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Flies of the genus Sarcophaga are known to cause myiasis in necrotic wounds and in anatomical cavities where fluids have collected. We present here the first case of external cutaneous myiasis by Sarcophaga larvae in the absence of skin ulcerations or necrosis. The host in this case was a geriatric patient with limited motor and neurological capacity who lives in a nursing home. Of particular importance is that Sarcophaga is capable of causing myiasis even in the absence of cutaneous infections or significant stasis of fluids or secretions and that the larvae can cause damage in otherwise healthy tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscoid larvae were observed on self-medicated dressing material loaded with purulent material taken from a 91-year-old hospital patient. These larvae were identified as Lucilia sericata. However, no larvae were found in the patient's tissues. The observation of larvae on dressings should not automatically lead to a diagnosis of cutaneous myiasis., Competing Interests: All authors declare the absence of conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 SFMTSI.)

Background: Cockroaches are the pest of major concern for the disinfestation programs of the sanitary system in Italy. Hygienic-sanitary interest is linked to the role of mechanical vectors of pathogens and to their allergological potential. Sticky traps are the best tool to monitor the presence of these insects and several types of them are available on the market. In most of the cases the traps are not indicated for a given species, but, instead, generically for cockroaches. Domestic cockroaches differ in morphology, size and habits. Consequently, the effectiveness of the trap can change in relation to the target species., Materials and Methods: In this study three of the most employed traps in Italy were compared: the INDIA trap with and without its attractant tablet (hereafter mentioned as INDIA-A and INDIA-E, respectively), the ZAPI Simply trap and the CATCHMASTER Spider & Insect Glue trap. We chose the four most common species of cockroach (Blattodea) in Italy, Blatta orientalis (L.), Periplaneta americana (L.) (Blattidae), Blattella germanica (L.) and Supella longipalpa (F.) (Blattellidae). Each species of cockroach was tested separately inside arenas containing one of the traps. Each test (one species with one kind of trap) was replicated five times., Results and Discussion: The INDIA-A trap collected more cockroaches of every species, followed by the INDIA-E. The ZAPI trap caught less specimens of each species in respect to the INDIA traps, with the only exception of B. orientalis, for which the ZAPI trap caught more than the INDIA-E. The CATCHMASTER trap performed significantly less for all the species. B. orientalis was the species most abundantly caught by all traps, followed by B. germanica, S. longipalpa and P. americana. No significant difference was observed in the catch according to the developmental stage. In general, there was no particular predisposition of any trap to catch a particular species., Conclusions: It is not possible to indicate a model of trap for each species of cockroach, but it is clear that different traps have different performances in terms of attractiveness and capture. Therefore, the choice of the trap affects the results of the monitoring, and as consequence, the evaluation of the infesting population of the pest.

Abstract: SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus responsible for the pandemic that developed in China in late 2019. Transmission of the virus is predominantly direct, through exposure to infected respiratory secretions. As far as we know, arthropods play a key role in the transmission and spread of several viruses, and thus their role in the spread of COVID-19 deserves to be studied. The biological transmission of viral agents through insects is very complex. While mechanical transmission is more likely to happen, biological transmission is possible via blood-sucking arthropods, but this requires a high grade of compatibility between the vector and the pathogen. If the biological and mechanical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by blood-sucking arthropods is excluded, a mechanical transmission by urban pests could take place. This risk is very low but it could be important in isolated environmental conditions, where other means of transmission are not possible. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in non-blood-sucking arthropods in infected buildings, like hospitals and retirement homes, should be investigated.

