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Vibrio cholerae , a Gram-negative bacterium, is widely known as the cause of cholera, an acute diarrheal disease. While only certain strains are capable of causing cholera, non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae strains (NOVC) can lead to non-pathogenic colonization or mild illnesses such as gastroenteritis. In immunocompromised patients, however, NOVC can cause severe infections, including rare cases of bacteremia, especially in those with underlying conditions like liver disease, hematologic disorders, and malignancies. This case report presents a rare instance of NOVC bacteremia in a 71-year-old patient with advanced lung cancer, illustrating the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and treatment interventions required. The patient presented with fever, asthenia, and confusion, and was found to have bacteremia caused by NOVC, confirmed through blood cultures and molecular analysis. Treatment with intravenous ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin led to a rapid clinical improvement and resolution of the infection. This case, along with an overview of similar incidents, underscores the importance of considering NOVC in differential diagnoses for immunocompromised patients presenting with fever, and highlights the necessity of timely diagnosis and targeted antimicrobial therapy to achieve favorable outcomes.

The intersection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents a significant area of concern; advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have notably extended the life expectancy of people living with HIV (PLWH), concurrently elevating the prevalence of chronic conditions such as CVD. This paper explores the multifaceted relationship between HIV infection, ART, and cardiovascular health, focusing on the mechanisms by which HIV and ART contribute to increased cardiovascular risk, including the promotion of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, immune activation, and metabolic disturbances. We highlight the critical roles of HIV-associated proteins-Tat, Nef, and gp120-in accelerating atherosclerosis through direct and indirect pathways that exacerbate endothelial damage and inflammation. Additionally, we address the persistent challenge of chronic inflammation and immune activation in PLWH, factors that are strongly predictive of non-AIDS-related diseases, including CVD, even in the context of effective viral suppression. The impact of ART on cardiovascular risk is examined, with particular attention to the metabolic implications of specific ART regimens, which can influence lipid profiles and body composition, thereby modifying CVD risk. The therapeutic potential of statins, aspirin, and emerging treatments such as PCSK9 inhibitors in mitigating cardiovascular morbidity and mortality among PLWH is discussed, alongside considerations for their use in conjunction with ART. Our review underscores the necessity for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to cardiovascular care in PLWH, which integrates vigilant cardiovascular risk assessment and management with HIV treatment. As we navigate the evolving landscape of HIV care, the goal remains to optimize treatment outcomes while minimizing cardiovascular risk, ensuring that the gains in longevity afforded by ART translate into improved overall health and quality of life for PLWH.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients diagnosed with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) diseases at the Infectious Diseases Unit of ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital in Catania, Italy, focusing on demographics, clinical features, and treatment effectiveness., Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of 10 patients diagnosed with NTM diseases between 2019 and 2021. Data was collected from electronic medical records, including demographic information, comorbidities, treatment modalities, and outcomes. The study utilized descriptive statistics to analyze continuous and categorical variables. Treatment regimens were based on individual patient needs, incorporating a combination of antibiotics., Results: The median age of the patients was 55.44 years, all female, predominantly suffering from pulmonary NTM diseases. Mycobacterium intracellulare was the most common pathogen. Common comorbidities included COPD, bronchiectasis, GERD, and hypovitaminosis D. Patients showed symptoms like fever, cough, and asthenia. The treatment regimens were diverse, with macrolides, rifampicin, and ethambutol forming the core. Adverse effects were noted in 40 % of patients, including gastrointestinal and neurological disorders. All patients achieved microbiological cure, with 60 % showing clinical improvement and 36 % radiological improvement., Conclusion: The study highlights the complexity of diagnosing and treating NTM diseases, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment plans and vigilant monitoring of adverse effects. Despite achieving microbiological cure, challenges remain in achieving complete clinical and radiological resolution. Further research is needed to enhance the understanding and management of NTM diseases, particularly in diverse populations., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

With the advancement of artificial intelligence(AI), platforms like ChatGPT have gained traction in different fields, including Medicine. This study aims to evaluate the potential of ChatGPT in addressing questions related to HIV prevention and to assess its accuracy, completeness, and inclusivity. A team consisting of 15 physicians, six members from HIV communities, and three experts in gender and queer studies designed an assessment of ChatGPT. Queries were categorized into five thematic groups: general HIV information, behaviors increasing HIV acquisition risk, HIV and pregnancy, HIV testing, and the prophylaxis use. A team of medical doctors was in charge of developing questions to be submitted to ChatGPT. The other members critically assessed the generated responses regarding level of expertise, accuracy, completeness, and inclusivity. The median accuracy score was 5.5 out of 6, with 88.4% of responses achieving a score ≥ 5. Completeness had a median of 3 out of 3, while the median for inclusivity was 2 out of 3. Some thematic groups, like behaviors associated with HIV transmission and prophylaxis, exhibited higher accuracy, indicating variable performance across different topics. Issues of inclusivity were identified, notably the use of outdated terms and a lack of representation for some communities. ChatGPT demonstrates significant potential in providing accurate information on HIV-related topics. However, while responses were often scientifically accurate, they sometimes lacked the socio-political context and inclusivity essential for effective health communication. This underlines the importance of aligning AI-driven platforms with contemporary health communication strategies and ensuring the balance of accuracy and inclusivity., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

A dysregulated host response to infection causes organ dysfunction in sepsis and septic shock, two potentially fatal diseases. They continue to be major worldwide health burdens with high rates of morbidity and mortality despite advancements in medical care. The goal of this thorough review was to present a thorough summary of the current body of knowledge about the prevalence of sepsis and septic shock worldwide. Using widely used computerized databases, a comprehensive search of the literature was carried out, and relevant studies were chosen in accordance with predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A narrative technique was used to synthesize the data that were retrieved. The review's conclusions show how widely different locations and nations differ in terms of sepsis and septic shock's incidence, prevalence, and fatality rates. Compared to high-income countries (HICs), low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are disproportionately burdened more heavily. We talk about risk factors, comorbidities, and difficulties in clinical management and diagnosis in a range of healthcare settings. The review highlights the need for more research, enhanced awareness, and context-specific interventions in order to successfully address the global burden of sepsis and septic shock.

