New Microbiol. [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Real-Life Long-Term Weight Trends After Switching to INSTI-Based Therapy in People Living with HIV: A 12-Year Retrospective Cohort Study.
Ceccarelli G, Branda F, Bortolani L … +14 more , Albanese M, De Angelis I, Maiorano M, Giangiulio D, Donà R, Bogliolo E, Romano F, Vassalini P, d'Amati G, Lazzaro A, Ridolfi M, Petramala L, d'Ettorre G, Galardo G
New Microbiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41431767
BACKGROUND: The introduction of integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) has transformed HIV therapy, offering high efficacy and tolerability. However, emerging evidence links INSTI exposure to weight gain. The long...
BACKGROUND: The introduction of integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) has transformed HIV therapy, offering high efficacy and tolerability. However, emerging evidence links INSTI exposure to weight gain. The long-term impact of switching from protease inhibitor (PI)-based to INSTI-based combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) on body composition and metabolic health remains incompletely understood. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study of 89 virologically suppressed people living with HIV (PLWH) followed from 2008 to 2021. All participants were on PI-based cART at baseline (T0). Between 2008 and 2013 (T1), a subset switched to a raltegravir-based INSTI regimen, with subsequent transitions to dolutegravir or bictegravir during follow-up (T2). Changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and metabolic parameters were compared between participants who remained on PI therapy and those who switched to any INSTI ("Ever INSTI"). RESULTS: Over the full observation period, individuals who switched to INSTI-based therapy experienced significantly greater mean increases in body weight and BMI compared with those maintained on PI-based regimens. Immune recovery remained stable across groups, and metabolic safety appeared preserved. Within the INSTI class, participants with prolonged raltegravir exposure exhibited a trend toward greater long-term weight gain, though this finding should be interpreted cautiously due to the small subgroup size and potential residual confounding. CONCLUSIONS: Switching from PI- to INSTI-based cART in virologically suppressed PLWH is associated with modest but sustained increases in body weight and BMI over time, without evident deterioration in metabolic health. These results support the favourable safety profile of INSTIbased regimens while underscoring the need for routine anthropometric monitoring and preventive lifestyle interventions during long-term therapy.
In vitro activity of Cefepime/Enmetazobactam and Cefepime/Zidebactam against OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical strains.
Bulfoni M, Tascini C, Grandesso S … +2 more , Serino F, Gaibani P
New Microbiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41431766
In this study, we evaluated the in vitro antibacterial activity of cefepime/enmetazobactam and cefepime/zidebactam against well-characterized OXA-48-like producing Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical strains. Genomic analysis...
In this study, we evaluated the in vitro antibacterial activity of cefepime/enmetazobactam and cefepime/zidebactam against well-characterized OXA-48-like producing Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical strains. Genomic analysis revealed that all strains carried class D carbapenemase including blaOXA-48 and blaOXA-181 as well as different ESBL genes. Our results demonstrated that both enmetazobactam and zidebactam significantly enhanced the bactericidal activity of cefepime in vitro. Based on these findings, we suggest that these combinations could be considered a valuable therapeutic approach for treatment of infections caused by OXA-48-producing K. pneumoniae.
Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Cut-off Value for Predicting Neutralizing Antibodies and Reinfection Risk in Natural and Hybrid Immunity: A Longitudinal Observational Study.
Nazlı A, Appak Ö, Emecen AN … +4 more , Ghaffari AN, Şimsek GÖ, Sayıner A, Avkan-Oguz V
New Microbiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41431765
Understanding immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, particularly the dynamics of natural versus hybrid immunity (infection plus vaccination), is essential for shaping public health strategies. A prospective cohort of 171 adult...
Understanding immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, particularly the dynamics of natural versus hybrid immunity (infection plus vaccination), is essential for shaping public health strategies. A prospective cohort of 171 adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 was followed from February to July 2021. Participants were grouped as having natural (without COVID-19 vaccination, n=129) or hybrid (vaccinated before and/or after infection, n=42) immunity. Anti-RBD IgG and neutralizing antibodies were measured at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months. ROC analysis identified an IgG cut-off to predict neutralizing antibody positivity. Reinfections were monitored for 12 months. Hybrid immunity was associated with significantly higher IgG levels across all time points. IgG and NAb levels were strongly correlated (r=0.86 at 1st, r=0.80 at 3rd month). An IgG threshold of 303.8 AU/mL predicted NAb positivity with 91.9% sensitivity and 90% specificity. Reinfection occurred in 4.6% of participants during the Omicron wave, often despite high antibody levels. An IgG level ≥303.8 AU/mL is a strong predictor of NAb positivity and can serve as a practical surrogate marker of functional immunity, especially where neutralization testing is unavailable. Reinfections despite high IgG/NAb levels highlight the limitations of static thresholds, particularly against different variants.
