study demonstrates that albendazole alone is not an effective therapeutic alternative for "metronidazole-resistant" giardiasis. The association of metronidazole plus albendazole seems synergic and deserves further studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Cacopardo
- Istituto di Malattie Infettive, Università degli Studi di Catania
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|