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01 November 2019 - 01 September 2021
The SARS-CoV-2 P.1 variant of concern (VOC) was first identified in Brazil and is now spreading in European countries. It is characterized by the E484K mutation in the receptor-binding domain, which could contribute to the evasion from neutralizing antibodies. In Italy, this variant was first identified in January 2021. Here, we report an autochthonous outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 P.1 variant infections in southern Italy in subjects who had not travelled to endemic areas or outside the Apulia region. The outbreak involved seven subjects, three of whom had received a COVID-19 vaccine (one had received two doses and two had received one dose). Four patients had a mild clinical presentation. Laboratory investigations of nasopharyngeal swabs revealed that all strains were S-gene target failure-negative and molecular tests revealed they were the P.1 variant. Whole-genome sequencing confirmed that five subjects were infected with closely related strains classified as the P.1 lineage. The circulation of VOCs highlights the importance of strictly monitoring the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants through genomic surveillance and of investigating local outbreaks. Furthermore, public health measures including social distancing, screening, and quarantine for travelers are key tools to slow down the viral transmission and to contain and mitigate the impact of VOC diffusion, and rapid scaling-up of vaccination is crucial to avoid a possible new epidemic wave.
Daniela Loconsole; Anna Sallustio; Francesca Centrone; Daniele Casulli; Maurizio Mario Ferrara; Antonio Sanguedolce; Marisa Accogli; Maria Chironna. An Autochthonous Outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 P.1 Variant of Concern in Southern Italy, April 2021. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 2021, 6, 151 .
AMA StyleDaniela Loconsole, Anna Sallustio, Francesca Centrone, Daniele Casulli, Maurizio Mario Ferrara, Antonio Sanguedolce, Marisa Accogli, Maria Chironna. An Autochthonous Outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 P.1 Variant of Concern in Southern Italy, April 2021. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2021; 6 (3):151.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Loconsole; Anna Sallustio; Francesca Centrone; Daniele Casulli; Maurizio Mario Ferrara; Antonio Sanguedolce; Marisa Accogli; Maria Chironna. 2021. "An Autochthonous Outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 P.1 Variant of Concern in Southern Italy, April 2021." Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease 6, no. 3: 151.
Background: Solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients are at a high risk of severe COVID-19, and are priority for vaccination. Here, we describe three cases of severe COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 lineage in vaccinated SOT recipients. Methods: Three SOT patients were hospitalized in the Policlinico Hospital of Bari (southern Italy) and underwent nasopharyngeal swabs for molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 genes and spike protein mutations by real-time PCR. One sample was subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Results: One patient was a heart transplant recipient and two were kidney transplant recipients. All were hospitalized with severe COVID-19 between March and May 2021. Two patients were fully vaccinated and one had received only one dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. All the patients showed a high viral load at diagnosis, and molecular typing revealed the presence of B.1.1.7 lineage SARS-CoV-2. In all three cases, prolonged viral shedding was reported. Conclusions: The three cases pose concern about the role of the B.1.1.7 lineage in severe COVID-19 and about the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccination in immunocompromised patients. Protecting immunocompromised patients from COVID-19 is a challenge. SOT recipients show a suboptimal response to standard vaccination, and thus, an additive booster or a combined vaccination strategy with mRNA, protein/subunit, and vector-based vaccines may be necessary. This population should continue to practice strict COVID-19 precautions post-vaccination, until new strategies for protection are available.
Daniela Loconsole; Emma Stea; Anna Sallustio; Giulia Fontò; Virginia Pronzo; Simona Simone; Francesca Centrone; Marisa Accogli; Loreto Gesualdo; Maria Chironna. Severe COVID-19 by SARS-CoV-2 Lineage B.1.1.7 in Vaccinated Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients: New Preventive Strategies Needed to Protect Immunocompromised Patients. Vaccines 2021, 9, 806 .
