Stella Borza

Dr. Stella Borza


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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19 January 2026 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
FAFrancesca Arcieri
Francesca Arcieri
AVAdele Vasta
Adele Vasta
SSSara Sorrenti
Sara Sorrenti
GVGregorio Volpe
Gregorio Volpe
VDValentina D’Ambrosio
Valentina D’Ambrosio
Antonella GiancottiAntonella Giancotti
Antonella Giancotti
Background: Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of valacyclovir in reducing vertical transmission after primary maternal CMV infection and to assess the diagnostic performance of amniocentesis and prenatal imaging. Methods: Eighty-two pregnant women with confirmed primary CMV infection were included. Maternal CMV serology and viral DNA were assessed in blood and urine, with standardized prenatal care including serial ultrasound examinations and fetal MRI when indicated. Amniocentesis was offered to confirm fetal infection. Valacyclovir (8 g/day) was administered before 24 weeks’ gestation, and neonatal infection was diagnosed by CMV DNA detection in urine at birth. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27.0. Results: Most infections (62.2%) were diagnosed in the first trimester. Valacyclovir was administered in 97.6% of cases, and amniocentesis was performed in 81.7%, with CMV DNA detected in 19.4%. Among 74 live births, 23% of neonates were CMV-positive and 6.8% symptomatic. Seven infected neonates had negative amniocentesis (false-negative rate, 13.2%). Prenatal ultrasound and MRI failed to detect abnormalities in symptomatic cases. Conclusions: Valacyclovir may reduce, but does not eliminate, the risk of cCMV transmission. Negative amniocentesis does not fully exclude fetal infection, highlighting postnatal follow-up.

19 February 2026 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
AVAdele Vasta
Adele Vasta
FAFrancesca Arcieri
Francesca Arcieri
SBStella Borza
Stella Borza
GVGregorio Volpe
Gregorio Volpe
MRMartina Rivabene
Martina Rivabene
Antonella GiancottiAntonella Giancotti
Antonella Giancotti
Background: Congenital toxoplasmosis remains a significant cause of fetal morbidity worldwide. This case–control study aimed to identify sociodemographic, dietary, and behavioral factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy in Italy by comparing infected women with seronegative controls, and to evaluate modifiable risk behaviors and treatment-related outcomes among affected patients. Methods: This case–control study included 201 pregnant women (100 with T. gondii infection and 101 seronegative controls). Participants completed a structured questionnaire on sociodemographic factors, diet, environmental exposures, and preventive behaviors. Clinical data were collected for infected women and analyzed using SPSS v27.0. Results: Sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics did not differ between groups. Infected women were more likely to live in rural areas (p < 0.001), have a lower educational level (p = 0.009), consume unpasteurized dairy products and cured meats (p < 0.05), purchase food from farmers or butchers (p = 0.01), and do not check food preparation practices when eating outside the home. High-risk animal-related behaviors were also more common among cases (p < 0.001). Despite similar baseline awareness, adherence to preventive measures was lower among cases; most infections were diagnosed in the first trimester and treated with spiramycin with good tolerability. Conclusions: Maternal toxoplasmosis is mainly associated with modifiable behavioral and environmental factors, underscoring the need for targeted, preconception counseling to reduce the risk of congenital infection.