0000000000204326
AUTHOR
C. Maida
Detection and genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in oreto river (Sicily, south Italy)
The aim of this study was to identify whether the origin of Oreto river Giardia contamination was derived from one of the influents, which flows near Monreale city and receives its treated wastewater, or from livestock living in farms along the river. Genotypes were characterized by DNA sequencing analysis of PCR products of TPI gene. 17 water samples coming from Oreto basin, 20 fecal animal samples and 7 human fecal samples from 3 patients with giardiasis were processed. Cysts were typed as assemblage A (n=11), B (n=2) and A+B (n=4) in water samples, as assemblage A (n=4) and B (n=2) in human samples, while in livestock was found only assemblage E. Subtype AII was prevalent in both water a…
Incidenti occupazionali a rischio biologico nell'Azienda Universitaria Ospedaliera Policlinico di Palermo dal 2005 al 2016: indagine descrittiva
Il rischio biologico (RB) in ambito sanitario è universalmente riconosciuto per tutti gli operatori sanitari (OS) esposti al contatto con materiale biologico o strumenti medici potenzialmente contaminati da agenti biologici. In Italia, le esposizioni a RB negli OS sono molto frequenti e rappresentano la prima causa di infortunio (40% di tutti gli infortuni denunciati). MATERIALI E METODI: Un’indagine descrittiva retrospettiva degli incidenti a RB è stata condotta presso l’A.O.U.P. “P. Giaccone” di Palermo analizzando le schede di segnalazione degli incidenti pervenute presso l’U.O. di Prevenzione e Sorveglianza delle Infezioni Ospedaliere negli anni 2005-2016. RISULTATI: Sono stati registra…
Occurrence and transformation of illicit drugs in wastewater treatment plants.
Illicit drugs (IDs) and their metabolites have been recently recognized as a new group of water emerging contaminants (ECs) with potent psychoactive properties and unknown effects to the aquatic environment (Pal et al., 2013). IDs are excreted via urine and feces and arrive at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) where can reach ppb levels (Castiglioni et al., 2006). Over the past few years, it has been demonstrated that conventional biological processes in WWTPs are not or scarcely able to remove IDs. Thus, they are discharged into water bodies through the treated effluent (Postigo et al., 2011). Therefore, monitoring the IDs concentration in WWTPs can have a twofold advantage: i. increase …
Attitudes, behaviours and perceptions of Italian General Practitioner trainees towards influenza vaccination in Western Sicily (Italy)
Background: General practitioners (GPs) have to be considered as key figures of health promotion among health care workers since they are strongly asked to recommend influenza vaccination to their patients and perform on them. Despite this consideration, GPs have influenza vaccination rates that are significantly below the 75% coverage proposed by International Public Health guidelines. In order to increase future coverage of influenza vaccination within GPs, and through them within the population, the aim of this study was to assess determinants associated with influenza vaccine uptake among GP trainees. Methods: A survey was carried out on GP trainees attending the training course in Comm…
Italian multicenter study on infection hazards during dental practice: Control of environmental microbial contamination in public dental surgeries
Abstract Background The present study assessed microbial contamination in Italian dental surgeries. Methods An evaluation of water, air and surface microbial contamination in 102 dental units was carried out in eight Italian cities. Results The findings showed water microbial contamination in all the dental surgeries; the proportion of water samples with microbial levels above those recommended decreased during working. With regard to Legionella spp., the proportion of positive samples was 33.3%. During work activity, the index of microbial air contamination (IMA) increased. The level of microbial accumulation on examined surfaces did not change over time. Conclusion These findings confirm …