DONA ORA
Pubblicazioni - Zannoli Dott.ssa Silvia
-
West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus Co-Circulation in Europe: Epidemiology and Implications.
Microorganisms2019 Jun;7(7):. doi: E184.
Zannoli Silvia, Sambri Vittorio
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are neurotropic mosquito-borne flaviviruses that may infect humans. Although WNV is much more widespread and plays a much larger role in human health, the two viruses are characterized by similar envelope antigens, clinical manifestations, and present overlapping in terms of geographic range of transmission, host, and vector species. This review highlights some of the most relevant aspects of WNV and USUV human infections in Europe, and the possible implications of their co-circulation.
Guarda su PubMed
-
Easyscreen? Enteric Protozoa Assay For the Detection of Intestinal Parasites: A Retrospective Bi-Center Study.
J Parasitol2019 Feb;105(1):58-63.
Dirani Giorgio, Zannoli Silvia, Paesini Elena, Farabegoli Patrizia, Dalmo Barbara, Vocale Caterina, Liguori Giovanna, Varani Stefania, Sambri Vittorio
Abstract
Gastroenteritis caused by single or multiple pathogens remains a major diagnostic challenge for the laboratory, as diagnosis is achieved using different techniques with variable sensitivity and specificity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the EasyScreen? Enteric Protozoa Detection Kit, a multiplex PCR assay for the detection and identification of the 5 most common protozoan parasites in fecal samples. A total of 632 fecal samples, submitted for routine screening to 2 centers in north-eastern Italy, was included in the study. The results of the molecular assay were compared to those of the standard diagnostic procedures, represented by microscopy and immunoassays. Out of 32 samples testing positive by conventional tools, 31 were detected as concordantly positive using the EasyScreen Kit. Additionally, 91 out of 632 samples only tested positive by the molecular test, therefore increasing the positive detection rate by 275%. Finally, the EasyScreen assay detected 14 co-infections compared to 3 co-infections identified by conventional methods. The EasyScreen Kit provided a rapid and sensitive simultaneous identification of the most important diarrhea-causing protozoa that infect humans. Additionally, this molecular assay presents several advantages compared to conventional tools, such as the standardization and near-total automation of the process. Although critical issues related to the employment of molecular assays are still evident, the system is suitable for clinical parasitological diagnosis as long as it is used in association with conventional tools.
Guarda su PubMed
-
Rapid diagnosis of bloodstream infections in the critically ill: Evaluation of the broad-range PCR/ESI-MS technology.
PLoS One2018 ;13(5):e0197436. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197436.
Tassinari Martina, Zannoli Silvia, Farabegoli Patrizia, Pedna Maria Federica, Pierro Anna, Mastroianni Antonio, Fontan Riccardo, Luongo Luciano, Sarnataro Giuseppe, Menegatti Elisa, Caruso Assunta, Sambri Vittorio
Abstract
Bloodstream infection (BSI) and associated sepsis represent a major source of mortality in industrialized countries. Prompt treatment with targeted antibiotics affects both the financial impact and the clinical outcome of BSI: every hour gained in initiating the correct antimicrobial therapy significantly increases the probability of patient survival. However, the current standard-of-care, which depends on blood culture-based diagnosis, are often unable to provide such a fast response. Fast and sensitive molecular techniques for the detection of sepsis-related pathogens from primary blood samples are strongly needed. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of the IRIDICA BAC BSI Assay, a PCR/ESI-MS-based technology for the early diagnosis of bloodstream infections from primary blood samples in critical patients. This evaluation has been performed by comparison with the traditional culture-based methods. The study was performed on a total of 300 prospective whole blood specimens obtained from patients suspected of sepsis, admitted to enrolling ER units from The Greater Romagna Area. The overall concordance between the two techniques was of 86%, with a calculated sensitivity of 76% and an assay specificity of 90%. The clinical significance of discrepant results was evaluated reviewing the patients' clinical records and the results of additional relevant microbiological tests. The data here obtained support the ability of the IRIDICA BAC BSI Assay to identify a broad range of bacteria directly from primary whole blood samples, within eight hours. This might allow a timely administration of a suitable treatment.
Guarda su PubMed
-
Is Treatment With Dithiothreitol More Effective Than Sonication for the Diagnosis of Prosthetic Joint Infection?
Clin Orthop Relat Res2018 01;476(1):137-145. doi: 10.1007/s11999.0000000000000060.
