scholarly journals Leishmania infantum and Dirofilaria immitis infections in Italy, 2009-2019: changing distribution patterns

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jairo Mendoza-Roldan ◽  
Giovanni Benelli ◽  
Rossella Panarese ◽  
Roberta Iatta ◽  
Tommaso Furlanello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dirofilaria Immitis ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Canine Leishmaniosis

Abstract Background: For long time, canine leishmaniosis (CanL) was considered endemic in the southern, central, and insular regions of Italy, whereas heartworm disease (HW) by Dirofilaria immitis in the northern region and in the swampy Po valley. Following the reports of new foci of both diseases, in this study we update the distribution patterns and occurrence of new foci of CanL and HW discussing the main drivers for the changes in the epidemiology of these two important zoonotic canine vector-borne diseases. Methods: Based on the statistical analyses of serological assays (n=90,633) on L. infantum exposure and D. immitisinfection performed by reference diagnostic centres in Italy over a ten-year period (2009–2019), the distribution patterns of both pathogens were herein presented along with the occurrence of new foci. Results: Results highlighted the changing distribution patterns of L. infantum vs D. immitis infection in Italy. CanL is now endemic also in the northern regions and HW has endemic foci in central and southern regions and islands.Significant differences in L. infantum exposure and HW infection prevalence among the study macroareas were detected. The overall prevalence of L. infantum exposure was 28.2% in southern Italy and Islands, 29.6% in central Italy and 21.6% in northern Italy and that of HW of 2.83% in northern Italy, 7.75% in central Italy and 4.97% in southern Italy and islands. HW prevalence significantly varied over years (χ2=108.401, d.f.=10, p<0.0001), gradually increasing from 0.77% in 2009 to 8.47% in 2016-2017. Conclusions: The new epidemiological scenarios have been discussed according to a range of factors (e.g. environmental modifications, occurrence of competent insect vectors, transportation of infected animals to non-endemic areas, chemoprophylaxis or vector preventative measures), which may affect the current distribution. Overall, results advocate for epidemiological surveillance programs, more focussed preventative and control measures even in areas where few or none cases of both diseases have been diagnosed.

scholarly journals Zoonotic leishmaniasis and heartworm disease in Italy: changing epidemiological scenarios and future perspectives

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jairo Mendoza-Roldan ◽  
Giovanni Benelli ◽  
Rossella Panarese ◽  
Roberta Iatta ◽  
Tommaso Furlanello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Canine Leishmaniosis ◽  
Po Valley ◽  
Heartworm Disease

Abstract Background: For long time, canine leishmaniosis (CanL) was considered endemic in the southern, central, and insular regions of Italy, whereas heartworm disease (HW) by Dirofilaria immitis in the northern region and in the swampy Po valley. Following the reports of new foci of both diseases, in this study we update the distribution patterns and occurrence of new foci of CanL and HW discussing the main drivers for the changes in the epidemiology of these two important zoonotic canine vector-borne diseases.Methods: Based on the statistical analyses of serological assays (n=90,633) on CanL and HW performed by reference diagnostic centres in Italy over a ten-year period (2009–2019), the distribution patterns of both diseases were herein presented along with the occurrence of new foci.Results: Results highlighted the changing distribution patterns of CanL vs HW disease in Italy. CanL is now also endemic in the northern regions and HW has endemic foci in central and southern regions and islands. Significant differences in CanL and HW prevalence among the study macroareas were detected. The overall prevalence of CanL was 28.2% in Southern Italy and Islands, 29.6% in Central Italy and 21.6% in Northern Italy and that of HW of 2.83% in northern Italy, 7.75% in central Italy and 4.97% in southern Italy and islands. HW prevalence significantly varied over years (χ2=108.401, d.f.=10, p<0.0001), gradually increasing from 0.77% in 2009 to values ranging from 5.19-8.47% in 2016-2017.Conclusions: The new epidemiological scenarios have been discussed according to a range of factors (e.g. environmental modifications, occurrence of competent insect vectors, transportation of infected animals to non-endemic areas, chemoprophylaxis or vector preventative measures), which may affect the current distribution. Overall, results advocate for epidemiological surveillance programs, more focussed preventative and control measures even in areas where few or none cases of both diseases have been diagnosed.

