Publications by authors named "Elena Lavinia Diaconu"

(homotypic synonym: ) represents an ungrouped thermotolerant rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) species occasionally associated with infections and disease in humans. In this report, we describe a case of pyogranulomatous dermatitis and panniculitis due to in an immunocompetent adult cat. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first report of infection in animals.

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  • Equine influenza (EI) is a contagious viral disease in horses that may require updated vaccines due to antigenic changes over time.
  • A study in Italy collected samples from 20 symptomatic horses to genetically characterize circulating strains of equine influenza, especially in the absence of active surveillance.
  • The research identified the first occurrence of the H3N8 Florida lineage clade 1 strain in Italy, demonstrating the need for ongoing monitoring to ensure vaccine effectiveness.
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Tuberculosis (TB) affects humans and other animals, and it is caused by bacteria within the complex (MTBC). In this study, we report the characterisation of that caused a TB case in a sea lion () kept in an Italian zoo. The animal died due to severe, progressive disorders involving the respiratory and gastro-enteric systems and the skin.

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  • The study focuses on a specific methyltransferase gene in staphylococci, particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which leads to resistance against several antibiotics.
  • Researchers conducted a genomic analysis of multidrug-resistant MRSA strains from Italian pigs between 2008 and 2011 using advanced sequencing technologies, finding differences in antibiotic resistance profiles among the isolates.
  • The discovery of a functional resistance gene associated with one of the MRSA strains highlights the need for ongoing monitoring of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in livestock for public health management.
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The increasing prevalence of pESI(like)-positive, multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. Infantis in Europe is a cause of major concern. As previously demonstrated, the pESI(like) megaplasmid is not only a carrier of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) genes (at least tet, dfr, and sul genes), but also harbours several virulence and fitness genes, and toxin/antitoxin systems that enhance its persistence in the S.

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Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are considered a major public health issue. In the frame of the EU Harmonized AMR Monitoring program conducted in Italy in 2021, 21 epidemiological units of fattening pigs (6.98%; 95% CI 4.

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  • - Candidiasis is uncommon in animals but can cause significant issues in reptiles, especially when they are stressed, leading to gastrointestinal and skin infections, and occasionally systemic ones.
  • - A study on a spectacled caiman revealed granulomatous pneumonia linked to a specific yeast infection, confirmed through various scientific methods.
  • - The infection in reptiles appears similar to those in humans, despite the yeast generally being seen as non-pathogenic; it has shown the ability to cause granulomatous lesions in both species.
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Background: Due to their abundance in some environments, the blood-sucking habit and the involvement in the transmission of several diseases, blackflies of the genus Simulium (Diptera: Simuliidae) can be considered among the most annoying biting arthropods.

Methods: Following repeated attacks to humans and animals, entomological investigations were carried out in green areas of Rome and surroundings. Site and period of attacks were reported, together with the human and animal reactions to the bites.

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Listeriosis is currently the fifth most common foodborne disease in Europe. Most cases are sporadic; however, outbreaks have also been reported. Compared to other foodborne infections, listeriosis has a modest incidence but can cause life-threatening complications, especially in elderly or immunocompromised people and pregnant women.

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Baylisascaris procyonis is a nematode parasite of the raccoon (Procyon lotor), and it can be responsible for a severe form of larva migrans in humans. This parasite has been reported from many countries all over the world, after translocation of its natural host outside its native geographic range, North America. In the period between January and August 2021, 21 raccoons were cage-trapped and euthanized in Tuscany (Central Italy), in the context of a plan aimed at eradicating a reproductive population of this non-native species.

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  • - A total of 177 genomes of Typhimurium and its monophasic variant from Italian poultry, livestock, and food were analyzed for their antimicrobial resistance, focusing on a novel gene found in multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates.
  • - Eleven ST34 isolates exhibited resistance to colistin and were linked to the accessory gene -9. They also shared IncHI2-ST1 plasmids and had similar MDR profiles, including producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases.
  • - Whole genome sequencing revealed that the resistant isolates formed a distinct subcluster, with some structural differences in their plasmids that contribute to antibiotic resistance and heavy metal metabolism, highlighting the importance of genomic studies in monitoring antimicrobial resistance.
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Avian malaria is a worldwide distributed, vector-born disease of birds caused by parasites of the order Haemosporida. There is a lack of knowledge about the presence and pathogenetic role of Haemosporida in Psittacidae. Here we report a case of avian malaria infection in lovebirds (), with the genetic characterization of the species involved.

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Avian malaria is a parasitic disease of birds caused by protozoa belonging to the genus , within the order Haemosporida. Penguins are considered particularly susceptible, and outbreaks in captive populations can lead to high mortality. We used a multidisciplinary approach to investigate the death due to avian malaria, occurred between 2015 and 2019, in eight African penguins () kept in two Italian zoos located in central Italy, and situated about 30 km apart.

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