Seroprevalence of COVID-19 Among Sanitation and Janitorial Workers During the Early Pandemic Phase in Saudi Arabia.
Alandijany TA, Faizo AA, Hassan AM … +6 more , Al-Zahrani YA, Al-Ghamdi AA, Badawi MA, Sohrab SS, El-Kafrawy SA, Azhar EI
New Microbiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41431764
During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia, sero-epidemiological studies focused primarily on healthcare workers and blood donors, leaving significant gaps in understanding risk factors for other vul...
During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia, sero-epidemiological studies focused primarily on healthcare workers and blood donors, leaving significant gaps in understanding risk factors for other vulnerable groups. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of COVID-19 among sanitation and janitorial workers. A total of 2,597 serum samples were analyzed, including 1,279 from sanitation and janitorial workers, collected from 1 April to 30 June 2020, and 1,318 samples collected from healthy blood donors from 1 April to 5 August 2020 as a control group. The seroprevalence of COVID-19 antibodies was higher among sanitation and janitorial workers: 32.21% (412/1,279) compared to 4.78% (63/1,318) in the blood donor control group. Sanitation and janitorial workers had a markedly higher likelihood of contracting COVID-19 (odds ratio = 0.11, 95% CI=0.08011-0.1397, p<0.0001). A minor but statistically significant effect of gender was observed, with males showing higher susceptibility (odds ratio = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.162-2.660, p = 0.01), while nationality had no significant impact on seroprevalence rates (odds ratio = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.6705-1.323, p=0.8). This study highlights sanitation and janitorial workers as a high-risk group for COVID-19, reporting the highest seroprevalence rate locally during the early pandemic phase.
Amino acids and acylcarnitine profiles associated with the response to Oxacillin in susceptible and resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus.
Gómez-Govea MA, Fajardo-Ramirez OR, Villarreal-Treviño L … +6 more , Zambrano-Arizpe A, Martínez de Villarreal LE, Martinez-Fierro ML, Delgado-Enciso I, Guzmán Velasco A, Rodríguez-Sánchez I
New Microbiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41431763
BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has become significant due to its prevalence as one of the main causes of nosocomial infections, provoking both human and economic losses; therefore, a better under...
BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has become significant due to its prevalence as one of the main causes of nosocomial infections, provoking both human and economic losses; therefore, a better understanding of its biology will allow the proposal of new strategies of control. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the metabolic profiles of two strains of Staphylococcus aureus under exposure to sub-inhibitory concentrations of oxacillin. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains were exposed to oxacillin at 0.125 mg/L; afterwards, tandem mass spectrometry was used to analyze their metabolic profiles (12 amino acid [AA]s and 28 acylcarnitine [AcC]s). RESULTS: Exposure to oxacillin in both strains generated osmolytes such as proline and carnitine, in response to osmotic stress generated from the damage on the cellular wall. Moreover, they presented a capacity to modify their intra-cellular composition of both amino acids and AcCs in response to exposure to the drug. CONCLUSION: Exposure of MSSA and MRSA strains to oxacillin modifies their metabolome.
Designing Resilience for Overlapping Respiratory Epidemics: A One Health Perspective from Seasonal Influenza.
Galardo G, Ceccarelli C, Branda F … +7 more , Bortolani L, Renna R, Ciccozzi M, d'Ettorre G, Petramala L, Ceccarelli G, d'Ettorre G
New Microbiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41431762
Recent European winter seasons have been characterized by the simultaneous circulation of influenza A virus, SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and an unusual rise in group A streptococcal in...