A combined approach merging stable isotopes and fatty acids was applied to study anthropogenic pollution in the Río Negro estuary. Fatty acid markers of vegetal detritus indicated considerable allochthonous inputs at freshwater sites. Correlative evidence of diatom fatty acids, δ 13 C, chlorophyll and particulate organic matter suggested the importance of diatoms for the autochthonous organic matter production at the river mouth. Low δ 15 N values (~0‰) and high fatty acid 18:1(n-7) concentrations in the suspended particulate matter, in combination with the peaks of coliforms and ammonium, indicated a strong impact of untreated sewage discharge. The 15 N depletion was related to oxygen-limited ammonification processes and incorporation of 15 N depleted ammonium to microorganisms. This work demonstrates that the combined use of lipid and isotopic markers can greatly increase our understanding of biogeochemical factors and pollutants influencing estuaries, and our findings highlight the urgent need for water management actions to reduce eutrophication., (Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Rodent control operations represent an important tool for the prevention and management of infestations, in outdoor environments, by synanthropic rodents (Rattus rattus and R. norvegicus), which are a source of economic and environmental damage with significant sanitary implications. Although the use of anticoagulants is safer to humans and pets compared to the use of acute poisoning substances, an intrinsic hazard of the active ingredients exists, i.e. the possible poisoning of non-target organisms (e.g., children, pets and wildlife) following exposure. The risks arising from the use of anticoagulants for rodent control operations in anthropic contexts can therefore only be mitigated by a proper selection of the active ingredient, bait formulation and administration techniques, since an active ingredient with selective action towards non-target species does not currently exist on the market. This document lists practical proposals aimed at reducing the possibility of toxic exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides and mitigate the toxicological risk of human baits and non-target species.

Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, was unintentionally introduced in Italy at the beginning of the 1990s. In few decades it spread almost in the whole Country. In Piedmont, the first report dates back to 1994. Usually, temperate populations are affected by seasonal temperature and photoperiodicity and can overwinter by producing eggs that undergo a winter diapause. In Rome females of the species extended their trophic activity to the coldest months of the year, but there is no notice about a similar behaviour for northern areas of the Country. In our routine work, we often inspect residential and public buildings according to people requests due to the presence of annoying mosquitoes. During these inspections, we try to identify and solve the problem looking for adults and breeding sites of annoying species. Samples are conveniently collected and identified in the field or returning in the labs. We report seven cases of Ae. albopictus female trophic activity in both residential and public buildings, from November to March, in urban and rural areas in Piedmont, ranging between 44°33'11" N and 45°05'09" N. In one case, some larval breeding sites with a large number of larvae and pupae of this species were identified. Ae. albopictus can show trophic and reproductive activity during the winter in the northwestern Italy under favourable conditions. This evidence is of particular concern because of seasonality of Aedes mosquito-borne disease in returned travellers. Dengue, for example, has its higher morbidity in returned travellers from Caribbean and Central America typically during the winter period.

We present a case of the 42-year-old pig farmer from the province of Cuneo in Northwest Italy who was infected by the soil-transmitted nematode Ascaris sp. In November 2010 the patient found one worm in his stool, subsequently identified as female specimen of Ascaris sp. After a first anthelmintic treatment, another worm was found in his stool, that was later identified as male Ascaris sp. Blood tests prescribed by the patient's family physician, as suggested by a parasitologist, found nothing abnormal. A chest x-ray was negative for Loeffler's syndrome and an ultrasound of the abdomen was normal with no evidence of hepatic problems. The nematode collected from the patient was genetically characterized using the ribosomal nuclear marker ITS. The PCR-RFLP analysis showed a hybrid genotype, intermediate between A. suum/lumbricoides. It was subsequently ascertained that some pigs on the patient's farm had A. suum infection; no other family member was infected. A cross-infestation from the pigs as source was the likely way of transmission. This conclusion is further warranted by the fact, that the patient is a confirmed nail-biter, a habit which facilitates oral-fecal transmission of parasites and pathogens.

Using international trading and passive transportation routes, the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894), has colonized Europe. While the most common tool to monitor the presence of the mosquito is the ovitrap, other kinds of eggs are occasionally found in the traps as well. Most of the eggs are easy to distinguish, however, some white-yellow eggs have a similar shape and size to those of the tiger mosquito and are often falsely identified as freshly laid tiger mosquito eggs. We have shown that these eggs had been laid by Psychoda alternata Say, 1824, and the misinterpretation may cause large errors in calculating density and patterns of Ae. albopictus. To avoid mistakes, a microscopic observation should be done at least 48 h after collecting the sample to permit Ae. albopictus eggs to darken., (© 2013 The Society for Vector Ecology.)

The present article discusses three cases of human infestation by Corythuca ciliata (Lace bugs), a parasite of plane trees. The cases were all in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy and the symptoms involved a large number of hives on the subjects' bodies which were scarcely or not at all itchy and which spontaneously cleared up in all the cases in less than 24 hours. It can be concluded that the Lace bug can be an agent of insect-caused dermatosis and this should be considered in examining subjects who visit or live near wooded areas which are infested.