AMA StyleDaniela Loconsole, Emma Stea, Anna Sallustio, Giulia Fontò, Virginia Pronzo, Simona Simone, Francesca Centrone, Marisa Accogli, Loreto Gesualdo, Maria Chironna. Severe COVID-19 by SARS-CoV-2 Lineage B.1.1.7 in Vaccinated Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients: New Preventive Strategies Needed to Protect Immunocompromised Patients. Vaccines. 2021; 9 (8):806.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Loconsole; Emma Stea; Anna Sallustio; Giulia Fontò; Virginia Pronzo; Simona Simone; Francesca Centrone; Marisa Accogli; Loreto Gesualdo; Maria Chironna. 2021. "Severe COVID-19 by SARS-CoV-2 Lineage B.1.1.7 in Vaccinated Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients: New Preventive Strategies Needed to Protect Immunocompromised Patients." Vaccines 9, no. 8: 806.
This study describes a case of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection confirmed by whole-genome sequencing in a healthy physician who had been working in a COVID-19 hospital in Italy since the beginning of the pandemic. Nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from the patient at each presentation as part of routine surveillance. Nucleic acid amplification testing was performed on the two samples to confirm SARS-CoV-2 infection, and serological tests were used to detect SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. Comparative genome analysis with whole-genome sequencing was performed on nasopharyngeal swabs collected during the two episodes of COVID-19. The first COVID-19 episode was in March 2020, and the second was in January 2021. Both SARS-CoV-2 infections presented with mild symptoms, and seroconversion for SARS-CoV-2 IgG was documented. Genomic analysis showed that the viral genome from the first infection belonged to the lineage B.1.1.74, while that from the second infection to the lineage B.1.177. Epidemiological, clinical, serological, and genomic analyses confirmed that the second episode of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the healthcare worker met the qualifications for “best evidence” for reinfection. Further studies are urgently needed to assess the frequency of such a worrisome occurrence, particularly in the light of the recent diffusion of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
Daniela Loconsole; Anna Sallustio; Marisa Accogli; Francesca Centrone; Daniele Casulli; Antonino Madaro; Ersilia Tedeschi; Antonio Parisi; Maria Chironna. Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection in a Healthy Healthcare Worker in Italy Confirmed by Whole-Genome Sequencing. Viruses 2021, 13, 899 .
AMA StyleDaniela Loconsole, Anna Sallustio, Marisa Accogli, Francesca Centrone, Daniele Casulli, Antonino Madaro, Ersilia Tedeschi, Antonio Parisi, Maria Chironna. Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection in a Healthy Healthcare Worker in Italy Confirmed by Whole-Genome Sequencing. Viruses. 2021; 13 (5):899.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Loconsole; Anna Sallustio; Marisa Accogli; Francesca Centrone; Daniele Casulli; Antonino Madaro; Ersilia Tedeschi; Antonio Parisi; Maria Chironna. 2021. "Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection in a Healthy Healthcare Worker in Italy Confirmed by Whole-Genome Sequencing." Viruses 13, no. 5: 899.
Epidemiological and virological studies have revealed that SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) are emerging globally, including in Europe. The aim of this study was to evaluate the spread of B.1.1.7-lineage SARS-CoV-2 in southern Italy from December 2020–March 2021 through the detection of the S gene target failure (SGTF), which could be considered a robust proxy of VOC B.1.1.7. SGTF was assessed on 3075 samples from week 52/2020 to week 10/2021. A subset of positive samples identified in the Apulia region during the study period was subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS). A descriptive and statistical analysis of the demographic and clinical characteristics of cases according to SGTF status was performed. Overall, 20.2% of samples showed SGTF; 155 strains were confirmed as VOC 202012/01 by WGS. The proportion of SGTF-positive samples rapidly increased over time, reaching 69.2% in week 10/2021. SGTF-positive cases were more likely to be symptomatic and to result in hospitalization (p < 0.0001). Despite the implementation of large-scale non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), such as the closure of schools and local lockdowns, a rapid spread of VOC 202012/01 was observed in southern Italy. Strengthened NPIs and rapid vaccine deployment, first among priority groups and then among the general population, are crucial both to contain the spread of VOC 202012/01 and to flatten the curve of the third wave.