Recent European winter seasons have been characterized by the simultaneous circulation of influenza A virus, SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and an unusual rise in group A streptococcal infections, including invasive disease. This overlap has transformed seasonal influenza from a largely predictable event into a complex clinical and epidemiological scenario where viral-bacterial interactions amplify disease severity, extend risk to previously healthy individuals, and stress both surveillance and diagnostic systems. We analyse this evolving landscape through an integrated One Health perspective, examining how local epidemiology, rapid multiplex diagnostics, adaptive antimicrobial stewardship, occupational health surveillance, and infection-prevention-oriented architectural design converge to mitigate the impact of overlapping respiratory epidemics. Such multidimensional preparedness is essential to prevent avoidable mortality, protect healthcare workers, and ensure the resilience of healthcare infrastructures facing concurrent viral and bacterial outbreaks.
In vitro Control of RNA Virus Infections by M1-Polarized Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages.
Abisi HK, Ghezzi S, Pagani I … +2 more , Vicenzi E, Poli G
New Microbiol · 2025 Dec · PMID 41431761
Human macrophages are credited with a dual ontogeny: tissue-resident macrophages (TRM) derive from embryonal structures and are endowed with both high resistance to pathogen-induced cell death and homeostatic proliferati...
Human macrophages are credited with a dual ontogeny: tissue-resident macrophages (TRM) derive from embryonal structures and are endowed with both high resistance to pathogen-induced cell death and homeostatic proliferation in response to self-secreted cytokines. Conversely, circulating monocytes of bone marrow origin can differentiate into macrophages (MDM) upon migration to tissues in response to chemotactic signals triggered by infections or tissue damage. Both TRM and MDM can undergo differential cell activation programs, i.e., "M1/M2 polarization," leading to pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory and tissue-remodeling activities, respectively. We here will review the events following in vitro infection of human primary MDM by two unrelated RNA viruses: the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a retrovirus causing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and Zika virus (ZIKV), a flavivirus associated with microcephaly in newborns. M1 polarization of MDM before infection resulted in a clear-cut containment of the replicative capacity of both HIV-1 and ZIKV, whereas M2-MDM showed a complex modulation of HIV-1 replication and did not affect ZIKV production in human MDM. These findings suggest that M1 polarization of human macrophages contributes to the containment of diverse RNA virus infections, as here exemplified for HIV-1 and ZIKV, and could be harnessed to develop potential host-directed antiviral strategies.
PRESTIGIO RING: "Persistent low-level viremia with preserved immunological profile in people with multidrug-resistant HIV: is it time to defer switching?".
Clemente T, Bottanelli M, Armenia D … +4 more , Saladini F, Castagna A, Piconi S, Spagnuolo V
New Microbiol · 2025 Oct · PMID 41140235
Persistent low-level viremia (LLV) in heavily treatment-experienced (HTE) people with HIV (PWH) harboring multidrug-resistant virus remains a challenging clinical scenario. We report two cases from the PRESTIGIO Registry...
Persistent low-level viremia (LLV) in heavily treatment-experienced (HTE) people with HIV (PWH) harboring multidrug-resistant virus remains a challenging clinical scenario. We report two cases from the PRESTIGIO Registry of individuals with longstanding HIV infection, high cumulative genotypic resistance, and sustained LLV despite no current adherence issues. In both cases, a regimen confidently containing ≥2 fully active agents was not achievable without incorporating entry and/or capsid inhibitors. Through these cases, we highlight diagnostic and therapeutic uncertainties in the management of LLV, including: the unfeasibility of RNA-based genotyping, the limited availability of data on resistance assessment by DNA-based genotypic testing, and the possibility that such viremia stems from clonal viral production rather than active replication. Although both individuals maintained a stable immune profile and low transmission risk, these cases underscore the need for tailored guidance in managing LLV in HTE PWH.
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections: Could eravacycline be a new weapon for clinicians?
Giuliano S, Martini L, Prataviera F … +7 more , Moreal C, Flammini S, Lazzarotto D, Terrosu G, De Cecchis L, Fanin R, Tascini C
New Microbiol · 2025 Oct · PMID 41140234
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging, multidrug-resistant pathogen increasingly associated with nosocomial infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients such as those undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic s...
