Diversity of yeasts and moulds in dairy products from Umbria, central Italy

In this research communication we report on the diversity of yeast and mould species in 69 samples of milk and different dairy products from three plants located in Umbria, central Italy. Isolates were characterised both macroscopically and microscopically and then identified by PCR and genome sequencing of the ITS region and the D1–D2 domain of the large-subunit rRNA gene for filamentous fungi and yeasts, respectively. Out of the 69 samples analysed, 51 (73.9%) tested positive for the presence of yeasts, whereas moulds were detected in 25 (36.2%) samples. A total of 9 yeast species belonging to 8 different genera and 13 mould species belonging to 6 different genera were isolated. The most common genera isolated were Debaryomyces and Kluyveromyces among the yeasts and Penicillium and Galactomyces among the moulds. Microbiota play a key role in the formation of flavour, aroma, texture and appearance of dairy products. This complex microbial ecosystem includes both cultured and external bacteria, yeasts and moulds. Some of them have an important role in the production of cheeses, whereas others are responsible for dairy product spoilage, resulting in significant food waste and economic losses. Some species can produce mycotoxins, representing a potential hazard for the consumer's safety. This study provides interesting information on the diversity of fungi species in dairy products from central Italy that can be of major importance to identify these products and to develop adequate strategies for fungal spoilage control and consumer safety.https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-dairy-researchhj2022Paraclinical Science

An overview of systematic reviews of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised people: a report of the fungal PCR initiative (FPCRI)—an Isham Working Group

This overview of reviews (i.e., an umbrella review) is designed to reappraise the validity of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses related to the performance of Aspergillus PCR tests for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients. The methodological quality of the SRs was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 checklist; the quality of the evidence (QOE) within each SR was appraised following the GRADE approach. Eight out of 12 SRs were evaluated for qualitative and quantitative assessment. Five SRs evaluated Aspergillus PCR on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) and three on blood specimens. The eight SRs included 167 overlapping reports (59 evaluating PCR in blood specimens, and 108 in BAL), based on 107 individual primary studies (98 trials with a cohort design, and 19 with a case−control design). In BAL specimens, the mean sensitivity and specificity ranged from 0.57 to 0.91, and from 0.92 to 0.97, respectively (QOE: very low to low). In blood specimens (whole blood or serum), the mean sensitivity ranged from 0.57 to 0.84, and the mean specificity from 0.58 to 0.95 (QOE: low to moderate). Across studies, only a low proportion of AMSTAR-2 critical domains were unmet (1.8%), demonstrating a high quality of methodological assessment. Conclusions. Based on the overall methodological assessment of the reviews included, on average we can have high confidence in the quality of results generated by the SRs

Preliminary Investigation about Aspergillus spp. Spread in Umbrian Avian Farms

Among the fungi responsible for deep mycosis, the genus Aspergillus plays a predominant role both in human and veterinary medicine. From a “One Health” perspective, infections by Aspergillus spp. often represent a public health problem linked to specific occupational categories that could have a greater risk of inhaling spores and developing any respiratory disease. This preliminary investigation allowed to acquire information about the spread of Aspergillus spp. in avian livestock of the Umbria region (Central Italy), their sensitivity to antifungals, and the presence of mycotoxins in the considered farms. Environmental, feed, animal, and human samples were collected for mycological investigations; chemical analyses were also performed in feed samples. Moreover, prevalence estimated of the fungal isolates were provided for each individual farm sampled. Direct fungal identification was possible in 298 out of the 559 total samples; 162 of the samples were positive for Aspergillus spp. Mycotoxins were detected in 5 out of the 21 feed samples collected. All the aspergilli tested for antifungal susceptibility were resistant to fluconazole. The results obtained show how much the genus Aspergillus is widespread in the investigated farms; therefore, the poultry livestock represents a favorable environment for the maintenance and spread of fungal spores and their potential transmission to animals and humans

A Terbinafine Sensitive <i>Trichophyton indotineae</i> Strain in Italy: The First Clinical Case of <i>tinea corporis</i> and onychomycosis

Trichophyton indotineae is an emerging dermatophyte species that plays a relevant role in human healthcare. It has been associated with severe chronic skin infections and a high level of terbinafine resistance. T. indotineae is endemic to India, Iran, and Iraq but several cases have been reported in Europe, recently. In this manuscript, the authors report the first clinical description of a tinea corporis and onychomycosis due to T. indotineae. The patient was a 42-year-old female from India that has lived in Umbria (Central Italy) for the last two years. Firstly, a dermatological examination suggested dermatophytosis: mycology isolation from cultures and macro- and microscopical features identified the colonies as belonging to the T. mentagrophytes/T. interdigitale species complex. Subsequently, ITS1/ITS4 end-point PCR and Sanger sequencing identified the strain as T. indotineae. Lastly, a DermaGenius® Resistance Multiplex real-time PCR assay was carried out, targeting the mutations in the SQLE gene to establish terbinafine resistance or susceptibility of the strain. The melting curve observed was compatible with wild-type positive control, identifying the strain as T. indotineae terbinafine-sensitive. An oral terbinafine treatment was associated with a topical ciclopirox nail solution, resulting in remission in its clinical manifestation. On 3 July 2023, the local Prevention Service notified the case to the Ministry of Health that then reported the information at national and international levels

Apple Pomace as Valuable Food Ingredient for Enhancing Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of Italian Salami