Biology and morphology of the larva of Ecnomus tenellus (Rambur, 1842) (Trichoptera: Ecnomidae)

Zoosymposia ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-82
Author(s):  
CARLA CORALLINI ◽  
MARIA CLARA BICCHIERAI
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Larval Morphology ◽  
The Family ◽  
River Po

Ecomus tenellus (Rambur) is the only species of the Family Ecnomidae found in Italy. In northern Italy it is only found along the river Po and its affluents. In Central Italy this species is more evenly distributed and in southern Italy it was found in few locations. Our study deals with the biology and the diet of the larva of E. tenellus. The specimens for this study were collected in Lake Trasimeno (Umbria, Italy) where E. tenellus is the most abundant species of Trichoptera. Larval morphology was investigated. Examination of the mouth parts showed that larvae can be shovel-predators.

Context Types of site Figurines have been found in four broad categories of sites: village sites in the open (30 figurines, 18 sites); occupied caves (11 figurines, 3 sites); caves and rock-shelters used for burial and other cult purposes (8 figurines, 5 sites); other funerary sites (11 figurines, 4 sites). There seems to be a clear chronological distinction in the types of context. In the earlier period the vast majority of figurines come from settlement contexts — either open villages or occupied caves — while a few come from cult caves. By contrast, all but one of the 12 figurines of the later period (Late Neolithic and Copper Age) come from burials, mostly individual, either from the tombs themselves or from votive pits closely associated with graves. As we shall see, there are also typological distinctions between the types of figurines found in different contexts. Some of these may represent chronological rather than (or as well as) contextual differences, but a possible difference may also be detected between the figurines from settlement sites and those from cult caves within the earlier Neolithic time range. There are also regional differences in the proportions of different types of context occurring. In northern Italy, 13 sites have produced figurines; of these 8 are village sites, 2 are occupied caves, 1 is a tomb and the other 2 are either certainly or possibly cult cave/ rockshelter sites. In central Italy only 4 sites, all settlements, have produced figurines, while in southern Italy, 9 sites have produced figurines; of these 6 sites are settlements, 1 is a tomb and 2 are cult caves. The situation in Sicily stands out as markedly different in many ways: here 5 sites have produced figurines, of which only 2, both Neolithic, are occupation sites (one cave, one village), 2 are cemetery sites of Copper Age date, and 1 is a cult cave, used in both the Neolithic and the Copper Age (but yielding 2 figurines one definitely, the other presumptively, from Neolithic levels). Specific contexts Unfortunately we have specific evidence of location for very few of the figurines. For those coming from settlement sites, none seem to have been associated with buildings of any kind, domestic or other. Some are unstratified surface finds, while others were found in residual layers, redeposited from earlier levels. The only clear contexts in which figurines have been found is in pits (Rivoli, Vhò), a hollow (Alba) and a compound ditch (Passo di Corvo) and in all cases these may represent secondary depositions, as rubbish. In the occupied caves the figurines, when stratified at all, are found either in original occupation layers or in later layers with other redeposited material. The situation is a little better with the cult caves/rock-shelters. While two figurines, one from Grotta di Ponte di Vara (no. 17) and one from Grotta di San Calogero (no. 51), are unstratified, those from Riparo Gaban (nos 8-10) and Grotta di San Calogero (no. 50) come from stratified Neolithic deposits. Moreover, we have two examples from primary and significant depositions: these are the two distinctive clay heads from the central Apulian cult caves of Grotta di Cala Scizzo (no. 39) and Grotta Pacelli (no. 40). The first was found placed in the corner of an artificial stone enclosure at the back of a small cave used for cult purposes, in a layer with late Serra d'Alto and Diana wares and a C date of c.4340 - 3710 cal.BC (lc). The second was placed face downwards on a hearth inside a limestone slab-built monument; the pottery from this level was of Serra d'Alto type, typologically slightly earlier than that from Grotta di Cala Scizzo. On the basis of their contexts, it seems reasonable to interpret these two figurines as performing some function in the rituals carried out in these caves. This is discussed further below. For some of the 11 figurines from cemeteries or individual tombs we have more detailed evidence of context. Of the two stone figurines attributed to the Late-Final Neolithic, the one from Arnesano (no. 46) in southeast Italy apparently came from a rock-cut tomb of