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging, multidrug-resistant pathogen increasingly associated with nosocomial infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients such as those undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or affected by oncological diseases. Therapeutic options are limited due to intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms, including β-lactamases and efflux pumps. Although minocycline and trimethoprim-ulfamethoxazole are standard treatments, recent evidence suggests that eravacycline, a novel fluorocycline, may be effective in vitro, though clinical data remain scarce. Two cases of S. maltophilia bloodstream infection (BSI) in immunocompromised patients were reviewed. Both patients received eravacycline as part of combination therapy, following microbiological identification of the pathogen. Clinical course, microbiological outcomes, and antibiotic regimens were analyzed. Both patients, affected by acute myeloid leukemia and cholangiocarcinoma, developed S. maltophilia BSI after prolonged exposure to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Eravacycline (1 mg/kg every 12 hours) was included in both regimens. Blood cultures cleared within 48 hours in both cases. One patient died due to fungal complications, but S. maltophilia BSI was microbiologically controlled in both. These findings suggest a potential role for eravacycline in treating S. maltophilia BSI when standard options are limited. Further clinical studies are needed to establish efficacy and appropriate therapeutic use.
Rare Peritoneal Dialysis-Associated Peritonitis Caused by Plectosphaerella cucumerina: A Case Report.
Mao G, Liang M, Wu Q … +1 more , Wang Y
New Microbiol · 2025 Oct · PMID 41140233
Plectosphaerella cucumerina (P. cucumerina) is a rare fungal pathogen that typically infects plants and crops, causing disease and reduced yields. Human infections are extremely uncommon. This case report describes the f...
Plectosphaerella cucumerina (P. cucumerina) is a rare fungal pathogen that typically infects plants and crops, causing disease and reduced yields. Human infections are extremely uncommon. This case report describes the first case of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis caused by P. cucumerina and highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges posed by this rare fungal pathogen. A 79-year-old woman with peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis was diagnosed with a P. cucumerina infection through culture, MALDI-TOF MS, and sequencing. The patient's symptoms improved significantly within three days of antifungal treatment with fluconazole, and her inflammatory markers normalized after two weeks. Diagnosis of P. cucumerina infections often relies on culture and molecular techniques. In this case, fluconazole monotherapy was effective. Further research is needed to optimize diagnostic methods and treatment protocols. Early identification and targeted antifungal therapy are essential for the successful management of P. cucumerina-caused peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis.
A Pregnant Woman With Syphilitic Gumma Presenting Atypical Skin Involvement Accompanied by Ocular Syphilis: A Case Report.
Tanyel C, Tanyel E, Seyman D … +2 more , Berk Cam H, Seremet Keskin A
New Microbiol · 2025 Oct · PMID 41140232
We report a rare case of tertiary syphilis in a pregnant woman, presenting with cutaneous gumma and ocular involvement. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of atypical syphilitic lesions and emphasizes the imp...
We report a rare case of tertiary syphilis in a pregnant woman, presenting with cutaneous gumma and ocular involvement. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of atypical syphilitic lesions and emphasizes the importance of considering syphilis in the differential diagnosis of facial skin lesions during pregnancy.
HIV and Sexual Health Awareness Among University Students: Findings from a World AIDS Day Survey in Milan.
Raccagni AR, Abello C, Stabile V … +9 more , Capra N, Lolatto R, Uslenghi G, Levi S, Fossati A, Reichlin M, De Cobelli F, Nozza S, Castagna A
New Microbiol · 2025 Oct · PMID 41140231
This study assessed HIV and sexual health knowledge among undergraduate medical students in Milan, Italy. An anonymous online survey with nine multiple-choice questions was distributed by email to students at Vita-Salute...
This study assessed HIV and sexual health knowledge among undergraduate medical students in Milan, Italy. An anonymous online survey with nine multiple-choice questions was distributed by email to students at Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in November 2024. Of 1004 respondents, 48% reported comprehensive and 44% partial knowledge of HIV. Awareness of PrEP, PEP, and "U=U" was 47%, 45%, and 46%, respectively. HIV stigma persisted, with 36% considering it a taboo subject. Knowledge was significantly associated with prior sexual health education, highlighting the need for strengthened sexual health training to address gaps and reduce stigma.
The characteristic of virulence and antibiotic resistance of metallo-carbapenemases-producing Klebsiella spp. in a tertiary hospital in China.
Ma R, Jingying Y, Lu Y … +6 more , Ruan Y, Duan J, Wang D, Mao G, Li M, Zhou Y
New Microbiol · 2025 Oct · PMID 41140230
The emergence and global dissemination of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella spp. have seriously threatened global public health. Few genomic analyses of ceftazidime-avibactam-resistant and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella s...
