PCDD/Fs and PCBs in hen eggs from a contaminated area in Italy: a 9 years spatio-temporal monitoring study.

Eggs can represent a food susceptible to contamination, with bioaccumulation potential for POPs. The Province of Taranto, Southern Italy, is of particular relevance in this context because of the presence of industrial sources of PCDD/Fs and PCBs. The aim of this study was to analyze and report the levels of these contaminants in hen eggs sampled in farms located within a radius of 20 km from the industrial area of Taranto. Between 2013 and 2021, 227 hen eggs were collected, according to a special monitoring plan of the Prevention Department. Samples were analyzed by the National Reference Laboratory for Halogenated POPs in Feed and Food. Median (IQR) values were: 0.28 (0.59) pg WHO-TEQ/g fat for PCDD/Fs, 0.89 (1.70) pg WHO-TEQ/g fat for PCDD/Fs + DL-PCBs, 0.57 (1.16) pg WHO-TEQ/g fat for DL-PCBs, 2.24 (5.51) ng/g fat for NDL-PCBs. Samples not-compliant (Reg. 1881/2006/EC and amendments) for at least one contaminant were 17 (7.5%). No contaminants values or exceedances showed a statistically significant correlation with distance from industrial area (p > 0.05). Higher PCDD/Fs values were observed in first and second quarters (p < 0.05). All contaminants' values pairwise combinations showed significant (p < 0.0001) strong (ρ > 0.7) correlation. According to our epidemiological investigations, the exceedances are to be attributed to factors mainly related to farmers' wrong habits. These results confirmed the importance of the monitoring of contaminants' levels in the matrices at risk as well as to focus on enhancing good management practices on eggs-producing farms.

Monkeypox Virus Infections in Southern Italy: Is There a Risk for Community Spread?

The ongoing outbreak of the Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is characterized by sustained human-to-human transmission, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of the MPXV infection identified in Southern Italy. Clinical samples for each suspected case identified from 1 June to 1 August 2022 were tested for MPXV, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on two strains. Ten cases were identified: eight were young adult males, including six MSMs, and two were female. Nine subjects reported recent sexual exposure. One female subject without sexual exposure only reported attendance at a social gathering. Overall, 7 of 10 skin lesion samples had a high viral load of MPXV DNA, and 6/9 whole blood samples and 6/8 nasopharyngeal swab samples also tested positive. The analyzed sequences belonged to Clade 3, lineage B.1, and B.1.5, respectively. Despite this recent multinational outbreak of MPXV cases having revealed a high proportion of cases occurring among MSM, the identification of cases among heterosexual subjects and in a female subject without sexual risk factors should raise awareness among clinicians about the possible spread of MPXV in the general population.

PCDD/Fs and PCBs in Mytilus galloprovincialis from a contaminated area in Italy: the role of mussel size, temperature and meteorological factors.

Mussels represent a food at risk of contamination because they are filter-feeding organisms with high bioaccumulation and low biotransformation potential for organic contaminants. Taranto, Southern Italy, is of particular relevance in this context due to the presence of industrial sources of POPs. The aim of this study was to analyse the role of mussel size, temperature and other meteorological factors in determining PCDD/Fs and PCBs concentrations in mussels. Mussels were collected on a monthly basis with random sampling between 2012 and 2020 according to the extraordinary monitoring plan of the Prevention Department. Samples were analysed by the National Reference Laboratory for Halogenated POPs in food and feed. A total of 787 mussel samples were collected between 2012 and 2020. Higher median concentrations were observed in Mar Piccolo First Inlet: PCDD/Fs 1.49 pg WHO-TEQ/g ww; PCDD/Fs + DL-PCBs 6.35 pg WHO-TEQ/g ww; DL-PCBs 4.74 pg WHO-TEQ/g ww; NDL-PCBs 65.10 ng/g ww. In all basins, PCDD/Fs + DL-PCBs, DL-PCBs and NDL-PCBs showed higher concentrations in mussels ≥ 5 cm. Temperature showed positive association with all pollutants in all basins. Higher relative humidity was associated with higher concentrations of some pollutants, while number of rain days was associated with lower values. Our findings showed higher PCDD/Fs and PCBs concentrations in adult mussels, with dependence on temperature and some other meteorological factors. These results could help guide public health strategies and mussel sampling according to mussel size and meteorological conditions in areas affected by POPs contamination.

Entomological Surveillance in Former Malaria-endemic Areas of Southern Italy.

Malaria still represents a potential public health issue in Italy, and the presence of former Anopheles vectors and cases imported annually merit continuous surveillance. In areas no longer endemic, the concurrent presence of gametocyte carriers and competent vectors makes re-emergence of local transmission possible, as recently reported in Greece. In October 2017, due to the occurrence of four suspected introduced malaria cases in the province of Taranto (Apulia region), entomological investigations were performed to verify the involvement of local anopheline species. In 2019-2020 entomological surveys were extended to other areas historically prone to malaria between the provinces of Taranto and Matera and the province of Foggia (Gargano Promontory). Resting mosquitoes were collected in animal shelters and human dwellings, larvae were sampled in natural and artificial breeding sites, and specimens were both morphologically and molecularly identified. A total of 2228 mosquitoes were collected, 54.3% of which were anophelines. In all the investigated areas, Anopheles labranchiae was the most widespread species, while Anopheles algeriensis was predominant at the Gargano sites, and Anopheles superpictus and Anopheles plumbeus were recorded in the province of Matera. Our findings showed a potentially high receptivity in the surveyed areas, where the abundance of the two former malaria vectors, An. labranchiae and An. superpictus, is related to environmental and climatic parameters and to anthropic activities.

