Amoebic Liver Abscesses in Returning Travelers: Lessons to Keep in Mind From a Nonendemic Area.

Despite being relatively common in endemic settings, amoebic liver abscesses are rarely diagnosed in high-resource countries, where they are usually imported by migrants or travelers to endemic areas. Between 2010 and 2024, we observed two cases of amoebic liver abscess that were successfully managed in a tertiary-care center in Italy. In both cases, the infection was contracted in Colombia.

Exercise Prescription in Lung-Transplanted Cystic Fibrosis Adults.

: Physical exercise intervention in cystic fibrosis (CF) is of recent interest; however, no specific method to detect improvements in body composition and cardiovascular performance after transplantation has been investigated. This study aims to verify the feasibility of an exercise prescription program in CF lung-transplanted patients compared to other solid organ transplanted recipients (OLT) in terms of cardio-respiratory and body composition performance. : The two groups, trained with a moderate intensity program, were evaluated by body composition analysis and a cardiopulmonary test (CPET) and compared to healthy subjects (HS).

Molecular Assays on Cutaneous Swabs as an Effective, Non-Invasive Diagnostic Technique for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: Results from a Retrospective Study Conducted in Italy.

Background: The case confirmation of CL relies on the direct demonstration of the parasite in clinical specimens from skin tissues. Despite most research efforts focusing on biopsy samples as the preferred diagnostic specimen for the detection of spp., the use of non-invasive sampling, such as cutaneous swabs, combined with the use of molecular assays, has shown promising results.

Exploring mpox vaccination uptake and tolerability among people living with HIV: A study in an infectious disease unit in Italy.

BackgroundA live attenuated non-replicating vaccine (MVA-BN) is approved for immunization against mpox. We provide an overview of the uptake and tolerability of mpox vaccination among people living with HIV (PLWH) in a single centre in Italy and draw comparisons to individuals without HIV.MethodsWe retrospectively collected clinical data of people vaccinated with MVA-BN in a tertiary-level hospital in Florence, Italy.

Severe imported Plasmodium falciparum malaria with hyperparasitaemia: evaluation of determinants of critical disease in adult returning travellers.

Background: Severe Plasmodium falciparum (P.f.) malaria remains a major health threat for travellers.

Integrating Case Management in Cystic Fibrosis Units: A Key to Enhancing Patient-Centered Care.

: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic genetic disease affecting the respiratory and digestive systems. Multidisciplinary care is vital for managing CF's complex complications. This study investigates the potential role of a Case Manager (CM) in improving care coordination and patient outcomes at the CF Unit of Careggi University Hospital.

UNAIDS 90-90-90 Target and Retention in Care of a Cohort of Migrants Living with HIV in a Tertiary Referral Hospital in Florence, Italy.

Migrant Living with HIV (MLWH) are facing many barriers. Proposing targeted interventions requires a better understanding of the local epidemiology, but data are scarce. This population often comprises vulnerable groups such as men who have Sex with men and transgender individuals.

The Etiology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Community-Onset Urinary Tract Infections in a Low-Resource/High-Resistance Area of Latin America.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common and are typically treated empirically, based on local antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data, which are often scarce in low- and middle-income countries. This study examines the AMR patterns of pathogens causing community-onset (CO) UTIs in the Bolivian Chaco. Urine samples were collected from subjects with suspected CO-UTIs and analyzed by culture techniques.

Post-infective neuromuscular hyperexcitability syndrome in a young man with cystic fibrosis: A case report.

Cystic fibrosis (CF)-related central (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) disorders have not yet been fully described. We report the first case of post-infective neuromuscular hyperexcitability syndrome in a 23-year-old male patient with CF and pulmonary exacerbation. CNS radiological investigations were unremarkable and no autoantibodies were detected.

Single dose ivermectin for scabies pre-emptive therapy among healthcare workers in Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy.

Introduction: Scabies is a neglected disease that cause outbreaks in facilities such as hospitals and prisons. In Europe, treatment with 2 doses of ivermectin 200 mcg/kg, 7 days apart, is authorised and recommended especially in population mass treatment. We describe the management of a mass pre-emptive therapy of primary contacts of a confirmed case of classic scabies among health care workers.

The Uprise of Human Leishmaniasis in Tuscany, Central Italy: Clinical and Epidemiological Data from a Multicenter Study.

