Incidence and antibiotic susceptibility of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum isolated in Brescia, Italy, over 7 years.

The prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis collected during 2004-2011 were determined. A total of 9956 individuals was analyzed. Identification was performed by use of the mycoplasma IST-2 kit. Antimicrobial susceptibility against doxycycline, josamycin, ofloxacin, erythromycin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, and pristinamycin was also tested by use of this commercial kit. Our results show a prevalence of 1856 positive patients for genital mycoplasmas (18.6 %). Among positive cultures, 89 and 1.1 % of isolates were Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis, respectively. For 9.8 % of isolates both urogenital mycoplasmas were grown. Doxycycline was the most active tetracycline for mycoplasma infections, and this is still the drug of first choice. Among macrolides, josamycin and clarithromycin are the most active agents against ureaplasmas; josamycin is also active against mycoplasmas and is an alternative to tetracyclines and erythromycin for mixed infections, especially for pregnant women and neonates. Fluoroquinolones had low efficacy against urogenital mycoplasmas. For Ureaplasma urealyticum, cross-resistance was found between erythromycin and macrolides (except josamycin) (40-80 %) and between erythromycin and ciprofloxacin (79 %). Antibiotic resistance over the test period did not vary significantly. Because of geographical differences among antibiotic resistance, local in-vitro susceptibility testing is recommended to avoid failure of therapy.

Impact of detectable human cytomegalovirus DNAemia on viro-immunological effectiveness of HAART in HIV-infected patients naive to antiretroviral therapy.

Our objective was to explore whether positive human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNAemia at baseline impaired CD4+ T-cell increase after 1 year of HAART. A sub-study of a randomized clinical trial in selected patients with <200 cell/mm CD4+ at baseline was conducted. Six out of 30 patients had detectable HCMV DNAemia at baseline, all reaching HCMV suppression at week 52 after HAART (only 1 of them was treated with valgancyclovir). No significant differences were found between patients with detectable or undetectable HCMV DNAemia in terms of CD4+ T-cell increase and HIV RNA response to HAART. Although some data may favor HCVM pre-emptive therapy to decrease immune activation, our results do not indicate that this practice may increase CD4+ T-cell count after HAART. At the same time, HAART proved effective in reducing HCMV DNAemia without the need for a specific therapy.

Avidity Index for anti-HIV antibodies: comparison between third- and fourth-generation automated immunoassays.

The development of assays for detecting recent HIV infections has become crucial for analyzing trends in infection in different populations, both for surveillance and prevention activities. The anti-HIV avidity index (AI), measured with third-generation immunoassays (which detect anti-HIV antibody), has been shown to be an accurate tool for discriminating recent HIV infections (<6 months) from established infections (≥ 6 months). We compared a third-generation immunoassay (AxSYM HIV 1/2 gO; Abbott Diagnostics) to a fourth-generation immunoassay (Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo; Abbott Diagnostics; which detects anti-HIV antibody and p24 antigen) in terms of AI performance in distinguishing between recent and established HIV infections. A total of 142 samples from 75 HIV-infected individuals with an estimated date of seroconversion were assayed. The two assays showed the same accuracy in identifying a recent infection (91.5%), using an AI cutoff of 0.80, although Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo was slightly more sensitive (89.4% versus 84.8%; P > 0.05) and yet less specific (93.4% versus 97.4%; P > 0.05). The correlation between assays was high (r = 0.87). When 20 specimens falling in the gray zone around the cutoff point (0.75 ≤ AI ≤ 0.84) were excluded, the accuracy of AI with Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo was 94.7%, and the concordance between the two assays was 99.2%. The anti-HIV AI is a serological marker that accurately discriminates recent from established HIV infections. It can be successfully applied on fully automated fourth-generation HIV Ab/Ag immunoassays, which have several advantages, including increased throughput, high reproducibility, no need for specific technical skills, and easy comparability of results obtained in different settings.

Quantitative viral load measurement for BKV infection in renal transplant recipients as a predictive tool for BKVAN.