Daniela Loconsole; Francesca Centrone; Caterina Morcavallo; Silvia Campanella; Anna Sallustio; Marisa Accogli; Francesca Fortunato; Antonio Parisi; Maria Chironna. Rapid Spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern 202012/01 in Southern Italy (December 2020–March 2021). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 4766 .
AMA StyleDaniela Loconsole, Francesca Centrone, Caterina Morcavallo, Silvia Campanella, Anna Sallustio, Marisa Accogli, Francesca Fortunato, Antonio Parisi, Maria Chironna. Rapid Spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern 202012/01 in Southern Italy (December 2020–March 2021). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (9):4766.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Loconsole; Francesca Centrone; Caterina Morcavallo; Silvia Campanella; Anna Sallustio; Marisa Accogli; Francesca Fortunato; Antonio Parisi; Maria Chironna. 2021. "Rapid Spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern 202012/01 in Southern Italy (December 2020–March 2021)." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 9: 4766.
The coding-complete sequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was obtained from a sample from a 25-year-old female returning to the Apulia region of Italy from England. The characterized strain showed all of the spike protein mutations defining SARS-CoV-2 VUI 202012/01, as well as other mutations in the spike protein and in other genomic regions.
Daniela Loconsole; Anna Sallustio; Marisa Accogli; Francesca Centrone; Loredana Capozzi; Laura Del Sambro; Antonio Parisi; Maria Chironna. Genome Sequence of a SARS-CoV-2 VUI 202012/01 Strain Identified from a Patient Returning from London, England, to the Apulia Region of Italy. Microbiology Resource Announcements 2021, 10, 1 .
AMA StyleDaniela Loconsole, Anna Sallustio, Marisa Accogli, Francesca Centrone, Loredana Capozzi, Laura Del Sambro, Antonio Parisi, Maria Chironna. Genome Sequence of a SARS-CoV-2 VUI 202012/01 Strain Identified from a Patient Returning from London, England, to the Apulia Region of Italy. Microbiology Resource Announcements. 2021; 10 (4):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Loconsole; Anna Sallustio; Marisa Accogli; Francesca Centrone; Loredana Capozzi; Laura Del Sambro; Antonio Parisi; Maria Chironna. 2021. "Genome Sequence of a SARS-CoV-2 VUI 202012/01 Strain Identified from a Patient Returning from London, England, to the Apulia Region of Italy." Microbiology Resource Announcements 10, no. 4: 1.
Human astroviruses (AstVs) are usually associated with acute gastroenteritis. In recent years, atypical animal‐like AstVs have been identified, but their pathogenic role in humans has not been determined. Starting from 2010, there has been a growing evidence that AstVs may also be associated with encephalitis in human and animal hosts. Some human atypical AstV strains (VA1, MLB1/MLB2) display neurotropic potential, as they have been repeatedly identified in patients with AstV‐related encephalitis, chiefly in immunosuppressed individuals. In this study, a VA1‐like AstV was identified from a single stool sample from an outbreak of foodborne acute gastroenteritis occurred in Italy in 2018. On genome sequencing, the virus was related to the VA1‐like strain UK1 (99.3% at the nucleotide level). Similar viruses were also found to circulate in paediatric patients hospitalized with AGE in the same time span, 2018, but at low prevalence (0.75%, 3/401). Gathering epidemiological data on atypical AstVs will be useful to assess the risks posed by atypical AstV infections, chiefly in medically fragile patients.