Objectives: Advancements in Artificial Intelligence(AI) have made platforms like ChatGPT increasingly relevant in medicine. This study assesses ChatGPT's utility in addressing bacterial infection-related questions and antibiogram-based clinical cases., Methods: This study involved a collaborative effort involving infectious disease (ID) specialists and residents. A group of experts formulated six true/false, six open-ended questions, and six clinical cases with antibiograms for four types of infections (endocarditis, pneumonia, intra-abdominal infections, and bloodstream infection) for a total of 96 questions. The questions were submitted to four senior residents and four specialists in ID and inputted into ChatGPT-4 and a trained version of ChatGPT-4. A total of 720 responses were obtained and reviewed by a blinded panel of experts in antibiotic treatments. They evaluated the responses for accuracy and completeness, the ability to identify correct resistance mechanisms from antibiograms, and the appropriateness of antibiotics prescriptions., Results: No significant difference was noted among the four groups for true/false questions, with approximately 70% correct answers. The trained ChatGPT-4 and ChatGPT-4 offered more accurate and complete answers to the open-ended questions than both the residents and specialists. Regarding the clinical case, we observed a lower accuracy from ChatGPT-4 to recognize the correct resistance mechanism. ChatGPT-4 tended not to prescribe newer antibiotics like cefiderocol or imipenem/cilastatin/relebactam, favoring less recommended options like colistin. Both trained- ChatGPT-4 and ChatGPT-4 recommended longer than necessary treatment periods (p-value = 0.022)., Conclusions: This study highlights ChatGPT's capabilities and limitations in medical decision-making, specifically regarding bacterial infections and antibiogram analysis. While ChatGPT demonstrated proficiency in answering theoretical questions, it did not consistently align with expert decisions in clinical case management. Despite these limitations, the potential of ChatGPT as a supportive tool in ID education and preliminary analysis is evident. However, it should not replace expert consultation, especially in complex clinical decision-making., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Acinetobacter baumannii represents a significant concern in nosocomial settings, particularly in critically ill patients who are forced to remain in hospital for extended periods. The challenge of managing and preventing this organism is further compounded by its increasing ability to develop resistance due to its extraordinary genomic plasticity, particularly in response to adverse environmental conditions. Its recognition as a significant public health risk has provided a significant impetus for the identification of new therapeutic approaches and infection control strategies. Indeed, currently used antimicrobial agents are gradually losing their efficacy, neutralized by newer and newer mechanisms of bacterial resistance, especially to carbapenem antibiotics. A deep understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is urgently needed to shed light on the properties that allow A. baumannii enormous resilience against standard therapies. Among the most promising alternatives under investigation are the combination sulbactam/durlobactam, cefepime/zidebactam, imipenem/funobactam, xeruborbactam, and the newest molecules such as novel polymyxins or zosurabalpin. Furthermore, the potential of phage therapy, as well as deep learning and artificial intelligence, offer a complementary approach that could be particularly useful in cases where traditional strategies fail. The fight against A. baumannii is not confined to the microcosm of microbiological research or hospital wards; instead, it is a broader public health dilemma that demands a coordinated, global response.

Unexpected donor-derived fungal infections represent a rare but potentially fatal complication in lung transplant (Tx) recipients. Timely communication of the results of donor cultures and prompt treatment of recipients are crucial to mitigate the consequences of donor-derived transmissions. In this prospective cohort study, all consecutive patients who underwent lung transplantation from 2015 to 2022 were included. In December 2015, a Local Active Surveillance System has been implemented to provide biovigilance of donor culture results and optimize recipients' management. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence of unexpected, mold-positive cultures among lung donors and the rate of transmission to recipients. Furthermore, management strategies and outcome of recipients with mold transmission are described. In case of isolation of the same mold in donor and recipient cultures, when possible, transmission was confirmed by dendrogram analysis. During the study period, 82 lung Tx were performed from 80 donors. The prevalence of donors with "unexpected" mold isolation from the respiratory tract was 3.75% (3/80). Isolated molds were Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus oryzae, and Aspergillus flavus. Transmissions occurred in all the three cases (100%) with a mean time of 5 days from lung Tx but none of the recipients developed invasive mold disease. Our Local Active Surveillance System allowed prompt recognition of lung donors unexpected mold colonization. Even though transmission occurred, introduction of early targeted antifungal therapy prevented potential catastrophic consequence of mold donor-derived infection in the immediate post-Tx period., (© 2024 The Author(s). Transplant Infectious Disease published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: The coexistence of HIV infection and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) presents a significant public health concern due to the increased risk of tuberculosis (TB) reactivation and progression to active disease. The multicenter observational cohort study, TUBHIVIT, conducted in Italy from 2017 to 2023, aimed to assess the prevalence of LTBI among people living with HIV (PLHIV) and their outcomes following LTBI screening and therapy initiation., Methods: We performed a prospective study in five referral centers for HIV care in Italy. PLHIV who consented Tto participate underwent QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus and clinical, microbiological, and radiological assessments to exclude subclinical tuberculosis, as opportune. PLHIV diagnosed with LTBI who started chemoprophylaxis were followed until the end of therapy., Results: A total of 1105 PLHIV were screened for LTBI using the QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus test, revealing a prevalence of 3.4% of positive results (38/1105). Non-Italy-born individuals exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of testing positive. Thirty-one were diagnosed with LTBI, 1 showed active subclinical TB, and 6 were lost to follow-up before discriminating between latent and active TB. Among the PLHIV diagnosed with LTBI, 83.9% (26/31) started chemoprophylaxis. Most individuals received 6-9 months of isoniazid-based therapy. Of the 26 PLHIV commencing chemoprophylaxis, 18 (69.2%) completed the therapy, while 3 discontinued it and 5 were still on treatment at the time of the analysis. Adverse events were observed in two cases, while in one case the patient refused to continue the treatment.

