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Abstract Aims The aim of this study is to report heart failure hospitalization (HFH) rates and associated costs within 12 months following implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)/cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT‐D) device replacement or upgrade from ICD to CRT‐D. Methods and results The DEtect long‐term COmplications after icD rEplacement (DECODE) was a prospective, single‐arm, multicentre cohort study that explored complications in ICD/CRT‐D recipients. All clinical and survival data at 12 months were prospectively analysed. For each adjudicated HFH, admission and discharge dates and ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis and procedure codes were recorded. The reimbursement for each HFH was calculated for each diagnosis‐related group code. Between 2013 and 2015, 983 patients (mean age 71 years, male 76%, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 35%, and New York Heart Association Class I/II 75.6%) were enrolled. Patients underwent device replacement (900; 91.6%, 446 ICD/454 CRT‐D) or ICD upgrade to CRT‐D (83; 8.4%). Post‐replacement hospitalizations occurred in 220 patients, with the primary discharge diagnosis identifying cardiovascular causes in 175 patients (80%). Fifty‐five (5.6%) patients experienced at least one HFH. Overall, 91 HFH events occurred (9.6% event rate, 95% confidence interval: 7.7–11.7) in 70 patients; 66 (6.7%) patients died, 40 (60.6%) of cardiovascular causes. The HFH rate was significantly higher following upgrades, and the occurrence of HFH was associated with an 11‐fold increased mortality risk (95% confidence interval: 5.9–20.5, P

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and catheter mapping has been proved to be an effective approach for detecting AF drivers to be targeted by ablation. Among drivers, the so-called rotors have gained the most attention: their identification and spatial location could help to understand which patient-specific mechanisms are acting, and thus to guide the ablation execution. Since rotor detection by multi-electrode catheters may be influenced by several structural parameters including inter-electrode spacing, catheter coverage, and endocardium-catheter distance, in this study we proposed a tool for testing the ability of different catheter shapes to detect rotors in different conditions. An approach based on the solution of the monodomain equations coupled with a modified Courtemanche ionic atrial model, that considers an electrical remodeling, was applied to simulate spiral wave dynamics on a 2D model for 7.75 s. The developed framework allowed the acquisition of unipolar signals at 2 KHz. Two high-density multipolar catheters were simulated (Advisor™ HD Grid and PentaRay®) and placed in a 2D region in which the simulated spiral wave persists longer. The configuration of the catheters was then modified by changing the number of electrodes, inter-electrodes distance, position, and atrial-wall distance for assessing how they would affect the rotor detection. In contact with the wall and at 1 mm distance from it, all the configurations detected the rotor correctly, irrespective of geometry, coverage, and inter-electrode distance. In the HDGrid-like geometry, the increase of the inter-electrode distance from 3 to 6 mm caused rotor detection failure at 2 mm distance from the LA wall. In the PentaRay-like configuration, regardless of inter-electrode distance, rotor detection failed at 3 mm endocardium-catheter distance. The asymmetry of this catheter resulted in rotation-dependent rotor detection. To conclude, the computational framework we developed is based on realistic catheter shapes designed with parameter configurations which resemble clinical settings. Results showed it is well suited to investigate how mapping catheter geometry and location affect AF driver detection, therefore it is a reliable tool to design and test new mapping catheters.

Marjolin’s ulcer is a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising from any site of established chronic inflammation, especially with presence of scar tissue. An emblematic case report of locally disseminated SCC arising from a chronic osteomyelitis of the left leg complicated by recurring soft tissue infections lasting since 46 years is presented and discussed according to the available international literature evidence. Concurrent diseases, supporting factors, clinical and histopathological presentation, differential diagnosis, and time and mode of management of this potentially functional- and life-threatening pathological condition are reviewed and discussed to offer a theme to daily clinical care.

