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Maria Grazia Cusi is Full Professor in Microbiology and Virology at the University of Siena. Director of the Infectious Diseases Specialty School of Medicine at the University of Siena (20110-15). Chairman of the Committee of the Master School in Medical Biotechnologies at the University of Siena (2014-2018). Since 2015 she has been the Microbiology and Virology Laboratory Director at the “S. Maria delle Scotte” Hospital of Siena. She has 30 years of experience in the research on viral vaccines and studies on pathogenesis of phleboviruses. Moreover, she has dedicated herself to the immunotherapy and prevention of some human tumors in preclinical trials. Notably, prof. Cusi has authored more than 120 manuscripts and 7 patents.
Emerging and re-emerging viral infections have been an important public health problem in recent years. We focused our attention on Toscana virus (TOSV), an emergent neurotropic negative-strand RNA virus of the Phenuiviridae family. The mechanisms of protection against phlebovirus natural infection are not known; however, it is supposed that a virus-neutralizing antibody response against viral glycoproteins would be useful to block the first stages of infection. By using an improved memory B cell immortalization method, we obtained a panel of human mAbs which reacted with TOSV antigens. We identified three epitopes of TOSV Gn glycoproteins by neutralizing mAbs using synthetic peptide arrays on membrane support (SPOT synthesis). These epitopes, separated in primary structure, might be exposed near one another as a conformational epitope in their native structure. In vivo studies were conducted to evaluate the humoral response elicited in mice immunized with the identified peptides. The results underlined the hypothesis that the first two peptides located in the NH2 terminus could form a conformational epitope, while the third, located near the transmembrane sequence in the carboxyl terminus, was necessary to strengthen neutralizing activity. Our results emphasize the importance of identifying neutralizing epitopes shared among the various phleboviruses, which could be exploited for the development of a potential epitope-based diagnostic assay or a polyvalent protective vaccine against different phleboviruses.
Claudia Gandolfo; Shibily Prathyumn; Chiara Terrosi; Gabriele Anichini; Gianni Gori Savellini; Davide Corti; Luisa Bracci; Antonio Lanzavecchia; Gleyder Roman-Sosa; Maria Grazia Cusi. Identification of a Neutralizing Epitope on TOSV Gn Glycoprotein. Vaccines 2021, 9, 924 .
AMA StyleClaudia Gandolfo, Shibily Prathyumn, Chiara Terrosi, Gabriele Anichini, Gianni Gori Savellini, Davide Corti, Luisa Bracci, Antonio Lanzavecchia, Gleyder Roman-Sosa, Maria Grazia Cusi. Identification of a Neutralizing Epitope on TOSV Gn Glycoprotein. Vaccines. 2021; 9 (8):924.
Chicago/Turabian StyleClaudia Gandolfo; Shibily Prathyumn; Chiara Terrosi; Gabriele Anichini; Gianni Gori Savellini; Davide Corti; Luisa Bracci; Antonio Lanzavecchia; Gleyder Roman-Sosa; Maria Grazia Cusi. 2021. "Identification of a Neutralizing Epitope on TOSV Gn Glycoprotein." Vaccines 9, no. 8: 924.
A weak production of INF-β along with an exacerbated release of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been reported during infection by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus. SARS-CoV-2 encodes several proteins able to counteract the host immune system, which is believed to be one of the most important features contributing to the viral pathogenesis and development of a severe clinical picture. Previous reports have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 N protein, along with some non-structural and accessory proteins, efficiently suppresses INF-β production by interacting with RIG-I, an important pattern recognition receptor (PRR) involved in the recognition of pathogen-derived molecules. In the present study, we better characterized the mechanism by which the SARS-CoV-2 N counteracts INF-β secretion and affects RIG-I signaling pathways. In detail, when the N protein was ectopically expressed, we noted a marked decrease in TRIM25-mediated RIG-I activation. The capability of the N protein to bind to, and probably mask, TRIM25 could be the consequence of its antagonistic activity. Furthermore, this interaction occurred at the SPRY domain of TRIM25, harboring the RNA-binding activity necessary for TRIM25 self-activation. Here, we describe new findings regarding the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and the IFN system, filling some gaps for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms affecting the innate immune response in COVID-19.
Gianni Gori Savellini; Gabriele Anichini; Claudia Gandolfo; Maria Cusi. SARS-CoV-2 N Protein Targets TRIM25-Mediated RIG-I Activation to Suppress Innate Immunity. Viruses 2021, 13, 1439 .
AMA StyleGianni Gori Savellini, Gabriele Anichini, Claudia Gandolfo, Maria Cusi. SARS-CoV-2 N Protein Targets TRIM25-Mediated RIG-I Activation to Suppress Innate Immunity. Viruses. 2021; 13 (8):1439.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGianni Gori Savellini; Gabriele Anichini; Claudia Gandolfo; Maria Cusi. 2021. "SARS-CoV-2 N Protein Targets TRIM25-Mediated RIG-I Activation to Suppress Innate Immunity." Viruses 13, no. 8: 1439.
