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This observational study evaluated SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence and related clinical, demographic, and occupational factors among workers at the largest tertiary care University-Hospital of Northwestern Italy and the University of Turin after the first pandemic wave of March–April 2020. Overall, about 10,000 individuals were tested; seropositive subjects were retested after 5 months to evaluate antibodies waning. Among 8769 hospital workers, seroprevalence was 7.6%, without significant differences related to job profile; among 1185 University workers, 3.3%. Self-reporting of COVID-19 suspected symptoms was significantly associated with positivity (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.07, 95%CI: 1.76–2.44), although 27% of seropositive subjects reported no previous symptom. At multivariable analysis, contacts at work resulted in an increased risk of 69%, or 24% for working in a COVID ward; contacts in the household evidenced the highest risk, up to more than five-fold (OR 5.31, 95%CI: 4.12–6.85). Compared to never smokers, being active smokers was inversely associated with seroprevalence (OR 0.60, 95%CI: 0.48–0.76). After 5 months, 85% of previously positive subjects still tested positive. The frequency of SARS-COV-2 infection among Health Care Workers was comparable with that observed in surveys performed in Northern Italy and Europe after the first pandemic wave. This study confirms that infection frequently occurred as asymptomatic and underlines the importance of household exposure, seroprevalence (OR 0.60, 95%CI: 0.48–0.76).
Gitana Scozzari; Cristina Costa; Enrica Migliore; Maurizio Coggiola; Giovannino Ciccone; Luigi Savio; Antonio Scarmozzino; Enrico Pira; Paola Cassoni; Claudia Galassi; Rossana Cavallo; The Collaborative Group. Prevalence, Persistence, and Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 IgG Seropositivity in a Large Cohort of Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care University Hospital in Northern Italy. Viruses 2021, 13, 1064 .
AMA StyleGitana Scozzari, Cristina Costa, Enrica Migliore, Maurizio Coggiola, Giovannino Ciccone, Luigi Savio, Antonio Scarmozzino, Enrico Pira, Paola Cassoni, Claudia Galassi, Rossana Cavallo, The Collaborative Group. Prevalence, Persistence, and Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 IgG Seropositivity in a Large Cohort of Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care University Hospital in Northern Italy. Viruses. 2021; 13 (6):1064.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGitana Scozzari; Cristina Costa; Enrica Migliore; Maurizio Coggiola; Giovannino Ciccone; Luigi Savio; Antonio Scarmozzino; Enrico Pira; Paola Cassoni; Claudia Galassi; Rossana Cavallo; The Collaborative Group. 2021. "Prevalence, Persistence, and Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 IgG Seropositivity in a Large Cohort of Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care University Hospital in Northern Italy." Viruses 13, no. 6: 1064.
In Europe, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) surveillance system is very heterogeneous and there is growing evidence of the importance of RSV infections resulting in hospitalization of elderly patients. The aim of this study was to assess the severity of RSV infection in the elderly living in the aged Southern European countries. We conducted a retrospective study of elderly patients ( ≥65‐year old) admitted for laboratory‐confirmed RSV infection in three tertiary hospitals in Portugal, Italy, and Cyprus over two consecutive winter seasons (2017–2018). Uni‐multivariable analyses were carried out to evaluate the effect of clinical variables on radiologically confirmed pneumonia, use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV), and in‐hospital death (IHD). A total of 166 elderly patients were included. Pneumonia was evident in 29.5%. NIV was implemented in 16.3%, length of stay was 11.8 ± 12.2 days, and IHD occurred in 12.1%. Multivariable analyses revealed that the risk of pneumonia was higher in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (odds ratio [OR]: 2.57; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–5.91); the use of NIV was higher in patients with obstructive sleep apnea or obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OSA or OHS) (OR: 5.38; 95% CI: 1.67–17.35) and CKD (OR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.01–6.23); the risk of IHD was higher in males (OR: 3.30; 95% CI: 1.07–10.10) and in patients with solid neoplasm (OR: 9.06; 95% CI: 2.44–33.54) and OSA or OHS (OR: 8.39; 95% CI: 2.14–32.89). Knowledge of factors associated with RSV infection severity may aid clinicians to set priorities and reduce disease burden. Development of effective antiviral treatment and vaccine against RSV is highly desirable.
Matteo Boattini; André Almeida; Eirini Christaki; Torcato Moreira Marques; Valentina Tosatto; Gabriele Bianco; Marco Iannaccone; Georgios Tsiolakkis; Christos Karagiannis; Panagiota Maikanti; Lourenço Cruz; Diogo Antão; Maria Inês Moreira; Rossana Cavallo; Cristina Costa. Severity of RSV infection in Southern European elderly patients during two consecutive winter seasons (2017–2018). Journal of Medical Virology 2021, 93, 5152 -5157.