We aim to describe a patient with an already advanced HIV infection disclosed for the first time during a complex diagnostic workup, which detected a gross abdominal mass attributable to a poorly differentiated mesenchymal cancer with sarcomatoid features which rapidly led our patient to death, in absence of other potential HIV-associated opportunistic diseases. Although extremely rare and rapidly lethal, our case report underscores the need of all caregivers who follow HIV-infected patients also in the cART era to maintain an elevated attention toward infrequent, unexpected, and clinically atypical solid tumors, in order to ensure a timely diagnosis and management when possible.

A probable case report of an abdominal botryomycosis has been hypothesized in a patient with a stable HIV infection under an effective antiretroviral therapy. Hyperpyrexia, abdominal pain and tenderness, and a thickening of small intestinal walls associated with multiple mesenteric adenopathies and a peritoneal involvement, prompted an ultrasonography-guided fine needle biopsy, and later a laparoscopy-laparotomy which excluded a neoplastic or lymphoproliferative disorders, showing only abundant fibrotic and necrotic-steatonecrotic tissue, with sparse multinuclear giant cells type Langhans. The prompt response to surgical intervention and a treatment with i.v. meropenem alone might be referred to a concurrent gram-negative infection of abdominal origin, until a late culture of an atypical Mycobacterium came to our attention over one month after the end of hospitalization. An updated literature search is presented and discussed, in relationship with the observed, extremely infrequent case reports of botryomycosis in different clinical settings.

After examining the most recent scientific evidences, which assessed the role of some malaria plasmodia that have monkeys as natural reservoirs, the authors focus their attention on Plasmodium knowlesi. The infective foci attributable to this last Plasmodium species have been identified during the last decade in Malaysia, in particular in the states of Sarawak and Sabah (Malaysian Borneo), and in the Pahang region (peninsular Malaysia). The significant relevance of molecular biology assays (polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, performed with specific primers for P. knowlesi), is underlined, since the traditional microscopic examination does not offer distinguishing features, especially when the differential diagnosis with Plasmodium malariae is of concern. Furthermore, Plasmodium knowlesi disease may be responsible of fatal cases, since its clinical presentation and course is more severe compared with those caused by P. malariae, paralleling a more elevated parasitemia. The most effective mosquito vector is represented by Anopheles latens; this mosquito is a parasite of both humans and monkeys. Among primates, the natural hosts are Macaca fascicularis, M. nemestina, M. inus, and Saimiri scirea. When remarking the possible severe evolution of P. knowlesi malaria, we underline the importance of an early recognition and a timely management, especially in patients who have their first onset in Western Hospitals, after journeys in Southeast Asian countries, and eventually participated in trekking excursions in the tropical forest. When malaria-like signs and symptoms are present, a timely diagnosis and treatment become crucial. In the light of its emerging epidemiological features, P. knowlesi may be added to the reknown human malaria parasites, whith includes P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. falciparum, as the fifth potential ethiologic agent of human malaria. Over the next few years, it will be mandatory to support an adequate surveillance and epidemiological network. In parallel with epidemiological and health care policy studies, also an accurate appraisal of the clinical features of P. knowlesi-affected patients will be strongly needed, since some preliminary experiences seem to show an increased disease severity, associated with increased parasitemia, in parallel with the progressive increase of inter-human infectious passages of this emerging Plasmodium. Keywords: malaria parasites, Plasmodium knowlesi, emerging plasmodia, human health, public health concerns