Background Convalescent plasma (CP) and hyperimmune plasma (HP) are passive immunotherapies consisting in the infusion of plasma from recovered people into infected patients. Following pre-existing evidence in many other viral diseases, such as SARS, MERS and Ebola, CP and HP have also been proposed for the treatment of COVID-19. Nevertheless, due to the lack of large, well-designed, clinical trials, no clear-cut guidelines exist about what subtype of patient CP and HP should be administered to. Case presentation We have reported the cases of 3 patients, all immunosuppressed and affected by non-severe, prolonged COVID-19. They were treated with HP, whose neutralizing titer was higher than 1/80. The first patient was a 55-year-old male, who had undergone lung transplant. He was under therapy with Tacrolimus and developed non-neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV2. The second patient was a 77-year-old female, affected by follicular lymphoma. She had tested positive for SARS-CoV2 after 6 months. The third was a 60-year-old patient, affected by chronic leukemia. He did not develop antibodies after 2-month disease. All 3 patients received HP and had tested negative for SARS-CoV2 within 2 weeks. Conclusion Despite encouraging initial data, no strong evidence exist in support of CP and HP to treat COVID-19. In our experience, although limited due to the reduced number of patients, we found a good safety and efficacy of HP in 3 immuno-deficient subjects. Further data are needed in order to assess whether this subtype of patients may particularly benefit from passive immunization.
Maria Grazia Cusi; Edoardo Conticini; Claudia Gandolfo; Gabriele Anichini; Gianni Gori Savellini; Serafina Valente; Federico Franchi; Sabino Scolletta; Elena Percivalle; Bruno Frediani. Hyperimmune plasma in three immuno-deficient patients affected by non-severe, prolonged COVID-19: a single-center experience. BMC Infectious Diseases 2021, 21, 630 .
AMA StyleMaria Grazia Cusi, Edoardo Conticini, Claudia Gandolfo, Gabriele Anichini, Gianni Gori Savellini, Serafina Valente, Federico Franchi, Sabino Scolletta, Elena Percivalle, Bruno Frediani. Hyperimmune plasma in three immuno-deficient patients affected by non-severe, prolonged COVID-19: a single-center experience. BMC Infectious Diseases. 2021; 21 (1):630.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaria Grazia Cusi; Edoardo Conticini; Claudia Gandolfo; Gabriele Anichini; Gianni Gori Savellini; Serafina Valente; Federico Franchi; Sabino Scolletta; Elena Percivalle; Bruno Frediani. 2021. "Hyperimmune plasma in three immuno-deficient patients affected by non-severe, prolonged COVID-19: a single-center experience." BMC Infectious Diseases 21, no. 1: 630.
Due to their increased transmissibility, three variants of high concern have emerged in the United Kingdom (also known as B.1.1.7 lineage or VOC-202012/01), South Africa (B.1.351 lineage), and Brazil (P1 lineage) with multiple substitutions in the spike protein. Since neutralizing antibodies elicited by vaccination are likely considered as correlates of protection for SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is important to analyze whether vaccinees with mRNA BNT162b2 are equally protected against these emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. To this aim, we enrolled healthy subjects one month after complete vaccination with Comirnaty and evaluated the neutralizing response against the native Wuhan strain and the emerging B.1.1.7, B.1.351 and P1 lineages, by using the microneutralization assay, currently considered the gold standard test for the evaluation and detection of functional neutralizing antibodies. The most remarkable finding of this study was the significantly lower neutralizing antibody titer against B.1.351 lineage, compared to the wild-type virus. No significant differences were observed with the other two lineages. These findings provide evidence that vaccinated subjects may not be equally protected against all SARS-CoV-2 lineages.
Gabriele Anichini; Chiara Terrosi; Gianni Gori Savellini; Claudia Gandolfo; Federico Franchi; Maria Cusi. Neutralizing Antibody Response of Vaccinees to SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Vaccines 2021, 9, 517 .
AMA StyleGabriele Anichini, Chiara Terrosi, Gianni Gori Savellini, Claudia Gandolfo, Federico Franchi, Maria Cusi. Neutralizing Antibody Response of Vaccinees to SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Vaccines. 2021; 9 (5):517.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGabriele Anichini; Chiara Terrosi; Gianni Gori Savellini; Claudia Gandolfo; Federico Franchi; Maria Cusi. 2021. "Neutralizing Antibody Response of Vaccinees to SARS-CoV-2 Variants." Vaccines 9, no. 5: 517.
We report the finding of SARS-CoV-2 genome in the corpse of an exhumed infected person, one month after her death. The viral gene targets were still present in her lungs and heart, however, the virus was no longer alive. Infectious risks from human corpses should be considered.
Mario Gabbrielli; Claudia Gandolfo; Gabriele Anichini; Tommaso Candelori; Matteo Benvenuti; Gianni Gori Savellini; Maria Grazia Cusi. How long can SARS-CoV-2 persist in human corpses? International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2021, 106, 1 -2.
AMA StyleMario Gabbrielli, Claudia Gandolfo, Gabriele Anichini, Tommaso Candelori, Matteo Benvenuti, Gianni Gori Savellini, Maria Grazia Cusi. How long can SARS-CoV-2 persist in human corpses? International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2021; 106 ():1-2.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMario Gabbrielli; Claudia Gandolfo; Gabriele Anichini; Tommaso Candelori; Matteo Benvenuti; Gianni Gori Savellini; Maria Grazia Cusi. 2021. "How long can SARS-CoV-2 persist in human corpses?" International Journal of Infectious Diseases 106, no. : 1-2.
Whether or not persons who have already been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) should be vaccinated is unclear. Only a few studies have shown that vaccinees who were previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 had a significantly higher antibody response than previously uninfected vaccinees.1-4 In an observational cohort study, we enrolled 100 health care workers, including 38 (9 men and 29 women) with a documented history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (mean duration between infection and vaccination, 111 days). The mean age of these previously infected participants was 35.1 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 31.7 to 38.6). Our study also included 62 participants (25 men and 37 women) who had not been previously infected. The mean age of those participants was 44.7 years (95% CI, 41.0 to 47.6).
