The aim of this study is to investigate the Erbium:Yttrio-Aluminum-Granate (Er:YAG) laser photothermal and mechanical effects on cariogenic species concentration and on the microbial load composition of therapeutic cavities, in order to evaluate the possible micro-organisms reduction and make a comparison with manual and rotating conventional therapy (CT). A clinical trial was designed, including adults with active deep carious lesions on permanent teeth who were divided into two groups, i.e., control group and intervention group treated with CT and Er:YAG therapy, respectively. Before and after any conservative treatment, two oral samples were collected using a small sterile microbrush scrubbed within the base of the dentinal cavity tissue. The percentage of reduction and the colony-forming units (CFUs) count after Er:YAG and conventional treatments were compared for total microorganisms, including Candida spp., Streptococcus spp., and Lactobacillus spp. The microbial reduction varied from 90.2% to 100% and was significantly observed for total microorganisms and Streptococcus spp. (p < 0.05). The Er:YAG laser shows the potential for clinical applications, especially with paediatric and complicated patients, thanks to its minimally invasive properties and its effect on the reduction of microbial load.

Background: The Pseudomonas aeruginosa major constitutive outer membrane porin protein F (OprF) has been shown to be a protective antigen and was previously used to activate an immunological response in a mouse model of lung pneumonia. The purpose of our study was to demonstrate the ability of mouse dendritic cells pulsed with purified or recombinant OprF to protect mice against P. aeruginosa infection and inflammation. Both native (n-OprF), isolated and purified from PAO1 bacterial strain, and recombinant (histidin-conjugated) OprF (His-OprF), obtained by cloning of the oprF gene into the pET28a expression vector, were used to stimulate dendritic cells in vitro before adoptive transfer into prospective recipient mice with P. aeruginosa pulmonary infection. Results: Similar to n-OprF, His-OprF activated dendritic cells in vitro, inducing the costimulatory molecule expression as well as cytokine production. Upon adoptive transfer in vivo, porin-pulsed dendritic cells (DCs) induced Th1-mediated resistance to infection and associated inflammatory pathology caused by either the PAO1 strain or a clinically-isolated mucoid strain. Conclusions: This study highlights the pivotal contribution of DCs to vaccine-induced protection against P. aeruginosa infection and associated inflammation.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is characterized by the presence of a polymicrobial biofilm where Gardnerella vaginalis plays a key role. Previously, we demonstrated that Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM (French National Collection of Cultures of Microorganisms) I-3856 is helpful in resolving experimental simulated BV in mice. In this study, we analyzed its capacity to affect G. vaginalis biofilms and to potentiate the activity of standard antimicrobial agents. We also investigated the anti-biofilm activity of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103), a well-known strain for its intestinal healthy benefits. Biofilm biomass was assessed by crystal violet staining, and G. vaginalis viability was assessed by a colony forming unit (CFU) assay. Here, for the first time, we demonstrated that S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 as well as L. rhamnosus GG were able (i) to significantly inhibit G. vaginalis biofilm formation, (ii) to markedly reduce G. vaginalis viability among the biomass constituting the biofilm, (iii) to induce disaggregation of preformed biofilm, and (iv) to kill a consistent amount of bacterial cells in a G. vaginalis preformed biofilm. Furthermore, S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 strongly potentiates the metronidazole effect on G. vaginalis biofilm viability. These results suggest that S. cerevisiae CNCM I-3856 as well as L. rhamnosus GG could be potential novel therapeutic agents against bacterial vaginosis.

Resistance and tolerance are two complementary host defense mechanisms that increase fitness in response to low-virulence fungi. Resistance is meant to reduce pathogen burden during infection through innate and adaptive immune mechanisms, whereas tolerance mitigates the substantial cost of resistance to host fitness through a multitude of anti-inflammatory mechanisms, including immunological tolerance. In experimental fungal infections, both defense mechanisms are activated through the delicate equilibrium between Th1/Th17 cells, which provide antifungal resistance, and regulatory T cells limiting the consequences of the ensuing inflammatory pathology. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), a rate-limiting enzyme in the tryptophan catabolism, plays a key role in induction of tolerance against fungi. Both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic compartments contribute to the resistance/tolerance balance against Aspergillus fumigatus via the involvement of selected innate receptors converging on IDO. Several genetic polymorphisms in pattern recognition receptors influence resistance and tolerance to fungal infections in human hematopoietic transplantation. Thus, tolerance mechanisms may be exploited for novel diagnostics and therapeutics against fungal infections and diseases.

In Italy, 4991 cases of measles were reported in 2017 and 322 involved healthcare workers (HCWs). These professionals are at high risk of infection and transmission of virus both to other hospital staff and importantly, to patients, some of whom may be at risk of severe illness and complications. According to the Italian National Immunization and Prevention Plan, all HCWs should have demonstrable evidence of immunity to measles and specific hospital surveillance is recommended. Given a recent measles outbreak recorded in Italy, which also involved HCWs, the aim of this study has been to assess the measles immunization status of the Perugia General Hospital's HCWs. A survey on all hospital staff was carried out, using a questionnaire to obtain information on demographic characteristics, personal history of measles and self-reported vaccination status, and offering the serological testing to HCWs who did not know their immune status. Among the 1714 HCWs included in the study, 1207 (70%) were protected against measles (due to vaccination or natural infection), and 507 (30%) did not know their immune status. Of these, 461 subjects accepted a serological control, while 46 refused. Protective measles-specific IgG antibody titres were documented in 410/461 (89%) HCWs, and the percentage of immune subjects decreased with the age. Our study shows that in Perugia General Hospital, 26% of HCWs under the age of 30 were not protected against measles. In Italy, campaigns promoting vaccination of HCWs are needed to prevent transmission of this infection in hospital setting.

The ability to regulate the recruitment of immune cells makes chemokines and their receptors attractive drug targets in many inflammatory diseases. Based on its preferential expression on T helper type 2 (Th2) cells, C-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CCR4) has been widely studied in the context of allergic diseases, but recent evidence on the expression of CCR4 in other cell types has considerably expanded the potential applications of CCR4 antagonism. However, the current number of approved indications, as well as the portfolio of CCR4-targeting drugs, are still limited. In the present study, we have assessed the potential therapeutic efficacy of a CCR4 small molecule antagonist, SP50, discovered via an in silico-based approach, against a variety of pre-clinical settings of infection with the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. We show that SP50 efficiently worked as prophylactic vaccine adjuvant in immunocompetent mice, protected against invasive aspergillosis in immunosuppressed mice. Further, the CCR4 antagonist prevented allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in susceptible mice, and in a murine model of cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder characterized by chronic pulmonary inflammation and recurrent infections. In conclusion, our results extend the potential applications of CCR4 antagonism and prompt for the development of novel compounds with the potential to progress to clinical trials.