Team-based, hybrid, or standard of care? Organizational models of tuberculosis care on tuberculosis outcomes in eleven Italian hospital.

Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose challenges in high-income countries, among migrant and socioeconomically vulnerable populations. Treatment discontinuity and loss to follow-up (LTFU) remain critical barriers to TB control. This study evaluated the impact of three organizational models of TB care on clinical and programmatic outcomes in Italy.

Increasing Antimicrobial Resistance to First-Line Therapies in Chronic Endometritis: A 2020-2024 Cross-Sectional Study.

In the context of the global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), this study aimed to investigate temporal trends in AMR among pathogens isolated from endometrial cultures of patients diagnosed with chronic endometritis (CE). This cross-sectional study included 244 women consecutively diagnosed with CE at the Gynecology Unit of the University of Bari, Italy, between January 2020 and June 2024. Exclusion criteria were (i) previous CE diagnosis or treatment; (ii) antimicrobial use in the month prior to hysteroscopy and biopsy; (iii) use of oral or vaginal prebiotics/probiotics or contraceptives in the three months prior; (iv) known immunosuppression; and (v) hypersensitivity to quinolones or macrolides.

Disparities in Toxoplasmosis, "Other" Infections (Syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis Viruses, Varicella-Zoster Virus, and Parvovirus B19), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes Simplex Virus Seroprevalence and Childbirth Experiences between Migrant and Nonmigrant Pregnant Women in Italy: A Single-Center Study.

The toxoplasmosis, "other" infections (syphilis, HIV, hepatitis viruses, varicella-zoster virus, and parvovirus B19), rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus (TORCH) complex poses significant risks for maternal and neonatal outcomes. Additionally, the childbirth experience, particularly for migrant women, is shaped by sociocultural and linguistic factors. This study evaluated the prevalence of TORCH infections and compares childbirth experiences between migrant and nonmigrant pregnant women in Italy.

Role of Frailty Index-Laboratory to predict COVID-19 mortality: a prospective study.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted frail individuals, highlighting the urgent need for effective prognostic tools to improve patient outcomes. Early identification of at-risk individuals can optimize management and resource allocation, reducing mortality and morbidity. This study evaluates the Frailty Index-Laboratory (FI-LAB) as a predictor of mortality in COVID-19 patients.

Knowledge, practices, educational needs and hospital engagement in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) among Italian healthcare workers and students: results from a national multicentre survey.

Objective: This study assesses the knowledge, practices, educational needs and hospital engagement in IPC among healthcare workers (HCWs) and students in Italy.

Methods: A national cross-sectional observational study was conducted from April to July 2024. Participants completed a validated questionnaire based on WHO and CDC guidelines.

Antimicrobial Resistance in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Comprehensive Landscape Review.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), driven by socioeconomic disparities, weak healthcare systems, and inadequate pharmaceutical regulation. This review examines AMR prevalence, drivers, and consequences in SSA, emphasizing the need for urgent interventions. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar, including studies published from January 2000 to June 2024.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Migration: Interrelation Between Two Hot Topics in Global Health.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and migration are two interlinked issues and both pose an escalating threat to global health. With an increasing trend, there are 281 million migrants globally, while AMR is contributing to over 5 million deaths annually, with a projected rise to 10 million by 2050 if left unaddressed. Both AMR and migration are multifaceted problems that extend beyond human health, involving animals, plants, and the environment-a fact highlighted by the One Health approach.

Tuberculosis outcomes among international migrants living in Europe compared with the nonmigrant population: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Migration status refers to socioeconomic factors that challenge access to the health care system and increase the risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) with worse outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the outcomes of TB among international migrants arriving in Europe compared with the nonmigrant population.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to identify studies investigating TB-related outcomes among migrants and nonmigrants in Europe.

Prevalence of neglected tropical diseases among migrants living in Europe: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Migration to Europe has intensified due to recent political conflicts, economic crises, and climate change, introducing an increased risk of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) within this population. While NTDs typically impact tropical regions, their presence among migrants in Europe presents a growing challenge, compounded by limited research in this area. This study provides the first meta-analysis on the prevalence of NTDs in migrants across European nations.

Chronic Endometritis and Antimicrobial Resistance: Towards a Multidrug-Resistant Endometritis? An Expert Opinion.

Chronic endometritis (CE) is a persistent inflammatory condition of the endometrium characterized by abnormal infiltration of plasma cells into the endometrial stroma. Frequently associated with repeated implantation failure, recurrent pregnancy loss, and infertility, CE significantly impacts women's health, contributing to conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding and endometriosis. Treatment typically involves antibiotic therapy; however, the efficacy of these treatments is increasingly compromised by the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

HIV-related outcomes among migrants living in Europe compared with the general population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Compared with the general population, international migrants arriving in Europe face severe socioeconomic challenges that result in higher HIV prevalence and limited access to health care, potentially leading to negative outcomes. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the incidence of HIV-related outcomes among international migrants arriving in Europe compared with the incidence among the general population.

Methods: We did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify studies investigating HIV-related outcomes in migrants and the general population living with HIV in Europe.

Rapid de-escalation of anti-MRSA therapy guided by nares screening for patients with pneumonia: protocol of a randomized controlled trial (SNAP study).

