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Anyplex™II HPV28 is a new PCR assay designed for HPV genotyping. It can detect 28 HPV types including 19 high-risk and 9 low-risk types. This study evaluated the performance of Anyplex™II HPV28 on 123 fresh cervical samples screened in parallel with HPV Sign® Genotyping Test. Of the 123 samples screened, 93 were positive, 15 negative, and 15 discordant. The total number of HPV positive samples combined was 108: 38 single infections and 70 multiple infections. The agreement between the two tests was 87.8%, κ = 0.592. Genotype specific agreement was strong for HPV 16 ( k = 0.761), HPV 18 ( k = 0.674), and HPV 35 ( k = 0.796). Sensitivity and specificity of Anyplex™II HPV28 assay using HPV Sign® Genotyping Test as reference was 84.8% and 94%; conversely, sensitivity and specificity of HPV Sign® Genotyping Test was 29% and 99.5%. Anyplex™II HPV28 assay is a sensitive and specific assay suitable for HPV genotyping but requires clinical validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five cases of varicella occurred in a women's prison in Rome. A serosurvey conducted in the prison found that 14.5% of the inmates were susceptible. The sensitivity and positive predictive value of a history of varicella were high, whereas specificity was rather low. The attack rate among susceptible inmates was approximately 22%. Preventive measures probably contributed to reduce infection spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Haemophilus influenzae is a commensal of the human nasopharynx. • Colonization of the upper respiratory tract can be a reservoir for transmission. • H. influenzae colonization prevalence was 10.5% in adults aged ≥50 years. • Acute respiratory symptoms were associated with H. influenzae colonization. • Colonizing H. influenzae often belong to the same STs of invasive disease isolates. After the widespread use of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, H. influenzae invasive disease is now commonly due to non-encapsulated (NTHi), affecting mostly the youngest and the elderly. The objective of this study was to investigate H. influenzae nasopharyngeal carriage rate in adults with co-morbidities and possible associated risk factors. Patients aged >50 years with co-morbidities attending medical centres were examined. A nasopharyngeal swab was analysed for H. influenzae presence by cultural and molecular methods (RT-PCR). Univariable and multivariable analysis of risk factors for H. influenzae carriage were performed. Serotype of isolates was determined by PCR capsular genotyping. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by MIC gradient test and β-lactamase production was detected by the nitrocephin test. Genotyping was performed by Multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Phylogenetic relationships among carriage and invasive NTHi strains were assessed. Among 248 enrolled patients (median age: 73 years), the carriage rate was 5.6% and 10.5% by cultural method or RT-PCR, respectively. Colonization with H. influenzae was significantly associated with the presence of acute respiratory symptoms (adjusted OR = 12.16, 95% CI: 3.05–48.58, p < 0.001). All colonizing isolates were NTHi. Three isolates (3/14, 21.4%) were resistant to ampicillin and beta-lactamase positive. MLST revealed a high degree of genetic diversity, with 11 different STs from 14 isolates. Eight out of the 11 (72.7%) STs were shared among carriage and invasive isolates. Adults ≥50 years old with co-morbidities are occasionally colonized by H. influenzae , even if the presence of co-morbidities is not a risk factor for colonization. The presence of acute respiratory symptoms is the only factor associated with H. influenzae colonization. Colonizing H. influenzae are all NTHi. Colonizing H. influenzae often belong to the same STs of invasive disease isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate an association between KI and WU polyomavirus (KIPyV and WUPyV) infections and CD4+ cell counts, we tested HIV-l-positive patients and blood donors. No association was found between cell counts and virus infections in HIV-l-positive patients. Frequency of KIPyV infection was similar for both groups. WUPyV was more frequent in HIV-l-positive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage in adults with co-morbidities are limited. In this study we estimated the pneumococcal carriage among adults with co-morbidities and evaluated socio-demographic and clinical risk factors. The potential coverage of the current pneumococcal vaccines recommended for adults (PCV13 and PPV23) was also investigated. A cross-sectional study on S. pneumoniae carriage among unvaccinated adults ≥50 years with co-morbidities, presenting with or without acute respiratory symptoms at general practitioners in Rome, Italy, between October 2015 and July 2016 was conducted. Pneumococcal carriage was investigated by both cultural and molecular methods. Socio-demographic variables and co-morbidities were evaluated by logistic models as possible risk factors for pneumococcal carriage. Out of 248 patients (median age: 73 yrs; IQR: 65–79), 12 (4.8%) and 83 (33.5%) individuals were found colonized using cultural or molecular