Gabriele Anichini; Chiara Terrosi; Claudia Gandolfo; Gianni Gori Savellini; Simonetta Fabrizi; Giovanni B. Miceli; M. Grazia Cusi. SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Response in Persons with Past Natural Infection. New England Journal of Medicine 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleGabriele Anichini, Chiara Terrosi, Claudia Gandolfo, Gianni Gori Savellini, Simonetta Fabrizi, Giovanni B. Miceli, M. Grazia Cusi. SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Response in Persons with Past Natural Infection. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGabriele Anichini; Chiara Terrosi; Claudia Gandolfo; Gianni Gori Savellini; Simonetta Fabrizi; Giovanni B. Miceli; M. Grazia Cusi. 2021. "SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Response in Persons with Past Natural Infection." New England Journal of Medicine , no. : 1.
Re-usable air/water and suction valves used in endoscopes often demonstrate risk of infection. To the authors' knowledge, the safety and efficacy of re-usable and single-use valves have not been compared to date. As such, a laboratory investigation was undertaken to compare the safety and efficacy of re-usable and single-use valves at 11 Italian endoscopy sites. Safety was evaluated by analysing the rinse liquid of reprocessed re-usable valves ready for use, and efficacy was assessed based on the completion of endoscopic procedures without valve malfunction. This study found significantly lower contamination of single-use valves compared with re-usable valves (0 vs 29.1%, respectively; P=0.007) and similar efficacy (97.6 vs 98.8%, respectively; P=ns). Microbiological analysis of the rinse liquid of reprocessed re-usable valves identified various surviving micro-organisms and highlighted their potential pathogenicity. Such data suggest that sterile single-use valves may be safer than re-usable valves, and have comparable performance.
L. Pasquale; A. Maurano; G. Cengia; P. Da Massa Carrara; B. Germanà; M.G. Graziani; G. Manes; A. Pisani; M. Golia; E. Marciano; L. Rodella; L. Schiffino; C. Gandolfo; C. Terrosi; M.G. Cusi. Infection prevention in endoscopy practice: comparative evaluation of re-usable vs single-use endoscopic valves. Infection Prevention in Practice 2021, 3, 100123 .
AMA StyleL. Pasquale, A. Maurano, G. Cengia, P. Da Massa Carrara, B. Germanà, M.G. Graziani, G. Manes, A. Pisani, M. Golia, E. Marciano, L. Rodella, L. Schiffino, C. Gandolfo, C. Terrosi, M.G. Cusi. Infection prevention in endoscopy practice: comparative evaluation of re-usable vs single-use endoscopic valves. Infection Prevention in Practice. 2021; 3 (2):100123.
Chicago/Turabian StyleL. Pasquale; A. Maurano; G. Cengia; P. Da Massa Carrara; B. Germanà; M.G. Graziani; G. Manes; A. Pisani; M. Golia; E. Marciano; L. Rodella; L. Schiffino; C. Gandolfo; C. Terrosi; M.G. Cusi. 2021. "Infection prevention in endoscopy practice: comparative evaluation of re-usable vs single-use endoscopic valves." Infection Prevention in Practice 3, no. 2: 100123.
Data regarding antibody responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 in patients infected with COVID‐19 are not yet available. In this study, we aimed to evaluate serum antibody responses in patients regardless of the outcome. We measured the circulating IgG antibody levels in 60 subjects with a certified history of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by using immunoenzymatic, chemiluminescent, and Neutralization assays. Half patients had a severe infection, the other half were pauci‐symptomatic. We analyzed their antibody response to see the trend of the humoral response. Our results showed a significant difference in circulating IgG level among the two groups. The neutralizing antibody response against SARS‐CoV‐2 was significantly higher among those who had severe disease. Furthermore, ten subjects from each group were screened twice, and a declining antibody trend was observed in pauci‐symptomatic individuals. These findings provide evidence that humoral immunity against SARS‐CoV‐2 in pauci‐symptomatic people is weak and may not be long‐lasting. This may have implications for immunity strategy and prevention, since it is still not clear whether a time‐dependent decrease of both circulating and neutralizing antibodies to non‐protective levels could occur in a longer time span and whether potential vaccines are able to induce a herd immunity and a durable response. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Gabriele Anichini; Claudia Gandolfo; Chiara Terrosi; Simonetta Fabrizi; Giovanni Battista Miceli; Gianni Gori Savellini; Shibily Prathyumnan; Federico Franchi; Maria Grazia Cusi. Antibody response to SARS‐CoV‐2 in infected patients with different clinical outcome. Journal of Medical Virology 2021, 93, 2548 -2552.
AMA StyleGabriele Anichini, Claudia Gandolfo, Chiara Terrosi, Simonetta Fabrizi, Giovanni Battista Miceli, Gianni Gori Savellini, Shibily Prathyumnan, Federico Franchi, Maria Grazia Cusi. Antibody response to SARS‐CoV‐2 in infected patients with different clinical outcome. Journal of Medical Virology. 2021; 93 (4):2548-2552.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGabriele Anichini; Claudia Gandolfo; Chiara Terrosi; Simonetta Fabrizi; Giovanni Battista Miceli; Gianni Gori Savellini; Shibily Prathyumnan; Federico Franchi; Maria Grazia Cusi. 2021. "Antibody response to SARS‐CoV‐2 in infected patients with different clinical outcome." Journal of Medical Virology 93, no. 4: 2548-2552.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has quickly spread all over the globe from China. Pleural involvement is not common; around 5-10% of patients can develop pleural effusion and little is known about the involvement of pleural structures in this new infection. A 61-year-old male kidney transplant patient with a history of multiple biopsy-confirmed acute rejections and chronic allograft rejection was admitted to our COVID-19 Unit with dry cough, exertional dyspnea, oliguria, and abdominal distension. Lung ultrasound imaging, chest X-ray, and CT scan showed left pleural effusion and atelectasis of the neighboring lung parenchyma. RT-PCR was positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the pleural fluid and cytology showed mesothelial cells with large and multiple nuclei, consistent with a cytopathic effect of the virus. This is one of few reports describing detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the pleural fluid and to the best of our knowledge, is the first to document the simultaneous presence of a direct cytopathic effect of the virus on mesothelial cells in a kidney transplant patient with COVID-19 pneumonia. The pleura proved to be a site of viral replication where signs of a direct pathological effect of the virus on cells can be observed, as we report here. RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 should be part of routine examination of pleural effusion even in patients with mild respiratory symptoms or with comorbidities that seem to explain the cause of effusion.