Introduction: The current Infectious Disease Society of America and American Thoracic Society (IDSA/ATS) guidelines recommend linezolid or vancomycin as an empiric treatment for methicillin-resistant (MRSA) pneumonia in hospitalized patients with specific risk factors,. A nasal PCR-assay for MRSA, with its high negative predictive value, can guide a rapid antibiotic de-escalation avoiding unnecessary anti-MRSA treatment. The indiscriminate use of these drugs has contributed to the emergence of resistant strains leading to adverse effects without any survival benefit, increasing hospital stays and associated costs.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices toward Antimicrobial Resistance among Young Italian Nurses and Students: A Multicenter, Cross-Sectional Study.

Nurses play a pivotal role in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, the success of local and national AMR containment efforts hinges on the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of nursing staff and undergraduate students. This study aims to explore the determinants of nurses' KAP regarding AMR, offering insights to control the emergence and spread of drug-resistant pathogens.

Perspectives on climate action and the changing burden of infectious diseases among young Italian doctors and students: a national survey.

Background: The eco-climatic crisis has been defined by the World Health Organization as the "single biggest health threat facing humanity," influencing both the emergence of zoonoses and the spread of vector-borne and water-borne diseases. The aim of this survey was to explore knowledge, eco-anxiety and attitudes toward the ecological and climate crisis among young Italian doctors and medical students.

Methods: A cross-sectional, multicenter survey was conducted from November 2022 to June 2023, by administering an anonymous questionnaire to Italian doctors and students of medicine.

Long-Term Impairment of Working Ability in Subjects under 60 Years of Age Hospitalised for COVID-19 at 2 Years of Follow-Up: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to persistent and debilitating symptoms referred to as Post-Acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) This broad symptomatology lasts for months after the acute infection and impacts physical and mental health and everyday functioning. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of long-term impairment of working ability in non-elderly people hospitalised for COVID-19. This cross-sectional study involved 322 subjects hospitalised for COVID-19 from 1 March 2020 to 31 December 2022 in the University Hospital of Bari, Apulia, Italy, enrolled at the time of their hospital discharge and followed-up at a median of 731 days since hospitalization (IQR 466-884).

Real life experience on the use of Remdesivir in patients admitted to COVID-19 in two referral Italian hospital: a propensity score matched analysis.

Remdesivir (RDV) was the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication for COVID-19, with discordant data on efficacy in reducing mortality risk and disease progression. In the context of a dynamic and rapidly changing pandemic landscape, the utilization of real-world evidence is of utmost importance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of RDV on patients who have been admitted to two university referral hospitals in Italy due to COVID-19.

Stigma and mental health among people living with HIV across the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Mental health (MH) is extremely relevant when referring to people living with a chronic disease, such as people living with HIV (PLWH). In fact - although life expectancy and quality have increased since the advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART) - PLWH carry a high incidence of mental disorders, and this burden has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this scenario, UNAIDS has set new objectives for 2025, such as the linkage of at least 90% of PLWH to people-centered, context-specific MH services.

Prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Predictors for Loss to Follow Up among Marginalized Homeless and Migrant Communities: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: In Europe and Italy, marginalized communities have a higher risk for both contracting sexually transmitted infections (STI) and progressing towards adverse outcomes.

Objectives: This study focuses on the screening of HIV, HBV, HCV, and syphilis among homeless individuals and agricultural migrant workers living in Apulia, Italy. It aims to assess STI prevalence and investigate factors that might hinder return to collect test results.

Incidence and burden of long COVID in Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Long COVID, also known as "post-acute sequelae of COVID-19," affects at least 65 million individuals worldwide with a wide spectrum of symptoms that may last weeks, months, or permanently. Its epidemiology and burden in Africa are unclear. This meta-analysis examines long-term COVID-19 effects in the WHO African Region.

Varicella-Zoster Virus Reactivation and Increased Vascular Risk in People Living with HIV: Data from a Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: The increased vascular risk associated with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation is extensively established in the general population. This retrospective cohort study investigates whether this observation holds for People Living with HIV (PLWH), a group already confronting heightened cardiovascular risk.

Methods: Among PLWH who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) at our center and have been under our care for >24 months since 1st January 2005, individuals with a history of herpes zoster (HZ) were identified, and their features were compared with those of PLWH with no history of HZ.

Efficacy and safety of therapies for COVID-19 in pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Clinical evidence suggests that pregnant women are more vulnerable to COVID-19, since they are at increased risk for disease progression and for obstetric complications, such as premature labor, miscarriage, preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, fetal growth restriction and perinatal death. Despite this evidence, pregnant women are often excluded from clinical trials, resulting in limited knowledge on COVID-19 management. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide better evidence on the efficacy and safety of available COVID-19 treatment in pregnant women.

Loading dose plus continuous/extended infusion versus intermittent bolus of β-lactams for the treatment of Gram-negative bacteria bloodstream infections: a propensity score-adjusted retrospective cohort study.

Background: Optimal β-lactam dosing for the treatment of Gram-negative bacteria bloodstream infections (GNB-BSIs) remains a debated issue. Herein, the efficacy and safety of a loading dose (LD) followed by extended/continuous infusion (EI/CI) versus intermittent bolus (IB) of these drugs for the treatment of GNB-BSIs was evaluated.

Methods: This is a retrospective observational study enrolling patients with GNB-BSIs treated with β-lactams from 1 October 2020 to 31 March 2022.