During the evolution of the genus Homo, with regard to species habilis, erectus and sapiens, malaria infection played a key biological role, influencing the anthropological development too. Plasmodia causing malaria developed two kinds of evolution, according to a biological and philogenetical point of view. In particular, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium ovale, would have either coevolved with human mankind (coevolution), or reached human species during the most ancient phases of genus Homo evolution. On the other hand, Plasmodium falciparum has been transmitted to humans by monkeys in a more recent period, probably between the end of Mesolithic and the beginning of Neolithic age. The authors show both direct and indirect biomolecular evidences of malaria infection, detected in buried subjects, dating to the Ancient World, and brought to light in the course of archeological excavations in some relevant Mediterranean sites. In this literature review the Authors organize present scientific evidences: these confirm the malarial role in affecting the evolution of populations in Mediterranean countries. The people living in several different regions on the Mediterranean Sea sides, the cradle of western civilization, have been progressively influenced by malaria, in the course of the spread of this endemic disease during the last millennia. In addition, populations affected by endemic malaria developed cultural, dietary and behaviour adaptations, contributing to decrease the risk of disease. These habits were not probably fully conscious. Nevertheless it may be thought that both these customs and biological modifications, caused by malarial plasmodia, favoured the emergence of groups of people with a greater resistance against malaria. All these considered factors decreased demographical impact, influencing in a favourable way the general development and growth of civilization.Durante a evolução do gênero Homo a infecção por malária exerceu papel biológico chave, influenciando até o desenvolvimento antropológico. Os Plasmódios causadores da malária desenvolveram dois tipos de evolução, segundo um ponto de vista biológico, e filogenético. Em particular, os Plasmódios vivax, malariae, e ovale poderiam ter coevoluído com a espécie humana ou ter atingido esta durante as fases mais antigas da evolução do gênero HOMO. Por outro lado, o Plasmódio falciparum teria sido transmitido aos humanos por macacos num período mais recente, provavelmente entre o fim da Idade Mesolítica e o início da Neolítica. Os Autores mostram evidências biomoleculares, tanto diretas como indiretas, de infecção por malária, observada em indivíduos enterrados, reportando ao Mundo Antigo, e trazidas à luz no decorrer de escavações arqueológicas em alguns sítios relevantes Mediterrâneos. Nesta revisão da literatura, os autores organizam evidências modernas. Confirmam o papel da malária ao afetar a evolução das populações no Mediterrâneo. As pessoas que moram nas várias regiões do Mediterrâneo foram progressivamente influenciadas pela malária, ao longo do avanço desta doença. Além disso, as populações afetadas desenvolveram adaptações culturais, alimentares, e de comportamento, contribuindo para uma redução no risco da doença. Entretanto, pode ser que ambas modificações (as biológicas e as dos hábitos) usadas pelos Plasmódios da malária, favoreceram a emergência de grupos de pessoas com maior resistência contra a malária. Todos estes fatores considerados reduziram o impacto demográfico, influenciando de uma maneira favorável o desenvolvimento em geral, e o crescimento da civilização.

Introduction: methicillin- and also vancomycin (glycopeptide)-resistant Gram-positive organisms have emerged as an increasingly problematic cause of hospital-acquired infections, also spreading into the community. Vancomycin (glycopeptide) resistance has emerged primarily among Enterococci, but the MIC values of vancomycin for the entire Staphylococcus species are also increasing worldwide. Material and Methods: the aim of our review is to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of newer antibiotics with activity against methicillin-resistant and glycopeptide-resistant Gram-positive cocci, on the ground of our experience at a tertiary care metropolitan Hospital, and the most recent literature evidences in this field. Results: Quinupristin- dalfopristin, linezolid, daptomycin, and tigecycline show an excellent in vitro activity, comparable to the activity of vancomycin and teicoplanin for methicillin-resistant staphylococci, and superior to the one that vancomycin for vancomycin-resistant isolates. Dalbavancin, televancin, and oritavancin are new lipoglycopeptide agents with excellent activity against Gram-positive cocci, and have superior pharmacodynamics properties compared to vancomycin. We review the bacterial spectrum, clinical indications and practical use, pharmacologic properties, and expected adverse events and contraindications associated with each of these novel antimicrobial agents, compared with the present standard of care. Discussion: linezolid activity is substantially comparable to that of vancomycin in patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia, although its penetration into the respiratory tract is exceptionally elevated. Tigecycline has activity against both Enterococus species and MRSA; it is also active against a broad spectrum of Enterobacteriaceae and anaerobes, which allows for use intraabdominal, diabetic foot and surgical infections. Daptomycin has a rapid bactericidal activity for Staphylococcus aureus and it is approved in severe complications, such as bacteremia and right-sided endocarditis. It cannot be used to treat pneumonia and respiratory diseases, due to its inactivation in the presence of pulmonary surfactant. Keywords: resistant gram-positive cocci, staphylococci, enterococci, pneumococci, streptococci, epidemiology, clinical issues, novel antimicrobial compounds, characteristics, literature evidences