David Bennett; Federico Franchi; Elda De Vita; Maria Antonietta Mazzei; Luca Volterrani; Maria Giulia Disanto; Guido Garosi; Andrea Guarnieri; Maria Grazia Cusi; Elena Bargagli; Sabino Scolletta; Serafina Valente; Roberto Gusinu; Bruno Frediani. SARS-CoV-2 in pleural fluid in a kidney transplant patient. Postgraduate Medicine 2020, 133, 540 -543.
AMA StyleDavid Bennett, Federico Franchi, Elda De Vita, Maria Antonietta Mazzei, Luca Volterrani, Maria Giulia Disanto, Guido Garosi, Andrea Guarnieri, Maria Grazia Cusi, Elena Bargagli, Sabino Scolletta, Serafina Valente, Roberto Gusinu, Bruno Frediani. SARS-CoV-2 in pleural fluid in a kidney transplant patient. Postgraduate Medicine. 2020; 133 (5):540-543.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDavid Bennett; Federico Franchi; Elda De Vita; Maria Antonietta Mazzei; Luca Volterrani; Maria Giulia Disanto; Guido Garosi; Andrea Guarnieri; Maria Grazia Cusi; Elena Bargagli; Sabino Scolletta; Serafina Valente; Roberto Gusinu; Bruno Frediani. 2020. "SARS-CoV-2 in pleural fluid in a kidney transplant patient." Postgraduate Medicine 133, no. 5: 540-543.
The non-structural protein NSs of the Phenuiviridae family members appears to have a role in the host immunity escape. The stability of Toscana virus (TOSV) NSs protein was tested by a cycloheximide (CHX) chase approach on cells transfected with NSs deleted versions fused to a reporter gene. The presence of intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) both at the C- and N-terminus appeared to affect the protein stability. Indeed, the NSsΔC and NSsΔN proteins were more stable than the wild-type NSs counterpart. Since TOSV NSs exerts its inhibitory function by triggering RIG-I for proteasomal degradation, the interaction of the ubiquitin system and TOSV NSs was further examined. Chase experiments with CHX and the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 demonstrated the involvement of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in controlling NSs protein amount expressed in the cells. The analysis of TOSV NSs by mass spectrometry allowed the direct identification of K104, K109, K154, K180, K244, K294, and K298 residues targeted for ubiquitination. Analysis of NSs K-mutants confirmed the presence and the important role of lysine residues located in the central and the C-terminal parts of the protein in controlling the NSs cellular level. Therefore, we directly demonstrated a new cellular pathway involved in controlling TOSV NSs fate and activity, and this opens the way to new investigations among more pathogenic viruses of the Phenuiviridae family.
Gianni Gori Savellini; Luca Bini; Assunta Gagliardi; Gabriele Anichini; Claudia Gandolfo; Shibily Prathyumnan; Maria Cusi. Ubiquitin and Not Only Unfolded Domains Drives Toscana Virus Non-Structural NSs Protein Degradation. Viruses 2020, 12, 1153 .
AMA StyleGianni Gori Savellini, Luca Bini, Assunta Gagliardi, Gabriele Anichini, Claudia Gandolfo, Shibily Prathyumnan, Maria Cusi. Ubiquitin and Not Only Unfolded Domains Drives Toscana Virus Non-Structural NSs Protein Degradation. Viruses. 2020; 12 (10):1153.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGianni Gori Savellini; Luca Bini; Assunta Gagliardi; Gabriele Anichini; Claudia Gandolfo; Shibily Prathyumnan; Maria Cusi. 2020. "Ubiquitin and Not Only Unfolded Domains Drives Toscana Virus Non-Structural NSs Protein Degradation." Viruses 12, no. 10: 1153.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of two available rapid immunological tests for identification of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies and their subsequent application to a regional screening of health care workers (HCW) in Tuscany (Italy).Designmeasures of accuracy and HCW serological surveillanceSetting6 major health facilities in Tuscany, Italy.Participants17,098 HCW of the Tuscany Region. Measures of accuracy were estimated to assess sensitivity in 176 hospitalized Covid-19 clinical subjects at least 14 days after a diagnostic PCR-positive assay result. Specificity was assessed in 295 sera biobanked in the pre-Covid-19 era in winter or summer 2013-14Main outcome measuresSensitivity and specificity, and 95% confidence intervals, were measured using two serological tests, named T-1 and T-2. Positive and Negative predictive values were estimated at different levels of prevalence. HCW of the health centers were tested using the serological tests, with a follow-up nasopharyngeal PCR-test swab in positive tested cases.ResultsSensitivity was estimated as 99% (95%CI: 95%-100%) and 97% (95% CI: 90%-100%), whereas specificity was the 95% and 92%, for Test T-1 and T-2 respectively. In the historical samples IgM cross-reactions were detected in sera collected during the winter period, probably linked to other human coronaviruses. Out of the 17,098 tested, 3.1% have shown the presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, among them 6.8% were positive at PCR follow-up test on nasopharyngeal swabs.ConclusionBased on the low prevalence estimate observed in this survey, the use of serological test as a stand-alone test is not justified to assess the individual immunity status. Serological tests showed good performance and might be useful in an integrated surveillance, for identification of infected subjects and their contacts as required by the policy of contact tracing, with the aim to reduce the risk of dissemination, especially in health service facilities.