The emergence and global dissemination of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella spp. have seriously threatened global public health. Few genomic analyses of ceftazidime-avibactam-resistant and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella spp. (CAR-CRKS) have been performed to date. This was a retrospective study of 12 CAR - CRKS isolates from 99 Klebsiella spp. collected in a Chinese tertiary hospital between 2018 and 2020. K. pneumoniae (eight cases, 66.67%), K. variicola (two cases, 16.67%), and K. quasipneumoniae (two cases, 16.67%) were identified in these isolates. Most of these patients had underlying hepatobiliary diseases or a history of receiving interventional procedures, and were hospitalised recurrently. The isolates were sensitive to amikacin, tigecycline, and polymyxin. blaIMP-4 was detected in six isolates, whereas blaNDM-1, blaNDM-5 and blaNDM-9 were detected in three, two, and one isolates, respectively. Only one strain harboured the rmpA, and exhibited a hypermucinous phenotype. The aerobactin (iucABCD) and yersiniabactin genes were absent in most of the strains. The strains containing blaIMP-4 exhibited higher virulence. These findings are of great significance for understanding the characteristics of CAR - CRKS and developing treatment strategies.
In silico and Experimental Evaluation of Antiviral Activity of Acutumine and Dauricumine against SARS-CoV-2.
Bajrai LH, Sohrab SS, Al-Nahas RS … +2 more , Rehan M, Azhar EI
New Microbiol · 2025 Oct · PMID 41140229
The unusual pneumonia outbreak that originated in the city of Wuhan, China in December 2019 was found to be caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), or COVID-19. In this study, we have eval...
The unusual pneumonia outbreak that originated in the city of Wuhan, China in December 2019 was found to be caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), or COVID-19. In this study, we have evaluated the antiviral activity of Acutumine and Dauricumine compounds isolated from the Menispermum plant against SARS-CoV-2. The cells were infected by virus in 3 different experimental assay designs and treated at various concentrations from 0 to 48 hours post infection. The selected compounds were further tested under light-dependent anti-viral activities to measure the reduction of viral load using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) on the cell culture assay. The in-silico results revealed that the active compounds known as Acutumine and Dauricumine could be better antiviral compounds with essential proteins of this virus, mainly protease (Mpro). Interestingly, the Acutumine and Dauricumine mixture (1:1 ratio100 mg/mL of each) of both compounds showed effective anti-viral activity in Vero E6 cells. Therefore, the results of Acutumine and Dauricumine compounds used in this study showed significant anti-viral and virucidal effects in the following increasing order of potency: Acutumine alone, Dauricumine alone, and mixture of both compounds or effective on SARS-CoV-2 infectious cycle. Thus, based on the outcome of this study, it is concluded that Dauricumine alone or in a mixture could be a better option as an antiviral than Acutumine alone against SARS-CoV-2.
Shifting antiretroviral drug distribution from Outpatient Clinics to Hospital Pharmacies in Italy. Evolution of ART delivery methods and impact on treatment adherence.
Taramasso L, Brucci G, Dettori S … +9 more , Busin V, Vena A, Mina F, Malucelli D, Mora S, Giacomini M, Beltramini S, Bassetti M, Di Biagio A
New Microbiol · 2025 Oct · PMID 41140228
OBJECTIVES: This retrospective observational study assesses adherence to antiretroviral therapy before and after the transition to pharmacy-based treatment dispensation. METHODS: Two 14-month periods were identified: bef...
OBJECTIVES: This retrospective observational study assesses adherence to antiretroviral therapy before and after the transition to pharmacy-based treatment dispensation. METHODS: Two 14-month periods were identified: before (P1) and after (P2) the transition to pharmacy-based provision of antiretrovirals. P2 also coincided with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Adherence was assessed using a mathematical index to estimate the delay in refilling medication (delay index Di). RESULTS: 1,266 people with HIV were included. Higher values of Di were found to be associated with P2 (ß 0.17, 95%CI 0.04-0.07), primarily driven by a significant delay in the initial months of the SARSCoV-2 pandemic in Italy, with Di +0.051 ± 0.13 from March to May 2020 vs. Di +0.048 ±0.12 in the rest of P2. Higher Di was also associated with multi-tablet regimens (ß 0.06, 95%CI 0.006-0.03), whereas switching regimens was associated with lower Di (ß -0.06, 95%CI -0.07-0.04). The odds of HIV RNA>50 copies/mL were higher with higher Di (OR 2.78; 95%CI 1.14-6.75), but lower in P2 compared to P1 (OR 0.38; 95%CI 0.27-0.53). CONCLUSIONS: Despite an apparent adherence decline due to delays in treatment refills during the first months of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the transition to pharmacy-based antiretrovirals supply was associated with lower frequency of uncontrolled HIV replication.