Objective: To determine the turnover for each antiretroviral drugs present in TP’s of patients under care for HIV infection, with a special focus on PI’s and NNRTI’s. Design/Methods: We have carried out a retrospective analysis with the aim of evaluating the turnover of each drug in the 3-year period 1998-2000. Using a specifically designed software, it was possible to determine the changes in TP for each single patient. We then calculated a different weighted percentage for each drug on the basis of the time interval from the drug entry to its exclusion from the TP: the shorter the interval, the greater the assigned weight. Finally we carried out a cluster analysis in order to obtain homogeneous groups of molecules showing the same degree of therapy switches. We established that a higher average score corresponds to a higher therapy switch rate. Results: Zidovudine/Lamivudine combination, Indinavir, Lamivudine, Nerivapine and Nelfinavir are the drugs with the lowest turnover. On the other hand, Saquinavir, Didanosine, Zidavudine, and Stavudine show the highest turnover. Conclusion: The introduction of NNRTI’s with the associated switch from PI’s (Saquinavir, Nelfinavir) and the Zidavudine/Lamivudine combination enables a simplification of the treatment. This practice appeared to be a good choice in the 3-year period under consideration. The adoption of these therapeutic solutions reduce the turnover, consequently giving more stability to TP’s.

The present study aimed to evaluate if it’s possible to reduce the costs for the anti-infective medicine in a ward for the infectious disease. Analytic accounts data, related to the cost for three kind of drugs (antibiotic, antimicrobic and antriretroviral) will be presented. The analytic account is referred to the Bologna USL Firm (Presidi ospedalieri Bellaria and Maggiore) and to the Hospital Unit for the infectious disease (Ospedale Maggiore) in the year 1999. The Hospital Unit for the infectious disease consists of two ward for day of stay (32 beds), one day hospital for 10 beds and one divisional outpatients’ clinic. In 1999 there were 650 hospitalized (and discharged) patients and 783 day hospital patients. The overall cost for the Bologna USL Firm was L. 11.068.023.000, accounting L. 7.253.846.000 (65.5%) for the antiretroviral drug, L. 1.958.115.000 (17%) for the antibiotic drug and L. 1.856.062.000 (16.8%) for the antimicrobic drug and other antinfective medicine. The expenditure for the Hospital Unit for the infectious disease was L. 7.543.851.000, accounting L. 7.008.163.000 (92.9%) for the antiretroviral drug, L. 256.167.000 (3.4%) for the antibiotic drug and L. 279.521.000 (3.7%) for the antimicrobic drug and other antinfective medicine.

An exceptional case report of community-acquired, disseminated infection caused by a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain, responsible for pneumonia, sepsis, and scattered septic embolism, and accompanied by diffuse polyvisceritis and thrombophlebitis as signs of an overwhelming extensive activation of the immune system, is reported and discussed on the grounds of the most recent evidence in literature. The striking features of a severe, multiresistant S. aureus polyvisceral disease associated with multiple immune-mediated focal manifestations are in contrast with the community-acquired origin of infection and the apparent absence of supporting factors for both antimicrobial resistance and the unexpected, exaggerated immune activation occurred in an otherwise healthy man. The extensive immune activation status (as demonstrated by a proportionally maintained absolute lymphocyte cont and a T-cell subset study pointing out an increased quote of CD4+, CD34+, and CD4-CD8- cells, compared with a proportional decrease of CD8+ T-lymphocytes) probably had a prominent role in prompting several focal clinical features of our patient, which apparently were not directly related to bacterial invasion, such as the polyvisceritis, the massive pleuric and pericardial effusion, the myocarditis-pericarditis, and the thrombophlebitis occurring in multiple and remote body sites, as compared with to the initial respiratory localization. This case report raises multiple questions regarding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and management of complicated S. aureus infection, including the role of novel antimicrobial agents and corticosteroids.