Francesca Maria Carozzi; Maria Grazia Cusi; Mauro Pistello; Luisa Galli; Alessandro Bartoloni; Gabriele Anichini; Chiara Azzari; Michele Emdin; Claudia Gandolfo; Fabrizio Maggi; Elisabetta Mantengoli; Maria Moriondo; Giovanna Moscato; Irene Paganini; Claudio Passino; Francesco Profili; Fabio Voller; Marco Zappa; Filippo Quattrone; Gian Maria Rossolini; Paolo Francesconi; SARS-CoV-2 Serosurvey Tuscan Working Group. Detection of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections among healthcare workers: results from a large-scale screening program based on rapid serological testing. 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleFrancesca Maria Carozzi, Maria Grazia Cusi, Mauro Pistello, Luisa Galli, Alessandro Bartoloni, Gabriele Anichini, Chiara Azzari, Michele Emdin, Claudia Gandolfo, Fabrizio Maggi, Elisabetta Mantengoli, Maria Moriondo, Giovanna Moscato, Irene Paganini, Claudio Passino, Francesco Profili, Fabio Voller, Marco Zappa, Filippo Quattrone, Gian Maria Rossolini, Paolo Francesconi, SARS-CoV-2 Serosurvey Tuscan Working Group. Detection of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections among healthcare workers: results from a large-scale screening program based on rapid serological testing. . 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca Maria Carozzi; Maria Grazia Cusi; Mauro Pistello; Luisa Galli; Alessandro Bartoloni; Gabriele Anichini; Chiara Azzari; Michele Emdin; Claudia Gandolfo; Fabrizio Maggi; Elisabetta Mantengoli; Maria Moriondo; Giovanna Moscato; Irene Paganini; Claudio Passino; Francesco Profili; Fabio Voller; Marco Zappa; Filippo Quattrone; Gian Maria Rossolini; Paolo Francesconi; SARS-CoV-2 Serosurvey Tuscan Working Group. 2020. "Detection of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections among healthcare workers: results from a large-scale screening program based on rapid serological testing." , no. : 1.
Toscana virus (TOSV) is a Phlebovirus transmitted to humans by phlebotomines and represent an etiological agent of acute aseptic meningitis (AAM) in countries where the virus is endemic, including Italy. Incidence of TOSV infections is closely associated with the geographical distribution of the phlebotomine vectors which in turn is affected by climate changes that determine survival and spread. As a result, TOSV infections show a seasonal trend with a peak of incidence in summer months. To measure the prevalence of TOSV infections in AAM patients in central Italy and evaluate the climate changes in phlebotomine vectors ecology and virus propagation. One thousand and seventy-three cerebrospinal fluid samples (CSFs), collected from patients with suspected viral meningitis, were collected over nine years (2011-2019) during the May to October period and tested for viruses most commonly associated with AAM. Serum samples addressed to the Microbiology and Virology Unit of “S. Maria delle Scotte” Hospital for confirmation acute TOSV infection (n = 324) were tested for TOSV-specific IgM and IgG. Among the CSF samples, 1.3% were positive for Enteroviruses; 0.9% for Varicella zoster virus, 1.9% for Herpes simplex virus type-1/2 and 4.6% for TOSV. Serum IgM analyses disclosed TOSV-specific IgM in 27.1% of sera suggesting the predominant involvement of TOSV in neuroinvasive infections. This data confirms the predominant role of TOSV as causative agent of AAM during the summer time in endemic countries. Moreover, climate changes affecting phlebotomine vectors persistence, reproduction and activity could be involved in the cyclic nature of TOSV infection reported during the last nine years.
Gianni Gori Savellini; Claudia Gandolfo; Maria Grazia Cusi. Epidemiology of Toscana virus in South Tuscany over the years 2011-2019. Journal of Clinical Virology 2020, 128, 104452 .
AMA StyleGianni Gori Savellini, Claudia Gandolfo, Maria Grazia Cusi. Epidemiology of Toscana virus in South Tuscany over the years 2011-2019. Journal of Clinical Virology. 2020; 128 ():104452.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGianni Gori Savellini; Claudia Gandolfo; Maria Grazia Cusi. 2020. "Epidemiology of Toscana virus in South Tuscany over the years 2011-2019." Journal of Clinical Virology 128, no. : 104452.