Gianvito Lanave; Daniela Loconsole; Francesca Centrone; Cristiana Catella; Paolo Capozza; Georgia Diakoudi; Antonio Parisi; Elisabetta Suffredini; Alessio Buonavoglia; Michele Camero; Maria Chironna; Vito Martella. Astrovirus VA1 in patients with acute gastroenteritis. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleGianvito Lanave, Daniela Loconsole, Francesca Centrone, Cristiana Catella, Paolo Capozza, Georgia Diakoudi, Antonio Parisi, Elisabetta Suffredini, Alessio Buonavoglia, Michele Camero, Maria Chironna, Vito Martella. Astrovirus VA1 in patients with acute gastroenteritis. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGianvito Lanave; Daniela Loconsole; Francesca Centrone; Cristiana Catella; Paolo Capozza; Georgia Diakoudi; Antonio Parisi; Elisabetta Suffredini; Alessio Buonavoglia; Michele Camero; Maria Chironna; Vito Martella. 2021. "Astrovirus VA1 in patients with acute gastroenteritis." Transboundary and Emerging Diseases , no. : 1.
Background Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for the identification of viral nucleic acid is the current standard for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but technical issues limit its utilization for large-scale screening. Serological immunoglobulin M (IgM)/IgG testing has been proposed as a useful tool for detecting SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Objective The objective of our study was to compare the results of the rapid serological VivaDiag test for SARS-CoV-2–related IgM/IgG detection with those of the standard RT-PCR laboratory test for identifying SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid. Methods We simultaneously performed both serological and molecular tests with a consecutive series of 191 symptomatic patients. The results provided by a new rapid serological colorimetric test for analyzing IgM/IgG expression were compared with those of RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Results Of the 191 subjects, 70 (36.6%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 based on RT-PCR results, while 34 (17.3%) tested positive based on serological IgM/IgG expression. Additionally, 13 (6.8%) subjects tested positive based on serological test results, but also tested negative based on RT-PCR results. The rapid serological test had a sensitivity of 30% and a specificity of 89% compared to the standard RT-PCR assay. Interestingly, the performance of both assays improved 8 days after symptom appearance. After 10 days had passed since symptom appearance, the predictive value of the rapid serological test was higher than that of the standard molecular assay (proportion of positive results: 40% vs 20%). Multivariate analysis showed that age >58 years (P<.01) and period of >15 days after symptom onset (P<.02) were significant and independent factors associated with serological test positivity. Conclusions The rapid serological test analyzed in this study seems limited in terms of usefulness when diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, it may be useful for providing relevant information on people’s immunoreaction to COVID-19 exposure.
Angelo Virgilio Paradiso; Simona De Summa; Daniela Loconsole; Vito Procacci; Anna Sallustio; Francesca Centrone; Nicola Silvestris; Vito Cafagna; Giuseppe De Palma; Antonio Tufaro; Vito Michele Garrisi; Maria Chironna. Rapid Serological Assays and SARS-CoV-2 Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2: Comparative Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research 2020, 22, e19152 .
AMA StyleAngelo Virgilio Paradiso, Simona De Summa, Daniela Loconsole, Vito Procacci, Anna Sallustio, Francesca Centrone, Nicola Silvestris, Vito Cafagna, Giuseppe De Palma, Antonio Tufaro, Vito Michele Garrisi, Maria Chironna. Rapid Serological Assays and SARS-CoV-2 Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2: Comparative Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research. 2020; 22 (10):e19152.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAngelo Virgilio Paradiso; Simona De Summa; Daniela Loconsole; Vito Procacci; Anna Sallustio; Francesca Centrone; Nicola Silvestris; Vito Cafagna; Giuseppe De Palma; Antonio Tufaro; Vito Michele Garrisi; Maria Chironna. 2020. "Rapid Serological Assays and SARS-CoV-2 Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2: Comparative Study." Journal of Medical Internet Research 22, no. 10: e19152.
A critical point in the management of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is the need to promptly identify the greatest number of infected people and to implement strict public health measures. In this study, the performance of a rapid serological test in a clinical setting was evaluated. Samples from 819 consecutive patients (with or without respiratory symptoms) admitted to a large Emergency Department were tested between 23 March and 21 April 2020. Patient samples were tested in a real-time PCR assay and a serological assay. In total, 148/819 patients (18.1%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time PCR. The serological test revealed that 70/819 patients (8.5%) had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM and/or IgG. The prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was significantly higher in patients with respiratory symptoms lasting for >7 days than in those with respiratory symptoms lasting for 0–7 days (p < 0.001). The serological assay had an overall sensitivity of 35.1% and an overall specificity of 97.3%. A high negative predictive value (96.7%) was reported for patients without respiratory symptoms. The results confirm that rapid serological assays alone are not sufficient for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection but can be incorporated into large-scale screening programs during periods in which the virus circulation is low.