AMA StyleMatteo Boattini, André Almeida, Eirini Christaki, Torcato Moreira Marques, Valentina Tosatto, Gabriele Bianco, Marco Iannaccone, Georgios Tsiolakkis, Christos Karagiannis, Panagiota Maikanti, Lourenço Cruz, Diogo Antão, Maria Inês Moreira, Rossana Cavallo, Cristina Costa. Severity of RSV infection in Southern European elderly patients during two consecutive winter seasons (2017–2018). Journal of Medical Virology. 2021; 93 (8):5152-5157.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMatteo Boattini; André Almeida; Eirini Christaki; Torcato Moreira Marques; Valentina Tosatto; Gabriele Bianco; Marco Iannaccone; Georgios Tsiolakkis; Christos Karagiannis; Panagiota Maikanti; Lourenço Cruz; Diogo Antão; Maria Inês Moreira; Rossana Cavallo; Cristina Costa. 2021. "Severity of RSV infection in Southern European elderly patients during two consecutive winter seasons (2017–2018)." Journal of Medical Virology 93, no. 8: 5152-5157.
Background: In kidney transplant patients, polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN) represents a serious complication; the key factor for the development of PVAN is immunosuppression level and modulation of anti-rejection treatment represents the first line of intervention. Allograft biopsy and histology remain the criterion standard for diagnosing PVAN. Methods: All consecutive renal biopsies with the diagnosis of PVAN carried out at the University Hospital City of Health and Science of Turin over a five-years period were studied. Renal allograft biopsy was performed due to renal function alterations associated to medium-high polyomavirus BK (BKV)-DNA levels on plasma specimen. Results: A total of 21 patients underwent a first biopsy to diagnose a possible BKV nephropathy, in 18, a second biopsy was made, in eight, a third biopsy, and finally, three underwent the fourth renal biopsy; following the results of each biopsies, immunosuppressant agents dosages were modified in order to reduce the effect of PVAN. Conclusions: In this study, the clinical and histological features of 21 kidney transplant recipients with BKV reactivation and development of PVAN are described. To date, the only treatment for PVAN consists in the reduction of immunosuppressive agents, constantly monitoring viral load.
Elisa Zanotto; Anna Allesina; Antonella Barreca; Francesca Sidoti; Ester Gallo; Paolo Bottino; Marco Iannaccone; Gabriele Bianco; Luigi Biancone; Rossana Cavallo; Cristina Costa. Renal Allograft Biopsies with Polyomavirus BK Nephropathy: Turin Transplant Center, 2015–19. Viruses 2020, 12, 1047 .
AMA StyleElisa Zanotto, Anna Allesina, Antonella Barreca, Francesca Sidoti, Ester Gallo, Paolo Bottino, Marco Iannaccone, Gabriele Bianco, Luigi Biancone, Rossana Cavallo, Cristina Costa. Renal Allograft Biopsies with Polyomavirus BK Nephropathy: Turin Transplant Center, 2015–19. Viruses. 2020; 12 (9):1047.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElisa Zanotto; Anna Allesina; Antonella Barreca; Francesca Sidoti; Ester Gallo; Paolo Bottino; Marco Iannaccone; Gabriele Bianco; Luigi Biancone; Rossana Cavallo; Cristina Costa. 2020. "Renal Allograft Biopsies with Polyomavirus BK Nephropathy: Turin Transplant Center, 2015–19." Viruses 12, no. 9: 1047.
Currently, no consensus has been reached on the optimal blood compartment to be used for surveillance of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNAemia. Although several comparative studies have been performed correlating CMV and EBV DNA loads in whole blood (WB) vs plasma, to our knowledge, no studies have ever analyzed the kinetics of both viruses in the two blood compartments. In this retrospective non-interventional multicenter cohort study the kinetics of CMV and EBV DNA in 121 hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (HSCTR) have been investigated by analyzing in parallel 569 and 351 paired samples from 80 and 58 sequential episodes of CMV and EBV DNAemia, respectively. Unlike previous studies, a single automated molecular method, CE marked and FDA approved for use in quantifying CMV and EBV DNA in both plasma and WB was used. Furthermore, the complete viral replication kinetics of all episodes (including both the ascending and the descending phase of the active infection) was examined in each patient. The previously observed overall correlation between CMV DNA levels in WB and plasma was confirmed (Spearman's r = .85; P < .001). However, though WB and plasma CMV DNAemia reached peak simultaneously, in the ascending phase the median CMV DNA levels in plasma were about 1 log lower than WB. Furthermore, in patients who received pre-emptive therapy, CMV DNA showed a delayed decrease in plasma as compared to WB. A lower correlation between EBV DNA levels in plasma versus WB was shown (Spearman's r = .61; P < .001). EBV DNA kinetics was not consistent in the two blood compartments, mostly due to the lower positivity in plasma. Indeed, in 19% of episodes EBV DNA was negative at the time of EBV DNA peak in WB. Our results suggest a preferential use of WB for surveillance of CMV and EBV infection in HSCTR.
Tiziana Lazzarotto; Angela Chiereghin; Antonio Piralla; Giulia Piccirilli; Alessia Girello; Giulia Campanini; Liliana Gabrielli; Cristina Costa; Arcangelo Prete; Francesca Bonifazi; Alessandro Busca; Roberto Cairoli; Anna Amelia Colombo; Marco Zecca; Francesca Sidoti; Gabriele Bianco; Pierpaolo Paba; Carlo Federico Perno; Rossana Cavallo; Fausto Baldanti. Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Kinetics in Whole Blood and Plasma of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients. Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation 2018, 24, 1699 -1706.
