1,721,227 research outputs found
Epidemiological aspects of seasonal and pandemic influenza in recent years and emerging viruses
No full textInfluenza is a major public health problem worldwide. Epidemiological and virological surveillance has been demonstrated to be crucial for prevention of both seasonal and pandemic influenza. Recent influenza seasons have been characterized by the circulation of the strain A(H1N1)pdm09. It was firstly identified in 2009 and accounted for the most recent influenza pandemic. In spite of moderate mortality rates observed during 2009 influenza pandemic, quite interestingly severe cases of influenza by the new pandemic strain A(H1N1)pdm09 were more frequent in young adults, previously healthy and without risk factors. Of note, circulation of influenza A(H3N2) virus with antigenic and genetic drifts was predominant in 2014-2015 influenza season. The variant A/Switzerland/9715293/2013 replaced A/Texas/50/2012 in vaccine formulation of season 2015-2016. Recent influenza seasons in South Italy (Apulia region) were characterized by lower and later incidence peaks respect to those of Northern Italy probably due to differences in climate. Influenza vaccine coverage rates in Apulia steadly declined in general population, especially in individuals ≥ 65 years, creating concern in health authorities. Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) such as H5N1, H7N9, H9N2 and H10N8 are capable to spread to domestic poultry and then to humans from natural reservoir. Therefore, these viruses are considered as emerging with a special concern related to their potential to cause next influenza pandemic
Lack of HTLV-II infection in newborns born from HIV-1 infected mothers in southern Italy
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Serum beta2-microglobulin in intravenous drug users and its correlation with human immunodeficiency virus infection
No full textHaemophilus influenzae type b meningitis in Apulia. Retrospective study from the years 1994-1995
No full textDengue fever in travellers and risk of local spreading: case reports from Southern Italy and literature update
No full textDengue fever (DF), an arbovirosis caused by Dengue viruses (DV, serotypes 1-4), is responsible for an increasing number of travel-related acute febrile illnesses due to population growth, climate changes, spreading by viremic travellers, and improved laboratory diagnosis. The presence of efficient vectors (mosquito Aedes albopictus) has also been described in temperate regions including Italy which is considered the most heavily infected European country. Normally characterized by non-specific signs and symptoms, DF incidence is probably underestimated, especially in non-endemic countries, but the risk of severe forms is substantial. Between August and November 2013, five DF patients (4 males, age 23-38) were observed in the Infectious Disease Clinic (University of Bari, Southern Italy). All had just returned from DF endemic areas (2 French Polynesia, 3 Dominican Republic); 4/5 were hospitalized. Common clinical features included acute febrile syndrome, headache (2 with retro-orbital pain), rash (all patients), two with bleeding manifestations and one with gum bleeding. Laboratory tests demonstrated leukopenia (4 patients), elevated liver enzymes (3 patients), and thrombocytopenia (1 patient). Serum samples for DV antibodies and RNA detection were analyzed by the Regional Arbovirosis Reference Laboratory. Viral RNA was identified in 2/5 patients (DV-4) and seroconversion in the remaining cases. All patients made a complete recovery. Recent literature was reviewed, focusing on epidemiology and vector distribution (especially European and Italian territories), pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment including vaccine strategies. The occurrence of 5 DF cases during the period of highest vector activity (June-November) in Italy emphasizes the risk of local outbreaks in temperate regions. This paper highlights the importance of clinical alert for dengue also in non-endemic countries
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