Daniela Loconsole; Francesca Centrone; Caterina Morcavallo; Silvia Campanella; Anna Sallustio; Michele Quarto; Vito Procacci; Maria Chironna. The Light and Shadow of Rapid Serological Tests for SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Results from a Study in a Large Emergency Department. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 6493 .
AMA StyleDaniela Loconsole, Francesca Centrone, Caterina Morcavallo, Silvia Campanella, Anna Sallustio, Michele Quarto, Vito Procacci, Maria Chironna. The Light and Shadow of Rapid Serological Tests for SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Results from a Study in a Large Emergency Department. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (18):6493.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Loconsole; Francesca Centrone; Caterina Morcavallo; Silvia Campanella; Anna Sallustio; Michele Quarto; Vito Procacci; Maria Chironna. 2020. "The Light and Shadow of Rapid Serological Tests for SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Results from a Study in a Large Emergency Department." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 18: 6493.
At the beginning of the coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Italy was one of the most affected countries in Europe. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is less frequent and less severe in children than in adults. This study analyzed the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection among all children aged <18 years in the Apulia region of southern Italy and the characteristics of the infected children. Clinical and demographic data were collected through the national platform for COVID-19 surveillance. Of the 166 infected children in the Apulia region, 104 (62.6%) were asymptomatic, 37 (22.3%) had mild infections, 22 (13.3%) had moderate infections, and 3 (1.8%) had severe infections. Only ten children (6.0%) were hospitalized, but none required intensive care support and none died. SARS-CoV-2 infection was transmitted mainly from parents or relatives to children. Because of school closure during the lockdown, infection was unlikely to have been transmitted among children. It is unclear whether school reopening would enhance virus spread, leading the Italian government to develop guidelines for safe school reopening. The actual role of children in virus transmission remains unclear. A sensitive surveillance system, prompt identification of cases, testing, and contact tracing will be key to reducing the further spread of infection.
Daniela Loconsole; Desirèe Caselli; Francesca Centrone; Caterina Morcavallo; Silvia Campanella; Maurizio Aricò; Maria Chironna. SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children in Southern Italy: A Descriptive Case Series. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 6080 .
AMA StyleDaniela Loconsole, Desirèe Caselli, Francesca Centrone, Caterina Morcavallo, Silvia Campanella, Maurizio Aricò, Maria Chironna. SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children in Southern Italy: A Descriptive Case Series. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (17):6080.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Loconsole; Desirèe Caselli; Francesca Centrone; Caterina Morcavallo; Silvia Campanella; Maurizio Aricò; Maria Chironna. 2020. "SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children in Southern Italy: A Descriptive Case Series." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 17: 6080.
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections result in a significant public health impact because of the severity of the disease that, in young children especially, can lead to hemolytic–uremic syndrome (HUS). A rise in the number of HUS cases was observed in the Apulia region of Italy from 2013 to 2017, and so, in 2018, a symptom-based surveillance system for children with bloody diarrhea (BD) was initiated in order to detect and manage STEC infections. The objective of the study was to describe the epidemiology of STEC infections in children from June 2018 to August 2019. Children stx1, stx2, eae) and serogroup identification tests were performed on stool samples/rectal swabs of cases. STEC infection was detected in 87 (10.6%) BD cases. The median age of STEC cases was 2.7 years, and 60 (68.9%) were stx1, stx2, and eae. Five cases (5.7%) caused by O26 (n = 2), O111 (n = 2), and O45 (n = 1) developed into HUS. A risk-oriented approach based on the testing of children with BD during the summer may represent a potentially beneficial option to improve the sensitivity of STEC surveillance, not only in Italy but also in the context of Europe as a whole.