Dioxins and PCBs contamination in milk and dairy products from Province of Taranto (Puglia Region, Southern Italy): a six years spatio-temporal monitoring study.

INTRODUCTION: Taranto Province (Puglia Region, Southern Italy) is of particular Public Health relevance due to the presence of industrial sources of dioxins and PCBs. The aim of this study was to analyze the spatio-temporal distribution of these pollutants in milk and cheese produced from 2013 to 2018. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Raw milk and dairy products were sampled in the farms located within 20 km from the industrial area. RESULTS: 1005 milk samples were collected. Median (IQR) concentrations were: dioxins 0.21 (0.21) pg WHO-TEQ/g fat; dioxins+DL-PCBs 0.83 (0.71) pg WHO-TEQ/g fat; NDL-PCBs 1.92 (1.56) ng/g fat. Overall, only 6 (0.6%) samples were found to be non-compliant for at least one pollutants group. Temporal analysis showed a decreasing trend in dioxins and PCBs concentrations over the observed years and higher values in the first trimester. Spatial analysis showed higher levels of PCBs in areas closest to the industrial pole. 70 dairy products samples were collected. Median pollutants concentrations were far below the EU limits and no exceedances were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The extremely low number of exceedances appeared as an encouraging result and supported the validity of the Public Health measures adopted by the Department of Prevention of Taranto.

Dioxins and PCBs contamination in mussels from Taranto (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy): a seven years spatio-temporal monitoring study.

INTRODUCTION: Taranto is of particular Public Health relevance for the presence of industrial sources of dioxins and PCBs. The aim of this study was to monitor these pollutants in mussels produced from 2012 to 2018. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mussels were collected on a monthly basis with random sampling. Concentrations were determined through accredited methods. RESULTS: 622 samples were collected. Dioxins and PCBs showed higher median concentrations in Mar Piccolo 1st Inlet (p s <0.0001; Dioxins: 1.43 pg WHO-TEQ/g ww; Dioxins+DL-PCBs: 5.98 pg WHO-TEQ/g ww; DL-PCBs: 4.57 pg WHO-TEQ/g ww; NDL-PCBs: 61.54 ng/g ww) and in III trimester for all basins (p s <0.02). In Mar Piccolo 1 st Inlet, there was a linear increase of dioxins and PCBs moving North (p s <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirmed higher concentrations in Mar Piccolo 1 st Inlet during the summer period and supported the validity of the Public Health measures adopted by the Department of Prevention of Taranto.

Serosurveillance of hepatitis A in a region which adopted the universal mass vaccination.

Hepatitis A is a common infectious disease worldwide that was endemic in many regions of Southern Italy, such as Apulia region. After a large hepatitis A outbreak occurred between 1996 and 1997, in Apulia an active-free immunization program that was targeted to new-borns and adolescents was started. The aim of this study is to investigate the hepatitis A seroprevalence in the adult Apulian population 18 years after the immunization program introduction, in order to evaluate the risk of new epidemics onset.The study was carried out from May 2011 to June 2012 among blood donors from Department of Transfusion Medicine and Blood Bank of Policlinico General Hospital in Bari. Participants signed a written consent and filled out a questionnaire including items on demographic characteristics, risk factors, disease memory, and raw food consumption. Serum samples, collected from each patient, were tested for anti-HAV using the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Vaccination status against hepatitis A was checked on Regional Digital Immunization Registry (GIAVA).In total 1827 donors agreed to participate (77.7% male) with a mean age of 38.4 ±â€Š11.7 years. However, 1172 (64.1%) donors were seropositive with no difference by sex. The highest proportion of seronegative subjects was in the 27 to 35 years age group. 91.8% of 1-dose vaccinated subjects (n = 190/207; 95%CI = 87.2-95.1) and 96.1% (n = 171/178; 95%CI = 92.1-98.1) of 2-doses vaccinated subjects were immune to the disease. Sensitivity of disease memory in unvaccinated subjects was 14.4% (95%CI = 12.2-16.7), specificity was 97.8% (95%CI = 96.3-98.8), positive predictive value was 91% (95%CI = 85.3-95), and negative predictive value was 42.6% (95%CI = 40-45.2). Raw seafood consumption in unvaccinated subjects was associated with the anti-HAV IgG positivity (OR = 2.1; 95%CI = 1.7-2.7; z = 7.4; P < 0.0001).The vaccination program seems to have changed the virus circulation pattern, with a higher seronegativity rate among subjects not included in the vaccination strategy: 67% of susceptible subjects were among younger people aged 27 to 35 years. Immunization program implementation with a catch-up strategy may be needed to avoid a possible increase of hepatitis A incidence and outbreaks in Apulia. Epidemiological surveillance should be continued and vaccination should actively be offer for free to all the cases contacts, in order to prevent new outbreaks onset.