AMA StyleTiziana Lazzarotto, Angela Chiereghin, Antonio Piralla, Giulia Piccirilli, Alessia Girello, Giulia Campanini, Liliana Gabrielli, Cristina Costa, Arcangelo Prete, Francesca Bonifazi, Alessandro Busca, Roberto Cairoli, Anna Amelia Colombo, Marco Zecca, Francesca Sidoti, Gabriele Bianco, Pierpaolo Paba, Carlo Federico Perno, Rossana Cavallo, Fausto Baldanti. Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Kinetics in Whole Blood and Plasma of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients. Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation. 2018; 24 (8):1699-1706.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTiziana Lazzarotto; Angela Chiereghin; Antonio Piralla; Giulia Piccirilli; Alessia Girello; Giulia Campanini; Liliana Gabrielli; Cristina Costa; Arcangelo Prete; Francesca Bonifazi; Alessandro Busca; Roberto Cairoli; Anna Amelia Colombo; Marco Zecca; Francesca Sidoti; Gabriele Bianco; Pierpaolo Paba; Carlo Federico Perno; Rossana Cavallo; Fausto Baldanti. 2018. "Cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Kinetics in Whole Blood and Plasma of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients." Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation 24, no. 8: 1699-1706.
Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy is an important cause of allograft dysfunction and graft loss after kidney transplantation. Even if histological evaluation is the gold standard for graft study and diagnosis of polyomavirus-associated nephropathy, K-DIGO guidelines suggest performing an indication biopsy in selected patient’s clinical conditions or laboratory parameters. The practice of protocol biopsy is still controversial. We report the management of a case of presumptive polyomavirus-associated nephropathy in a 53-year-old kidney transplant recipient affected by type 1 hyperoxaluria with persistent high levels of viruria and sustained levels of polyomavirus BK viremia. The presence of a presumptive polyomavirus-associated nephropathy, even if never confirmed by biopsy, never compromised his clinical condition and allograft function. As a result of an immunosuppression-sparing policy and use of mTOR inhibitor, the polyomavirus BK viremia was successfully controlled with an observation time >5 years. The decision to perform or not a graft biopsy was the main question in the management of this case. We opted for a non-invasive approach because of the high risk of biopsy with macrohematuria on earlier biopsy in a dual kidney transplant and patient’s unwillingness for the procedure. The replication level of polyomavirus BK was significantly reduced by the decrease of immunosuppression on the basis of a close nucleic acid testing monitoring. The strategy we adopted could be considered in cases when renal biopsy is contraindicated or considered to be high risk.
Antonio Curtoni; Cristina Costa; Maria Messina; Francesca Sidoti; Andrea Piceghello; Gabriele Bianco; Luigi Biancone; Giuseppe Paolo Segoloni; Rossana Cavallo. Persistently high-level polyomavirus BK replication in the absence of renal function abnormalities in a kidney transplant recipient. Microbiologia Medica 2016, 31, 1 .
AMA StyleAntonio Curtoni, Cristina Costa, Maria Messina, Francesca Sidoti, Andrea Piceghello, Gabriele Bianco, Luigi Biancone, Giuseppe Paolo Segoloni, Rossana Cavallo. Persistently high-level polyomavirus BK replication in the absence of renal function abnormalities in a kidney transplant recipient. Microbiologia Medica. 2016; 31 (4):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonio Curtoni; Cristina Costa; Maria Messina; Francesca Sidoti; Andrea Piceghello; Gabriele Bianco; Luigi Biancone; Giuseppe Paolo Segoloni; Rossana Cavallo. 2016. "Persistently high-level polyomavirus BK replication in the absence of renal function abnormalities in a kidney transplant recipient." Microbiologia Medica 31, no. 4: 1.
In this study, the occurrence and clinical impact of adenovirus (AdV) infection was investigated in paediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients. A number of 603 specimens (including whole blood, respiratory and other samples) from 181 patients were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction; clinical outcome was investigated. Overall, 118/603 (19.6%) specimens from 21/181 (11.6%) patients resulted positive to AdV (including 17.3, 29.9, 17.6, and 15.8% of total number of whole blood, respiratory, urine and other specimens, respectively). On whole blood specimens, viral loads ranged from <600 (limit of detection) to >5×106 copies/mL, with a median value 2×104. Multiple specimens were positive in patients in which viral load on whole blood was high. Adenoviral positivity on whole blood was associated to poor prognosis, as death occurred in three of ten (30%) patients with persistent positivity on whole blood specimens, also despite the administration of an antiviral agent (cidofovir). Adenovirus infection can account for systemic and/or organ-specific signs/symptoms in approximately 10% of paediatric HSCT recipients. At moment, there is no indication for routine monitor of AdV in these patients, although AdV aetiology of infectious transplant complications should be taken in account.