Nowadays, food fortification with bioactive compounds deriving from agri-food waste is of great interest all over the world. In this work, apple pomace (AP), the most abundant by-product of apple juice manufacturing, was characterised by chemical, chromatographic and spectrophotometric analyses. AP showed valuable antioxidant activity, due to the presence of phenolic compounds (8.56 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), including quercetin-3-O-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-arabinofuranoside, and phloridzin. Dried AP, at 7% and 14%, was added to pork meat to produce Italian salami, then subjected to 25 days of ripening. Physicochemical, colorimetric and microbiological analyses were carried out at days 0, 5, 11, 19 and 25, while nutritional and sensory evaluations were performed at the end of the ripening. The overall acceptability was slightly higher for 7% AP compared to 14% AP sample, and generally the replacement of a percentage of meat with apple pomace allowed the production of salami with sensory properties comparable to those obtained with classic recipes. The improved fibre and phenol content, together with the lower fat and calories, represent the most interesting characteristics of fortified salami. The results confirm that the addition of AP represents a valid approach to adding healthy compounds to salami

Health Status of the Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) Population in Umbria: Results of the LIFE Project &lsquo;U-SAVEREDS&rsquo;

The introduction of the Eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) in Europe is one of the best-known cases of invasive alien species (IAS) colonisation, that poses a severe risk to the conservation of biodiversity. In 2003, it was released in a private wildlife park near the city of Perugia (Italy), where it is replacing the native Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris). The LIFE13 BIO/IT/000204 Project (U-SAVEREDS) was set up for the Sciurus vulgaris conservation in Umbria through an eradication campaign of grey squirrels. One hundred and fifty-four animals were analysed for bacteriological, mycological, virological, and serological investigations (C4 action). Sanitary screening showed that Sciurus carolinensis is a dermatophyte carrier, and therefore, it could cause public health issues for humans, considering its confident behaviour. Moreover, it has been marginally responsible for the spreading of Candida albicans, Coxiella burnetii, and Borrelia lusitaniae. Health status evaluation conducted on the Sciurus carolinensis population indicated that it is necessary to raise awareness of its impacts on biodiversity and human health. Moreover, the health status and behaviours of the IAS must be considered when control or eradication campaigns are planned

Preliminary Investigation about <i>Aspergillus</i> spp. Spread in Umbrian Avian Farms

Among the fungi responsible for deep mycosis, the genus Aspergillus plays a predominant role both in human and veterinary medicine. From a “One Health” perspective, infections by Aspergillus spp. often represent a public health problem linked to specific occupational categories that could have a greater risk of inhaling spores and developing any respiratory disease. This preliminary investigation allowed to acquire information about the spread of Aspergillus spp. in avian livestock of the Umbria region (Central Italy), their sensitivity to antifungals, and the presence of mycotoxins in the considered farms. Environmental, feed, animal, and human samples were collected for mycological investigations; chemical analyses were also performed in feed samples. Moreover, prevalence estimated of the fungal isolates were provided for each individual farm sampled. Direct fungal identification was possible in 298 out of the 559 total samples; 162 of the samples were positive for Aspergillus spp. Mycotoxins were detected in 5 out of the 21 feed samples collected. All the aspergilli tested for antifungal susceptibility were resistant to fluconazole. The results obtained show how much the genus Aspergillus is widespread in the investigated farms; therefore, the poultry livestock represents a favorable environment for the maintenance and spread of fungal spores and their potential transmission to animals and humans

Tapeworms detected in wolf populations in Central Italy (Umbria and Marche regions): A long-term study

Tapeworms are trophically-transmitted and multi-host parasites with a complex indirect life cycle, strictly depending on predator-prey interactions. Their presence in a free-living population, mainly definitive hosts, is arduous to study due to the complexity of collecting fecal samples. However, epidemiological studies on their frequency are crucial from a public health perspective, providing information on food habits and prey selection of predators. The present study aims to update the frequency of tapeworms detected in stool samples by molecular analysis in Italian wolf populations of Umbria and Marche regions collected from 2014 to 2022. Tapeworm's total frequency was 43.2%. In detail, Taenia serialis was detected in 27 samples (21.6%), T. hydatigena in 22 (17.6%), and Mesocestoides corti (syn. M. vogae) in 2 (1.6%). Three samples were identified as M. litteratus and E. granulosus s.s. (G3) and T. pisiformis, with a proportion of 0.8%, respectively. The low frequency of E. granulosus in a hyperendemic area is discussed. The results show for the first time a high frequency of Taenia serialis not comparable to other Italian studies conducted on wild Carnivora; thus, a new ecological niche is conceivable. These findings suggest a plausible wolf-roe deer cycle for T. serialisin the investigated area

Molecular Characterization of Clostridium perfringens Strains Isolated in Italy

Clostridium (C.) perfringens is the causative agent of several diseases and enteric infections in animals and humans. The pathogenicity of the bacterium is largely mediated by the production of a wide range of toxins. Individual C. perfringens strains produce only subsets of this toxin repertoire, which permits the classification in seven toxinotypes (A&ndash;G). In addition, a variety of minor toxins further characterizes the single strains. The aim of this work was to evaluate, using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assays, the diversity of 632 C. perfringens strains isolated in Italy over 15 years. The genotyped strains were analyzed to determine the presence of major and minor toxins (cpe, consensus, and atypical cpb2), their geographical origins, and the source of isolation (animal species or food). Our study shows that toxinotype A had the greatest representation (93%) and correlated mainly with consensus cpb2 in a variety of animal species, as well as with atypical cpb2 in the five food samples. Type D, associated with cpe and atypical cpb2 minor toxins, was identified in 3% of the cases, and type F was identified in 2.5%. Seven type C isolates (1.1%) were detected in cattle, whereas the only type B atypical cpb2 isolated in Italy was detected in a goat, and one type E cpe+atypical cpb2 was detected in a sheep. Type G was not detected