Evaluation of a rapid Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) test for the laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have seen a considerable increase in the last years and given the health burden they may represent from both a personal and community perspective, they require surveillance and prevention programmes based on a timely and decentralized diagnosis. In this context, user-friendly rapid molecular tests may represent a good trade-off between diagnostic accuracy, accessibility and affordability. In this study we evaluated the diagnostic performance of a new real-time LAMP (Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification) method for the rapid detection and differentiation of 7 major sexually transmissible pathogens by analysing real clinical samples (genital and extra-genital matrices) from individuals with suspected STIs.

Comparison of Four Commercial Screening Assays for the Detection of bla, bla, bla, bla and bla in Rectal Secretion Collected by Swabs.

The spread of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) has been enabled by the lack of control measures directed at carriers of multidrug-resistant organisms in healthcare settings. Screening patients for asymptomatic colonization on the one hand, and implementation of contact precautions on the other hand, reduces patient-to-patient transmission. Screening plates represents a relatively low-cost method for isolating CRE from rectal swabs; however, molecular assays have become widely available.

Easyscreen™ Enteric Protozoa Assay For the Detection of Intestinal Parasites: A Retrospective Bi-Center Study.

Gastroenteritis caused by single or multiple pathogens remains a major diagnostic challenge for the laboratory, as diagnosis is achieved using different techniques with variable sensitivity and specificity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the EasyScreen™ Enteric Protozoa Detection Kit, a multiplex PCR assay for the detection and identification of the 5 most common protozoan parasites in fecal samples. A total of 632 fecal samples, submitted for routine screening to 2 centers in north-eastern Italy, was included in the study.

Rapid diagnosis of bloodstream infections in the critically ill: Evaluation of the broad-range PCR/ESI-MS technology.

Bloodstream infection (BSI) and associated sepsis represent a major source of mortality in industrialized countries. Prompt treatment with targeted antibiotics affects both the financial impact and the clinical outcome of BSI: every hour gained in initiating the correct antimicrobial therapy significantly increases the probability of patient survival. However, the current standard-of-care, which depends on blood culture-based diagnosis, are often unable to provide such a fast response.

Microbiological surveillance of plasmid mediated colistin resistance in human Enterobacteriaceae isolates in Romagna (Northern Italy): August 2016-July 2017.

Objectives: To start a surveillance program to investigate the possible diffusion of mobilized colistin resistance genes in Enterobacteriaceae strains isolated in the Unit of Microbiology of the Great Romagna Hub Laboratory.

Methods: All the colistin resistant Enterobacteriaceae, isolated from August 1st 2016 to July 31st 2017, were prospectively evaluated for mcr-1 and mcr-2. Backdated survey of mcr-3, mcr-4 and mcr-5 was performed on the same group of isolates.