Gabriele Bianco; Andrea Piceghello; Francesca Sidoti; Mareva Giacchino; Rossana Cavallo; Cristina Costa. Occurrence of adenovirus infection and clinical impact in paediatric stem cell transplant recipients. Microbiologia Medica 2016, 31, 1 .
AMA StyleGabriele Bianco, Andrea Piceghello, Francesca Sidoti, Mareva Giacchino, Rossana Cavallo, Cristina Costa. Occurrence of adenovirus infection and clinical impact in paediatric stem cell transplant recipients. Microbiologia Medica. 2016; 31 (3):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGabriele Bianco; Andrea Piceghello; Francesca Sidoti; Mareva Giacchino; Rossana Cavallo; Cristina Costa. 2016. "Occurrence of adenovirus infection and clinical impact in paediatric stem cell transplant recipients." Microbiologia Medica 31, no. 3: 1.
Massimo Rittà; Cristina Costa; Francesca Sidoti; Cinzia Ballocco; Andrea Ranghino; Maria Messina; Luigi Biancone; Rossana Cavallo. Pre-transplant assessment of CMV-specific immune response by Elispot assay in kidney transplant recipients. The new microbiologica 2015, 38, 1 .
AMA StyleMassimo Rittà, Cristina Costa, Francesca Sidoti, Cinzia Ballocco, Andrea Ranghino, Maria Messina, Luigi Biancone, Rossana Cavallo. Pre-transplant assessment of CMV-specific immune response by Elispot assay in kidney transplant recipients. The new microbiologica. 2015; 38 (3):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMassimo Rittà; Cristina Costa; Francesca Sidoti; Cinzia Ballocco; Andrea Ranghino; Maria Messina; Luigi Biancone; Rossana Cavallo. 2015. "Pre-transplant assessment of CMV-specific immune response by Elispot assay in kidney transplant recipients." The new microbiologica 38, no. 3: 1.
The diagnostic approaches to viral gastroenteritis have evolved substantially over the past decades because of the advances in detection methods, the emergence of new pathogens, and the increase in diarrhea hospitalizations attributed to viruses, especially in young children in non-industrialized countries. Overall, these factors have lead to a relevant improvement of types and operating characteristics of diagnostic methods (including sensitivity and specificity), as well as turnaround time. In this review, clinical and laboratory approaches to the diagnosis of viruses causing gastroenteritis are presented; in particular, specimen collection and detection methods are reviewed and discussed, taking into account performance and limitations.
Francesca Sidoti; Massimo Ritta'; Cristina Costa; Rossana Cavallo. Diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis: limits and potential of currently available procedures. The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 2015, 9, 551 -561.
AMA StyleFrancesca Sidoti, Massimo Ritta', Cristina Costa, Rossana Cavallo. Diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis: limits and potential of currently available procedures. The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries. 2015; 9 (6):551-561.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca Sidoti; Massimo Ritta'; Cristina Costa; Rossana Cavallo. 2015. "Diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis: limits and potential of currently available procedures." The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 9, no. 6: 551-561.
Several studies provided evidence of a consistent antileukemic effect induced by cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), however the use of antithymocyte globulin (ATG) as graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis, may potentially abrogate the protective effect of CMV infection. To address this issue, we retrospectively analyzed the risk of relapse in a cohort of 101 patients with AML who received grafts from an unrelated donor after a conditioning regimen including ATG. The cumulative incidence of CMV reactivation, evaluated by RT qPCR, was 59% at 12 months, and 93% of CMV reactivations occurred within the first 100 days post HSCT. The 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse in patients with CMV reactivation was 29% compared with 37% for patients without CMV reactivation, and the only factor associated with a reduced 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse was the disease status at HSCT (P < 0.001). In the multivariable model adverse cytogenetics (HR 2.42, 95% CI 1.02-5.72; P = 0.044) and acute GVHD (HR 3.36, 95% CI 1.32-8.54; P = 0.011) were independent risk factors for reducing overall survival (OS), while the presence of chronic GVHD was associated with a better OS (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15-0.89; P = 0.027). CMV replication was not an independent risk factor for OS (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.07-15.75; P = 0.965). In Conclusion, the results of present study suggest that relapse prevention in patients with AML receiving T-cell depleted HSCT using ATG do not benefit from CMV reactivation.
Alessandro Busca; Roberto Passera; Massimo Pini; Francesco Zallio; Chiara Dellacasa; Ernesta Audisio; Luisa Giaccone; Enrico Maffini; Benedetto Bruno; Cristina Costa; Rossana Cavallo. The use of ATG abrogates the antileukemic effect of cytomegalovirus reactivation in patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving grafts from unrelated donors. American Journal of Hematology 2015, 90, 1 .
