Phlebovirus detection on phlebotomine sandflies in Lampedusa Island (Italy).

Phleboviruses are common human pathogens diffused on the Mediterranean area whose infection can cause the typical prodromal symptom of a mild three­days fever. In particular, Toscana Virus (TOSV) has a great concern since its capacity to provoke central nervous system disorders like meningoencephalitis. Furthermore, as the phlebotomine arthropod vectors represent the main carrier for pathogens of the genus Leishmania as well, the purpose of the study was to investigate the presence of TOSV in Lampedusa, Italy previously reported for leishmaniosis infection cases. The survey was carried out through an initial sampling phase of sand flies, by means of CDC light traps, and a second step of molecular analyses. The genomic S­segment of TOSV was targeted. The positive samples were sequenced and compared with those available in GenBank™ using Basic Local Alignments Tool (BLAST) analyses. The study revealed for the first time the presence of TOSV in Lampedusa, Italy. The entomological studies directed on vectors are currently widely used in sand fly surveillance, and new data on TOSV are of public health concern.

Virulence, Antimicrobial Resistance and Biofilm Production of Escherichia coli Isolates from Healthy Broiler Chickens in Western Algeria.

The aim of this study was to assess the virulence, antimicrobial resistance and biofilm production of Escherichia coli strains isolated from healthy broiler chickens in Western Algeria. E. coli strains (n = 18) were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Susceptibility to 10 antibiotics was determined by standard methods. Virulence and extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) genes were detected by PCR. The biofilm production was evaluated by microplate assay. All the isolates were negative for the major virulence/toxin genes tested (rfbE, fliC, eaeA, stx1), except one was stx2-positive. However, all were resistant to at least three antibiotics. Ten strains were ESBL-positive. Seven carried the ß-lactamase blaTEM gene only and two co-harbored blaTEM and blaCTX-M-1 genes. One carried the blaSHV gene. Among the seven strains harboring blaTEM only, six had putative enteroaggregative genes. Two contained irp2, two contained both irp2 and astA, one contained astA and another contained aggR, astA and irp2 genes. All isolates carrying ESBL genes were non-biofilm producers, except one weak producer. The ESBL-negative isolates were moderate biofilm producers and, among them, two harbored astA, two irp2, and one aggR, astA and irp2 genes. This study highlights the spread of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli strains from healthy broiler chickens in Western Algeria.

Co-inheritance of HBB:c.-106G > C, a rare single nucleotide variation at position -56 relative to transcription initiation site, with other known mutations in the globin clusters.

OBJECTIVES: We performed molecular analysis to evaluate clinical implications of a rare nucleotide change, particularly when co-inherited with other known mutations in the globin clusters, in order to conduct an appropriate genetic counselling. METHODS: Complete blood cell counts and high-performance liquid chromatography were the routine first level analysis for patients referred to our Hospital Center in Palermo to undergo the screening test for haemoglobinopathies. Sequencing analysis was the selected method for the phenotypic characterization, especially in case of new or very rare mutations in globin genes. RESULTS: We report data of a rare single nucleotide variation at position -56 relative to transcription initiation site (NM_000518.4(HBB):c.-106G > C), identified in ten patients of Italian origin during the screening programme of the 'Sicilian population'. It was found in simple heterozygosity (n = 8), in association with beta haemoglobin variant Hb S (n = 1) and in heterozygosity with beta-thalassaemic allele IVS-I-1 G->A [(HBB):c.92 + 1G > A] and ααα anti3.7 rearrangement (n = 1). DISCUSSION: Heterozygous subjects for this substitution showed normal haematological and electrophoretic features. Heterozygotes for this mutation and other defect in globin genes showed the classical phenotype of a healthy carrier, therefore it can be considered a benign variant that does not alter the production and function of haemoglobin. CONCLUSION: This is another example of rare or new nucleotide variations whose identification and characterization is crucial in order to carry out appropriate genetic counselling to a potential risk couple.