2016 ◽  
pp. 109-110
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
The Other ◽  
Time Range ◽  
Copper Age ◽  
Late Neolithic ◽  
The One ◽  
Artificial Stone ◽  
Rock Shelters

scholarly journals TWO NEW ITALIAN CEUTORHYNCHUS (Coleoptera, Curculionidae)

2011 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 179
Author(s):  
Enzo Colonnelli
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Southern France

Are described and illustrated two new Italian species of <em>Ceutorhynchus</em>. The first of them, <em>C. apenninus</em> n. sp. from central Italy, collected on the montane crucifer <em>Isatis allionii</em> P. W. Ball., is close to<em> C. peyerimhoffi</em> Hustache from Spain, Italy and Algeria, also living on Isatis. The second,<em> C. magnanoi</em> n. sp. from southern Italy is very close to the French<em> C. matthiolae</em> Hoffmann, and was collected of <em>Matthiola</em> like the species from southern France.

scholarly journals Regional differences in mortality rates during the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Danila Azzolina ◽  
Giulia Lorenzoni ◽  
Luciano Silvestri ◽  
Ilaria Prosepe ◽  
Paola Berchialla ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regional Differences ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Admission Rates ◽  
Considerable Impact ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Disease Diffusion

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.

scholarly journals Otolaryngology activity in two hospitals in northern and central Italy differently affected by COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 003685042199848
Author(s):  
Antonio Minni ◽  
Francesco Pilolli ◽  
Massimo Ralli ◽  
Niccolò Mevio ◽  
Luca Roncoroni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Northern Italy ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Geographical Differences ◽  
Italian Regions

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic had a significant impact on the Italian healthcare system, although geographical differences were present; regions in northern Italy have been the most severely affected while regions in the south of the country were relatively spared. Otolaryngologists were actively involved in the management of the pandemic. In this work, we analyzed and compared the otolaryngology surgical activity performed during the pandemic in two large public hospitals located in different Italian regions. In northern Italy, otolaryngologists were mainly involved in performing surgical tracheotomies in COVID-19 positive patients and contributed to the management of these patients in intensive care units. In central Italy, where the burden of the infection was significantly lower, otolaryngologists focused on diagnosis and treatment of emergency and oncology patients. This analysis confirms the important role of the otolaryngology specialists during the pandemic, but also highlights specific differences between two large hospitals in different Italian regions.

scholarly journals Living mulch strategy for organic cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L.) production in central and southern Italy

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefano Canali ◽  
Gabriele Campanelli ◽  
Corrado Ciaccia ◽  
Mariangela Diacono ◽  
Fabrizio Leteo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brassica Oleracea ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
F1 Hybrid ◽  
Agronomic Practices ◽  
Burr Medic ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Sustainable Agricultural Systems

In sustainable agricultural systems, intercropping using living mulches (LM) provides many beneficial ecosystem services. The objective of these two-year field experiments was to study the suitability of different LM options of burr medic (<em>Medicago polymorpha</em> L. var. <em>anglona</em>) for organic cauliflower (<em>Brassica oleracea</em> L.) cultivation in two sites under Mediterranean conditions. In central Italy (Experiment 1) contemporary and delayed (to crop) sowings of LM were compared with a no-cover crop treatment, contrasting two local cauliflower cultivars and a F1 Hybrid. In southern Italy (Experiment 2) the sustainability of systems combining LM (anticipated and contemporary sowing compared with no-cover) and organic fertilisation strategies was assessed. The aboveground biomasses dry weights of cauliflower crop (heads and residues), burr medic and weeds were separately determined. Results suggested that in Experiment 1 the LM was not able to smother weeds establishment and growth, as a consequence of early sowing, while cauliflower yield was reduced. Moreover, the genotypes behaviour was greatly influenced by the LM sowing times. In Experiment 2, irrespective of the agronomic practices applied, climatic conditions notably influenced cauliflower cultivation and also reduced the mean yield. Therefore, the recorded differences between the two experimental sites highlighted the need to tailor the LM strategies to the different environmental conditions.