Despite significant advances in the management of antiretroviral therapy (ART), leading to improved life expectancy for people living with HIV (PLWH), the incidence of non-AIDS-defining cancers, including breast cancer, has emerged as a critical concern. This review synthesizes current evidence on the epidemiology of breast cancer among HIV-infected individuals, highlighting the potential for an altered risk profile, earlier onset, and more advanced disease at diagnosis. It delves into the molecular considerations underpinning the relationship between HIV and breast cancer, including the role of immunosuppression, chronic inflammation, and gene expression alterations. Additionally, it examines the complexities of managing breast cancer in the context of HIV, particularly the challenges posed by ART and anticancer agents' cross-toxicities and drug-drug interactions. The review also addresses survival disparities, underscoring the need for improved cancer care in this population. By identifying gaps in knowledge and areas requiring further research, this review aims to illuminate the complexities of HIV-associated breast cancer, fostering a deeper understanding of its epidemiology, molecular basis, and clinical management challenges, thereby contributing to better outcomes for individuals at the intersection of these two conditions. This narrative review systematically explores the intersection of HIV infection and breast cancer, focusing on the impact of HIV on breast cancer risk, outcomes, and treatment challenges.

Poor knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV among people with HIV (PLHIV) could worsen life quality. We aimed to investigate their STI and HIV knowledge, disclosure and undetectable = untransmittable (U=U). We proposed an anonymous questionnaire regarding STI and HIV to PLHIV attending ten Italian outpatient infectious diseases clinics. Moreover, disclosure and U=U were investigated. The calculated sample size was 178 people. Considering a missing response of 10%, the final sample size was 196. We enrolled 200 PLHIV (73.5% males), with a median age of 52.5 (IQR 41-59) years. The mean score was 7.61 ± 1.22 with no difference by gender, education, and employment. Significant statistical difference was observed by sexual orientation; bisexuals and those who preferred not to answer had a lower score than heterosexuals and MSM ( p = 0.0032). PLHIV showed poor knowledge about HIV transmission (25% appropriately answered). Nearly 30% responded that virologically suppressed PLHIV could transmit the infection. Finally, 137 (68.5%) and 158 (79.0%) disclosed to the general practitioner and family and friends, respectively. Nearly 52.0% knew the meaning of U=U, and 83.6% highlighted its positive rebound. In conclusion, important knowledge gaps are present among PLHIV regarding U=U, and its implications are little-known. Improving PLHIVs' awareness will undermine self-stigma and enhance life quality.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been chiefly linked with substantial respiratory complications. However, emerging studies have brought attention to the occurrence of severe muscle inflammation (myositis) related to COVID-19, potentially leading to multi-organ failure and increased mortality. Myositis is generally characterized by heightened serum creatine kinase (CK) levels. Acute myositis is characterized by an infiltration of viruses into calf muscle fibers, which may cause a subsequent inflammatory response leading to calf muscle pain. Symptomatic and supportive management, along with explanation and reassurance, is all that is required in managing this condition. While the association between myositis and severe outcomes has been recognized in adults, it remains less understood in the pediatric population. The current retrospective study, conducted at Policlinico San Marco University Hospital in Catania, aimed to analyze clinical and laboratory factors associated with myositis in pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Between January 2022 and January 2023, ten pediatric patients diagnosed with myositis and SARS-CoV-2 infection were evaluated. The study highlighted clinical manifestations such as fever, calf muscle pain, and abnormal gait. Lab results showed elevated CK levels among other findings. All patients underwent treatment, with the majority recovering without complications. A notable correlation was observed between CK levels, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and the urea/creatinine ratio (UCR). The study also discusses potential pathophysiological mechanisms behind SARS-CoV-2's impact on skeletal muscles, emphasizing an indirect inflammatory response. Our findings underscore that while myositis in children with SARS-CoV-2 infection appears to follow a benign and self-limiting trajectory, it is crucial to monitor specific markers for early intervention and management. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and improve clinical outcomes.

This comprehensive review examines the unique attributes, distinctions, and clinical implications of ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI) and meropenem-vaborbactam (MEM-VAB) against difficult-to-treat Enterobacterales infections. Our manuscript explores these antibiotics' pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, antimicrobial activities, in vitro susceptibility testing, and clinical data. Moreover, it includes a meticulous examination of comparative clinical and microbiological studies, assessed and presented to provide clarity in making informed treatment choices for clinicians. Finally, we propose an expert opinion from a microbiological and a clinical point of view about their use in appropriate clinical settings. This is the first review aiming to provide healthcare professionals with valuable insights for making informed treatment decisions when combating carbapenem-resistant pathogens.

