scholarly journals Prevalence of echinococcosis in humans, livestock and dogs in northern Italy

2011 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Manfredi ◽  
A. Cerbo ◽  
S. Zanzani ◽  
A. Moriggia ◽  
D. Fattori ◽  
...  

AbstractThe presence of Echinococcus sp. cysts was investigated in 822 sheep, 123 goats and 112,521 cattle from Lombardy region, North Italy. Faecal samples from 40 sheepdogs were also analyzed, with 9 samples containing taeniid eggs (22.5 %), 8 samples being coproantigen-positive (20 %), and one dog from a northern province (Lecco) positively confirmed by PCR. Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) was detected in 0.36 % of sheep and in 0.29 % of cattle in 2004. No goat resulted to be infected. Data from CE patients treated in Lombardy were collected by inspecting hospital discharge records. In 2004, 156 CE-related admissions (62 % male and 38 % female) were reported in Lombardy. Total hospital stay was 1,372 days (1,286 for inpatients, 86 for outpatients). Most patients (72.4 %) were residents in Lombardy and 1.9 % were from Piedmont; the remaining patients were from central and southern Italy. According to acquired data CE resulted hypoendemic in animals in Lombardy. Prevalence rates in humans were higher than expected in this region, usually considered as non-endemic. Assessment of the prevalence of CE in humans remains a difficult, costly, time-consuming and labourintensive task. The present study suggests establishing a National Registry of Cystic Echinococcosis with the aim to highlight regional risk factors and to benefit from its matching both clinical and epidemiological data.

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (09) ◽  
pp. 719-726 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Poglayen ◽  
Antonio Varcasia ◽  
Anna Paola Pipia ◽  
Claudia Tamponi ◽  
Maria Parigi ◽  
...  

Introduction: Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most widespread zoonosis of veterinary and medical importance still constituting a sanitary, economic and socio-cultural problem in Italy. Methodology: The aim of this study was to update epidemiological data on cattle CE in Italy. Data on CE positivity of 5,336 cattle were acquired from abattoir registers between January 2009 and July 2010. Morphobiological characterization of hydatids was performed by direct examination of liver and lungs of 1,664 animals butchered in the same slaughterhouses in 2010. Strain typing of parasites was carried out through the amplification and sequencing of nd1 and cox1 mitochondrial genes. Results: Overall CE prevalence was of 8.1% (430/5,336). Parasitological examination of hydatids showed an overall prevalence of 8.6% with a fertility rate of 0.7% (12/1,664). Regarding localization, hydatids were found in 8% of the livers and in 7.6% of the lungs, respectively. Among positive animals, higher prevalence was observed in the liver (93%) compared to lungs (88.1%) (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The economic loss due to organs condemnation related to CE in cattle amounted to almost € 24,000 per year in the examined abattoir during 2010. Sequence analysis showed the presence of G1 (sheep strain) or Echinococcus granulosus sensu strictu in all examined samples. The G1 confirmed, once more, its possible development into several intermediate hosts such as cattle, especially in areas like southern Italy and Sardinia where the lifecycle of the parasite is still to date carried on by sheep and dogs.


2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. E387-E391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binfei Li ◽  
Geqin Sun ◽  
Zhou Cheng ◽  
Chuangchuang Mei ◽  
Xiaozu Liao ◽  
...  

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the nosocomial infection factors in post–cardiac surgery extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) supportive treatment (pCS-ECMO). Methods: The clinical data of the pCS-ECMO patients who obtained nosocomial infections (NI) were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Among the 74 pCS-ECMO patients, 30 occurred with NI, accounting for 40.5%; a total of 38 pathogens were isolated, including 22 strains of Gram-negative bacteria (57.9%), 15 strains of Gram-positive bacteria (39.5%), and 1 fungus (2.6%). Results: Multidrug-resistant strains were highly concentrated, among which Acinetobacter baumannii and various coagulase-negative staphylococci were the main types; NI was related to mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit (ICU) residence, ECMO duration, and total hospital stay, and the differences were statistically significant (P < .05). The binary logistic regression analysis indicated that ECMO duration was a potential independent risk factor (OR = 0.992, P = .045, 95.0% CI = 0.984-1.000). Conclusions: There existed significant correlations between the secondary infections of pCS-ECMO and mechanical ventilation time, ICU residence, ECMO duration, and total hospital stay; therefore, hospitals should prepare appropriate preventive measures to reduce the incidence of ECMO secondary infections.


BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e039881
Author(s):  
Jaesik Park ◽  
Minhee Kim ◽  
Yong Hyun Park ◽  
Jung-Woo Shim ◽  
Hyung Mook Lee ◽  
...  

ObjectivesWe compared early recovery outcomes between living kidney donors who received total intravenous (IV) propofol versus inhalational desflurane during hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy.DesignA single-centre, prospective randomised controlled trial.SettingUniversity hospital.ParticipantsStudy participants were enrolled between October 2019 and February 2020. A total of 80 living donors were randomly assigned to an intravenous propofol group (n=40) or a desflurane group (n=40).InterventionPropofol group received intravenous propofol and desflurane group received desflurane, as a maintenance anaesthetic.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe quality of postoperative functional recovery was primarily assessed using the Korean version of the Quality of Recovery-40 (QoR-40K) questionnaire on postoperative day 1. Secondarily, ambulation, pain score, rescue analgesics, complications and total hospital stay were assessed postoperatively.ResultsOur study population included 35 males and 45 females. The mean age was 46±13 years. The global QoR-40K score (161 (154–173) vs 152 (136–161) points, respectively, p=0.001) and all five subdimension scores (physical comfort, 49 (45–53) vs 45 (42–48) points, respectively, p=0.003; emotional state, 39 (37–41) vs 37 (33–41) points, respectively, p=0.005; psychological support, 30 (26–34) vs 28 (26–32) points, respectively, p=0.04; physical independence, 16 (11–18) vs 12 (8-14) points, respectively, p=0.004; and pain, 31 (28–33) vs 29 (25-31) points, respectively, p=0.021) were significantly higher in the intravenous propofol group than the desflurane group. The early ambulation success rate and numbers of early and total steps were higher, but the incidence of nausea/vomiting was lower, in the intravenous propofol group than the desflurane group. The total hospital stay after surgery was shorter in the intravenous propofol group than the desflurane group.ConclusionsIntravenous propofol may enhance the quality of postoperative recovery in comparison to desflurane in living kidney donors.Trial registration numberKCT0004365.


Author(s):  
Danila Azzolina ◽  
Giulia Lorenzoni ◽  
Luciano Silvestri ◽  
Ilaria Prosepe ◽  
Paola Berchialla ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The COVID-19 outbreak started in Italy on February 20th, 2020, and has resulted in many deaths and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions. This study aimed to illustrate the epidemic COVID-19 growth pattern in Italy by considering the regional differences in disease diffusion during the first three months of the epidemic. Study design and methods Official COVID-19 data were obtained from the Italian Civil Protection Department of the Council of Ministers Presidency. The mortality and ICU admission rates per 100 000 inhabitants were calculated at the regional level and summarized via a Bayesian multilevel meta-analysis. Data were retrieved until April 21st, 2020. Results The highest cumulative mortality rates per 100 000 inhabitants were observed in northern Italy, particularly in Lombardia (85.3, 95% credibility intervals [CI] 75.7–94.7). The difference in the mortality rates between northern and southern Italy increased over time, reaching a difference of 67.72 (95% CI = 66–67) cases on April 2nd. Conclusions Northern Italy showed higher and increasing mortality rates during the first three months of the epidemic. The uncontrolled virus circulation preceding the infection spreading in southern Italy had a considerable impact on system burnout. This experience demonstrates that preparedness against the pandemic is of crucial importance to contain its disruptive effects.


Author(s):  
Gaelle Joanny ◽  
Maria Grazia Cappai ◽  
Francesca Nonnis ◽  
Claudia Tamponi ◽  
Giorgia Dessì ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic parasitic disease that constitutes a public health challenge and a socio-economic burden in endemic areas worldwide. No specific surveillance system of CE infections in humans exists in Lebanon. The incidence and trends over time have not been documented. The current study aimed to assess the demographic and epidemiologic features of human CE surgical cases over a 14-year period in the five main regions of Lebanon. Methods From 2005 to 2018, a total of 894 surgically confirmed cases of hydatidosis were recorded from five anatomy and pathology laboratories. Results The mean annual surgical incidence was 1.23/100,000 inhabitants. Over the span of these years, the incidence increased from 0.53 to 1.94 cases/100,000 inhabitants in 2005 and 2018, respectively. CE is present in Lebanon with an uneven distribution from one region to the other with higher prevalence in Bekaa (29.0%), a rural area where sheep raising is widespread. Human CE cases were more common in females (60.1%) than in males (39.9%) and a high burden of infection was reported for the age group of 30–39 years. Besides, 66.7% of the cases expressed only liver complications whereas, 20.5% showed predilection towards lungs. The 7.8% of cases presented cysts in other organs, and 1.3% showed multiple localizations. Additionally, predominant involvement of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto was recorded in human infections. Comparison of Echinococcus granulosus s.s. populations from different Mediterranean countries also revealed high gene flow among this region and sharing of alleles. Conclusion The current study is a step forward to fill the gap of knowledge for the hydatidosis in Lebanon where the lack of epidemiological data and control measures have resulted in higher incidence of human CE. Graphic Abstract


Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 209
Author(s):  
Elena Percivalle ◽  
Irene Cassaniti ◽  
Mattia Calzolari ◽  
Davide Lelli ◽  
Fausto Baldanti

Phleboviruses transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies are endemic in the Mediterranean basin. Toscana phlebovirus (TOSV), Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV), and Naples phlebovirus (SFNV) are responsible of summer fever, with well-known pathogenic potential for humans ranging from asymptomatic to mild fever, in addition to neuro-invasive infections during summer. Although TOSV, in particular, is a significant and well-known human pathogen, SFVs remain neglected, with many gaps in the relevant knowledge. Sero-epidemiological studies and case reports recently showed a geographical wider distribution than previously considered, although the real incidence of phleboviruses infections in the Mediterranean area is still unknown. Here we retrospectively evaluated the circulation of phleboviruses during summer seasons between 2007 and 2019 in 649 patients showing neurological symptoms using both molecular and serological approaches. We found that 42/649 (6.5%) subjects experienced phlebovirus infection and only 10/42 cases were detected by molecular assays, whereas the other 32/42 were identified using serological approaches, including neutralization assays. During the 2013 summer, an outbreak in the Lombardy region is described because the prevalence of phlebovirus infection reached 37.2% (19/51 subjects). Interestingly, only 5/19 (26.5%) reported traveling in endemic areas. Of note, no cross-neutralization was observed between different strains tested, showing the possibility to be reinfected by newly discovered phlebovirus strains. In conclusion, phlebovirus infections are still inadequately considered by physicians and are generally underestimated. However, based on our results, sandfly fever viruses should be routinely included in diagnostic panels during summer period, including in Northern Italy.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 96 (5) ◽  
pp. 918-922 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriel J. Escobar ◽  
Allen Fischer ◽  
De Kun Li ◽  
Robert Kremers ◽  
Mary Anne Armstrong

Background. Measurement of the severity of illness is a research area of growing importance in neonatal intensive care. Most severity of illness scales have been developed in tertiary care settings. Their applicability in community neonatal intensive care units has not been tested. Objectives. Our goal was to assess the operational characteristics of the score for neonatal acute physiology (SNAP): the relationship to birth weight, the length of total hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality. Methods. We assigned SNAP scores prospectively to all inborn admissions at three community neonatal intensive care units during an 11-month period. Data on other neonatal predictors (eg, birth weight and the presence of congenital heart disease) were also collected. We measured in-hospital mortality, the experience of interhospital transport to a higher level of care, and total hospital stay. Results. We found that the SNAP's relationship to birth weight was similar to previous reports. The SNAP's perinatal extension is a reliable predictor of newborn in-hospital mortality, with an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.95. The SNAP is also a good predictor of total hospital length of stay, whether by itself (by which it can explain 31% of the total stay) or in combination with other variables. Its predictive ability is better among infants of low birth weight (&lt;2500 g) than among those of normal birth weight (≥2500 g). The SNAP's predictive power was most limited among infants admitted to rule out sepsis. The predictive ability of a model containing birth weight, the SNAP, and transport status was not improved by the inclusion of two major diagnostic categories, the presence of congenital heart disease or complex illness. Conclusion. Although it has definite limitations among infants who weigh 2500 g or more, the SNAP is a potent tool for outcomes research. Modification of some of its parameters could result in a multifunctional scale suitable for use with all birth weights.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-20
Author(s):  
Giancarlo Anello

Abstract The article describes the making of the right of worship of Muslim minorities in Europe and its current difficulties, presenting and commenting on the emblematic example of local legislation concerning the building of new mosques in northern Italy. Controlling norms arise from recent decisions of the Italian Constitutional Court. The Court declared unconstitutional certain provisions of two regional laws approved by the Lombardy region (2/2015) and the Veneto region (12/2016), which imposed very strict conditions for the opening, approval and use of mosques. In particular, the Court declared unconstitutional norms that—with regard to the building of places of worship—introduced certain conditions for groups with an agreement with the State and different conditions for those without. Moreover, the Court declared unconstitutional the principle that all religious services that take place in a building open to public should be conducted in Italian. The basic assumption of the article is that current discrimination is the combined result of anti-migration sentiment and Islamophobic prejudices, and the consequence of the Eurocentric nature of the principle of religious freedom. A historically-oriented pluralism and multilevel (national) enforcement of freedom of religion seem to be huge obstacles to the implementation of the right to worship for Muslims in Europe and Italy.