Infection by polyomavirus BK (BKV) is an emerging problem in the clinical management of renal transplant patients because it is responsible for nephropathy and consequently can cause loss of the transplanted organ (BKV associated nephropathy, BKVAN). Aim of this study was to evaluate the use of blood viral load measurement as a screening tool for diagnosis of BKV infection and to identify a threshold value for the management of patients. A total of 75 kidney transplant patients, corresponding to 338 consecutive plasma samples, were analyzed by an automatic system for nucleic acid extraction and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of BKV. BKV was detected in 170 samples (26 patients) with a median viral load of 4.1 log10 copies/mL; among these 26 patients, seven (34.7%) were found to have BKVAN on allograft biopsy together with a median viral load of 5 log10 copies/mL. The ROC curve analysis identified a viral load equal to 4.1 log10 copies/mL as the best discriminant cut-off value to predict the disease and to identify patients at risk of developing BKVAN.

Bacterial species present in the lower male genital tract: a five-year retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify bacterial species present in the lower genital tract of males and to investigate the relationship with semen quality. METHODS: The microscopic analyses and cultures of 696 semen specimens, collected over five years from males investigated for subfertility, were retrospectively assessed. RESULTS: Semen cultures were sterile in 48%; they showed a polymicrobial flora (more than two bacterial species) in 30%, and were positive (>1 × 10(3) colony forming units/ml) in 22% of the cases. Gardnerella vaginalis was the most frequently isolated bacterium, followed by Escherichia coli and Enterococcus sp. Ureaplasma urealyticum was recovered from 13 of 147 samples (9%). Of patients with bacteriospermia 42% had leukospermia (>10(6) leukocytes/ml of semen). Bacteriospermia and leukospermia did not correlate with each other although a positive correlation was found between the presence of leukocytes and G. vaginalis isolation. Semen parameters were correlated with the bacterial species isolated most frequently. In comparison with controls, sperm concentration, motility and morphology were mostly deteriorated in the presence of G. vaginalis and U. urealyticum. CONCLUSIONS: Positive seminal fluid cultures must be interpreted with caution, taking into account both raised colony counts of single isolates and leukocyte concentration in the semen. Thus the common misdiagnosis of genital tract infection, based on the presence of seminal bacteria, and unnecessary treatment with antibiotics may be avoided.

Prevaccination distribution of human papillomavirus types in Italian women with high-risk lesions and cervical neoplasia.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine both human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence and type distribution in cervical specimens of women with cytological abnormalities and to establish the association with high-grade lesions and cervical neoplasia in order to estimate the impact of an HPV vaccine in this region. METHODS: Four hundred and ninety-three cervical specimens obtained from women undergoing routine cervical screening by liquid-based Pap smear were analyzed by Roche linear array HPV genotyping to identify HPV genotypes. RESULTS: HPV 16 was the genotype detected most frequently, followed by HPV 31, 33 and 52. Multiple infections were frequent (58.5%), but decreased with the increase of cervical severity. We found multiple infections composed by only LR types in 4 women: 3 had a histological diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3 and 1 a diagnosis of cervical cancer. HPV 16 alone was present in 24.6% of CIN 3 lesions and 40% of neoplasia. However, in our region, there are an additional 28% of cases of carcinoma in situ and 40% of cases of invasive cancer due to different HPV types that should be considered for eventual inclusion in second-generation HPV vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the importance of assessing individual types in the management and prediction of outcome of women with abnormal baseline cytology and may contribute to determine the potential efficacy of an HPV vaccine in clinical practice.

Recent increase in enterococci, viridans streptococci, Pseudomonas spp. and multiresistant strains among haematological patients, with a negative impact on outcome. Results of a 3-year surveillance study at a single institution.

