Atopobium vaginae: a literature review, on findings and potential clinical implications

Atopobium vaginaeis an anaerobic Gram-positive bacterium. It is recognized as a causal agent of bacterial vaginosis onset and occasionally associated to gynaecologic-obstetric complications (including pelvic inflammatory disease, endometritis, tubo-ovarian abscesses and preterm delivery with neonatal consequences). Additionally, bacteraemia and invasive infections have rarely been reported. The scientific and technological progress allowed an accurate and rapid identification of Atopobium vaginae supporting diagnosis and clinic interventions. In this article, literature has been deeply examined to report the state-of-the-art on Atopobium vaginae, which might be useful in clinical scenarios

Safety of mRNA BNT162b2 COVID-19 (Pfizer-BioNtech) vaccine in children aged 5–11 years: Author’s reply to correspondence

Dear Editor, We would like to reply to “Safety of mRNA BNT162b2 COVID-19 (Pfizer-BioNtech) vaccine in children aged 5–11years: Correspondence” regarding our article entitled “Safety of mRNA BNT162b2 COVID-19 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine in children aged 5–11years: Results from an active pharmacovigilance study in central Italy.

Awareness, knowledge and training gaps on asbestos among General Practitioners: Awareness and knowledge on asbestos exposure risk

General Practitioners (GPs) have good knowledge of health status and sociocultural backgrounds of their patients, thus could be decisive in early detection of cases of asbestos-related diseases (ARDs). In this cross-sectional pilot study, we investigated perception and knowledge on asbestos risk amongst GPs practicing in Molise region, central Italy, who anonymously completed a 29-items questionnaire developed for this study on the perceived risk and comprehension of the exposure effects and own rules. Based on GPs’ answers, we classified awareness and knowledge into four quartile classes from inadequate (0-24%), poor (25-49%), moderate (50-74%) and high (75-100%). Twenty-eight GPs (median age 63 years; 82% male) participated. Perception and knowledge among participants varied from 62% to 84% and from 18% to 42%, respectively, with majority (65% and 42%) showing an adequate level. Our survey revealed a satisfactory perception and knowledge of general features of this topic, while a poor awareness of detailed aspects emerged, underlining the need of continuing medical education in the field of occupational medicine. The study remarks that criteria for ARDs diagnosis should be better specified, introducing a detailed list to harmonize medical protocols for symptoms identification and patients’ examination. Hence, increasing awareness of asbestos risk and ARDs among GPs represents a crucial opportunity, because of their prominent position to promptly take care of patients and provide targeted information

Healthcare-associated infections point prevalence survey and antimicrobials use in acute care hospitals (PPS 2016–2017) and long-term care facilities (HALT-3): a comprehensive report of the first experience in Molise Region, Central Italy, and targeted intervention strategies

Background: Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are a major public health concern both in acute hospitals and long-term care facilities (LTCFs), considering the clinical presentations and related costs. The study describes the first regional experience on HAIs and antimicrobials consumption obtained through point prevalence survey (PPS) 2016–2017 in the "Antonio Cardarelli" acute hospital, and in the LTCF of Larino municipality (Healthcare-associated infections and Antimicrobial use in European Long-Term care facilities, HALT-3) of Molise Region, Central Italy, both coordinated by the European Center for Disease Control (ECDC). Methods: PPS was carried out during 24–26 November 2016, while HALT-3 on 29 June 2017. Standardized protocols and software provided by ECDC were used to collect facilities information, patients/residents, HAIs and antibiotic consumption data. Results: An active HAI was found in 16 (7.1%) of 224 admitted patients in the acute hospital, and 50% occurred in a clinical specialty ward. Bundles, checklist for HAIs prevention and antimicrobial stewardship were lacking. Among 29 LTCF residents the HAIs prevalence was 3.4%. Surveillance programs for HAIs and antimicrobial stewardship strategy were not available. Conclusion: The overall results identified the need and types of interventions to be implemented in both settings, either at organizational or individual level, to improve antibiotic prescription practice and limit risk factors involved in potentially preventable infections. Keywords: Healthcare-associated infections, Antibiotic use, Surveillance, Point prevalence survey, Ital