AMA StyleAlessandro Busca, Roberto Passera, Massimo Pini, Francesco Zallio, Chiara Dellacasa, Ernesta Audisio, Luisa Giaccone, Enrico Maffini, Benedetto Bruno, Cristina Costa, Rossana Cavallo. The use of ATG abrogates the antileukemic effect of cytomegalovirus reactivation in patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving grafts from unrelated donors. American Journal of Hematology. 2015; 90 (6):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlessandro Busca; Roberto Passera; Massimo Pini; Francesco Zallio; Chiara Dellacasa; Ernesta Audisio; Luisa Giaccone; Enrico Maffini; Benedetto Bruno; Cristina Costa; Rossana Cavallo. 2015. "The use of ATG abrogates the antileukemic effect of cytomegalovirus reactivation in patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving grafts from unrelated donors." American Journal of Hematology 90, no. 6: 1.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the most important viral pathogen in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, with heart and lung transplant patients being at considerably high risk for CMV direct and indirect effects. Prevention strategies have resulted in significant reduction in disease and CMV related morbidity and mortality. Few studies reported a lower incidence of CMV infections in solid organ transplant recipients treated with immunosuppressive protocols including the mTOR inhibitor everolimus (EVR).
Massimo Ritta'; Cristina Costa; Paolo Solidoro; Francesca Sidoti; Daniela Libertucci; Massimo Boffini; Mauro Rinaldi; Sergio Baldi; Rossana Cavallo. Everolimus-based immunosuppressive regimens in lung transplant recipients: Impact on CMV infection. Antiviral Research 2015, 113, 19 -26.
AMA StyleMassimo Ritta', Cristina Costa, Paolo Solidoro, Francesca Sidoti, Daniela Libertucci, Massimo Boffini, Mauro Rinaldi, Sergio Baldi, Rossana Cavallo. Everolimus-based immunosuppressive regimens in lung transplant recipients: Impact on CMV infection. Antiviral Research. 2015; 113 ():19-26.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMassimo Ritta'; Cristina Costa; Paolo Solidoro; Francesca Sidoti; Daniela Libertucci; Massimo Boffini; Mauro Rinaldi; Sergio Baldi; Rossana Cavallo. 2015. "Everolimus-based immunosuppressive regimens in lung transplant recipients: Impact on CMV infection." Antiviral Research 113, no. : 19-26.
Immunological monitoring for CMV can be useful in transplant patients; however, few centers perform it on a routine basis.
Cristina Costa; Cinzia Balloco; Francesca Sidoti; Samantha Mantovani; Massimo Ritta'; Andrea Piceghello; Fabrizio Fop; Maria Messina; Rossana Cavallo. Evaluation of CMV-specific cellular immune response by EliSPOT assay in kidney transplant patients. Journal of Clinical Virology 2014, 61, 523 -528.
AMA StyleCristina Costa, Cinzia Balloco, Francesca Sidoti, Samantha Mantovani, Massimo Ritta', Andrea Piceghello, Fabrizio Fop, Maria Messina, Rossana Cavallo. Evaluation of CMV-specific cellular immune response by EliSPOT assay in kidney transplant patients. Journal of Clinical Virology. 2014; 61 (4):523-528.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Costa; Cinzia Balloco; Francesca Sidoti; Samantha Mantovani; Massimo Ritta'; Andrea Piceghello; Fabrizio Fop; Maria Messina; Rossana Cavallo. 2014. "Evaluation of CMV-specific cellular immune response by EliSPOT assay in kidney transplant patients." Journal of Clinical Virology 61, no. 4: 523-528.
Cristina Costa; Samantha Mantovani; Andrea Piceghello; Alessia Di Nauta; Franca Sinesi; Francesca Sidoti; Marina Messina; Rossana Cavallo. Evaluation of polyomavirus BK cellular immune response by an ELISpot assay and relation to viral replication in kidney transplant recipients. The new microbiologica 2014, 37, 1 .
AMA StyleCristina Costa, Samantha Mantovani, Andrea Piceghello, Alessia Di Nauta, Franca Sinesi, Francesca Sidoti, Marina Messina, Rossana Cavallo. Evaluation of polyomavirus BK cellular immune response by an ELISpot assay and relation to viral replication in kidney transplant recipients. The new microbiologica. 2014; 37 (2):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Costa; Samantha Mantovani; Andrea Piceghello; Alessia Di Nauta; Franca Sinesi; Francesca Sidoti; Marina Messina; Rossana Cavallo. 2014. "Evaluation of polyomavirus BK cellular immune response by an ELISpot assay and relation to viral replication in kidney transplant recipients." The new microbiologica 37, no. 2: 1.
To evaluate the prevalence of human herpesviruses (HHV) 1-6 and community-acquired respiratory viruses (CARVs) in specimens from patients with nasal polyposis undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and investigate the potential clinical role.
Cristina Costa; Massimiliano Garzaro; Valeria Boggio; Francesca Sidoti; Salvatore Simeone; Luca Raimondo; Giovanni Patrick Cavallo; Giancarlo Pecorari; Rossana Cavallo. Detection of Herpesviruses 1-6 and Community-Acquired Respiratory Viruses in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis. Intervirology 2014, 57, 101 -105.