Ceftazidime/avibactam (CAZ/AVI) is an antibiotic combination approved for the treatment of several infections caused by multi-drug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria. Neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are at high risk of developing bacterial infections, and the choice of appropriate antibiotics is crucial. However, the use of antibiotics in neonates carries risks such as antibiotic resistance and disruption of gut microbiota. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of CAZ/AVI in preterm infants admitted to the NICU. Retrospective data from preterm infants with Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia who received CAZ/AVI were analyzed. Clinical and microbiological responses, adverse events, and outcomes were evaluated. Eight patients were included in the study, all of whom showed clinical improvement and achieved microbiological cure with CAZ/AVI treatment. No adverse drug reactions were reported. Previous antibiotic therapies failed to improve the neonates' condition, and CAZ/AVI was initiated based on clinical deterioration and epidemiological considerations. The median duration of CAZ/AVI treatment was 14 days, and combination therapy with fosfomycin or amikacin was administered. Previous case reports have also shown positive outcomes with CAZ/AVI in neonates. However, larger trials are needed to further investigate the safety and efficacy of CAZ/AVI in this population.

Neurological complications of AIDS (NeuroAIDS) include primary HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). OAS3 is an enzyme belonging to the 2', 5' oligoadenylate synthase family induced by type I interferons and involved in the degradation of both viral and endogenous RNA. Here, we used microarray datasets from NCBI of brain samples of non-demented HIV-negative controls (NDC), HIV, deceased patients with HAND and encephalitis (HIVE) (treated and untreated with antiretroviral therapy, ART), and with HAND without HIVE. The HAND/HIVE patients were stratified according to the OAS3 gene expression. The genes positively and negatively correlated to the OAS3 gene expression were used to perform a genomic deconvolution analysis using neuroimmune signatures (NIS) belonging to sixteen signatures. Expression analysis revealed significantly higher OAS3 expression in HAND/HIVE and HAND/HIVE/ART compared with NDC. OAS3 expressed an excellent diagnostic ability to discriminate NDC from HAND/HIVE, HAND from HAND/HIVE, HAND from HAND/HIVE/ART, and HIV from HAND/HIVE. Noteworthy, OAS3 expression levels in the brains of HAND/HIVE patients were positively correlated with viral load in both peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Furthermore, deconvolution analysis revealed that the genes positively correlated to OAS3 expression were associated with inflammatory signatures. Neuronal activation profiles were significantly activated by the genes negatively correlated to OAS3 expression levels. Moreover, gene ontology analysis performed on genes characterizing the microglia signature highlighted an immune response as a main biological process. According to our results, genes positively correlated to OAS3 gene expression in the brains of HAND/HIVE patients are associated with inflammatory transcriptomic signatures and likely worse cognitive impairment., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Although the mortality rate among individuals diagnosed during the pre-Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment era has been substantial, a considerable number of them survived. Our study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HIV long-term survivors in a cohort of People Living with HIV diagnosed between 1985 and 1994 and to speculate about potential predictive factors associated to long survival. This is a retrospective single-center study. Subjects surviving more than 300 months (25 years) from HIV diagnosis were defined as Long Term Survivors. Overall, 210 subjects were enrolled. More than 75.24% of the included people living with HIV were males, with a median age of 28 years (IQR 25-34). The prevalent risk factors for HIV infection were injection drug use (47.62%), followed by unprotected sex among heterosexual individuals (23.81%). Ninety-three individuals (44.29%) could be defined as LTS with a median (IQR) survival of 333 (312-377) months. A hazard ratio of 12.45 (95% CI 7.91-19.59) was found between individuals who were exposed to Highly Active AntiRetroviral Treatment (HAART) and individuals who were not, with the latter being at greater risk of death. The availability and accessibility of effective antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV remain the cornerstone of survival.

Detainees are one of the most vulnerable populations to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This is mostly caused by the lack of knowledge on the topic among the inmates; the lack of prophylaxis; the high percentage of risky behaviors in jail, such as sexual abuse, unprotected sexual intercourses, and injective drug use; and the generally low perception of the risk of transmission. It has also been observed that the problem does not cease to exist at the moment of release, but it also may be aggravated by the weak support system or the total absence of programs for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) to avoid discontinuation of antiretroviral drugs. Difficulty in providing housing and jobs and, therefore, a form of stability for ex-detainees, also contributes to none adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Among the detainees, there are also categories of people more susceptible to discrimination and violence and, therefore, to risky behaviors, such as black people, Hispanics, transgender people, and men who have sex with men (MSM). We reviewed the literature in order to provide a more complete picture on the situation of PLWHA in jail and to also analyze the difficulties of ex-detainees in adhering to HIV therapy.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, debilitating skin disease of the apocrine glands. Bibliographic search revealed few studies concerning the association between HS and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). To assess this link, we performed a systematic review of the current knowledge through a careful analysis of the relevant and authoritative medical literature in the field. Results showed that people with HIV are particularly susceptible to developing HS with the characteristic involvement of atypical sites, such as face or thighs, due to HIV-related immunosuppression. Based on the pathogenesis of both conditions and according to our review, we suggest that HIV screening should be routinely performed in suspected cases while monitoring and integrated approach in management are mandatory in the management of HIV-positive patients with HS.

HIV/AIDS is considered a risk factor for increased mortality due to COVID-19. For this reason, it is essential to include this population in vaccination campaigns. Studies found that antibodies are lower in HIV+ patients than in healthy individuals. The aim of this study was to assess the immune response in a cohort of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccination in order to evaluate the role played by the HIV infection in the efficacy of this vaccine. We carried out a cross-sectional study in the period April-September 2021, involving a cohort of PLWH and a cohort of HIV-uninfected people as the control group. The efficacy of vaccination was high in both groups despite a slight and not significant difference between them. However, important differences were found according to the intensity of the immune response. Specifically, while in the HIV+ group almost a quarter of people had a low response, it is important to remark that the control group had only a high or intermediate response after vaccination. Our results suggest the high efficacy of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in PLWH and the importance to vaccinate against COVID-19 in these patients in order to increase their protection.