Miriana D'alessandro; David Bennett; Francesca Montagnani; Paolo Cameli; Anna Perrone; Laura Bergantini; Federico Franchi; Sabino Scolletta; Maria Antonietta Mazzei; Luca Volterrani; Serafina Valente; Giacomo Zanelli; Lucia Migliorini; Barbara Rossetti; Massimiliano Fabbiani; Cecilia Vagaggini; Nicola Lanzarone; Pier L Capecchi; Maria Grazia Cusi; Piersante Sestini; Elena Bargagli; Bruno Frediani; Siena Covid Unit. Peripheral lymphocyte subset monitoring in COVID19 patients: a prospective Italian real-life case series. Minerva Medica 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleMiriana D'alessandro, David Bennett, Francesca Montagnani, Paolo Cameli, Anna Perrone, Laura Bergantini, Federico Franchi, Sabino Scolletta, Maria Antonietta Mazzei, Luca Volterrani, Serafina Valente, Giacomo Zanelli, Lucia Migliorini, Barbara Rossetti, Massimiliano Fabbiani, Cecilia Vagaggini, Nicola Lanzarone, Pier L Capecchi, Maria Grazia Cusi, Piersante Sestini, Elena Bargagli, Bruno Frediani, Siena Covid Unit. Peripheral lymphocyte subset monitoring in COVID19 patients: a prospective Italian real-life case series. Minerva Medica. 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMiriana D'alessandro; David Bennett; Francesca Montagnani; Paolo Cameli; Anna Perrone; Laura Bergantini; Federico Franchi; Sabino Scolletta; Maria Antonietta Mazzei; Luca Volterrani; Serafina Valente; Giacomo Zanelli; Lucia Migliorini; Barbara Rossetti; Massimiliano Fabbiani; Cecilia Vagaggini; Nicola Lanzarone; Pier L Capecchi; Maria Grazia Cusi; Piersante Sestini; Elena Bargagli; Bruno Frediani; Siena Covid Unit. 2020. "Peripheral lymphocyte subset monitoring in COVID19 patients: a prospective Italian real-life case series." Minerva Medica , no. : 1.
Seven species of coronavirus cause of acute respiratory illness in humans. Coronavirus HKU 1 (CoV-HKU 1) was first described in 2005 in an adult patient with pneumonia in Hong Kong. Although it is a well-known respiratory tract pathogen, there is not much information about its role in hospitalized adults, especially in southern Europe. Here we describe a case of radiologically demonstrated CoV-HKU 1-related bronchiolitis with acute respiratory failure in an adult female without significant comorbidities except obesity.
Francesco Bianchi; David Bennett; Lorenzo Alderighi; Maria Pieroni; Rosa Metella Refini; Antonella Fossi; Elena Bargagli; Maria Antonietta Mazzei; Gianni Guazzi; Maria Grazia Cusi; Piersante Sestini. Coronavirus HKU 1 infection with bronchiolitis, pericardial effusion and acute respiratory failure in obese adult female. Journal of Asthma 2020, 1 -4.
AMA StyleFrancesco Bianchi, David Bennett, Lorenzo Alderighi, Maria Pieroni, Rosa Metella Refini, Antonella Fossi, Elena Bargagli, Maria Antonietta Mazzei, Gianni Guazzi, Maria Grazia Cusi, Piersante Sestini. Coronavirus HKU 1 infection with bronchiolitis, pericardial effusion and acute respiratory failure in obese adult female. Journal of Asthma. 2020; ():1-4.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesco Bianchi; David Bennett; Lorenzo Alderighi; Maria Pieroni; Rosa Metella Refini; Antonella Fossi; Elena Bargagli; Maria Antonietta Mazzei; Gianni Guazzi; Maria Grazia Cusi; Piersante Sestini. 2020. "Coronavirus HKU 1 infection with bronchiolitis, pericardial effusion and acute respiratory failure in obese adult female." Journal of Asthma , no. : 1-4.
An increase in measles cases worldwide, with outbreaks, has been registered in the last few years, despite the availability of a safe and highly efficacious vaccine. In addition to an inadequate vaccination coverage, even in high-income European countries studies proved that some vaccinated people were also found seronegative years after vaccination, thus increasing the number of people susceptible to measles infection. In this study, we evaluated the immunization status and the seroprevalence of measles antibodies among 1092 healthy adults, either vaccinated or naturally infected, in order to investigate the persistence of anti-measles IgG. Among subjects who received two doses of measles vaccine, the neutralizing antibody titer tended to decline over time. In addition, data collected from a neutralization assay performed on 110 healthy vaccinated subjects suggested an inverse correlation between neutralizing antibody titers and the time elapsed between the two vaccinations, with a significant decline in the neutralizing titer when the interval between the two doses was ≥11 years. On the basis of these results, monitoring the serological status of the population 10–12 years after vaccination could be important both to limit the number of people who are potentially susceptible to measles, despite the high efficacy of MMR vaccine, and to recommend a booster vaccine for the seronegatives.
Gabriele Anichini; Claudia Gandolfo; Simonetta Fabrizi; Giovan Battista Miceli; Chiara Terrosi; Gianni Gori Savellini; Shibily Prathyumnan; Daniela Orsi; Giuseppe Battista; Maria Grazia Cusi. Seroprevalence to Measles Virus after Vaccination or Natural Infection in an Adult Population, in Italy. Vaccines 2020, 8, 66 .
AMA StyleGabriele Anichini, Claudia Gandolfo, Simonetta Fabrizi, Giovan Battista Miceli, Chiara Terrosi, Gianni Gori Savellini, Shibily Prathyumnan, Daniela Orsi, Giuseppe Battista, Maria Grazia Cusi. Seroprevalence to Measles Virus after Vaccination or Natural Infection in an Adult Population, in Italy. Vaccines. 2020; 8 (1):66.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGabriele Anichini; Claudia Gandolfo; Simonetta Fabrizi; Giovan Battista Miceli; Chiara Terrosi; Gianni Gori Savellini; Shibily Prathyumnan; Daniela Orsi; Giuseppe Battista; Maria Grazia Cusi. 2020. "Seroprevalence to Measles Virus after Vaccination or Natural Infection in an Adult Population, in Italy." Vaccines 8, no. 1: 66.