AMA StyleCristina Costa, Massimiliano Garzaro, Valeria Boggio, Francesca Sidoti, Salvatore Simeone, Luca Raimondo, Giovanni Patrick Cavallo, Giancarlo Pecorari, Rossana Cavallo. Detection of Herpesviruses 1-6 and Community-Acquired Respiratory Viruses in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis. Intervirology. 2014; 57 (2):101-105.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Costa; Massimiliano Garzaro; Valeria Boggio; Francesca Sidoti; Salvatore Simeone; Luca Raimondo; Giovanni Patrick Cavallo; Giancarlo Pecorari; Rossana Cavallo. 2014. "Detection of Herpesviruses 1-6 and Community-Acquired Respiratory Viruses in Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis." Intervirology 57, no. 2: 101-105.
Quantitative detection of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) DNA on whole blood is currently the primary choice for virological monitoring in transplant patients and for determining the appropriate antiviral strategy, however specific issues of variability remain in terms of extraction methods, amplification efficiency, and variability. This study compared the performance characteristics of two nucleic acid extraction and testing systems for HCMV-DNA quantitation, the artus® CMV QS-RGQ kit, associated with a fully automated DNA extraction and assay set up by Qiagen (system 1) and the Q-CMV Real Time Complete kit by Nanogen, associated with a semiautomated nucleic acid extraction system by Biomérieux (system 2) in 189 specimens from transplant patients and 10 from 2012 HCMV Quality Control for Molecular Diagnostics (QCMD). The two systems exhibited a 80.4% concordance. Differences between the two systems were within ±1 log10 copies/ml of the averaged log10 results for 88.9% of the tested specimens. For all qualitatively discordant specimens, mean viral load was ≤3 log10 copies/ml. Considering viral load measurement, system 1 gave earlier positives that system 2, with a 14.8% of specimens resulted positive at low viral loads with system 1 and negative with system 2. In QCMD specimens, difference was below 0.7 log10 copies/ml for both the systems. In conclusion, the two systems provided reliable and comparable results. Some specific performance characteristic and automation could be taken into account in terms of less hands of time, fewer errors and reliability.
Cristina Costa; Samantha Mantovani; Cinzia. Balloco; Francesca Sidoti; Fabrizio Fop; Rossana Cavallo. Comparison of two nucleic acid extraction and testing systems for HCMV-DNA detection and quantitation on whole blood specimens from transplant patients. Journal of Virological Methods 2013, 193, 579 -582.
AMA StyleCristina Costa, Samantha Mantovani, Cinzia. Balloco, Francesca Sidoti, Fabrizio Fop, Rossana Cavallo. Comparison of two nucleic acid extraction and testing systems for HCMV-DNA detection and quantitation on whole blood specimens from transplant patients. Journal of Virological Methods. 2013; 193 (2):579-582.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Costa; Samantha Mantovani; Cinzia. Balloco; Francesca Sidoti; Fabrizio Fop; Rossana Cavallo. 2013. "Comparison of two nucleic acid extraction and testing systems for HCMV-DNA detection and quantitation on whole blood specimens from transplant patients." Journal of Virological Methods 193, no. 2: 579-582.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a γ-herpes virus, responsible for infectious mononucleosis in immunocompetent hosts. Cellular immunity appears rapidly during EBV primary infection, keeping it silent despite long-life persistence in B lymphocytes. Defects of the EBV-specific cellular immunity are supposed to be the basis of post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorders, promoted by high levels of immunosuppression. We retrospectively reviewed 197 solid organ transplant recipients to investigate EBV-specific lymphocyte responsiveness using Enzyme-linked ImmunoSpot assay (EliSpot), which assesses the EBV-specific interferon (IFN)-γ producing peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and kinetics of EBV infection/reactivation post-transplantation using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on whole blood. Overall, 102 of the 197 patients (51.8%) showed EBV responsiveness at the EBV-EliSpot assay: 68 (66.6%) showed a persistently positive EBV response in 3 or more determinations and 34 (33.3%) had transient episodes of nonresponsiveness. Ninety-five (48.2%) patients were persistently EBV nonresponders. EBV-DNAemia data were available for 58 patients: 27.6% presented at least one episode of EBV-DNA occurrence. No differences were found in EBV-EliSpot response stratification between the groups of patients who experienced episodes of EBV reactivation and those without EBV-DNAemia. However, EBV DNAemia peak values tended to be higher in the first year post-transplantation in the group of patients with a persistent positive EBV-specific immune response. EBV viral load quantitation in blood and EliSpot EBV-specific immune response determination may represent a powerful tool for monitoring solid organ transplant recipients, guiding immunosuppression modulation in patients with active EBV replication.
Massimo Ritta'; Cristina Costa; F. Sinesi; Francesca Sidoti; Alessia Di Nauta; S. Mantovani; A. Piceghello; S. Simeone; Davide Ricci; Massimo Boffini; Paolo Solidoro; S. Baldi; G.P. Segoloni; Rossana Cavallo. Evaluation of Epstein-Barr Virus–Specific Immunologic Response in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients With an Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSpot Assay. Transplantation Proceedings 2013, 45, 2754 -2757.