We prospectively analysed the microbiological isolates of all febrile/infectious episodes occurring at our haematology unit during 2 consecutive 18-month periods. Microbiologically documented infections (MDI) and antibiotic resistance were correlated with type and status of haematological disease, neutropenia, levofloxacin prophylaxis, central venous catheter and clinical outcome. Three hundred and ten MDI were observed and 369 pathogens were isolated. Gram-negative bacteria represented 49.3% and Gram-positive bacteria 40.9% of all pathogens. Fungal infections represented only 8.9% of MDI. A significant decrease in Staphylococcus aureus (p < 0.001) and an increase in enterococci, viridans streptococci and Pseudomonas spp. (p = 0.004) were observed during the second period. Four multiresistant (Multi-R) Pseudomonas were isolated, all during the last 12 months. The death rate in MDI was 8.7%, bacteria accounting for 70.4% of them. Enterococci, streptococci and Pseudomonas spp. infections were involved in 44.4% of MDI with an unfavourable outcome. Multi-R pathogens were involved in 4 cases (3 vancomycin-resistant enterococci and 1 Multi-R Pseudomonas), their death rate being 25%. Multivariate analysis showed that an infection due to a mycotic or a Multi-R pathogen was associated with an unfavourable outcome. The recent emergence of enterococci, viridans streptococci and Pseudomonas spp., particularly if Multi-R, is a major concern in haematological patients.

HIV infection among illegal migrants, Italy, 2004-2007.

To determine HIV prevalence and place of exposure for illegal migrants in Italy, we tested 3,003 illegal adult migrants for HIV; 29 (0.97%) were HIV positive. Antibody avidity index results (indicators of time of infection) were available for 27 of those persons and showed that 6 (22.2%) presumably acquired their infection after migration.

Prevalence and risk factors for etravirine resistance among patients failing on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence and factors associated with etravirine (EW) resistance mutations among patients failing on first-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) merit investigation. METHODS: The study comprised an analysis of all sequential patients attending the Institute of Infectious Diseases (Brescia, northern Italy) who performed a genotypic resistance testing (GRT) after > or =3 months of a stable NNRTI-based regimen between 2001 and 2006. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to assess predictors of ETV resistance mutations. RESULTS: Out of 248 strains, 153 (61.7%) harboured > or =1 ETV resistance mutations. In particular, 88 (35.5%), 53 (21.4%) and 12 (4.8%) harboured one, two and three mutations, respectively. The most frequent mutations were G190A (230%), Y181C (23%) and K101E (14.1%). Use of nevirapine (odds ratio [OR] 2.73; 95% confidence level [CI] 1.62-4.62; P<0.001) and a longer time frame between first HIV RNA >500 copies/ml and GRT (per month, OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01-1.09; P=0.012) were associated with a greater number of ETV resistance mutations. Conversely, higher CD4+ T-cell counts at nadir (per 100 cells/mm3, OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.67-0.98; P=0.029) and use of lamivudine/emtricitabine (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.37-0.87; P=0.009) were protective. Accumulation of ETV resistance-associated mutations was demonstrated by sequential GRT in 4/35 patients (all treated with nevirapine). CONCLUSIONS: Mutations associated with ETW resistance were common among patients failing on NNRTI, but prevalence of viral strains harbouring three mutations was low. Use of efavirenz and co-administration of lamivudine reduced the risk of ETW resistance. The continued use of the current NNRTI in a failing regimen may select for additional resistant variants.

HIV-1 p17 binds heparan sulfate proteoglycans to activated CD4(+) T cells.

We have previously shown that HIV-1 p17 binds to activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and enhances secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but we were unable to define a ligand on activated cells. In this work we evaluate the hypothesis that HIV-1 p17 may be a heparin/heparan sulfate-binding protein. HIV-1 p17 contains C- and N-terminal sequences with positively charged residues and a consensus cluster for heparin binding. We demonstrated by affinity chromatography that HIV-1 p17 binds strongly to heparin-agarose at physiological pH. Soluble heparins and heparan sulfate but not chondroitin 4-sulfate and dextran sulfate inhibit binding of HIV-1 p17 to heparin solid phase and to activated CD4(+) T cells. Furthermore the inhibition of cell sulfatation by chlorate treatment completely counteracts HIV-1 p17 binding to activated cells. These results indicate for the first time that HIV-1 p17 can be ascribed to the heparin binding protein family and suggest that this interaction might play a key role in the ability of the protein to induce an inflammatory effect on activated cells.