Influenza viruses are causative agents of common respiratory infections, often underestimated and badly managed. Monomolecular anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic drugs are extensively used in infection related symptoms, but they do not trigger virus replication. Also herbal drugs are traditionally used [1], although specific anti influenza activities are rarely recorded and little investigated. By means of validated in vitro tests, in this study we investigated the effect of ten herbal extracts and poplar propolis commonly used for respiratory infections. We tested their effectiveness against an influenza A H1N1 strain in pre- and post cell infection and neuraminidase activity inhibition. Camellia sinensis Kuntze leaves dried extract 60% catechins (CSE), Pelargonium sidoides DC. roots standardized d.e. (PS) and Cistus creticus L. subsp. eriocephalus (Viv.) Greuter & Burdet (formerly Cistus incanus L.) aerial parts commercial d.e. 20% polyphenols (CIS) showed a strong anti-neuraminidase effect (IC504 only for CIS. Chemical analyses showed that galloil derivatives and flavan-3-ols oligomers mainly occur in CIS and, similarly to PS and CSE, these constituents are likely to contribute more to the antiviral efficacy [2], [3]. Our findings suggest that C. creticus subsp. eriocephalus is worth to be better investigated for its anti-influenza efficacy and ongoing researches are aiming to investigate molecular mechanisms of CIS constituents on viral targets such as the influenza virus glycoproteins, emoagglutinin and neuraminidase.
M Biagi; G Baini; E Miraldi; C Terrosi; Maria Grazia Cusi. In vitro neuraminidase inhibitory effect and activity against influenza virus A H1N1 of herbal drugs used for common cold. 67th International Congress and Annual Meeting of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA) in cooperation with the French Society of Pharmacognosy AFERP 2019, 85, P-335 .
AMA StyleM Biagi, G Baini, E Miraldi, C Terrosi, Maria Grazia Cusi. In vitro neuraminidase inhibitory effect and activity against influenza virus A H1N1 of herbal drugs used for common cold. 67th International Congress and Annual Meeting of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA) in cooperation with the French Society of Pharmacognosy AFERP. 2019; 85 (18):P-335.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM Biagi; G Baini; E Miraldi; C Terrosi; Maria Grazia Cusi. 2019. "In vitro neuraminidase inhibitory effect and activity against influenza virus A H1N1 of herbal drugs used for common cold." 67th International Congress and Annual Meeting of the Society for Medicinal Plant and Natural Product Research (GA) in cooperation with the French Society of Pharmacognosy AFERP 85, no. 18: P-335.
It is known that the non-structural protein (NSs) of Toscana virus (TOSV), an emergent sandfly-borne virus causing meningitis or more severe central nervous system injuries in humans, exerts its function triggering RIG-I for degradation in a proteasome-dependent manner, thus breaking off the IFN-β production. The non-structural protein of different members of Bunyavirales has recently appeared as a fundamental protagonist in immunity evasion through ubiquitination-mediated protein degradation targets. We showed that TOSV NSs has an E3 ubiquitin ligase activity, mapping at the carboxy-terminal domain and also involving the amino-terminal of the protein. Indeed, neither the amino- (NSsΔN) nor the carboxy- (NSsΔC) terminal-deleted mutants of TOSV NSs were able to cause ubiquitin-mediated proteasome degradation of RIG-I. Moreover, the addition of the C-terminus of TOSV NSs to the homologous protein of the Sandfly Fever Naples Virus, belonging to the same genus and unable to inhibit IFN-β activity, conferred new properties to this protein, favoring RIG-I ubiquitination and its degradation. NSs lost its antagonistic activity to IFN when one of the terminal residues was missing. Therefore, we showed that NSs could behave as an atypical RING between RING (RBR) E3 ubiquitin ligases. This is the first report which identified the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in a viral protein among negative strand RNA viruses. Toscana virus is an emergent sandfly-borne virus mainly transmitted to humans by phlebotomine sandflies, which can cause meningitis or more severe central nervous system injuries in some subjects. As many other RNA viruses, it counteracts IFN-β expression by its non-structural protein. Our results expanded our knowledge about the molecular mechanisms by which TOSV exerts its activity as an E3 ubiquitin ligase. This is the first example of a viral protein presenting this activity among negative-strand RNA viruses. Thus, the recognition of this activity and its substrates among viruses are of primary importance to understand how viruses can alter their fitness by the ubiquitin pathway and provide an attractive target for the development of antiviral therapies.
Gianni Gori Savellini; Gabriele Anichini; Claudia Gandolfo; Shibily Prathyumnan; Maria Grazia Cusi. Toscana virus non-structural protein NSs acts as E3 ubiquitin ligase promoting RIG-I degradation. PLOS Pathogens 2019, 15, e1008186 .
AMA StyleGianni Gori Savellini, Gabriele Anichini, Claudia Gandolfo, Shibily Prathyumnan, Maria Grazia Cusi. Toscana virus non-structural protein NSs acts as E3 ubiquitin ligase promoting RIG-I degradation. PLOS Pathogens. 2019; 15 (12):e1008186.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGianni Gori Savellini; Gabriele Anichini; Claudia Gandolfo; Shibily Prathyumnan; Maria Grazia Cusi. 2019. "Toscana virus non-structural protein NSs acts as E3 ubiquitin ligase promoting RIG-I degradation." PLOS Pathogens 15, no. 12: e1008186.