Objective: On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak as a global pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic has impacted health services, including immunization programs, with a consequent reduction in vaccination coverage in those categories for which the prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases is strongly recommended., Subjects and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study on the general population and on PLWHs, comparing anti-human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage data in 2019, before COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2020 data, after the announcement of the pandemic state and the lockdown and the implementation of restrictive measures to contain the contagion., Results: Compared to 2019, 2020 data show a 42% reduction in HPV vaccine coverage in the general population and 36% in PLWHs. The greatest reduction in anti-HPV vaccination coverage occurred during periods of greatest restriction and mainly concerned the general population., Conclusions: The prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases remains essential. Above all, it is essential to increase and recover the anti-HPV vaccine coverage, in consideration of the data that show its preventive oncological efficacy.

Background: After its 2019 outbreak in Wuhan, scientists worldwide have been studying the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in children. Evidence indicates that children with SARS-CoV-2 infection are more likely to develop upper and lower respiratory tract infections in association with other infectious agents, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae . Here, we conducted a systematic review of SARS-CoV-2 and Mycoplasma pneumoniae co-infection and their clinical course in children. Methods: We evaluated the published literature on SARS-CoV-2 by using the medical databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science. In the searches, the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms "SARS-CoV-2 and Mycoplasma pneumoniae " AND "co-infection SARS-CoV-2" were used. Studies describing co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children were included in the review. The study was conducted and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: According to the PRISMA guidelines, of the 38 identified studies, 14 were conducted in children (children/adolescents 0-18 years), 6 of which were included in this review. In total, 5867 children under the age of 17 years were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection through real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of nasopharyngeal swabs to detect viral RNA. Elevated serum IgM levels specific to Mycoplasma pneumoniae were observed in 534 children and were associated with a Kawasaki-like illness in one child. To date, all of the children are alive. Conclusion: This study underlines the importance of considering, depending on the clinical context, a possible co-infection between SARS-CoV-2 and atypical bacteria, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Co-infections with other respiratory pathogens during the pandemic and hospital stay can cause mistakes in clinical diagnostic and drug treatment. Physicians should perform early differential diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 in association with other infectious agents. Further studies are needed to have a real incidence of these co-infections and their impact on symptoms, course, and outcome of patients with SARS-CoV-2.

A zoonosis is an infectious disease that has jumped from a non-human animal to humans. Some zoonoses are very common in the Mediterranean area and endemic in specific regions, so they represent an important problem for public health. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that has originated as a zoonosis and is now diffused globally, with the most significant numbers of infected people among the infectious diseases. Since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the history for people living with HIV (PLWH) has changed drastically, and many diseases are now no different in epidemiology and prognosis as they are in not-HIV-infected people. Still, the underlying inflammatory state that is correlated with HIV and other alterations related to the infection itself can be a risk factor when infected with other bacteria, parasites or viruses. We reviewed the literature for infection by the most common Mediterranean zoonoses, such as Campylobacter , Salmonella , Brucella , Rickettsia , Borrelia , Listeria and Echinococcus , and a possible correlation with HIV. We included Monkeypox , since the outbreak of cases is becoming a concern lately. We found that HIV may be related with alterations of the microbiome, as for campylobacteriosis, and that there are some zoonoses with a significant prevalence in PLWH, as for salmonellosis.

Thyroid diseases (TDs) and thyroid asymptomatic dysfunctions (TADs) are correlated with Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) as well as many endocrine dysfunctions and dysregulation of hormonal axes. To date, available studies on People Living With HIV (PLWH) affected by thyroid diseases and asymptomatic dysfunctions are few and rather controversial. The purpose of the present non-systematic literature review is to recap the current knowledge on the main features of thyroid dysfunctions and disorders in PLWH. Large cohort studies are needed for a better comprehension of the impact, evolution and treatment of thyroid pathologies in the HIV-infected population.

Bacterial prostatitis infections are described as infections that are difficult-to-treat, due to prostate anatomic characteristics along with clinical difficulty in terms of diagnosis and management. Furthermore, the emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria, such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producer Escherichia coli, also representing the main causative pathogen in prostatitis, poses major problems in terms of antibiotic management and favorable clinical outcome. Oral fosfomycin, an antibiotic commonly used for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), has been recently evaluated for the treatment of bacterial prostatitis due to its favorable pharmacokinetic profile, its activity against MDR gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, safety profile, and multiple synergic effect with other antibiotics as well as the low resistance rate. This review addresses fosfomycin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and discusses the latest clinical evidence on its clinical use to treat acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis in hospitalized patients and in outpatients. As described in several reports, oral fosfomycin may represent a valid therapeutic option to treat susceptible germs commonly causing prostatitis, such as E. coli and other Enterobacterales as well as Enterococcus faecium, even as a first-line regimen in particular clinical settings (patients with previous treatment failure, with allergies or outpatients). Stronger data from further studies, including randomized controlled trials, would be helpful to establish the proper dosage and specific indications.

