4 research outputs found
A novel mutation of varicella-zoster virus associated to fatal hepatitis
Get PDFBackground: Lethal varicella in immunocompetent hosts is rare and its pathogenesis is largely unknown. The discovery of glycoprotein E (gE) mutants showing attributes consistent with increased virulence in vitro and in animal models, provided a possible molecular mechanism underlying a more aggressive virus infection. However, these mutants have never been associated with unusually severe clinical cases. Objectives: To varicella-zoster virus (VZV) mutations that correlate with increased virulence. Results: We report a case of fatal hepatitis caused by a VZV bearing a novel mutation on the 3B3 monoclonal antibody epitope of gE in an immunocompetent host. Conclusions: This report describes a mutant VZV responsible for an aggressive clinical course in an immunocompetent host. Linking these severe clinical presentations of VZV infection to virus mutations might provide insights into the underlying pathogenic mechanisms
Analisi delle antibiotico-resistenze di Gram-negativi isolati da pazienti con infezioni del tratto urinario afferenti al Polo Oncologico e Dermatologico I.F.O.
Get PDFIntroduction. Urinary tract infections represent a worlwide problem due to their prevalence among nosocomial infections and to the increasing frequency of antibiotic resistance among the Gram-negative pathogens. Knowledge of the antimicrobial resistance patterns according to local epidemiology is essential for providing clinically appropriate therapy for urinary tract infection. In the present study we analysed the drug resistence pattern of Gram negative bacteria isolated from urine samples of patients with urinary tract infections at the Microbiological Laboratory of I.F.O., Rome. Materials and Methods. A total 3650 isolates have been collected during three years (2000-2003). Isolates were subcultured to Agar blood-Mac-Conckey and analysed in the Vitek 1 for identification and drug susceptibility. Results. As expected, Escherichia coli was found to be the main cause of urinary tract infection (73%). Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were less frequently isolated (9.,6%, 8.9% and 4.5%, respectively). The E. coli had the highest resistance rate to ampicillin (38%), followed by trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (22%) and ciprofloxacine (16%), while nitrofurantoin susceptibility of the E. coli isolates was still at acceptable levels (98%). The P. mirabilis isolates were found to be resistant to amoxycillin (35%), to trimethoprimsulphamethoxazole (34%).The P. aeruginosa isolates were found to be resistant to ciprofloxacina and imipenem (48% and 28% respectively). Conclusions.The increased drug resistance developed by bacteria consistently due to previous treatments with several antimicrobial drugs makes it essential the culture and susceptibility testing in genitourinary tract infection before instituting antimicrobial therapy. Empirical antimicrobial therapy should be avoided or reassessed by 48 to 72 hours after initation based on preterapy culture results
Lenalidomide treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes with chromosome 5q deletion: Results from the National Registry of the Italian Drug Agency
No full textObjective: The most typical cytogenetic aberration in myelodysplastic syndromes is del(5q), which, when isolated, is associated with refractory anaemia and good prognosis. Based on high rates of erythroid response and transfusion independence, Lenalidomide (LEN) became the standard treatment. This multi-centre study was designed to supplement Italian Registry data on LEN by addressing prescription, administration appropriateness, haematological and cytogenetic responses and disease evolution. Methods: MORE study was an observational, non-interventional, multi-centre, retrospective and prospective study. Cases were recruited from 45 Haematological Centres throughout Italy. Data were collected from the Italian National Registry for Lenalidomide administration and supplemented by a MORE data form. Results: Data from 190/213 patients were analysed. In all, 149 had been diagnosed by conventional cytogenetics (GROUP A) and 41 only by FISH (GROUP B). Overall erythroid response was obtained in 92.8% of cases. Overall cytogenetic remission was achieved in 22.6% of cases. Disease progression occurred in 15.6% of cases. Clonal cytogenetic evolution characterised progression to AML but not to higher risk MDS. Conclusions: Erythroid response to Lenalidomide was similar in MDS with isolated del(5q) and with del(5q) plus one anomaly. Progression to AML or higher risk MDS showed different cytogenetic features
