Clostridium botulinum spores and toxin in mascarpone cheese and other milk products

A total of 1,017 mascarpone cheese samples, collected at retail, were analyzed for Clostridium botulinum spores and toxin, aerobic mesophilic spore counts, as well as pH, a(w) (water activity), and Eh (oxidation-reduction potential). In addition 260 samples from other dairy products were also analyzed for spores and botulinum toxin. Experiments were carried out on naturally and artificially contaminated mascarpone to investigate the influence of different temperature conditions on toxin production by C. botulinum. Three hundred and thirty-one samples (32.5%) of mascarpone were positive for botulinal spores, and 7 (0.8%) of the 878 samples produced at the plant involved in an outbreak of foodborne botulism also contained toxin type A. The chemical-physical parameters (pH, a(w), Eh) of all samples were compatible with C. botulinum growth and toxinogenesis. Of the other milk products, 2.7% were positive for C. botulinum spores. Growth and toxin formation occurred in naturally and experimentally contaminated mascarpone samples after 3 and 4 days of incubation at 28 degrees C, respectively

Recreational and drinking waters as a source of norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks: a review and update

ABSTRACT The distribution of noroviruses is worldwide. In industrialized countries, noroviruses are the most common viral cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks and play an important role in sporadic gastroenteritis as well. Transmission may occur through the ingestion of contaminated foods or water, through person-to-person contact, or by way of direct contact with contaminated surfaces. Of particular importance is their ability to cause waterborne outbreaks linked either to the direct consumption of water or to its recreational uses. This article reviews the clinical manifestations and epidemiology of norovirus infection, and describes over 40 waterborne norovirus outbreaks, their respective probable sources of contamination and -where water samples were tested -the genetic types identified

Molecular Detection of Hepatitis E Virus in Sewage Samples ▿

Human hepatitis E virus (HEV) is considered an emerging pathogen in industrialized countries. In Italy, the true burden of HEV infection is unknown. Molecular HEV screening of raw sewage samples from 11 wastewater treatment plants yielded 19 positives (16%; 18 genotype I, 1 genotype III) evenly distributed throughout Italy. Evidence that HEV could be establishing itself in our region is accumulating and may justify more active surveillance to monitor its spread

Células asesinas naturales: nuevos sospechosos en la tormenta de citocinas de la infección por COVID-19

Context: Various studies show that contracting the Covid 19 disease can affect the normal functioning of the immune system. In some patients, lack of stimulation of the specific immune system causes excessive innate immune activity and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Evidence Acquisition: It seems that the occurrence of cytokine storm depends on various factors. One of the immune system cells that can play an important role in cytokine storm is Natural killer (NK) cell.  Thus, more attention should be paid to the role of NK cell in patients with Covid-19. Results: In this article, we seek to examine the role of NK cell in cytokine storms. Conclusion: Perhaps the difference between the characteristics of NK cell in children and adults is due to the difference in the severity of symptoms after infection with Covid-19