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Antimicrobial resistance is presently one of the most public health critical concerns. The frequent and often incorrect use of antibiotics in animal husbandry has led to the spread of antimicrobial resistance in this setting. Wastewater from slaughterhouses can be contaminated with multidrug-resistant bacteria, representing a possible cross-contamination route. We evaluated the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wastewater samples from slaughterhouses located in an Italian region. Specifically, 18 slaughterhouses were included in the study. Of the tested samples, 40 bacterial strains were chosen, identified, and tested for antibiotic susceptibility. Pseudomonas spp., Proteus spp., Enterobacter spp., Aeromonas spp., and Citrobacter spp. were the most detected genera. The most resistant strains were on average those belonging to Enterobacter spp. The highest resistance rate was recorded for macrolides. Among β-lactams, penicillins and cephalosporins were by far the molecules towards which the highest resistance was detected. A very interesting finding is the difference found in strains detected in wastewater from poultry slaughterhouses, in which higher levels for almost all the considered drugs were detected compared to those from ungulates slaughterhouses. Our results indicate wastewater from slaughterhouses as a potential vehicle of resistant bacteria and highlight the importance of correct management of these kinds of waters.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial effect of 71 organic Sicilian honeys of different botanical origins against Staphylococcus aureus [American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 9144™] and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853™). The antimicrobial activity was determined by means of an agar diffusion assay from the estimation of the diameter of the inhibition zone produced by the honeys. S. aureus was more inhibited than P. aeruginosa (chi-square value 11.2698, P value 0.000788). In particular, a statistically significant inhibition growth against S. aureus was exhibited by the polyfloral (chi-square value 6.1714, P value 0.012983) and the eucalyptus honeys (chi-square value 4, P value 0.0455). Results partially suggest Sicilian organic polyfloral and eucalyptus honeys as possible alternatives to antimicrobial agents when S. aureus resistance causes failure of initial conventional antibiotic treatment.

Introduction: Epidemiological studies are a key element in determining the evolution and spread of HIV infection among the world population. Knowledge of the epidemiological dynamics improves strategies for prevention and monitoring., Methods: We examined 2,272 subjects who voluntarily underwent HIV testing from January 1992 to December 2015. For each subject, an anonymous form was completed to obtain information on personal data, sexual habits and exposure to risk factors., Results: The number of subjects undergoing the screening test has increased over the years and the average age of the tested subjects has decreased over time. The main motivation for undergoing HIV testing is unprotected sex. Although heterosexual subjects taking the test were more numerous than homosexuals in this study, an increase in the latter over time should be highlighted., Conclusions: Although the number of tests performed has increased over the years, the persistence of unprotected sex shows an inadequate perception of risk. Therefore, it is necessary to implement programmes to increase the general awareness of HIV infection. It is also essential to undertake constant monitoring of behaviour, risk perception and the application of the screening test via surveillance systems in order to implement effective and efficient prevention.