Search results for "INFECTIONS"
showing 10 items of 2671 documents
Predictive role of histological features and Ki67 pattern on high-risk HPV presence in atypical cervical lesions
2007
The most frequently detected alterations of squamous cervical epithelia consist of metaplastic/reactive conditions and human papillomavirus (HPV)-related dysplastic lesions. These latter are traditionally identified as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN1, 2 or 3) or, in the Bethesda System, as low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), including CIN1, and high-grade SIL, including CIN2 and CIN3. Some HPV-induced lesions, which are not characterized by obvious dysplasia, are often diagnosed as LSIL. In these lesions, which are hereafter referred to as cervical atipical lesions (CAL), histological features of HPV infection (namely, koilocytosis, multinucleation, acanthosis, papil…
From gut microflora imbalance to mycobacteria infection: is there a relationship with chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases?
2011
The gut of a healthy adult harbours a myriad of different microbial species. It is estimated that approximately 10 14 are present in total bacterial colony forming units (CFU). Each colony colonizes a specific intestinal tract. In healthy adult, the main control of intestinal bacterial colonization occurs through gastric acidity but also other factors can influence the intestinal microenvironment such as pH, temperature, competition among different bacterial strains, peristalsis, drugs, radiotherapy and much more. Impaired microbial homeostasis leads to an alteration of the permeability of tissue, together with the activation of the intestinal immune system MALT (mucosal associated lymphoid…
Detection of the norovirus variants GGII.4 hunter and GGIIb/hilversum in Italian children with gastroenteritis.
2006
Noroviruses (NoVs) are important enteric pathogens of humans. Although they exhibit an impressive genetic diversity, few NoV strains appear to predominate worldwide. Limited epidemiological data are available on NoV gastroenteritis in Italy. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of human NoV in Italian children with gastroenteritis by using a reverse-transcription nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay specific for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) on faecal samples collected throughout the 2004 surveillance activity in Palermo, Italy. NoVs were detected in 47% of the stool samples obtained from children <5 years age, admitted to hospital with acute non-bacterial gastroen…
Nationwide surveillance study of human astrovirus infections in an Italian paediatric population
2012
SUMMARYThe study investigated the genetic diversity of human astroviruses (HAstVs) detected in children hospitalized with gastroenteritis in Italy in 2008–2009. A total of 1321 faecal samples were collected in Parma (northern Italy), Bari (southern Italy), and Palermo (Sicily) and screened for the presence of HAstVs. RT–PCR amplification of a portion at the 5′-end of ORF2 allowed the detection of HAstVs in 3·95% of the patients. Four different genotypes (HAstV-1, HAstV-2, HAstV-4, HAstV-5) were found to be circulating during the study period, with HAstV-1 being the predominant type. Interestingly, a novel lineage, proposed as HAstV-2d, was found to have emerged in Parma in 2009. Investigati…
Tonometers and infectious risk: myth or reality? Efficacy of different disinfection regimens on tonometer tips
2006
Purpose To evaluate the adequacy of common disinfection regimens for disposable tonometer tips and assess if disinfection of reusable prisms or the use of disposable tips is preferable. Methods We used disposable tonometer tips, using the same material and tip diameter of standard Goldmann tonometer prism. Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans were tested according to the European standard guidelines for disinfectants test. Antimicrobial effectiveness of the following disinfection practices has been assessed: dry wipe, Minuten wipes (Alpros), soaking in 3% hydrogen peroxide, 0.5% benzalkonium chloride, and 0.5% Pantasepts for 1, 5, …
Vitamin D Deficiency in HIV Infection: Not Only a Bone Disorder
2015
Hypovitaminosis D is a worldwide disorder, with a high prevalence in the general population of both Western and developing countries. In HIV patients, several studies have linked vitamin D status with bone disease, neurocognitive impairment, depression, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, infections, autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes mellitus, and cancer. In this review, we focus on the most recent epidemiological and experimental data dealing with the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and HIV infection. We analysed the extent of the problem, pathogenic mechanisms, clinical implications, and potential benefits of vitamin …
Pneumococcal vaccination in celiac disease
2019
Introduction: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated disorder associated with gluten exposure in genetically predisposed subjects. Areas covered: Infectious disease is one of the causes of morbidity and mortality in CD patients. Invasive streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a particularly dangerous morbid condition in both the general population and celiac patients. Pneumococcal vaccination is the most effective means for its prevention. Expert opinion: In CD, evaluation of spleen function should be useful to select patients who may benefit from vaccination to reduce the risk of pneumococcal disease. Different strategies could be employed: physicians could search for signs of hypos…
Helicobacter pylori and Barretts esophagus: a protective factor or a real cause?
2017
Nothwithstanding the definite aethiopathogenetic path of certain diseases, the relationship between Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) and barrett's esophagus (BE), a condition that increases the risk for dysplasia and consequently adenocarcinoma of the distal esophagus and esophagogastric junction, remains uncertain. this paper reviews the current scientific literature with emphasis on the protective correlation between H. Pylori infection and BE, and demonstrates that a causal relathionship has not been disproved with certainty. Furthermore, H. Pylori infection could pose a risk for the onset of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which could in turn trigger BE, a precancerous lesion and…
Fungal infections in transplantation patients
2003
Invasive fungal infections have became one of the principal obstacles to successful solid organ and bone marrow transplantation. The natural history and incidence of systemic fungal infection varies with the type of organ transplanted and the immunosuppressive therapy administered; the majority of infections occur within the first two months after transplantation. The most common fungi that cause disease in transplant recipients are Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. The clinical presentations of fungal infections in solid-organ transplant recipients are non specific and often overlap with other infectious and non infectious processes; for this reason it's important maintain a high index of …
2016 WHO GLOBAL GUIDELINES FOR THE PREVENTION OF SURGICAL SITE INFECTION: A NEW STEP TO IMPROVE PATIENT'S SAFETY BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER SURGERY
2017
Surgical site infection (SSI) are among the most preventable health-care-associated infections and are a substantial burden to health-care systems and service payers worldwide in terms of patient morbidity, mortality, and additional costs. SSI prevention is complex and requires the integration of a range of measures before, during and after surgery. No international guidelines are available and incosistencies in the interpretations of evidence and recommendations of national guidelines have been identified. Given the burden of SSI worldwide, the numerous gaps in evidence-based guidance, and the need for standardisation and a global approach, WHO decided to prioritise the development of evid…