Comparison of commercial and in-house Real-time PCR assays for quantification of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in plasma.

BACKGROUND: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA load monitoring is known to be useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of EBV-associated diseases. The aim of this study is to compare the performance of two real-time PCR assays for EBV DNA: a commercial kit as the Q-EBV Real-Time System (Q-EBV PCR, Amplimedical, Turin, Italy) and an in-house assay (EBV RQ-PCR). RESULTS: The range of linearity and the degree of precision of the two assays were similar. The clinical sensitivity of Q-EBV PCR was higher for reference samples containing less than 1,000 EBV DNA copies/ml. The absolute quantitative results of the two methods were statistically correlated (R2 = 0.7789; p < 0.0001), with the systematic overestimation by EBV RQ-PCR possibly linked to different amplification efficiency in calibration standards. CONCLUSION: Both the commercial and the in-house assay may be appropriate for clinical use, but common standards are advisable for comparable absolute values, as these would improve the clinical utility of EBV DNA load measurement.

Influence of viral chronic hepatitis co-infection on plasma drug concentrations and liver transaminase elevations upon therapy switch in HIV-positive patients.

It is still controversial whether viral hepatitis co-infection can influence antiretroviral plasma drug concentrations and whether drug concentrations are correlated with liver enzyme elevations during highly active antiretroviral therapy. An analysis of data from a cohort of 220 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients was conducted. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were performed to identify predictors of plasma drug concentrations. The association of transaminase elevation with higher plasma drug concentrations was explored following stratification of patients into HIV monoinfected and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and/or hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infected groups. Hepatitis co-infections were independently correlated with drug concentrations above the therapeutic cut-offs at Week 1 (P=0.06), Week 4 (P=0.04) and Week 12 (P=0.005). The apparent effect was independent of the possible impact exerted by other variables such as demographics and medication adherence. The incidence of relevant hypertransaminasaemia was low. Patients with hepatitis co-infections had higher rates of transaminase elevation than monoinfected HIV patients; however, risk of transaminase elevation was not associated with drug concentrations. The presence of HCV and/or HBV co-infections correlated with higher plasma drug concentrations, although it did not appear to influence hepatotoxicity risk.

Relationship between pp65 antigenemia levels and real-time quantitative DNA PCR for Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) management in immunocompromised patients.

BACKGROUND: Quantitative real-time PCR assays, which are more rapid and practical than pp65 antigenemia determination, are progressively becoming the preferred method for monitoring Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) reactivation. However, the relationship between HCMV DNA and antigenemia levels is still under investigation. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between HCMV DNA and pp65 antigenemia levels in order to identify clinically useful threshold values for the management of patients. METHODS: 475 consecutive samples from 156 immunosuppressed patients were tested for HCMV by pp65 antigenemia and Real-time PCR assay. RESULTS: 136 out of 475 consecutive samples derived from 48 patients showed evidence of HCMV infection. HCMV DNA was detected in 106 samples, pp65 antigen in 3, and both markers in 27. pp65 antigen detection was associated with higher HCMV DNA levels. The cut-off HCMV DNA level that best predicted pp65 antigenemia in this series of samples was 11,500 copies/ml, but different threshold levels could be observed for specific groups of patients. HCMV disease was observed in 5 out of 48 patients with active HCMV infection. The presence of clinical symptoms was associated with positive pp65 and with higher antigenemia levels. Higher HCMV DNA load at the onset of viral replication was correlated to the development of clinical symptoms. CONCLUSION: Both pp65 antigenemia and HCMV DNA load can be useful for the prospective monitoring of immunocompromised subjects. Specific cut-off levels capable of triggering preemptive antiviral treatment should be determined in accordance to the type of test used and the characteristics of patients and prospectively validated.