β-Lactamase inhibitors, cefiderocol and delafloxacin: evaluating promising antibiotics options for Pseudomonas aeruginosa in adults with cystic fibrosis.
Loïez C, Charlet A, Duployez C … +2 more , Le Guern R, Wallet F
New Microbiol · 2025 Oct · PMID 41140227
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) often present therapeutic challenges due to acquired resistance. This study analyzed 178 strains from adult CF patients at a single French university hospital. Hi...
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) often present therapeutic challenges due to acquired resistance. This study analyzed 178 strains from adult CF patients at a single French university hospital. High in vitro activity was observed for newer antibiotics such as ceftolozane-tazobactam (83% susceptibility), ceftazidime-avibactam (85% susceptibility), and cefiderocol (89% susceptibility). Delafloxacin also showed promising activity, with 93% of the isolates exhibiting MICs below the EUCAST epidemiological cut-off value. Results emphasize the potential utility of these agents.
Determinants of loss to follow-up among pregnant women living in a high malaria burden setting in Northern Uganda.
Ictho J, Segala FV, Novara R … +15 more , Olung N, Patti G, Papagni R, Atim G, Totaro V, Olal L, De Vita E, Adongo J, L'episcopia M, Okori S, Dall'Oglio G, Putoto G, Saracino A, Di Gennaro F, Lochoro P
New Microbiol · 2025 Oct · PMID 41140226
Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, disproportionately affecting Sub-Saharan Africa. Pregnant women represent one of the most vulnerable populations. Despite numerous advances in malaria control measur...
Malaria remains a significant global health challenge, disproportionately affecting Sub-Saharan Africa. Pregnant women represent one of the most vulnerable populations. Despite numerous advances in malaria control measures, lost-to-follow-up (LTFU) in antenatal care (ANC) programs poses a critical barrier to achieving optimal maternal and neonatal outcomes and the success of public health interventions. The factors driving LTFU, particularly in rural, high-burden settings, are not completely understood. This study investigates the determinants of LTFU among pregnant women receiving malaria screening in the context of the ERASE-Rise Against Malaria project in Northern Uganda. An observational retrospective cohort study was conducted on 1,558 women, recruited from July 2022 to June 2024, during the operational research held to assess the impact of antimalarial resistance on malaria care among pregnant women in three healthcare facilities in Oyam and Kole districts. Data on individual level (sociodemographic and clinical) and health care-related factors were analyzed using a multilevel logistic regression model to identify predictors of LTFU, defined as the absence of cohort outcome data 30 days after the expected delivery date. Efforts to recover missing data included delivery register consultation, active phone calls, and contact tracing by village health team workers. 871 (55.9%) of the 1,558 women were LTFU. Recovery strategies reduced the missing data rate to 29.1% (n=454). Protective factors against LTFU included higher education (aOR=0.75, 95% CI: 0.54-1.03, p=0.0798), being primigravida (aOR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.56-0.97, p=0.0275), and experiencing malaria during pregnancy (aOR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.48-0.78, p<0.0001). Women attending Aboke Health Center IV (n=385) were over five times more likely to be LTFU than those at Aber Hospital (n=955) (aOR=5.57, 95% CI: 4.08-7.71, p<0.0001), highlighting significant geographic and structural barriers. The high rate of LTFU in malaria screening programs underscores the need for targeted interventions addressing individual, systemic and structural barriers. Strengthening community-level support, improving healthcare infrastructures, and integrating malaria prevention into broader maternal health services are crucial for enhancing retention in care. Addressing determinants of LTFU, systematically, through further qualitative and quantitative research, is essential to improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes and achieving malaria eradication goals in high-burden settings.
Pregnancy in women living with HIV: Experience of IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori and a narrative review.