methods, respectively. Potential risk factors for pneumococcal colonization as ascertained by molecular methods were: low level of education (adjusted OR = 3.71, 95% CI: 1.62–9.40), winter months (December-March vs other months, adjusted OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.29–5.14), and presence of chronic lung diseases (adjusted OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.15–4.16). The combination of serotype-specific multiplex RT-PCR and conventional PCR allowed to identify 22 serotypes/group of serotypes, of which the most common were: 24F/24A/24B, 12F/12A/12B/44/46, 6A/6B, 14, 15B/15C, and 22F/22A. Prevalence of pneumococcal carriage due to PCV13 serotypes and non-PCV13 serotypes was 23.6% and 67.3%, respectively. Prevalence of colonization due to PPV23 serotypes was estimated to be 54.6%. A high prevalence of S. pneumoniae carriage was observed among adults with co-morbidities, especially among individuals affected by chronic lung diseases. These results support vaccine strategies based on the sequential administration of PCV13 and PPV23 to control potentially invasive pneumococcal strains in adults, especially in subjects with co-morbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Imported cases of infections due to Dengue (DENV) and Chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses and, more recently, Zika virus (ZIKV) are commonly reported among travelers returning from endemic regions. In areas where potentially competent vectors are present, the risk of autochthonous transmission of these vector-borne pathogens is relatively high. Laboratory surveillance is crucial to rapidly detect imported cases in order to reduce the risk of transmission. This study describes the laboratory activity performed by the National Reference Laboratory for Arboviruses (NRLA) at the Italian National Institute of Health in the period from July 2014 to October 2015.Methods: Samples from 180 patients visited/hospitalized with a suspected DENV/CHIKV/ZIKV infection were sent to the NRLA from several Italian Hospitals and from Regional Reference Laboratories for Arboviruses, in agreement with the National Plan on human surveillance of vector-borne diseases. Both serological (ELISA IgM test and Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test-PRNT) and molecular assays (Real Time PCR tests, RT-PCR plus nested PCR and sequencing of positive samples) were performed.Results: DENV infection was the most frequently diagnosed (80 confirmed/probable cases), and all four genotypes were detected. However, an increase in imported CHIKV cases (41 confirmed/probable cases) was observed, along with the detection of the first ZIKV cases (4 confirmed cases), as a consequence of the recent spread of both CHIKV and ZIKV in the Americas.Conclusions: Main diagnostic issues highlighted in our study are sensitivity limitations of molecular tests, and the importance of PRNT to confirm serological results for differential diagnosis of Arboviruses. The continuous evaluation of diagnostic strategy, and the implementation of laboratories networks involved in surveillance activities is essential to ensure correct diagnosis, and to improve the preparedness for a rapid and proper identification of viral threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a letter to the editor on mass media coverage of the epidemics of severe acute respiratory syndrome.

Background: Classical Kaposi's Sarcoma (cKS) is a rare vascular tumor, which develops in subjects infected with Human Herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). Beside the host predisposing factors, viral genetic variants might possibly be related to disease development. The aim of this study was to identify HHV-8 variants in patients with cKS or in HHV-8 infected subjects either asymptomatic or with cKS-unrelated cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders. Methods: The VR1 and VR2 regions of the ORF K1 sequence were analyzed in samples (peripheral blood and/or lesional tissue) collected between 2000 and 2010 from 27 subjects with HHV-8 infection, established by the presence of anti-HHV-8 antibodies. On the basis of viral genotyping, a phylogenetic analysis and a time-scaled evaluation were performed. Results: Two main clades of HHV-8, corresponding to A and C subtypes, were identified. Moreover, for each subtype, two main clusters were found distinctively associated to cKS or non-cKS subjects. Selective pressure analysis showed twelve sites of the K1 coding gene (VR1 and VR2 regions) under positive selective pressure and one site under negative pressure. Conclusion: Thus, present data suggest that HHV-8 genetic variants may influence the susceptibility to cKS in individuals with HHV-8 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Classical Kaposi's Sarcoma (cKS) is a rare vascular tumor, which develops in subjects infected with Human Herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). Beside the host predisposing factors, viral genetic variants might possibly be related to disease development. The aim of this study was to identify HHV-8 variants in patients with cKS or in HHV-8 infected subjects either asymptomatic or with cKS-unrelated cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders. Methods The VR1 and VR2 regions of the ORF K1 sequence were analyzed in samples (peripheral blood and/or lesional tissue) collected between 2000 and 2010 from 27 anti subjects with HHV-8 infection, established by the presence of anti-HHV-8 antibodies. On the basis of viral genotyping, a phylogenetic analysis and a time-scaled evaluation were performed. Results Two main clades of HHV-8, corresponding to A and C subtypes, were identified. Moreover, for each subtype, two main clusters were found distinctively associated to cKS or non-cKS subjects. Selective pressure analysis showed twelve sites of the K1 coding gene (VR1 and VR2 regions) under positive selective pressure and one site under negative pressure. Conclusion Thus, present data suggest that HHV-8 genetic variants may influence the susceptibility to cKS in individuals with HHV-8 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, three novel human polyomaviruses were discovered: KIPyV, WUPyV and MCPyV. To study the genetic variability of these viruses, an evolutionary analysis of the large T antigen, small t antigen, VP1, VP2 and VP3 genes was carried out. Of the genes analyzed, only the small t antigen of KIPyV and MCPyV was found to be under statistically supported selective pressure. In KIPyV, 31 selected sites were found under positive selection (ω = 1.54), with posterior probabilities above 0.75. Of these sites, 17 are located in the J domain and two of these are located in the HPDGG box. Thirteen of these sites were identified as being under positive selection at the 99% confidence level. Moreover, seven codons were under significant purifying selection, particularly in the J domain. In MCPyV, we confirmed the five sites already found to be under positive selection (posterior probabilities 0.99). Selective pressure analysis may provide useful information on viral evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate an association between KI and WU polyomavirus (KIPyV and WUPyV) infections and CD4+ cell counts, we tested HIV-1-positive patients and blood donors. No association was found between cell counts and virus infections in HIV-1-positive patients. Frequency of KIPyV infection was similar for both groups. WUPyV was more frequent in HIV-1-positive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are the leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide. Information on etiological agents of ARI in developing countries is still limited. This study conducted in Alexandria, Egypt, was designed to determine the prevalence of several microorganisms in 113 children hospitalized with ARI. Overall, 65 agents were identified; 58 (51.3%) individuals were found to be positive for at least one pathogen, and seven of them were also positive for two agents. Chlamydophila pneumoniae was the most commonly detected agent (n=32; 28.3%), followed by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial and influenza. Positivity for C. pneumoniae, which was the most commonly detected agent, was associated with male sex and with mild disease of the upper respiratory tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this work was to explore the knowledge and acceptance of Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)-Herpes Zoster (HZ) vaccination in the general Italian population, where the HZ vaccine has not yet been distributed, using a prevalence study of subjects from two regions in Italy.Methods: A group of 3,173 individuals were interviewed using a questionnaire. The youngest age group (or= 41 years) were interviewed by general practitioners in their office.Results: In both regions, the majority of subjects had been infected with varicella, and only 165 (5.2%) subjects reported receiving the VZV vaccination. Regarding HZ, 2,749 (86.6%) individuals stated that they knew of the virus and 2,233 (70%) were willing to be vaccinated against HZ. The majority of people willing to be vaccinated were in the middle and older age groups (36.6% and 44.7%, respectively).Conclusion: Compliance versus vaccination results were satisfactory and probably, with the upcoming availability of the HZ vaccine in Italy, adults will be favourably disposed towards vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses a study that assessed the circulation of human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infection in HIV-infected patients. Information on serologic testing for anti HHV-8 antibodies; Characteristics of the subjects; Factors that increase the risk of HHV-8 infection among homosexual men.

A correction is presented to the article "Imported arboviral infections in Italy, July 2014-October 2015: a National Reference Laboratory report" by Claudia Fortuna and colleagues.

The article offers information on the possible cause of central nervous system (CNS) infection in several Mediterranean countries. It reports that a study to define the geographical range of Toscana virus (TOSV) and Flavivirus infection was conducted in Egypt and Mediterranean island of Sardinia. It proposes that studies on larger scale are imperative to define the origin of aseptic meningitis and meningo-encephalitis in the North African countries and in the Middle East.