Proinflammatory monocytes play a preponderant role in the development of a cytokine storm causing fatal consequences in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, highlighting the importance of analyzing in more detail monocyte distribution in these patients. In this study, we identified an atypical monocyte subpopulation expressing CD56 molecules that showed a low level of HLA-DR and high level of l-selectin. They released higher amounts of TNF-α and IL-6 and expressed genes associated with an excessive inflammatory process. Remarkably, the frequency of CD56 + monocytes inversely correlated with that of CD16 + monocytes and a high CD56 + /CD16 + monocyte ratio was associated with both disease severity and mortality, as well as with serum concentration of type I IFN, a factor able to induce the appearance of CD56 + monocytes. In conclusion, severe COVID-19 is characterized by the abundance of hyperinflammatory CD56 + monocytes, which could represent a novel marker with prognostic significance and, possibly, a therapeutic target for controlling the inflammatory process occurring during COVID-19., (Copyright © 2022 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.)

Listeria (L.) monocytogenes is a gram-positive, non-sporulating, facultatively anaerobic bacillus transmitted to humans through ingestion of contaminated foods. Listeriosis represents the third most common cause of death from foodborne illness, with a mortality rate of 20-30%, especially for patients affected by an invasive disease, which typically affects immunocompromised patients, pregnant women, the elderly, and neonates. It causes several clinical syndromes, of which meningitis, meningoencephalitis, and sepsis are the most challenging to deal with. Here, five cases of L. monocytogenes meningitis/meningoencephalitis affecting two previously healthy immunocompetent and three immunocompromised adult patients treated with ampicillin plus gentamicin are reported. In addition, all the patients described in this report received a low dose of intravenous dexamethasone; four of them made a full recovery. Additionally, a literature search was performed to better explain the appropriate clinical and therapeutic management approaches for these patients, highlighting the value of dexamethasone administration as part of the therapy., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright: © Moscatt et al.)

Objectives: To describe clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients who developed secondary infections due to carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE)., Methods: Retrospective observational study including COVID-19 patients admitted to 12 Italian hospitals from March to December 2020 who developed a superinfection by CRE. Superinfection was defined as the occurrence of documented bacterial infection >48 h from admission. Patients with polymicrobial infections were excluded. Demographic, clinical characteristics and outcome were collected. Isolates were classified as KPC, metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) and OXA-48-producing CRE. A Cox regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with 30 day mortality., Results: Overall, 123 patients (median age 66 years, IQR 59-75) were included. The majority of infections occurred in the ICU (81, 65.9%), while 42 (34.1%) in medical wards. The most common types of infection were bloodstream infections (BSI) ( n  = 64, 52%), followed by urinary-tract infections (UTI) ( n  = 28, 22.8%), hospital-acquired/ventilator-associated pneumonia (HAP/VAP) ( n  = 28, 22.8%), intra-abdominal infections ( n  = 2, 1.6%) and skin infections ( n  = 1, 0.8%). Sixty-three (51.2%) infections were caused by KPC-, 54 (43.9%) by MBL-, and 6 (4.8%) by OXA-48-producing CRE. Thirty-day mortality was 33.3% (41/123). On Cox regression analysis, HAP/VAP compared with UTI (HR 7.23, 95% CI 2.09-24.97, P  = 0.004), BSI compared with UTI (HR 3.96, 95% CI, 1.33-11.77, P  = 0.004), lymphopenia on admission (HR 3, 95% CI 1.44-6.26, P  = 0.003) and age (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02-1.08, P  = 0.002) were predictors of 30 day mortality., Conclusions: Superinfections by CRE were associated with high risk of 30 day mortality in patients with COVID-19. HAP/VAP was the strongest predictor of death in these patients., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.)

The use of immune suppressive drugs combined with the natural immune suppression caused by SARS-CoV-2 can lead to a surge of secondary bacterial and fungal infections. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of superinfections in hospitalized subjects with COVID-19. We carried out an observational retrospective single center cohort study. We enrolled patients admitted at the "Garibaldi" hospital for ≥72 h, with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. All patients were routinely investigated for bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens. A total of 589 adults with COVID-19 were included. A total of 88 infections were documented in different sites among 74 patients (12.6%). As for the etiology, 84 isolates were bacterial (95.5%), while only 4 were fungal (4.5%). A total of 51 episodes of hospital-acquired infections (HAI) were found in 43 patients, with a bacterial etiology in 47 cases (92.2%). Community-acquired infections (CAIs) are more frequently caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae , while HAIs are mostly associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa . A high rate of CAIs and HAIs due to the use of high-dose corticosteroids and long hospital stays can be suspected. COVID-19 patients should be routinely evaluated for infection and colonization. More data about antimicrobial resistance and its correlation with antibiotic misuse in COVID-19 patients are required.

Since late December 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has spread across the world, which resulted in the World Health Organization declaring a global pandemic. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents a highly variable spectrum with regard to the severity of illness. Most infected individuals exhibit a mild to moderate illness (81%); however, 14% have a serious disease and 5% develop severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), requiring intensive care support. The mortality rate of COVID-19 continues to rise across the world. Data regarding predictors of mortality in patients with COVID 19 are still scarce but are being actively investigated. The present multicenter retrospective observational study provides a complete description of the demographic and clinical characteristics, comorbidities and laboratory abnormalities in a population of 421 hospitalized patients recruited across eight infectious disease units in Southern Italy (Sicily) with the aim of identifying the baseline characteristics predisposing COVID-19 patients to critical illness or death. In this study, older age, pre-existing comorbidities and certain changes in laboratory markers (such as neutrophilia, lymphocytopenia and increased C-reactive protein levels) at the time of admission were associated with a higher risk of mortality. Male sex, on the other hand, was not significantly associated with increased risk of mortality. Symptoms such as fatigue, older age, a number of co-pathologies and use of continuous positive airway pressure were the most significant contributors in the estimation of clinical prognosis. Further research is required to better characterize the epidemiological features of COVID-19, to understand the related predictors of death and to develop new effective therapeutic strategies., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright: © Cosentino et al.)