The elevated frequency of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection found among prison inmates, and the availability of improved pharmacological cure for this potentially life-threatening disorder, make investigations conducted in this somewhat neglected area very relevant, since only a few, open-label experiences have been reported till now. In the metropolitan prison of Bologna (Italy), HCV seroprevalence was found to be over 31% in 2003, so that a pilot feasibility study based on treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin was initiated, after careful counseling carried out by a joint commission of health care personnel of the correctional facility and infectious diseases consultants. Thirty-nine patients were enrolled, and despite expected dropouts due to difficulty in maintaining the same level of counseling pressure over time, and the particularly unfavorable climatic conditions during Summer 2003, a sustained virological response was obtained for 8 out of the 21 patients who remained evaluable after the first three month follow-up, although we need to take into account that a high percentage of subjects (67%) were selected for therapy due to their favorable HCV genotypes (types 2 and 3). Our preliminary experience shows that an intrinsically complicated therapy, such as the administration of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin, can attain a relatively high success rate, even in a very unfavorable and uncomfortable context, such as a prison, where only enforced counseling, active participation of institutional health care operators, and patient's willingness to maintain an elevated level of co-operation and adherence, can overcome most structural and relational difficulties.

A patient with HIV infection developed the first episode of AIDS-defining opportunism (severe Candida albicans esophagitis) with an underlying CD4+ lymphocyte count of 1,025 cells/µL. After treatment with a highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), taken with insufficient compliance and leaving a residual viral load, our patient suffered from two relapses of esophageal candidiasis, which occurred three months and seven years later, when his CD4+ lymphocyte count was 930 and 439 cells/µL, respectively, and a viral load slightly above 10(4) copies/mL was still present. Also in the HAART era, Candida esophagitis remains one of the most common AIDS-defining diseases, but a presentation with a concurrent CD4+ count above 1,000 cells/µL remains a rare exception, as well as the two isolated, subsequent relapses, occurred with a CD4+ count ranging from 439 to 930 cells/µL, and a residual HIV viremia due to insufficient adherence to the prescribed HAART regimens. Our case report represents the opportunity to revisit the epidemiology and, especially, the pathogenesis of this opportunistic fungal complication in HIV-infected patients and in other subjects at risk, on the ground of an extensive literature review, and to explore possible alternative supporting factors other than the crude absolute CD4+ lymphocyte count, with emphasis on the possible role of a persisting HIV viremia, and other potential contributing factors. Clinicians engaged with immunocompromised patients and subjects with HIV disease, should be aware that a Candida esophagitis may occur and relapse also when the cell-mediated immunity, as measured by a simple CD4+ cell count, do not show relevant abnormalities.

