Disparities in tuberculosis diagnostic delays between native and migrant populations in Italy: A multicenter study.

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a Global Health challenge, with diagnostic delays contributing significantly to its spread. This study investigates the differences in diagnostic delays between native and migrant TB patients in Italy, examining patient-related diagnostic delay (PDD), health system-related diagnostic delay (HDD), and total diagnostic delay (TDD).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study of TB cases in 10 Italian hospitals from 2018 to 2023.

Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Changes in Virologically Suppressed People Living with HIVSwitching to Long-Acting Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine.

Background: Limited evidence is available about sleep quality changes associated with the use of Cabotegravir (CAB), a new, long-acting (LA) antiretroviral (ARV) drug belonging to the class of Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitors (INSTIs).

Methods: Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was calculated in 53 people living with HIV (PLWH) under the care of the outpatient services of two Italian Infectious Diseases Centers in Apuliabefore (M0) and seven months after (M7) the switch to LA CAB. Global scores and relative subitems were compared using paired sample tests.

Antivirals against Monkeypox (Mpox) in Humans: An Updated Narrative Review.

As of 29 August 2023, a total of 89,596 confirmed cases of Mpox (monkeypox) have been documented across 114 countries worldwide, with 157 reported fatalities. The Mpox outbreak that transpired in 2022 predominantly affected young men who have sex with men (MSM). While most cases exhibited a mild clinical course, individuals with compromised immune systems, particularly those living with HIV infection and possessing a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm, experienced a more severe clinical trajectory marked by heightened morbidity and mortality.

Apulian infectious diseases network: survey on the prevalence of delta infection among chronic HBV carriers in Apulia.

Background: The current prevalence and clinical burden of Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV) infection in Apulia are unknown. This study aimed to define the current epidemiological scenario of delta infection and to detect difficulties in the diagnosis and clinical management of HDV patients in Apulia.

Methods: From May to September 2022, a fact-finding survey was conducted at eight Infectious Diseases Units of the Apulian region; each Unit was asked to complete a questionnaire on screening and diagnosis of HDV infection and demographic, virological, and clinical characteristics of HDV patients.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Poor Sleep Quality in People Living with HIV: Preliminary Observations from an HIV Outpatient Clinic.

Introduction: Sleep disorders have been reported in individuals living with HIV (PLWH), with a prevalence rate of over 50%. The main risk factors contributing to the development of sleep disturbances are not yet fully understood. We investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with poor sleep quality in a population of PLWH who are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Real-life comparison of mortality in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection at risk for clinical progression treated with molnupiravir or nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir during the Omicron era in Italy: a nationwide, cohort study.

Background: Comparative data on mortality in COVID-19 patients treated with molnupiravir or with nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir are inconclusive. We therefore compared all-cause mortality in community-dwelling COVID-19 patients treated with these drugs during the Omicron era.

Methods: Data collected in the nationwide, population-based, cohort of patients registered in the database of the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) were used.

Late diagnosis of HIV before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: preliminary insights from an Infectious Diseases Unit in Apulia.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many HIV outpatient clinics were temporarily closed or their activities were reduced. Similarly, many infectious disease wards were converted into COVID-19 Units. Thus, an increase in late HIV diagnoses was expected due to reduced access to testing, screening services and consultation with HIV infection specialists.

Oral antivirals against Sars-CoV-2 in multiple myeloma outpatients: a case series.

Recently, the therapeutic armamentarium against Sars-CoV-2 has been enriched with oral antivirals that can be used in the early phases of covid-19. Real-life data on their efficacy in multiple myeloma (Mm) outpatients with mild-to-moderate covid-19 are lacking. We described the clinical outcomes at 30 days in Mm subjects with covid-19 treated with oral antivirals.

Efficacy and safety of oral antivirals in individuals aged 80 years or older with mild-to-moderate COVID-19: preliminary report from an Italian Prescriber Center.

Introduction: Molnupiravir and Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir( r), have demonstrated to prevent the progression to severe COVID-19 in high-risk individuals. Real life data are lacking in the elderly.

Methods: All consecutive individuals aged ≥80 years with confirmed COVID-19 and mild-to-moderate illness who received an oral antiviral prescription between 11th January and 31 May 2022 were included in this retrospective single-centre study.