AMA StyleMassimo Ritta', Cristina Costa, F. Sinesi, Francesca Sidoti, Alessia Di Nauta, S. Mantovani, A. Piceghello, S. Simeone, Davide Ricci, Massimo Boffini, Paolo Solidoro, S. Baldi, G.P. Segoloni, Rossana Cavallo. Evaluation of Epstein-Barr Virus–Specific Immunologic Response in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients With an Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSpot Assay. Transplantation Proceedings. 2013; 45 (7):2754-2757.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMassimo Ritta'; Cristina Costa; F. Sinesi; Francesca Sidoti; Alessia Di Nauta; S. Mantovani; A. Piceghello; S. Simeone; Davide Ricci; Massimo Boffini; Paolo Solidoro; S. Baldi; G.P. Segoloni; Rossana Cavallo. 2013. "Evaluation of Epstein-Barr Virus–Specific Immunologic Response in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients With an Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSpot Assay." Transplantation Proceedings 45, no. 7: 2754-2757.
Among solid organ recipients lung transplant recipients are at highest risk to be affected by cytomegalovirus infection (CMV) or to die from CMV disease. Two strategies are usually adopted in the clinical management of transplant recipients: antiviral prophylaxis and pre-emptive therapy.
Paolo Solidoro; Cristina Costa; D. Libertucci; Francesca Sidoti; Massimo Boffini; Davide Ricci; L. Delsedime; Rossana Cavallo; S. Baldi; Mauro Rinaldi. Tailored Cytomegalovirus Management in Lung transplant Recipient: A Single-Center Experience. Transplantation Proceedings 2013, 45, 2736 -2740.
AMA StylePaolo Solidoro, Cristina Costa, D. Libertucci, Francesca Sidoti, Massimo Boffini, Davide Ricci, L. Delsedime, Rossana Cavallo, S. Baldi, Mauro Rinaldi. Tailored Cytomegalovirus Management in Lung transplant Recipient: A Single-Center Experience. Transplantation Proceedings. 2013; 45 (7):2736-2740.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaolo Solidoro; Cristina Costa; D. Libertucci; Francesca Sidoti; Massimo Boffini; Davide Ricci; L. Delsedime; Rossana Cavallo; S. Baldi; Mauro Rinaldi. 2013. "Tailored Cytomegalovirus Management in Lung transplant Recipient: A Single-Center Experience." Transplantation Proceedings 45, no. 7: 2736-2740.
The role of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in lung transplantation (LT) and drawbacks related to viral quantification in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) underline the potential usefulness of investigating other specimens. Thirty-three LT recipients were prospectively studied by HCMV quantitative real time PCR on matched transbronchial biopsy (TBB), BAL, and whole blood specimens. Overall, 27/33 patients turned out HCMV-positive in at least one specimen: 7.1 %, 37.1 %, and 13.5 % of TBB, BAL, and blood samples, respectively. No significant association between HCMV on all types of specimens and acute rejection, lymphocytic bronchiolitis, bronchiolitis obliterans and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome was found. HCMV pneumonia was associated to HCMV detection on TBB (p = 0.003) and whole blood (p = 0.008), not on BAL (p = 0.47). The highest mean viral load was detected in TBB from cases with HCMV pneumonia in comparison to all other cases, suggesting the potential use of HCMV investigation in TBB for evaluating posttransplant complications.
Cristina Costa; Antonio Curtoni; Francesca Sidoti; Cinzia Balloco; Salvatore Simeone; Samantha Mantovani; Elsa Piasentin Alessio; Daniela Libertucci; Luisa Delsedime; Paolo Solidoro; Sergio Baldi; Rossana Cavallo. Detection of human cytomegalovirus in transbronchial biopsies from lung transplant recipients. Archives of Virology 2013, 158, 1461 -1465.
AMA StyleCristina Costa, Antonio Curtoni, Francesca Sidoti, Cinzia Balloco, Salvatore Simeone, Samantha Mantovani, Elsa Piasentin Alessio, Daniela Libertucci, Luisa Delsedime, Paolo Solidoro, Sergio Baldi, Rossana Cavallo. Detection of human cytomegalovirus in transbronchial biopsies from lung transplant recipients. Archives of Virology. 2013; 158 (7):1461-1465.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Costa; Antonio Curtoni; Francesca Sidoti; Cinzia Balloco; Salvatore Simeone; Samantha Mantovani; Elsa Piasentin Alessio; Daniela Libertucci; Luisa Delsedime; Paolo Solidoro; Sergio Baldi; Rossana Cavallo. 2013. "Detection of human cytomegalovirus in transbronchial biopsies from lung transplant recipients." Archives of Virology 158, no. 7: 1461-1465.