The aims of this study were to characterize new SARS-CoV-2 genomes sampled all over Italy and to reconstruct the origin and the evolutionary dynamics in Italy and Europe between February and June 2020. The cluster analysis showed only small clusters including < 80 Italian isolates, while most of the Italian strains were intermixed in the whole tree. Pure Italian clusters were observed mainly after the lockdown and distancing measures were adopted. Lineage B and B.1 spread between late January and early February 2020, from China to Veneto and Lombardy, respectively. Lineage B.1.1 (20B) most probably evolved within Italy and spread from central to south Italian regions, and to European countries. The lineage B.1.1.1 (20D) developed most probably in other European countries entering Italy only in the second half of March and remained localized in Piedmont until June 2020. In conclusion, within the limitations of phylogeographical reconstruction, the estimated ancestral scenario suggests an important role of China and Italy in the widespread diffusion of the D614G variant in Europe in the early phase of the pandemic and more dispersed exchanges involving several European countries from the second half of March 2020., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Pregnant women and their infants are at high risk to develop a severe COVID-19, with increased rates of hospitalisation to intensive care units, need for mechanical ventilation and mortality. Preterm birth, fetal vascular malperfusion, and premature rupture of membrane have been the most reported adverse pregnancy outcomes and these effects have been especially associated with the onset of the disease at early gestational age. The early expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in human embryos has been proven, determining an increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2. Preterm infants born to women infected by SARS-CoV-2 have a higher risk of need for specialist neonatal care with prolonged hospitalization. Moreover, inflammation of developing embryos could cause long-term defects, regardless of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Due to Maternal Immune Activation (MIA), in utero inflammation is associated with neurodevelopmental, cognitive and psychiatric disorders in affected offspring. Despite risks that COVID-19 could induce in pregnancy, there are not many published data describing the safety and/or efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant women, commonly not included in vaccine research. The evidence from the few pregnant women unintentionally enrolled in clinical trials and vaccinated suggests that COVID-19 vaccines, both based on mRNA and viral vectors, do not pose significant risks to the fetus or breastfeeding infants. Moreover, human studies using mRNA-based vaccines against Zika virus, influenza, and rabies have reported good safety and immunogenicity during pregnancy. In this review, we evaluate the role of COVID-19 in adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes and the need to vaccinate pregnant women.

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin and joint disease, with a plethora of comorbidities, characterized by a certain genetic predisposition, and a complex pathogenesis based on the IL-23/IL-17 pathway. There is no doubt that the patients affected by psoriasis are more susceptible to infections as well as that the risk of infection is higher in psoriatic subjects than in the general population. The advent of biotechnological agents on the therapeutic arsenal actually available for the treatment of moderate-to-severe patients, given the fact that the severity of the disease is a predictor of the level of infectious risk, has raised the question of whether these 'new' drugs could be considered a safer option and how they can be used in selected cases. Old and newer strategies in cases of chronic infectious conditions are reviewed under the light of clinical trials and other studies present in literature.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 75-90% of primary liver cancers and is the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In the HIV-positive population, the risk of HCC is approximately four times higher than in the general population, with higher cancer-specific mortality than in HIV-negative patients. In most cases, HCC diagnosis is made in patients younger than the HIV-negative population and in the intermediate-advanced stage, thus limiting the therapeutic possibilities. Treatment choice in HIV-positive patients with HCC is subject to cancer staging, liver function and health status, as for HIV-negative and non-HIV-negative HCC patients. There are relatively few studies on the efficacy and safety in HIV-positive patients to date in loco-regional treatments for HCC. So far, literature shows that curative treatments such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have no significant differences in overall survival between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients, as opposed to palliative treatments such as TACE, where there is a significant difference in overall survival. Although it can be assumed that the most recently discovered loco-regional therapies are applicable to HIV-positive patients with HCC in the same way as HIV-negative patients, further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis. The purpose of our review is to evaluate these treatments, their efficacy, effectiveness, safety and their applicability to HIV-positive patients.

Enterococcus faecalis infective endocarditis (EFIE) continues to represent a potentially fatal infectious disease characterized by elevated morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in antimicrobial therapy, changing demographics and the reduced availability of useful antibiotics combined with the dissemination of multi-drug resistant strains, the mortality rate remained unchanged in the last decades. Nowadays, optimizing the antibiotic regimen is still of paramount importance. Historically, aminoglycosides were considered as a cornerstone for treatment even though their use is associated with a high risk of kidney failure. It is against this background that, in recent years, several studies have been carried in order to assess the validity of alternative therapeutic approaches, including combinations of beta-lactams, that, acting synergistically, have yielded useful results in different clinical settings. In this scenario, we searched and critically report clinical studies assessing the efficacy and safety of double beta-lactam therapy in treating EFIE.