Bee propolis, especially Euro-Asian poplar propolis, is among the most well-known natural products traditionally used to treat pharyngitis and minor wounds. The aim of this research was to investigate the pharmacological properties responsible for poplar propolis effectiveness using, for the first time, different in vitro approaches applied to a chemically characterized sample. The anti-inflammatory activity was compared with flurbiprofen by determining pro-inflammatory cytokines released by lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The antibacterial activity against Gram+ and Gram- bacteria was assessed, as well as antiviral effects on H1N1 influenza a virus. Poplar propolis (5 and 25 µg/mL) exerted a concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory activity. In this range of concentrations, propolis effect was not inferior to flurbiprofen on cytokines released by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human PBMC. Poplar propolis was found to upregulate IL-6 and IL-1β in non-stimulated PBMC. S. aureus, S. pyogenes, and S. pneumoniae were the most susceptible bacterial strains with inhibitory concentrations ranging from 156 to 625 µg/mL. A direct anti-influenza activity was not clearly seen. Effective anti-inflammatory concentrations of propolis were significantly lower than the antibacterial and antiviral ones and results suggested that the anti-inflammatory activity was the most important feature of poplar propolis linked to its rationale use in medicine.
Paolo Governa; Maria Grazia Cusi; Vittoria Borgonetti; José Mauricio Sforcin; Chiara Terrosi; Giulia Baini; Elisabetta Miraldi; Marco Biagi. Beyond the Biological Effect of a Chemically Characterized Poplar Propolis: Antibacterial and Antiviral Activity and Comparison with Flurbiprofen in Cytokines Release by LPS-Stimulated Human Mononuclear Cells. Biomedicines 2019, 7, 73 .
AMA StylePaolo Governa, Maria Grazia Cusi, Vittoria Borgonetti, José Mauricio Sforcin, Chiara Terrosi, Giulia Baini, Elisabetta Miraldi, Marco Biagi. Beyond the Biological Effect of a Chemically Characterized Poplar Propolis: Antibacterial and Antiviral Activity and Comparison with Flurbiprofen in Cytokines Release by LPS-Stimulated Human Mononuclear Cells. Biomedicines. 2019; 7 (4):73.
Chicago/Turabian StylePaolo Governa; Maria Grazia Cusi; Vittoria Borgonetti; José Mauricio Sforcin; Chiara Terrosi; Giulia Baini; Elisabetta Miraldi; Marco Biagi. 2019. "Beyond the Biological Effect of a Chemically Characterized Poplar Propolis: Antibacterial and Antiviral Activity and Comparison with Flurbiprofen in Cytokines Release by LPS-Stimulated Human Mononuclear Cells." Biomedicines 7, no. 4: 73.
Luca Marchetti; Claudia Gandolfo; Enivarco Maglioni; Martina Contorni; Fabio Arena; Maria Grazia Cusi. Myocarditis requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support following Influenza B infection: a case report and literature review. The new microbiologica 2019, 42, 61 -63.
AMA StyleLuca Marchetti, Claudia Gandolfo, Enivarco Maglioni, Martina Contorni, Fabio Arena, Maria Grazia Cusi. Myocarditis requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support following Influenza B infection: a case report and literature review. The new microbiologica. 2019; 42 (1):61-63.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuca Marchetti; Claudia Gandolfo; Enivarco Maglioni; Martina Contorni; Fabio Arena; Maria Grazia Cusi. 2019. "Myocarditis requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support following Influenza B infection: a case report and literature review." The new microbiologica 42, no. 1: 61-63.
Acanthamoeba spp. is a free-living amoeba, frequently involved in keratitis by contact lens in immunocompetent hosts. Anecdotal reports associate Acanthamoeba spp. as a cause of severe granulomatous encephalitis in immunocompromised and, less frequently, in immunocompetent subjects. Data regarding clinical and therapeutic management are scanty and no defined therapeutic guidelines are available. We describe an unusual case of non-granulomatous Acanthamoeba cerebellitis in an immunocompetent adult male, with abrupt onset of neurological impairment, subtle hemorrhagic infarction at magnetic resonance imaging, and initial suspicion of cerebellar neoplasm. Histopathological findings of excised cerebellar mass revealed the presence of necrosis and inflammation with structure resembling amoebic trophozoites, but without granulomas. Polymerase chain reaction from cerebellar tissue was positive for Acanthamoeba T4 genotype. Due to gastrointestinal intolerance to miltefosine, the patient was treated with long-term course of fluconazole and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole, obtaining complete clinical and neuroradiological resolution.
Sara Modica; Clelia Miracco; Maria Grazia Cusi; Giacinta Tordini; Vitaliano Francesco Muzii; Francesco Iacoangeli; Claudia Nocentini; Ibne Karim M. Ali; Shantanu Roy; Alfonso Cerase; Giacomo Zanelli; Andrea De Luca; Francesca Montagnani. Non-granulomatous cerebellar infection by Acanthamoeba spp. in an immunocompetent host. Infection 2018, 46, 885 -889.
AMA StyleSara Modica, Clelia Miracco, Maria Grazia Cusi, Giacinta Tordini, Vitaliano Francesco Muzii, Francesco Iacoangeli, Claudia Nocentini, Ibne Karim M. Ali, Shantanu Roy, Alfonso Cerase, Giacomo Zanelli, Andrea De Luca, Francesca Montagnani. Non-granulomatous cerebellar infection by Acanthamoeba spp. in an immunocompetent host. Infection. 2018; 46 (6):885-889.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSara Modica; Clelia Miracco; Maria Grazia Cusi; Giacinta Tordini; Vitaliano Francesco Muzii; Francesco Iacoangeli; Claudia Nocentini; Ibne Karim M. Ali; Shantanu Roy; Alfonso Cerase; Giacomo Zanelli; Andrea De Luca; Francesca Montagnani. 2018. "Non-granulomatous cerebellar infection by Acanthamoeba spp. in an immunocompetent host." Infection 46, no. 6: 885-889.