Daniela Loconsole; Mario Giordano; Francesca Centrone; Marisa Accogli; Daniele Casulli; Anna De Robertis; Anna Morea; Michele Quarto; Antonio Parisi; Gaia Scavia; Maria Chironna; on behalf of the Bloody Diarrhea Apulia Working Group. Epidemiology of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Infections in Southern Italy after Implementation of Symptom-Based Surveillance of Bloody Diarrhea in the Pediatric Population. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2020, 17, 5137 .
AMA StyleDaniela Loconsole, Mario Giordano, Francesca Centrone, Marisa Accogli, Daniele Casulli, Anna De Robertis, Anna Morea, Michele Quarto, Antonio Parisi, Gaia Scavia, Maria Chironna, on behalf of the Bloody Diarrhea Apulia Working Group. Epidemiology of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Infections in Southern Italy after Implementation of Symptom-Based Surveillance of Bloody Diarrhea in the Pediatric Population. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17 (14):5137.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Loconsole; Mario Giordano; Francesca Centrone; Marisa Accogli; Daniele Casulli; Anna De Robertis; Anna Morea; Michele Quarto; Antonio Parisi; Gaia Scavia; Maria Chironna; on behalf of the Bloody Diarrhea Apulia Working Group. 2020. "Epidemiology of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Infections in Southern Italy after Implementation of Symptom-Based Surveillance of Bloody Diarrhea in the Pediatric Population." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 14: 5137.
Wang Y, Wang Y, Chen Y, Qin Q. Unique epidemiological and clinical features of the emerging 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) implicate special control measures. J Med Virol. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.25748[Epub ahead of print]. Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar Chen D, Xu W, Lei Z, et al. Recurrence of positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA in COVID-19: a case report. Int J Infect Dis. 2020;93:297–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2020.03.003. CAS Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar Ye G, Pan Z, Pan Y, et al. Clinical characteristics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 reactivation. J Infect. 2020;80:e14–e1717. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinf.2020.03.001. CAS Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar Lombardi A, Bozzi G, Mangioni D, et al. Duration of quarantine in hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection: a question needing an answer. J Hosp Infect. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2020.03.003. Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar Rothe C, Schunk M, Sothmann P, et al. Transmission of 2019-nCoV infection from an asymptomatic contact in Germany. N Engl J Med. 2020;382:970–1. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMc2001468. Article PubMed PubMed Central Google Scholar Long Q, Liu B, Deng H, et al. Antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in patients with COVID-19. Nat Med. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-020-0897-1. Article PubMed Google Scholar Download references Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology-Hygiene Section, University of Bari, “Aldo Moro”, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy Daniela Loconsole, Francesca Centrone & Maria Chironna Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology-Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy Francesca Passerini, Vincenzo Ostilio Palmieri, Stefania Pugliese, Lucia Donatella Grimaldi & Piero Portincasa Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124, Bari, Italy Anna Sallustio You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar Correspondence to Maria Chironna. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Reprints and Permissions Loconsole, D., Passerini, F., Palmieri, V.O. et al. Recurrence of COVID-19 after recovery: a case report from Italy. Infection (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-020-01444-1 Download citation Received: 07 May 2020 Accepted: 09 May 2020 Published: 16 May 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-020-01444-1
Daniela Loconsole; Francesca Passerini; Vincenzo Ostilio Palmieri; Francesca Centrone; Anna Sallustio; Stefania Pugliese; Lucia Donatella Grimaldi; Piero Portincasa; Maria Chironna. Recurrence of COVID-19 after recovery: a case report from Italy. Infection 2020, 48, 965 -967.
AMA StyleDaniela Loconsole, Francesca Passerini, Vincenzo Ostilio Palmieri, Francesca Centrone, Anna Sallustio, Stefania Pugliese, Lucia Donatella Grimaldi, Piero Portincasa, Maria Chironna. Recurrence of COVID-19 after recovery: a case report from Italy. Infection. 2020; 48 (6):965-967.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Loconsole; Francesca Passerini; Vincenzo Ostilio Palmieri; Francesca Centrone; Anna Sallustio; Stefania Pugliese; Lucia Donatella Grimaldi; Piero Portincasa; Maria Chironna. 2020. "Recurrence of COVID-19 after recovery: a case report from Italy." Infection 48, no. 6: 965-967.