Background and Aim: In the world 37,9 billions live with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and, despite the availability of retroviral therapy, they have an higher risk to acquire other infectious diseases and to develop severe complications. According to several guidelines their immunization is crucial but only some center have developed a specific scheduled pathway and vaccination coverage is very low.  Aim of this study is: a)incentivize the active and free of charge offer of vaccines and increase of immunization coverage; b) application and implementation of a shared clinical pathway avoiding reluctance, embarrassment or shame by patients for their condition; d) instauration of an empathic relationship between doctor and patient; e) evaluation of side effects., Methods: A prospective study was conducted from October 2019 to February 2020 at the University Hospital G. Martino of Messina. Inclusion criteria were: age over 18; absence of other diseases; absence of immunization against HBV or HAV; CD4 count for live attenuated viral vaccines of 350/uL and for other vaccine 200/uL. A specific scheduled pathway was adopted for every patient. Statistical analysis was performed with Excel software., Results: 86 patients were enrolled (74.4% were males, 79.1% were Italian; mean age=4013.3 SD).  An increase in administration was observed between 2018 and 2019 (+164.3% for flu and for other vaccines +370%).  The higher increase was observed for HPV one. No-one received DTpa, MMRV or Zoster vaccine., Conclusions: The undertook clinical pathway showed the relevance of specific management of these patients and the need to increase the vaccination offer.

HIV-positive people showed a high oral prevalence of HPV-DNA and have a greater incidence of head and neck carcinomas compared to general population. We performed a molecular survey evaluating the presence of HPV-DNA in saliva of HIV-positive and HIV-negative subjects in order to quantify the risk represented by HIV-positivity. The sample was made up by 102 subjects: 40 HIV-positive, 32 HIV-negative with sexual risk behaviors (SRB) and 30 HIV-negative without risk factors. DNA was extracted from cellular pellets and HPV detection and genotyping were performed by PCR assays. In the HIV-positive group (of which 58.3% declared SRB) 33.33% of the sample were HPV-positive (33.33% to high-risk genotypes, 25.0% to low-risk genotypes and 41.66% to other genotypes). In the HIV-negative SRB group, HPV-positive subjects were 37.04% (60.0% to high risk genotypes, 20.0% to low risk genotypes, and 20.0% to other genotypes). Finally, in the control group, the HPV-positive subjects were 7.14% (50% to high-risk genotypes and 50% to low-risk genotypes). In the HIV group, concerning the HPV positivity, there was no significant difference between subjects with and without SRBs. In summary, we found a high oral HPV-DNA detection in HIV+ group, showing a strong relationship between HIV and HPV.

Skin cancers represent the most common human tumors with a worldwide increasing incidence. They can be divided into melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). NMSCs include mainly squamous cell (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) with the latest representing the 80% of the diagnosed NMSCs. The pathogenesis of NMSCs is clearly multifactorial. A growing body of literature underlies a crucial correlation between skin cancer, chronic inflammation and immunodeficiency. Intensity and duration of immunodeficiency plays an important role. In immunocompromised patients the incidence of more malignant forms or the development of multiple tumors seems to be higher than among immunocompetent patients. With regards to people living with HIV (PLWH), since the advent of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), the incidence of non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs), such as NMSCs, have been increasing and now these neoplasms represent a leading cause of illness in this particular population. PLWH with NMSCs tend to be younger, to have a higher risk of local recurrence and to have an overall poorer outcome. NMSCs show an indolent clinical course if diagnosed and treated in an early stage. BCC rarely metastasizes, while SCC presents a 4% annual incidence of metastasis. Nevertheless, metastatic forms lead to poor patient outcome. NMSCs are often treated with full thickness treatments (surgical excision, Mohs micro-graphic surgery and radiotherapy) or superficial ablative techniques (such as cryotherapy, electrodesiccation and curettage). Advances in genetic landscape understanding of NMSCs have favored the establishment of novel therapeutic strategies. Concerning the therapeutic evaluation of PLWH, it's mandatory to evaluate the risk of interactions between cART and other treatments, particularly antiblastic chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Development of further treatment options for NMSCs in PLWH seems needed. We reviewed the literature after searching for clinical trials, case series, clinical cases and available databases in Embase and Pubmed. We review the incidence of NMSCs among PLWH, focusing our attention on any differences in clinicopathological features of BCC and SCC between PLWH and HIV negative persons, as well as on any differences in efficacy and safety of treatments and response to immunomodulators and finally on any differences in rates of metastatic disease and outcomes., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Venanzi Rullo, Maimone, Fiorica, Ceccarelli, Guarneri, Berretta and Nunnari.)

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound impact on the general population and the burden of pre-existing comorbidities has heavily affected the outcome of the infection. Hyponatraemia has been frequently described. Conversely, hypernatraemia has rarely been described in COVID-19., Methods: The studied cohort encompasses all COVID-19 patients consecutively admitted to the Messina Hospital, Italy, during the first wave of the epidemic. Since healthcare structures were not overwhelmed at that time, indications for hospitalization were homogeneous throughout the study period. Serum sodium levels, kidney function [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)], demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded at admission. Correlation between mortality, sodium and eGFR was evaluated by survival curves and univariate and multivariate regression models., Results: Baseline biochemical and clinical data at the time of admission were available for 115 COVID-19-confirmed patients. The median age at admission was 73 years (48% men), with a median Charlson Comorbidity Index of 4. A total of 23.5% of patients presented with a sodium level ≥146 mmol/L, while 7.8% had sodium <135 mmol/L. Hypernatraemic patients were older, with higher comorbidity. Age, hypernatraemia and reduced eGFR were associated with increased mortality in both univariate and multivariate regression models (P < 0.001). The combination of hypernatraemia and reduced renal function at admission had an odds ratio of 47.67 (95% confidence interval 10.08-225.43) of dying compared with patients with an eGFR ≥60 mL/min and sodium <145 mmol/L., Conclusions: Our study suggests that the association between hypernatraemia and reduced eGFR at referral is a highly relevant prognostic marker for death during hospitalization. The role of this association should be further tested in larger, multicentre cohorts., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA.)