Adherence and plasma drug concentrations are predictors of confirmed virologic response after 24-week salvage highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Data from 197 patients for whom highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) failed, who started a new regimen chosen under the guide of resistance testing results interpreted by experts, were retrospectively studied, provided that at least 2 determinations of adherence and plasma drug concentrations were performed during the follow-up. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted, using confirmed virologic response at week 24 as outcome measure (i.e., achievement of undetectable HIV plasma viral load at any time point before week 24 and its maintenance up to week 24). Suboptimal drug concentrations (odds ratio [OR]: 0.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2-0.7; p = 0.006) and suboptimal adherence (OR: 0.4; 95% CI 0.2-0.8; p = 0.014) were both negative independent predictors of sustained virologic response, while the use of boosted protease inhibitor-containing regimens resulted to be protective (OR: 2.4; 95% CI 1.1-5.3; p = 0.032).

Quantitative analysis of HBsAg, IgM anti-HBc and anti-HBc avidity in acute and chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We evaluated hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological markers by novel, quantitative immunoassays in order to study their behaviours and possible role in the various phases of HBV infection. STUDY DESIGN: The quantitative determination of HBsAg and anti-HBc/IgM by chemiluminescent immunoassays (Abbott Architect) and the calculation of anti-HBc avidity index have been carried out on repository specimens from patients with acute or chronic hepatitis B. RESULTS: In acute hepatitis the levels of HBsAg were generally >10,000 UI/mL and decreased sharply in the recovery phase. In 35 anti-HBe-positive chronic hepatitis cases HBsAg levels were generally lower than 10,000 UI/mL (mean: 2655), whereas in five HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis patients the mean value was 78,756 UI/mL and 90% of specimens exceeded 10,000 UI/mL. The lowest values (mean: 1029 IU/mL) were found in the seven patients with minimal hepatic damage. IgM anti-HBc antibodies were positive in all acute cases and in 68/207 samples (32.85%) from patients with chronic hepatitis, with significantly lower levels (average sample/cutoff (S/CO) ratio: 2.95 in chronic cases versus 25.96 in acute cases; p<0.005). A S/CO value of 10 for anti-HBc IgM had a 100% negative predictive value and a 99.13% positive predictive value for acute hepatitis B. The study of anti-HBc avidity by an experimental procedure showed that an avidity index (AI) threshold of 0.7 had a good efficacy to discriminate the cases of chronic hepatitis, among whom only 2 specimens out of 193 (1.04%) had an AI<0.7. CONCLUSION: The quantitative determination of HBsAg, anti-HBc/IgM and anti-HBc avidity provides additional information and may be useful in the differential diagnosis of acute and chronic HBV infections and in the follow-up of chronically infected patients.

Prediction of early and confirmed virological response by genotypic inhibitory quotients for lopinavir in patients naïve for lopinavir with limited exposure to previous protease inhibitors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of genotypic inhibitory quotient (GIQ) for lopinavir (LPV) in patients failing HAART with limited antiretroviral exposure. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a prospective trial. METHODS: Lopinavir GIQ was calculated as the ratio between the mean trough concentration (C(trough)) and the number of protease mutations using eight different HIV drug resistance mutation lists or algorithms. Early (by week 12) and confirmed (up to week 24) virological response (HIV-RNA< 400 copies/mL, ECVR) was used as dependent variable in logistic regression model. RESULTS: Seventy-one of 109 (65%) patients achieved ECVR. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, each mug/mL increase of GIQ was correlated with increasing probability of ECVR as far as the following mutations were computed: multi-protease inhibitor (PI) associated mutations listed by IAS (OR=1.17; 95% CI=0.99-1.39; P=0.058), mutations associated with LPV resistance by ANRS algorithm (OR=1.21; 95% CI=1.02-1.44; P=0.03), major mutations associated with LPV resistance by Stanford database (OR=1.16; 95% CI=1-1.35; P=0.05), and the whole set of mutations associated with LPV resistance in the same database (OR=1.22; 95% CI=1.02-1.46; P=0.03). Using ROC curve method, a specific threshold GIQ was assessed, above which this parameter could predict ECVR with the highest sensitivity (74.6% with GIQ obtained through Stanford LPV mutations) or specificity (89.5% with GIQ obtained through ANRS LPV mutations). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that increasing GIQ can improve virological outcome even in patients with limited exposure to PIs. Further studies are necessary to understand what HIV protease mutations should be considered and whether such mutations should be weighted differently to improve LPV GIQ predictive value.

