The occurrence and pathogenicity of Serratospiculum tendo (Nematoda: Diplotriaenoidea) in birds of prey from southern Italy.

The air sacs of free-ranging birds of prey (n= 652) from southern Italy, including 11 species of Accipitriformes and six of Falconiforms, were examined for infections with Serratospiculum tendo (Nematoda: Diplotriaenoidea). Of the 17 species of birds examined, 25 of 31 (80.6%) peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) from Calabria Region and a single northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) from Campania Region were infected with S. tendo, suggesting a strong host specificity for the peregrine falcon. The northern goshawk and 18 of 25 infected peregrine falcons showed cachexia and all infected birds had bone fractures. At gross examination, air sacculitis and pneumonia were the most common lesions in infected birds. Microscopically, the air-sac walls showed thickening of the smooth muscle cells, resulting in a papillary appearance, along with hyperplasia of the mesothelium and epithelium, and foci of plasma cell infiltration and macrophages associated with several embryonated eggs and adult parasites. Extensive areas of inflammation were found in the lungs, characterized by lymphocytes, macrophages and fibroblasts surrounding embryonated eggs. The northern goshawk also had detachment of the dextral lung with several necrotic foci. In this case, the death of the bird was directly attributed to S. tendo infection. Lesions and pathological changes observed here suggest that S. tendo can cause disease.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Babesia caballi and Theileria equi infections in donkeys from Southern Italy.

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) has been frequently described in donkeys in subtropical and tropical regions, but published data reflecting large scale surveys are very limited in Europe. The seroprevalence of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi was determined in a donkey population from Campania Region in Southern Italy using a commercial indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), and the risk factors associated with the occurrence of the infection were assessed. Of 203 samples, the overall seroprevalence for EP was 57.1% (116/203), with 35.5% (72/203) for B. caballi and 44.3% (90/203) for T. equi. Co-infection was detected in 46 donkeys (22.6%). The distribution of IFAT antibody titres to B. caballi was: 1:80 (n= 67), 1:160 (n= 2), 1:320 (n= 3); while the distribution of IFAT antibody titres to T. equi was: 1:80 (n= 25), 1:160 (n= 42), 1:320 (n= 12), 1:640 (n= 8), 1:1280 (n= 3). All examined donkeys were asymptomatic, except one adult male (with a titre of 1:640 against T. equi) that showed clinical signs corresponding to the acute stage of EP, reported for the first time in Italy. The unique risk factor associated with a higher B. caballi seroprevalence was the presence of horses in the farms, while risk factors associated with a higher T. equi seroprevalence were poor body condition, presence of ruminants in the farms and milk production. The results indicate a high level of exposure in donkeys living in Southern Italy and suggest that donkeys may be an important reservoir of EP.

Intragastric balloon in obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Since March 1998, 143 BioEnterics Intragastric Balloons (BIB) were placed in 132 obese and morbidly obese patients, to study the clinical possibilities of a new system, both from the point of view of the materials used and the application method. METHODS: 36 patients were male and 96 female; mean age was 43 years (21-70); mean weight was 115.4 kg (67-229), and mean BMI was 41.0 (29-81). 8 patients were affected by severe respiratory insufficiency. We placed and removed the balloon endoscopically under conscious sedation or general anesthesia. BIB was removed in the majority of patients 4 months after insertion. The patients were given a balanced diet of 800-1000 kcal/day; follow-up involved a monthly check-up (routine blood tests, weight control) and a visit every 15 days with the dietitian. RESULTS: Mean weight loss was 14.4 kg; mean reduction in BMI was 5.2. Weight loss was much better in males. The weight loss produced an improvement of the complications associated with the obesity. Complications observed were: balloon intolerance (9 early removals), 1 balloon deflated and passed, 2 cases of gastric ulcer at balloon removal. CONCLUSIONS: The most correct indications for BIB should be: extremely obese patients (BMI>40) in preparation for a bariatric operation; obese patients with BMI 30-35 with a chronic disease otherwise unresolved; patients with BMI<30 in a multidisciplinary approach.