Ranzani A, Lapadula G, D'Aloia F … +4 more , Ornaghi S, Locatelli A, Bonfanti P, Sabbatini F
New Microbiol · 2025 Oct · PMID 41140225
In this narrative review, inspired by the observation of changes in clinical practice implemented at our centre (IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori), we describe the evolution of care for pregnant women living with HIV (WLWH)...
In this narrative review, inspired by the observation of changes in clinical practice implemented at our centre (IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori), we describe the evolution of care for pregnant women living with HIV (WLWH) and the current issues regarding ARV therapy, delivery, prophylaxis and breastfeeding. Over the years, advances in the care of HIV in pregnancy have significantly reduced the risk of perinatal transmission, making the experience of motherhood in WLWH comparable to that of people without HIV infection. However, some issues remain to be overcome to separate the real risks of transmission from the perceived fears and reduce the medicalization of pregnancy in WLWH. Notably, the rate of caesarean section remains higher than that of the general population, highlighting the need to further promote vaginal birth for WLWH in clinical practice and to reassure both women and physicians on its safety. Moreover, certain areas remain uncertain or subject to conflicting guidelines, such as the use of post-exposure prophylaxis for low-risk neonates and breastfeeding.
Management of Invasive Fungal Infection: Clinical Strategies in Critical Care from a Multidisciplinary Consensus.
Moreal C, Angelini J, Venturini S … +12 more , Deana C, Flammini S, Lugano M, Lucangelo U, Montanari L, Pellis T, Roman-Pognuz E, Schioppa O, Zerbato V, Bassi F, Giuliano S, Tascini C
New Microbiol · 2025 Oct · PMID 41140224
Fungal infections pose a growing threat in hospital settings, particularly among critically ill or immunocompromised patients. A multidisciplinary consensus among fifteen clinical experts from Northern Italy examined the...
Fungal infections pose a growing threat in hospital settings, particularly among critically ill or immunocompromised patients. A multidisciplinary consensus among fifteen clinical experts from Northern Italy examined the increasing challenge of invasive fungal infections, especially in patients with high-risk complications and in critical settings. The report emphasizes early diagnostic integration through clinical assessment, biomarker evaluation, and the essential role of therapeutic drug monitoring in optimizing outcomes. This consensus aims to consolidate clinical strategies for timely diagnosis, personalized pharmacologic intervention, and antifungal stewardship. Azoles are identified as first-line treatment options. Isavuconazole emerged as a preferred therapeutic agent due to its favorable pharmacokinetic profile, safety in renal impairment, and lack of QT interval prolongation. This consensus supports integrated strategies combining early recognition, rapid diagnostics, individualized pharmacology, and antifungal stewardship to improve outcomes, particularly in critical care settings.
Clavicular Fracture-Associated Candida parapsilosis Osteomyelitis: A Case Report and State-of-the-Art Perspective.
Cibelli M, Frallonardo L, Giacomo G … +8 more , Mariani FM, Di Gennaro F, Carrozzo M, Solarino G, Elia R, Giudice G, Maruccia M, Saracino A
New Microbiol · 2025 Jul · PMID 41123509
Candida parapsilosis is an infrequent opportunistic pathogen, responsible for approximately 7% of Candida osteomyelitis cases. While infections in immunocompetent individuals are rare, they present significant therapeuti...
Candida parapsilosis is an infrequent opportunistic pathogen, responsible for approximately 7% of Candida osteomyelitis cases. While infections in immunocompetent individuals are rare, they present significant therapeutic challenges due to intrinsic resistance mechanisms and biofilm formation, requiring a multidisciplinary management approach. We report the case of a 27-year-old immunocompetent man who developed Candida parapsilosis osteomyelitis following surgical fixation of a clavicular fracture sustained in a road traffic accident. After multiple surgical interventions due to persistent infection, C. parapsilosis was identified in bone samples, along with Klebsiella pneumoniae. The patient underwent prolonged antifungal and antibiotic therapy, combined with surgical debridement and bone reconstruction using a microsurgical fibular flap. He remained clinically stable, with no signs of recurrence at 11-month follow-up. This case underscores the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of Candida parapsilosis osteomyelitis, particularly in immunocompetent individuals, who are often not considered at risk for fungal infections. It highlights the importance of early clinical suspicion, prolonged microbiological cultures, and a multidisciplinary team approach integrating both surgical and medical management to optimize patient outcomes. Additionally, a review of the literature on C. parapsilosis osteomyelitis is provided.
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