Sambri Andrea, Cadossi Matteo, Giannini Sandro, Pignatti Giovanni, Marcacci Maurilio, Neri Maria Pia, Maso Alessandra, Storni Elisa, Gamberini Simonetta, Naldi Susanna, Torri Arianna, Zannoli Silvia, Tassinari Martina, Fantini Michela, Bianchi Giuseppe, Donati Davide, Sambri Vittorio
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is among the most-severe complications of a total joint arthroplasty. Identification of the causal organism is of paramount importance for successful treatment, and sonication of implants may aid in this identification. Dithiothreitol (DTT) treatment has been proposed as an alternative to sonication to improve diagnosis, reduce costs, and improve reliability of the procedure, but its efficacy remains poorly characterized.
QUESTIONS/PURPOSES:
(1) Are DTT and sonication more sensitive and/or more specific than standard cultures of tissue samples for the diagnosis of PJI? (2) Which test (DTT or sonication) is more sensitive when the clinician does not suspect infection before surgery? (3) Which test (DTT or sonication) is more sensitive when the clinician suspects infection before surgery?
METHODS:
Two hundred thirty-two patients undergoing revision of a knee or hip arthroplasty were prospectively evaluated in this randomized study. Cultures were performed on five tissue samples from each patient and on fluid obtained by prosthesis treatment in patients randomly assigned to sonication (117 patients) or DTT (115 patients). The reference standard against which cultures (on tissue samples and on fluids from sonication or DTT) were compared was the Musculoskeletal Infection Society definition of PJI.
RESULTS:
Cultures on sonication and DTT fluids provided higher sensitivity (89% and 91%, respectively) than those on standard cultures of tissue samples (79%; p < 0.001). Among patients in whom infection was not suspected before surgery, the sensitivity of DTT was greater than that for sonication and cultures on tissue samples (100% versus 70% and 50%; p < 0.001). Among patients in whom infection was suspected before surgery, the sensitivity of DTT and sonication were not greater than that for standard cultures (89% and 94% versus 86%).
CONCLUSIONS:
In this randomized study, we found no difference in sensitivity between DTT and sonication for the detection of PJI, and both of those tests were more sensitive than standard tissue cultures. Thus, cultures of sonication or DTT fluid should be considered important additional tools to standard cultures for definition of PJI and should be considered together with other criteria, especially in settings where infection is not suspected before revision surgery.Level of Evidence Level I, diagnostic study.
Guarda su PubMed
-
Pulmonary function and expiratory flow limitation in acute cervical spinal cord injury.
Arch Phys Med Rehabil2012 Nov;93(11):1950-6. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2012.04.015.
Alvisi Valentina, Marangoni Elisabetta, Zannoli Silvia, Uneddu Mariella, Uggento Riccardo, Farabegoli Lucia, Ragazzi Riccardo, Milic-Emili Joseph, Belloni Gian P, Alvisi Raffaele, Volta Carlo A
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To identify the nature of the changes of respiratory mechanics in patients with middle cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) and their correlation with posture.
DESIGN:
Clinical trial.
SETTING:
Acute SCI unit.
PARTICIPANTS:
Patients with SCI (N=34) at C4-5 level studied within 6 months of injury.
INTERVENTIONS:
Patients were assessed by the negative expiratory pressure test, maximal static respiratory pressure test, and standard spirometry.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
The following respiratory variables were recorded in both the semirecumbent and supine positions: (1) tidal expiratory flow limitation (TEFL); (2) airway resistances; (3) mouth occlusion pressure developed 0.1 seconds after occluded inspiration at functional residual capacity (P(0.1)); (4) maximal static inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal static expiratory pressure (MEP); and (5) spirometric data.
RESULTS:
TEFL was detected in 32% of the patients in the supine position and in 9% in the semirecumbent position. Airway resistances and P(0.1) were much higher compared with normative values, while MIP and MEP were markedly reduced. The ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 second to forced vital capacity was less than 70%, while the other spirometric data were reduced up to 30% of predicted values.
CONCLUSIONS:
Patients with middle cervical SCI can develop TEFL. The presence of TEFL, associated with increased airway resistance, could increase the work of breathing in the presence of a reduced capacity of the respiratory muscles to respond to the increased load. The semirecumbent position and the use of continuous positive airway pressure can be helpful to (1) reduce the extent of TEFL and avoid the opening/closure of the small airways; (2) decrease airway resistance; and (3) maintain the expiratory flow as high as possible, which aids in the removal of secretions.
Copyright © 2012 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Guarda su PubMed
