Blood stream infections during the first wave of COVID-19. A short microbiological retrospective picture at Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy.

This paper aims to describe the etiology of bloodstream infections in COVID-19, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy. Two periods were evaluated: February 22-May 21, 2019/2020. We considered: the number of patients and blood culture sets, species of isolates (bacteria, specifically those indicated by EARS criteria; CoNS; Candida albicans) and their antibiotic sensitivity.

Azole resistance in Aspergillus isolates by different types of patients and correlation with environment - An Italian prospective multicentre study (ARiA study).

Background: A wide range of frequency of azole-resistance in A fumigatus in different patient populations worldwide was observed threatening to reduce therapeutic options.

Objectives: Estimate the prevalence of azole-resistance, investigate the molecular mechanisms of resistance, compare the genotypes of resistant clinical isolates with those from the surrounding environment.

Methods: Aspergillus isolates were collected by seven Italian hospital microbiology laboratories.

Utility of routine evaluation of sterility of cellular therapy products with or without extensive manipulation: Best practices and clinical significance.

Background: We analyzed the results of routine sterility testing performed in our center over the last 10 years, in the context both hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products (ATMPs).

Methods: For sterility tests 14-day cultures were performed in culture media detecting aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms.

Results: In this study, 22/1643 (1.

CAND-LO 2014-15 study: changing epidemiology of candidemia in Lombardy (Italy).

Purpose: The aim of this study was to monitor recent changes in the epidemiology of candidemia and in the antifungal susceptibility profiles of Candida isolates in one Italian region (Lombardy) in 2014-2015 in comparison with two other studies performed in the same area in 1997-1999 and in 2009.

Methods: A laboratory-based surveillance was conducted in 11 microbiology laboratories. Identification of Candida isolates from 868 episodes and antifungal susceptibility testing (YeastOne) was performed locally.

Molecular and Epidemiological Analysis of a Campylobacter jejuni Outbreak in Northern Italy in November 2013.

Campylobacter spp. is the most common gastrointestinal pathogen worldwide with a very low reported incidence in Italy. In November of 2013, local and national public health authorities investigated an outbreak caused by Campylobacter jejuni among children in a kindergarten in Northern Italy.

Trichphyton violaceum and T. soudanese: re-emerging pathogens in Italy, 2005-2013.

Dermatomycoses due to Trichophyton violaceum are described in Mediterranean Countries, North Africa and in the Horn of Africa where T. soudanense is present too, but it was rare until few years ago in Italy. Aim of the present study was to evaluate an Italian multicenter 9 year (2005-2013) experience concerning these re-emerging pathogens.

Microarray technology for yeast identification directly from positive blood cultures. A multicenter Italian experience.

The authors evaluated the performance of the MycArray™ Yeast ID (Myconostica Ltd, UK) assay in the identification of a total of 88 yeast isolates recovered in culture as compared to that obtained through routine methods. The turn-around time for species identification directly from cultures by the MycArray was 6 hours, much quicker than classical methods and all yeasts were correctly identified. In two cases a double identification including Saccharomyces cerevisiae was noted, but it was not confirmed by culture.

Antifungal susceptibility profiles of Candida isolates from a prospective survey of invasive fungal infections in Italian intensive care units.

The antifungal susceptibility pattern of 302 Candida isolates collected during an Italian survey on invasive fungal infections in an intensive care setting was investigated. The results were correlated with some epidemiological data and compared with the antifungal profiles obtained in a previous survey. No resistance to echinocandins was detected.

In vitro activity of Amphotericin B against zygomycetes isolated from deep mycoses: a comparative study between incubation in aerobic and hyperbaric atmosphere.

Many case reports suggest that the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy associated with surgical and medical approaches may contribute to restricting the growth of zygomycetes in patient tissue. The primary aim of this study was to obtain data concerning the in vitro susceptibility of 22 zygomycetes to antifungals such as amphotericin B and posaconazole, and to compare the in vitro development of these fungi in aerobic normobaric versus hyperoxic normobaric and hyperbaric atmosphere. None of the zygomycetes grew after 24-hour and 72-hour incubation in a hyperoxic hyperbaric (2 or 3 ATA) atmosphere.

Invasive fungal infections in the intensive care unit: a multicentre, prospective, observational study in Italy (2006-2008).

Critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) are highly susceptible to healthcare-associated infections caused by fungi. A prospective sequential survey of invasive fungal infections was conducted from May 2006 to April 2008 in 38 ICUs of 27 Italian hospitals. A total of 384 fungal infections (318 invasive Candida infections, three cryptococcosis and 63 mould infections) were notified.