2010 ◽  
Vol 17 (02) ◽  
pp. 185-192
Author(s):  
TARIQ HASSAN CH ◽  
ASGHAR ALI ◽  
MUNAWAR JAMIL

Introduction: Gallstones are common biliary pathology. The Vast majority of subjects are asymptomatic. About 0.2% of the population suffering from gallstones develop acute cholecystitis every year. In case of acute calculous cholecystitis, cholecystectomy can be performed early i.e during the same admission or interval i.e after 6 weeks of conservative management. Objective: To compare the early and interval cholecystectomy in acute calculous cholecystitis for morbidity, postoperative hospital stay, total hospital stay and complications. Study Design: Quasi-experimental study. Setting: Department of Surgery Bahawal Victoria Hospital Bahawalpur. Duration of Study: Two year study from December 2007 to December 2009. Subject and Methods: Sixty patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected for this study. The patients were divided into two groups. Group A patients were managed by early cholecystectomy and group B patients by intervalcholecystectomy. Postoperatively patients were evaluated for postoperative hospital stay, total hospital stay and postoperative complications. Results: The mean age of the patients in group A was 42.2 + 10.7 years and in group B was 42.2+ 10.7 years. The Male to female ratio was 1:4 in both groups. The mean postoperative hospital stay in group A was 4.0+ 1.8days and in group B was 3.8+ 1.4 days. The mean total hospital stayin group A was 6.5 + 1.7 days and in group B was 10.2 + 1.3 days. The P value was less than 0.001, which was significant. In distribution of postoperative complications, in group A there were 1(3.3%) injury to biliary tree, 4(13.3%) wound infection,1(3.3%) wound haematoma, 3 (10%) seroma and 1(3.3%) wound dehiscence. While in group B there were 1(3.3%) injury to biliary tree, 3(10%) wound infection,2 (6.7%) wound haematoma, 2(6.7%) & no patient of wound dehiscence. Conclusion: Our study suggests that early cholecystectomy is a better treatment option than interval cholecystectomy because it has less total hospital stay, needs single hospital visit and has no risk of developing complications during wait for surgery.


2022 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianhong Deng ◽  
Fangyu Wang ◽  
Haojie Wang ◽  
Mingpei Zhao ◽  
Guorong Chen ◽  
...  

Objective: Neuroendoscopic treatment is an alternative therapeutic strategy for the treatment of septate chronic subdural hematoma (sCSDH). However, the safety and efficacy of this strategy remain controversial. We compared the clinical outcomes of neuroendoscopic treatment with those of standard (large bone flap) craniotomy for sCSDH reported in our center. Furthermore, the safety and efficacy of the neuroendoscopic treatment procedure for sCSDH were evaluated.Methods: We retrospectively collected the clinical data of 43 patients (37 men and six women) with sCSDH who underwent either neuroendoscopic treatment or standard (large bone flap) craniotomy, such as sex, age, smoking, drinking, medical history, use of antiplatelet drugs, postoperative complications, sCSDH recurrence, length of hospital stay, and postoperative hospital stay. We recorded the surgical procedures and the neurological function recovery prior to surgery and 6 months following the surgical treatment.Results: The enrolled patients were categorized into neuroendoscopic treatment (n = 23) and standard (large bone flap) craniotomy (n = 20) groups. There were no differences in sex, age, smoking, drinking, medical history, antiplatelet drug use, postoperative complications, and sCSDH recurrence between the two groups (p &gt; 0.05). However, the patients in neuroendoscopic treatment group had a shorter length of total hospital stay and postoperative hospital stay as compared with the standard craniotomy group (total hospital stay: 5.26 ± 1.89 vs. 8.15 ± 1.04 days, p &lt; 0.001; postoperative hospital stay: 4.47 ± 1.95 vs. 7.96 ± 0.97 days, p &lt; 0.001). The imaging and Modified Rankin Scale at the 6-month follow-up were satisfactory, and no sCSDH recurrence was reported in the two groups.Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that neuroendoscopic treatment is safe and effective for sCSDH; it is minimally invasive and could be clinically utilized.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document