scholarly journals Endoparasite Infections of the European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in Central Italy

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3171
Author(s):  
Alessia Mariacher ◽  
Andrea Santini ◽  
Irene Del Lesto ◽  
Sara Tonon ◽  
Elena Cardini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Southern Italy ◽  
Histopathological Examination ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Public Parks ◽  
Mammal Species ◽  
Erinaceus Europaeus ◽  
European Hedgehog ◽  
Physaloptera Clausa

The European hedgehog is a synanthropic mammal, widely distributed in Europe. This species usually inhabits the edges of deciduous or mixed woods, but it is also very common in private gardens and public parks. Despite its popularity and frequency of contacts both with humans and with wild and domestic animals, few studies have examined the endoparasitic fauna of the hedgehog in Italy. In the present study, endoparasites of naturally deceased hedgehogs (n = 40) from central Italy (Latium and Tuscany regions) were investigated, along with concurrent gross and histopathological lesions. The most prevalent identified endoparasites were Crenosoma striatum (45%), Capillaria erinacei (42.5%) and Brachylaemus erinacei (22.5%), in accordance with previous reports from hedgehogs in southern Italy. In few subjects, Physaloptera clausa, Acanthocephalans and Cystoisospora rastegaeivae coccidia were also identified. The infection by the lungworm C. striatum was found to be significantly associated (p < 0.01) with bronchial hyperplasia and peribronchiolitis upon histopathological examination. Awareness of the most common parasitic infections in the hedgehog and of their effects on the health of these animals is extremely important, especially in wildlife rescue centers, where European hedgehog represents the most frequently hospitalized mammal species.

scholarly journals Region-wise analysis of dairy cow movements in Japan

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoshinori Murato ◽  
Yoko Hayama ◽  
Yumiko Shimizu ◽  
Kotaro Sawai ◽  
Emi Yamaguchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Animal Movement ◽  
Northern Region ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
National Database ◽  
Spongiform Encephalopathy ◽  
Traceability System ◽  
Cattle Movements

Abstract Background Animal movement is considered the most significant factor in the transmission of infectious diseases in livestock. A better understanding of its effects would help provide a more reliable estimation of the disease spread and help develop effective control measures. If the movement pattern is heterogeneous, its characteristics should be considered in epidemiological analyses, such as when using simulation models to obtain reliable outputs. In Japan, following the bovine spongiform encephalopathy epidemic, a traceability system for cattle was established in 2003, and the registration of all cattle movements in the national database began. This study is the first to analyze cattle movements in Japan. We examined regional and seasonal heterogeneity in dairy cow movements, which accounted for most Japanese breeding cattle. Results In the 14 years from April 2005 to March 2018, 4,577,709 between-farm movements of dairy cows were recorded, and the number of movements was counted by month and age for both inter- and intra-regional movements. As a result, two characteristic round-trip movements were observed: one was non-seasonal and inter-regional movements related to cattle-breeding ranches in Hokkaido (the northern region of Japan), which consists of the movement of cows around ages 6 to 8 and 21 to 23 months old. In addition, the seasonal movement of heifers for summer grazing within Hokkaido occurred in May and October at the peak ages of 13 to 14 and 19 to 20 months old, respectively. The observed heterogeneity seemed to reflect the suitability of raising the Holstein breed in Hokkaido and the shortage of supply of replacement heifers and available farming areas outside Hokkaido. Conclusions Understanding the patterns of dairy cow movements will help develop reliable infectious disease models and be beneficial for developing effective control measures against these diseases.

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