BACKGROUND Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for the identification of viral nucleic acid is the current standard for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but technical issues limit its utilization for large-scale screening. Serological immunoglobulin M (IgM)/IgG testing has been proposed as a useful tool for detecting SARS-CoV-2 exposure. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to compare the results of the rapid serological VivaDiag test for SARS-CoV-2–related IgM/IgG detection with those of the standard RT-PCR laboratory test for identifying SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid. METHODS We simultaneously performed both serological and molecular tests with a consecutive series of 191 symptomatic patients. The results provided by a new rapid serological colorimetric test for analyzing IgM/IgG expression were compared with those of RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 detection. RESULTS Of the 191 subjects, 70 (36.6%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 based on RT-PCR results, while 34 (17.3%) tested positive based on serological IgM/IgG expression. Additionally, 13 (6.8%) subjects tested positive based on serological test results, but also tested negative based on RT-PCR results. The rapid serological test had a sensitivity of 30% and a specificity of 89% compared to the standard RT-PCR assay. Interestingly, the performance of both assays improved 8 days after symptom appearance. After 10 days had passed since symptom appearance, the predictive value of the rapid serological test was higher than that of the standard molecular assay (proportion of positive results: 40% vs 20%). Multivariate analysis showed that age >58 years (P<.01) and period of >15 days after symptom onset (P<.02) were significant and independent factors associated with serological test positivity. CONCLUSIONS The rapid serological test analyzed in this study seems limited in terms of usefulness when diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, it may be useful for providing relevant information on people’s immunoreaction to COVID-19 exposure.
Angelo Virgilio Paradiso; Simona De Summa; Daniela Loconsole; Vito Procacci; Anna Sallustio; Francesca Centrone; Nicola Silvestris; Vito Cafagna; Giuseppe De Palma; Antonio Tufaro; Vito Michele Garrisi; Maria Chironna. Rapid Serological Assays and SARS-CoV-2 Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2: Comparative Study (Preprint). 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleAngelo Virgilio Paradiso, Simona De Summa, Daniela Loconsole, Vito Procacci, Anna Sallustio, Francesca Centrone, Nicola Silvestris, Vito Cafagna, Giuseppe De Palma, Antonio Tufaro, Vito Michele Garrisi, Maria Chironna. Rapid Serological Assays and SARS-CoV-2 Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2: Comparative Study (Preprint). . 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAngelo Virgilio Paradiso; Simona De Summa; Daniela Loconsole; Vito Procacci; Anna Sallustio; Francesca Centrone; Nicola Silvestris; Vito Cafagna; Giuseppe De Palma; Antonio Tufaro; Vito Michele Garrisi; Maria Chironna. 2020. "Rapid Serological Assays and SARS-CoV-2 Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assays for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2: Comparative Study (Preprint)." , no. : 1.
Background RT-PCR test for identification of viral nucleic acid is the current standard diagnostic method for the diagnosis of COVID-19 disease but technical reasons limit the utilization of this assay onlarge scalescreenings. Method We verified in a consecutive series of 191 symptomatic patients the clinical information that new rapid serological colorimetric test qualitatively analyzing IgM/IgG expression can provide with respect to standard assay and with respect to clinical outcome of patients. Results Rapid serological test showed a sensitivity of 30% and a specificity of 89% with respect to the standard assay but, interestingly, these performances improve after 8 days of symptoms appearance. After 10 days of symptoms the predictive value of rapid serological test is higher than that of standardassay. When the behaviour of the two immunoglobulins was evaluated with respect to time length of symptoms appaerance, no significant difference in immunoglobulins behaviour was shown. Conclusions The rapid serological test analyzed in the present study is candidate to provide information on immunoreaction of the subject to COVID-19 exposure.