BACKGROUND: The emergency regarding recent immigration waves into Italy makes continued healthcare monitoring of these populations necessary. METHODS: Through a survey of hospital admissions carried out during the last five years at the S. Orsola-Malpighi General Hospital of Bologna (Italy), all causes of admission of these subjects were evaluated, together with their correlates. Subsequently, we focused on admissions due to infectious diseases. All available data regarding foreign citizens admitted as inpatients or in Day-Hospital settings of our teaching hospital from January 1, 1999, to March 31, 2004, were assessed. Diagnosis-related group (DRG) features, and single discharge diagnoses, were also evaluated, and a further assessment of infectious diseases was subsequently made. RESULTS: Within a comprehensive pool of 339,051 hospitalized patients, foreign citizen discharges numbered 7,312 (2.15%), including 2,542 males (34.8%) and 4,769 females (65.2%). Males had a mean age of 36.8±14.7 years, while females were aged 30.8±12.2 years. In the assessment of the areas of origin, 34.6% of hospitalizations were attributed to patients coming from Eastern Europe, 15.3% from Northern Africa, 7.3% (comprehensively) from Western Europe and United States, 6.9% from the Indian subcontinent, 5.9% from sub-Saharan Africa, 5.7% from Latin America, 4.1% from China, 2.5% from the Philippines, and 1.1% from the Middle East. Among women, most hospitalizations (58.8%) were due to obstetrical-gynecological procedures or diseases, including assistance with delivery (27.1%), and pregnancy complications (18.7%), followed by psycho-social disturbances (5.9%), malignancies (5.1%), gastrointestinal diseases (4.7%), and voluntary pregnancy interruption (4.4%). Among men, the most frequent causes of admissions were related to trauma (15.9%), followed by gastroenteric disorders (12%), heart-vascular diseases (8.9%), psycho-social disorders (8.4%), respiratory (7.1%), kidney (6.1%), liver (5.2%), and metabolic (4.9%) diseases, and alcohol or substance abuse (4.2%). Infectious diseases (alone or with concurrent disorders) were reported in 881 discharged individuals, representing 12.1% of the 7,312 DRGs attributed to foreign patients. The comprehensive patient population discharged from our hospital with at least one infectious disease diagnosis had lower rates of respiratory tract infections, followed by chronic viral hepatitis, HIV infection and related diseases, enterocolitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, pyelonephritis, severe skin and soft tissue infection, meningoencephalitis, and malaria, as the most frequently-reported disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey, through a combined analysis of both DRGs and discharge diagnoses, allowed us to conclude that 12.1% of foreign citizens hospitalized at our General teaching Hospital of Bologna (Italy) suffered from at least one infectious disease. Respiratory tract, liver, and gastrointestinal infections, and HIV infection, were found with an appreciable frequency among discharge diagnoses, while the frequency of malaria and meningoencephalitis was lower, compared with other series. Among disorders other than infectious diseases, obstetric-gynecological conditions and post-traumatic episodes (for male patients) were the most frequent causes of hospitalization.

After examining the most recent scientific evidences, which assessed the role of some malaria plasmodia that have monkeys as natural reservoirs, the authors focus their attention on Plasmodium knowlesi. The infective foci attributable to this last Plasmodium species have been identified during the last decade in Malaysia, in particular in the states of Sarawak and Sabah (Malaysian Borneo), and in the Pahang region (peninsular Malaysia). The significant relevance of molecular biology assays (polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, performed with specific primers for P. knowlesi), is underlined, since the traditional microscopic examination does not offer distinguishing features, especially when the differential diagnosis with Plasmodium malariae is of concern. Furthermore, Plasmodium knowlesi disease may be responsible of fatal cases, since its clinical presentation and course is more severe compared with those caused by P. malariae, paralleling a more elevated parasitemia. The most effective mosquito vector is represented by Anopheles latens; this mosquito is a parasite of both humans and monkeys. Among primates, the natural hosts are Macaca fascicularis, M. nemestina, M. inus, and Saimiri scirea. When remarking the possible severe evolution of P. knowlesi malaria, we underline the importance of an early recognition and a timely management, especially in patients who have their first onset in Western Hospitals, after journeys in Southeast Asian countries, and eventually participated in trekking excursions in the tropical forest. When malaria-like signs and symptoms are present, a timely diagnosis and treatment become crucial. In the light of its emerging epidemiological features, P. knowlesi may be added to the reknown human malaria parasites, whith includes P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. falciparum, as the fifth potential ethiologic agent of human malaria. Over the next few years, it will be mandatory to support an adequate surveillance and epidemiological network. In parallel with epidemiological and health care policy studies, also an accurate appraisal of the clinical features of P. knowlesi-affected patients will be strongly needed, since some preliminary experiences seem to show an increased disease severity, associated with increased parasitemia, in parallel with the progressive increase of inter-human infectious passages of this emerging Plasmodium.