Evaluation of INNO-LiPA assay for direct detection of mycobacteria in pulmonary and extrapulmonary specimens.

The INNO-LiPA Mycobacteria kit has been developed for detecting mycobacteria in liquid and solid cultures through amplification of the 16S-23S rRNA mycobacterial spacer region and the use of species-specific probes. The aim of this study was to verify the possible direct use of the kit on clinical samples. The study was performed retrospectively on a total of 129 specimens (104 pulmonary and 25 extrapulmonary) and the results were compared to those obtained from culture. For pulmonary specimens, the overall clinical sensitivity of INNO-LiPA Mycobacteria kit was 79.5% and its specificity 84.6%. For extrapulmonary samples, the kit had an overall clinical sensitivity of 71.4%. In both cases no false positive results were found.

Mycobacterium szulgai identification by hsp65 gene sequencing in an HIV-positive patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Mycobacterium szulgai, described for the first time in 1972, is a rare human pathogen that mainly causes pulmonary non-tubercular mycobacteriosis. We report its isolation and identification from a bronchoalveolar lavage specimen by hsp65 gene sequencing analysis in an HIV-positive patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Bacteria enclosure between silica-coated membranes for the degradation of organic compounds in contaminated water.

A non-conventional technique is proposed for the enclosure of either pure bacterial cultures or entire biocoenoses, for a possible utilization in the treatment of contaminated water. Biological components have been enclosed between polyester membranes coated by silica films consisting of: (a) SiO2 and nitrocellulose, (b) SiO2, ZnS crystals and nitrocellulose, (c) SiO2, TiO2 crystals and nitrocellulose, (d) SiO2, ZnS and TiO2 crystals and nitrocellulose. Morphological, structural and mechanical features of membranes were investigated by means of optical and electron microscopy, mercury porosimetry and wear resistance tests. Degradation kinetics have been finally studied by dipping the entrapped biomass into aqueous solutions of three different model organic compounds (alpha-d-glucose, ethyl alcohol and peptone). Results are very promising: in fact, no metabolic inhibition mechanisms of microorganisms have been evidenced. The porosity of the system allows mass transfer through the membranes, hence bacteria can grow and degrade pollutants. Besides, by this system, cells are constrained, avoiding they to spread across the retainment scaffold.

Rapid detection and identification of Brachyspira aalborgi from rectal biopsies and faeces of a patient.

This study reports for the first time the detection of Brachyspira aalborgi in faeces and rectal biopsies of a female suffering for 3-4 months of abdominal pain with long-standing mucosal diarrhoea, rectal bleeding and suspected carcinoma of the rectum. After pre-treatment of samples (faeces and biopsies) with a liquid medium (trypticase soy broth-TSB) containing foetal calf serum (FCS, 10%) and spectinomycin and rifampicin (TSB-SR) the first detection of B. aalborgi isolate HBS1 was observed after 48 h in the primary plates of selective blood agar modified medium (BAM) containing spectinomycin and rifampicin (BAM-SR), where growth zones were signalled by a small weakly beta-haemolytic halo. Attempts to subculture spirochaetes in agar media failed. The new HBS1 isolate was only propagated in TSB broth and at electron microscopy it showed 4 endoflagella inserted at each tapered end. The phenotypic characterization of HBS1 demonstrated absence of hippurate hydrolysis, indole production, alpha-galactosidase, alpha- and beta-glucosidase activities in accordance with the B. aalborgi type strain. Rapid identification of B. aalborgi isolate HBS1 was performed directly from faeces and rectal biopsies and subsequently from pure cultures by a genetic method based on 16S DNA restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The sequence of 16S DNA amplicon of the isolate HBS1 was found 99.2% corresponding to that of the B. aalborgi type strain. Our results encourage further investigations for the development of a suitable selective agar medium for the isolating and cultivating B. aalborgi from human specimens.