Cellular immune response has been demonstrated to play a role in the control of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication in organ transplant recipients. Herein, HCMV-specific T-cell response and association to the onset of organ infection/disease were prospectively evaluated by EliSPOT assay in a population of 46 lung transplant (LT) recipients at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months post-transplantation. According to our centre's practice, a combined prolonged antiviral prophylaxis (HCMV-IG for 12 months and ganciclovir or valganciclovir for 3 weeks from postoperative day 21) was given to all LT recipients. HCMV-DNA was concomitantly detected on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and whole blood by real-time PCR. Approximately one third of patients resulted HCMV persistently non-responder; the rate of HCMV infection, as evaluated by HCMV-DNA positivity, tended to be higher in non-responders. Mean viral load on BAL was significantly higher in non-responders vs other patients (p <0.001). Temporal profile of infections appeared related to the HCMV responder status with a shorter time to onset of infection post-transplantation and a longer duration in non-responders. The occurrence of organ disease (i.e. pneumonia) tended to be higher in non-responders, with poor prognosis, as death occurred in one of three non-responder patients that developed HCMV pneumonia. The lack of HCMV-specific cellular response can contribute to the onset of organ infection and disease also in patients in which antiviral prophylaxis was adopted; this could be due to the potential occurrence of incomplete control of replication in lungs or a delayed priming of T-cell reconstitution.
C. Costa; A. Saldan; F. Sinesi; Francesca Sidoti; C. Balloco; S. Simeone; A. Piceghello; S. Mantovani; Alessia Di Nauta; P. Solidoro; Rossana Cavallo. The Lack and Cytomegalovirus-Specific Cellular Immune Response May Contribute to the Onset of Organ Infection and Disease in Lung Transplant Recipients. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology 2012, 25, 1003 -1009.
AMA StyleC. Costa, A. Saldan, F. Sinesi, Francesca Sidoti, C. Balloco, S. Simeone, A. Piceghello, S. Mantovani, Alessia Di Nauta, P. Solidoro, Rossana Cavallo. The Lack and Cytomegalovirus-Specific Cellular Immune Response May Contribute to the Onset of Organ Infection and Disease in Lung Transplant Recipients. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology. 2012; 25 (4):1003-1009.
Chicago/Turabian StyleC. Costa; A. Saldan; F. Sinesi; Francesca Sidoti; C. Balloco; S. Simeone; A. Piceghello; S. Mantovani; Alessia Di Nauta; P. Solidoro; Rossana Cavallo. 2012. "The Lack and Cytomegalovirus-Specific Cellular Immune Response May Contribute to the Onset of Organ Infection and Disease in Lung Transplant Recipients." International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology 25, no. 4: 1003-1009.
The occurrence and clinical impact of herpes simplex virus (HSV) were evaluated in 342 bronchoalveolar lavage specimens from 237 patients. HSV-1 and HSV-2 were detected in 32.1% and <1% of patients, respectively. A significant difference of HSV-1 prevalence and load was found in relation to admission to intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation and mortality within 28 days; in particular, a viral load ≥105 copies/mL bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was significantly associated with critical features. No association was found with immune status or other characteristics. Nine of 21 (42.9%) cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia were positive for HSV-1, with poor outcome in six
C. Costa; Francesca Sidoti; Alda Saldan; F. Sinesi; C. Balloco; S. Simeone; M. Lorusso; S. Mantovani; C. Merlino; Paolo Solidoro; Rossana Cavallo. Clinical impact of HSV-1 detection in the lower respiratory tract from hospitalized adult patients. Clinical Microbiology and Infection 2012, 18, E305 -E307.
AMA StyleC. Costa, Francesca Sidoti, Alda Saldan, F. Sinesi, C. Balloco, S. Simeone, M. Lorusso, S. Mantovani, C. Merlino, Paolo Solidoro, Rossana Cavallo. Clinical impact of HSV-1 detection in the lower respiratory tract from hospitalized adult patients. Clinical Microbiology and Infection. 2012; 18 (8):E305-E307.
Chicago/Turabian StyleC. Costa; Francesca Sidoti; Alda Saldan; F. Sinesi; C. Balloco; S. Simeone; M. Lorusso; S. Mantovani; C. Merlino; Paolo Solidoro; Rossana Cavallo. 2012. "Clinical impact of HSV-1 detection in the lower respiratory tract from hospitalized adult patients." Clinical Microbiology and Infection 18, no. 8: E305-E307.
Cristina Costa; Giovanni Antonio Touscoz; Francesca Sidoti; Franca Sinesi; Daniela Re; Cinzia Balloco; Elsa Piasentin Alessio; Maria Messina; Giuseppe Paolo Segoloni; Rossana Cavallo. Evaluation of polyomavirus BK reactivation in lupus patients who underwent kidney transplantation. Microbiologia Medica 2012, 27, 1 .
AMA StyleCristina Costa, Giovanni Antonio Touscoz, Francesca Sidoti, Franca Sinesi, Daniela Re, Cinzia Balloco, Elsa Piasentin Alessio, Maria Messina, Giuseppe Paolo Segoloni, Rossana Cavallo. Evaluation of polyomavirus BK reactivation in lupus patients who underwent kidney transplantation. Microbiologia Medica. 2012; 27 (2):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCristina Costa; Giovanni Antonio Touscoz; Francesca Sidoti; Franca Sinesi; Daniela Re; Cinzia Balloco; Elsa Piasentin Alessio; Maria Messina; Giuseppe Paolo Segoloni; Rossana Cavallo. 2012. "Evaluation of polyomavirus BK reactivation in lupus patients who underwent kidney transplantation." Microbiologia Medica 27, no. 2: 1.