Early Access to Oral Antivirals in High-Risk Outpatients: Good Weapons to Fight COVID-19.

Introduction: Molnupiravir and Nirmatrelvir/r (NMV-r) have been proven to reduce severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in unvaccinated high-risk individuals. Data regarding their impact in fully vaccinated vulnerable subjects with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 are still limited, particularly in the era of Omicron and sub-variants.

Methods: Our retrospective study aimed to compare the safety profile and effectiveness of the two antivirals in all consecutive high-risk outpatients between 11 January and 10 July 2022.

Cidofovir for treating complicated monkeypox in a man with acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

In July 23, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox (MPX) a global health emergency of international concern given its rapid spread. So far, most current MPX outbreaks have involved young men who have sex with men (MSM), although with overall mild, self-limiting clinical manifestations. We aim to describe the case of an HIV positive young MSM whose status of immune compromission probably contributed to a more severe clinical course of MPX disease, thus requiring hospitalization and antiviral treatment.

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.

Peculiar clinical presentation of COVID-19 and predictors of mortality in the elderly: A multicentre retrospective cohort study.

Background: The spectrum of COVID-19 clinical manifestations is not yet known. In the elderly, mortality and extrapulmonary involvement appears more frequent than expected.

Methods: A multicentre-retrospective-case-series study of COVID-19 patients, aged ≥65 years, hospitalised between March 1 and June 15, 2020.

A Cluster of Cryptic Malaria in African Migrants in Southern Italy, October 2017.

Italy was declared malaria free by the World Health Organization in 1970. Despite this, nonimport malaria cases are on the increase in Italy and throughout the Mediterranean area. In Italy, in the period between 2011 and 2015, seven cases of locally acquired malaria have been reported, including one introduced case of ; moreover, the last certain case of introduced malaria (by has been reported in Tuscany in 1997.

Competing Morbidities In Advanced Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy: A Strong Implication Of A Multidisciplinary Team Approach.

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the standard approach for the treatment of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Despite its undisputed advantages, CCRT is associated with acute and late toxicities, leading to unfavorable implications (eg, unplanned interruptions and noncancer-related mortality). The former prolongs the overall treatment time leading to a detrimental effect on tumor control.

Lower cranial nerve palsy during radiotherapy for glottic cancer in a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis: An interesting case report.

The aim of the present study was to report an unusual case of multiple lower cranial nerve palsies in a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) during radiotherapy for glottic cancer. WG is an autoimmune disease characterized by necrotizing granulomas mainly in the upper and lower respiratory tract or kidneys; however, the involvement of cranial nerves is not uncommon. Prior to the use of cyclophosphamide (CYC) the 1-year mortality rate was ~82%; the introduction of rituximab (RTX) has revolutionized the course of the WG, with remission rates comparable to those of CYC and superior effectiveness in relapsing patients.

Left atrial, ventricular and atrio-ventricular strain in patients with subclinical heart dysfunction.

Arterial hypertension (AH) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are the most common causes of heart deterioration because of their high prevalence in the population. The aim of this study was to evaluate peak left atrial (LA), longitudinal strain (PALS), left ventricular (LV), longitudinal  strain (LS) and global atrial-ventricular strain (GAVS), by speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE), in asymptomatic patients with AH or/and DM and normal LA, LV size and ejection fraction (EF), to analyze their capability to detect early subclinical dysfunction. We enrolled 162 patients affected by AH and/or DM with normal indexed LA volume, LV end-diastolic diameter and a LVEF > 52% (females) or > 54% (males) (60 hypertensives, 52 diabetics and 50 both) and 60 healthy controls.

Romiplostim for severe thrombocytopenia in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection: a new option for clinicians?

We describe a case of a 64-year-old man with a history of ITP which had required several treatments including splenectomy, and with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection untreated due to severe thrombocytopenia. In March 2011, platelet count was 14,000/mmc and a thrombopoietic therapy with romiplostim was initiated at the dose of 2 mcg/kg/week that was increased to 8 mcg/kg/week. At week 32, platelet count was 65,000/mmc and an anti-HCV therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin was then started.