INTRODUCTION: methicillin- and also vancomycin (glycopeptide)-resistant Gram-positive organisms have emerged as an increasingly problematic cause of hospital-acquired infections, also spreading into the community. Vancomycin (glycopeptide) resistance has emerged primarily among Enterococci, but the MIC values of vancomycin for the entire Staphylococcus species are also increasing worldwide. MATERIAL AND METHODS: the aim of our review is to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of newer antibiotics with activity against methicillin-resistant and glycopeptide-resistant Gram-positive cocci, on the ground of our experience at a tertiary care metropolitan Hospital, and the most recent literature evidences in this field. RESULTS: Quinupristin-dalfopristin, linezolid, daptomycin, and tigecycline show an excellent in vitro activity, comparable to the activity of vancomycin and teicoplanin for methicillin-resistant staphylococci, and superior to the one that vancomycin for vancomycin-resistant isolates. Dalbavancin, televancin, and oritavancin are new lipoglycopeptide agents with excellent activity against Gram-positive cocci, and have superior pharmacodynamics properties compared to vancomycin. We review the bacterial spectrum, clinical indications and practical use, pharmacologic properties, and expected adverse events and contraindications associated with each of these novel antimicrobial agents, compared with the present standard of care. DISCUSSION: linezolid activity is substantially comparable to that of vancomycin in patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) pneumonia, although its penetration into the respiratory tract is exceptionally elevated. Tigecycline has activity against both Enterococus species and MRSA; it is also active against a broad spectrum of Enterobacteriaceae and anaerobes, which allows for use intraabdominal, diabetic foot and surgical infections. Daptomycin has a rapid bactericidal activity for Staphylococcus aureus and it is approved in severe complications, such as bacteremia and right-sided endocarditis. It cannot be used to treat pneumonia and respiratory diseases, due to its inactivation in the presence of pulmonary surfactant.

Cat-scratch disease warrants extensive investigation, from an epidemiological, a diagnostic, but especially a therapeutic point of view. Two suggestive episodes of Bartonella henselae-caused cat-scratch disease are reported, and discussed in the light of the most recent literature evidence. The first case occurred in a 60-year-old man, thus suggesting that it is important to maintain an elevated level of suspicion for this disease in adults as well. Both episodes were characterized by a very prolonged and complicated disease course (with the involvement of three lymph node sets in the first case), a need for lymph-node drainage, and apparently negligible activity of many antimicrobial courses, with a very slow local cure. While specific culture and molecular biology techniques proved negative (probably due to late availability of appropriate clinical specimens), indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay was positive since the first weeks of disease, and elevated levels were also fond many months after disease onset. When clinicians face patients with prominent swelling of lymph nodes draining from the upper limbs, cat-scratch disease may be suspected on the grounds of epidemiological and clinical features, with a limited systemic involvement contrasting with a prominent local disease. The significance of specific antibody temporal kinetics in the subacute disease course is still unknown. Although biomolecular assays are now available, the time elapsed from disease onset to clinical diagnosis usually hampers diagnosis, while the roles of surgical debridement and of the unpredictable activity of antimicrobial chemotherapy warrant careful investigation.

The hospitalizations of 1,239 patients aged 14 years or less and immigrated from extra-European Union countries in Italy were assessed in the 6-year period, from 1999 to 2004. The main demographic and clinical features were analyzed according to several variables, also distiguishing patients aged less than one year, from those aged 1-14 years. The introduction of a deed of indemnity law in 2001 profoundly changed the pattern of admissions and health care needs and exploitation during subsequent years, leading to a massive regularization of clandestine immigrants.