Drug-resistant tuberculosis in Naples, 2008-2013.

Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is a serious threat in industrialized countries, but information from Southern Italy is lacking. Here, we present the results of a retrospective study of TB cases diagnosed in 2008-2013 in Naples, the largest city in Southern Italy.

Methods: Six hundred ninety Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains were isolated at the Ospedali dei Colli of Naples, and resistance to first-line and second-line drugs was determined.

The current spectrum and prevalence of intestinal parasitosis in Campania (region of southern Italy) and their relationship with migration from endemic countries.

Background: In Italy, the current clinical-epidemiological features of intestinal parasitosis and the impact of recent massive migration flows from endemic areas on their distribution are not very well known.

Methods: An analysis was carried out involving 1766 patients (720 natives and 1046 immigrants) observed during the period 2009-2010 (the 'current group') and 771 native patients observed during the period 1996-1997 (the 'historical group'), a time at which immigration in the area was minimal. Patients were analyzed for intestinal parasitosis at four healthcare centres in Campania.

Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease in patients without HIV infection: a retrospective analysis over 3 years.

Introduction: Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung infections are relatively common in immunocompromised patients but are now increasingly being diagnosed in immunocompetent individuals. These organisms are not always pathogenic bacteria when isolated from human samples. The identification of which isolates are contaminants or colonizers is based on internationally accepted criteria.