Toxoplasma gondii in raw milk from Sicily

Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites shed in milk of infected animals are a potential source of human infection often underestimated. Furthermore, limited risk assessment studies have been carried out to evaluate the transmission of toxoplasmosis by milk consumption. In this frame the availability of few and often not validated analytical methods can be a major shortcoming when investigating the extent of milk contamination and the parasite viability. To address the issue, 1381 samples of raw milk from unknown sero-status cows, donkeys, sheep and goats were examined for the detection of T. gondii DNA by a real time PCR method targeting the 529bp repeating element. The protozoan DNA was detected in 67 samples of cow’s milk (4,93% and 35% individual and herd prevalence respectively) and in one sample of donkey milk. Allegedly, on farm cats cohabitation as well as extensive management in the cattle farms that tested positive, can be accounted for environmental loading and transmission of T. gondii oocysts that are the unique sources of infection for milk-producing animals. Food safety-wise, results are noteworthy since recently raw cow’s milk consumption has become increasingly popular with the spread of automatic raw milk vending machines. Albeit heating treatment before consumption is mandatory for consumers, neglect of this requirement cannot be ruled out and could lead the way for foodborne infection. This is particularly true in view of evidences that T. gondii tachyzoites in experimentally spiked cow’s milk samples could be able to survive in gastric fluids for long enough (1 h) before reaching the intestine and infect the host

Cancer risk evaluation: Preliminary analysis of inflammatory biomarkers in farmers exposed to zoonotic agents

n/

Prevalence of Anaplasma species and habitat suitability for ticks in Sicily

n/

BIOCHEMICAL IDENTIFICATION OF FUNGAL SPECIES FROM AIR INSIDE REFRIGERATION CELLS IN “AOSTA” MECHANIZED BRIGADE’S REGIMENTS LOCATED IN ORIENTAL SICILY

In our study, we have identified and typed mycotic colonies after isolation from air sampled in refrigeration cells of the “Aosta” Mechanized Brigade’s Regiments, in Eastern Sicily, through an active air sampling system. Typing has been carried out through macro and microscopic examinations and biochemical identification system machine called “Biolog”. All isolated mycotic species belonged to Aspergillus and Penicillium genus, which have both direct and indirect pathogenic concern for human beings

EVALUATION OF MICROBIOLOGICAL AIR QUALITY INSIDE REFRIGERATION CELLS IN "AOSTA" MECHANIZED BRIGADE’S DEPENDENT REGIMENTS LOCATED IN EASTERN SICILY

Authors evaluated the microbiological quality of air inside some refrigeration cells of the “AOSTA” Mechanized Brigade Regiments’ messes in Eastern Sicily, through an active air sampling and monitoring system. They used PCA medium plates for evaluation of microbial mesophilic amounts and Malt agar medium plates for the evaluation of mycotic flora. Study results showed values of TMC within a range of 25 – 273 CFU/m3 and values of mycotic concentrations within range of 10-1720 CFU/m3. All identified mycotic species belonged to Aspergillus and Penicillium genus. Furthermore, authors tested a duster, used for routine cleaning of all examined rooms, as it certainly represented a very important contamination means

EVALUATION OF MICROBIOLOGICAL AIR QUALITY INSIDE REFRIGERATION CELLS IN "AOSTA" MECHANIZED BRIGADE’S DEPENDENT REGIMENTS LOCATED IN EASTERN SICILY

Authors evaluated the microbiological quality of air inside some refrigeration cells of the “AOSTA” Mechanized Brigade Regiments’ messes in Eastern Sicily, through an active air sampling and monitoring system. They used PCA medium plates for evaluation of microbial mesophilic amounts and Malt agar medium plates for the evaluation of mycotic flora. Study results showed values of TMC within a range of 25 – 273 CFU/m3 and values of mycotic concentrations within range of 10-1720 CFU/m3. All identified mycotic species belonged to Aspergillus and Penicillium genus. Furthermore, authors tested a duster, used for routine cleaning of all examined rooms, as it certainly represented a very important contamination means