Human leishmaniasis is facing important epidemiological changes in Southern Europe, driven by increased urbanization, climate changes, emerging of new animal reservoirs, shifts in human behavior and a growing population of immunocompromised and elderly individuals. In this evolving epidemiological landscape, we analyzed the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of human leishmaniasis in the Tuscany region of Central Italy. Through a multicentric retrospective analysis, we collected clinical and demographic data about all cases of leishmaniasis recorded between 2018 and 2023.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis and Miliary Tuberculosis in an Apparently Immunocompetent Patient: A Case Report.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a serious haematologic condition that can be related to various diseases, including tuberculosis (TB). The patient is a previously healthy 26-year-old man, originally from western Africa, admitted to hospital for fever and weight loss. Given the results of a computed tomography (CT) scan, ocular examination and microbiologic tests, miliary TB with pulmonary, lymph nodal and ocular involvement was diagnosed.

Babesiosis in the immunocompromised population: Results from a multicentric cohort study conducted in Italy.

Human babesiosis is an emerging zoonotic disease; diffused especially in some regions of the United States, it has been less frequently observed in other continents, including Europe. Serological surveys suggest that babesiosis could be more frequent than expected in European countries, representing an emerging health-issue and a possible harm, especially in immunocompromised populations. Only one case of human babesiosis has been reported in Italy and data about the diffusion of the pathogen in this country are scant.

Toscana virus (TOSV) meningitis with atypical characteristics: Report of two cases.

Toscana virus (TOSV) is an emerging cause of central nervous system (CNS) infections, especially in endemic countries during summer. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is usually clear, with < 500 leukocytes/mm, normal glucose (> 60 % serum glucose) and normal (< 45 mg/dL) to slightly increased protein levels. Here we present two cases of TOSV meningitis with misleading CSF characteristics observed at Santa Maria Annunziata Hospital (Bagno a Ripoli, Florence, Italy).

Impact of rapid-antiretroviral therapy in a cohort of treatment-naïve migrants living with HIV in a high income setting.

Background: We evaluated the effect of rapid ART (RA) compared to delayed ART (DA) on viral load suppression (viral load <50 cp/mL) and loss to follow-up (LTFU) in a cohort of migrants living with HIV (MLWHs) in Italy.

Methods: Data were retrospectively gathered from MLWHs who began care at the Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit of the Careggi University Hospital from January 2014 to December 2022. RA was defined as antiretrovirals prescribed within 7 days of HIV diagnosis.

Effect of antimetabolite regimen on cellular and humoral immune response to SARS-COV-2 vaccination in solid organ transplant recipients.

Objective: Novel mRNA-based vaccines have been proven to be powerful tools in combating the global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 protecting individuals, especially the immunocompromised, from COVID-19. Still, it remains largely unknown how solid organ transplant and different immunosuppressive medications affect development of vaccine-induced immunity.

Methods: In this work, we monitored humoral and cellular memory responses after mRNA SARS-CoV-2 two-doses and booster doses vaccination in cystic fibrosis lung transplanted patients (CFT) and compared them with both cystic fibrosis patients without lung transplant (CF) and with kidney transplant recipients (KT).

Antiviral combination regimens as rescue therapy in immunocompromised hosts with persistent COVID-19.

The management of severe/prolonged SARS-CoV-2 infections in immunocompromised hosts is still challenging. We describe nine patients with hematologic malignancies with a history of unsuccessful SARS-CoV-2 treatment receiving antiviral combination treatment for persistent infection at a tertiary hospital in central Italy (University Hospital of Careggi, Florence). Combination treatments consisted of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir plus molnupiravir ( = 4), nirmatrelvir/ritonavir plus remdesivir ( = 4) or remdesivir plus molnupiravir ( = 1) for 10 days, in some cases associated with sotrovimab.

Prevention, diagnosis and pharmacological treatment of infections in pregnancy: The mobile app GAIA! for healthcare providers and patients.

Objective: To develop and assess the GAIA! app, designed to assist pregnant women and healthcare professionals in managing infectious diseases during pregnancy, and to bridge the information gap between health professionals and expectant mothers.

Study Design: This collaborative initiative in Italy involved partnerships with the University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, and other institutions. The app, built on the Ionic framework, is available on both Apple and Google App Stores.

Facilitators and barriers in HIV testing and continuum of care among migrant transgender women who are sex workers residing in Florence, Italy.

Background: An increased risk of contracting HIV infection, suboptimal adherence, and a loss to follow-up have been observed in migrants, particularly if those individuals are transgender or sex workers. A clear picture of the HIV epidemic among migrants is complex due to the lack of specific national data.

Aims: We developed a qualitative study that describes the barriers and facilitators (cultural, social, and personal) in HIV testing and the continuum of care for a group of migrant transgender women who are sex workers.