Angelo Virgilio Paradiso; Simona De Summa; Daniela Loconsole; Vito Procacci; Anna Sallustio; Francesca Centrone; Nicola Silvestris; Vito Cafagna; Giuseppe De Palma; Antonio Tufaro; Vito Garrisi; Maria Chironna. Clinical meanings of rapid serological assay in patients tested for SARS-Co2 RT-PCR. 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleAngelo Virgilio Paradiso, Simona De Summa, Daniela Loconsole, Vito Procacci, Anna Sallustio, Francesca Centrone, Nicola Silvestris, Vito Cafagna, Giuseppe De Palma, Antonio Tufaro, Vito Garrisi, Maria Chironna. Clinical meanings of rapid serological assay in patients tested for SARS-Co2 RT-PCR. . 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAngelo Virgilio Paradiso; Simona De Summa; Daniela Loconsole; Vito Procacci; Anna Sallustio; Francesca Centrone; Nicola Silvestris; Vito Cafagna; Giuseppe De Palma; Antonio Tufaro; Vito Garrisi; Maria Chironna. 2020. "Clinical meanings of rapid serological assay in patients tested for SARS-Co2 RT-PCR." , no. : 1.
Background. Yearly influenza epidemics have considerable effects on public health worldwide. The 2017-2018 influenza season in Italy was of greater severity than previous seasons. The aim of this study was to describe the 2017-2018 influenza season in Southern Italy and the molecular characteristics of the circulating viral strains. Methods. The incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) was analysed. Nasopharyngeal swabs collected from patients with ILI from week 46/2017 to week 17/2018 were tested to identify influenza A viruses (IAV) and influenza B viruses (IBV). Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of haemagglutinin genes were also performed on 73 positive samples (35 IBV, 36 IAV H1, and 2 IAV H3 strains). Results. During the 2017-2018 season, the peak incidence was 14.32 cases per 1,000 inhabitants. IBV strains were identified in 71.0% of cases. The 35 characterised IBV strains belonged to Yamagata lineage clade 3, the 36 A/H1N1pdm09 strains clustered with the genetic subgroup 6B.1, and the 2 A/H3N2 strains clustered with the genetic subgroup 3C.2a. Intensive-care unit (ICU) admission was required in 50 cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Among the >64-year age group, 18 out of 26 ICU-ARDS cases (69.2%) were caused by IBV, and 14 of these (77.8%) were B/Yamagata lineage. Conclusions. The 2017-2018 influenza season was one of the most severe in a decade in Southern Italy. IBV mismatch between the trivalent vaccine and the circulating strains occurred. The high number of ICU-ARDS cases caused by B/Yamagata strains in the >64-year age group suggests that further data on the effectiveness of the available influenza vaccines are needed to determine the best way to protect the elderly against both IBV lineages.
Daniela Loconsole; Anna Lisa De Robertis; Anna Morea; Daniele Casulli; Rosanna Mallamaci; Simona Baldacci; Francesca Centrone; Viviana Bruno; Michele Quarto; Marisa Accogli; Maria Chironna. High Public-Health Impact in an Influenza-B-Mismatch Season in Southern Italy, 2017-2018. BioMed Research International 2019, 2019, 1 -10.
AMA StyleDaniela Loconsole, Anna Lisa De Robertis, Anna Morea, Daniele Casulli, Rosanna Mallamaci, Simona Baldacci, Francesca Centrone, Viviana Bruno, Michele Quarto, Marisa Accogli, Maria Chironna. High Public-Health Impact in an Influenza-B-Mismatch Season in Southern Italy, 2017-2018. BioMed Research International. 2019; 2019 ():1-10.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDaniela Loconsole; Anna Lisa De Robertis; Anna Morea; Daniele Casulli; Rosanna Mallamaci; Simona Baldacci; Francesca Centrone; Viviana Bruno; Michele Quarto; Marisa Accogli; Maria Chironna. 2019. "High Public-Health Impact in an Influenza-B-Mismatch Season in Southern Italy, 2017-2018." BioMed Research International 2019, no. : 1-10.