Failure to comply with requirements for proper storage and use of pesticides in farms can be extremely hazardous and the risk of accidents involving farm workers, other persons and even animals is high. There are still wide differences in the interpretation of the concept of "securing or making safe", by workers in this sector. One of the critical points detected, particularly in the fruit sector, is the establishment of an adequate storage site for plant protection products. The definition of "safe storage of pesticides" is still unclear despite the recent enactment of Legislative Decree 81/2008 regulating health and work safety in Italy. In addition, there are no national guidelines setting clear minimum criteria for storage of plant protection products in farms. The authors, on the basis of their professional experience and through analysis of recent legislation, establish certain minimum safety standards for storage of pesticides in farms.

Mites Ixodidae (hard ticks) may represent an important public health problem even in urban green areas. In the present study, by doing weekly samples, the green areas (playgrounds, parks, picnic areas for dogs, etc.) of 17 municipalities in the province of Cuneo (Piedmont, Italy) have been inspected, for a total of about 18,710 m2 monitored. No sample was found positive for mites Ixodidae. From this study it can be concluded that the green areas surveyed do not pose a risk to the population, while probably the greatest risk of infestation for humans has to be found in domestic spaces and areas of woodland and forests.

In this paper the authors analyse the cases of intrusion of snakes into urban environments in southern Piedmont (province of Cuneo) in the years 2010-2012 (up to may). In the study period there were 83 cases of intrusions in urban and domestic areas, mostly due to native harmless species (97.6%), while in 2.4% (n=2) of the cases alien species were responsible, and in 4.8% (n=4) poisonous native species were involved (Vipera aspis). The incidence of bites after a domestic intrusion is found to be 6% (n=5). All bites have resulted in loco-regional minor symptoms and occurred as a result of an accidental contact. In order to limit the risk of poisoning, the authors recommend the intrusions to be handled by properly trained personnel, since it can never be ruled out the presence of dangerous alien species on the national territory.

The present study examines the most common home remedies in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy currently used in the treatment of pediatric enterobiasis, commonly known as pinworm infection. The remedies in question, typically based on popular beliefs and as such are nearly useless, were noted through interviews with subjects who had come to the local Hygiene and Public Health Services offices for information about pinworm prevention and treatment. Analysis of replies by the subjects clearly indicates that local families are ill-prepared to recognize the symptoms this parasitic infection; often it is confused with pediatric ketosis, therefore leading to inappropriate treatment which at times may be potentially harmful to the patient.

Pest control in urban settings is a public health issue that is often overlooked and left to the discretion of those who participate in pest control operations. In this article the authors aim to analyse and provide guidelines regarding liability in the use of pesticides and safety standards that must be adopted during pest control operations in confined areas or open spaces in urban or domestic settings.

Background: Radial arterial access is becoming increasingly popular for coronary angiography and angioplasty. The technique is, however, more demanding than femoral arterial access, and hemostasis is not care-free. A quality assurance program was run by our nursing staff, with patient follow-up, to monitor radial arterial access implementation in our laboratory., Method: In 973 consecutive patients, both a hydrophilic sheath and an inflatable bandage for hemostasis were used. Bandage inflation volume and time were both reduced through subsequent data audit and protocol changes (A = 175 patients; B = 297; C = 501)., Results: An increase was achieved in the percentage of patients with neither loss of radial pulse nor hematoma of any size (A = 81.3%, B = 90.9%, C = 92.2%, P < 0.001), and no discomfort at all (A = 44.2%, B = 75.1%, C = 89.3%, P < 0.001). Follow-up was available for 965 patients (99%), and in 956, the access site could be re-inspected at least once. There were no vascular complications. Overall, the radial artery pulse was absent at latest follow-up in 0.6% of cases (95% confidence interval 0.21-1.05%). In 460 consecutive patients with complete assessment in protocol C, a palpable arterial pulse was absent in 5% of cases at about 20 h after hemostasis. Barbeau's test was positive in 26.5% of patients (95% confidence interval 22.5-30.6%). They had a significantly lower body weight, a lower systolic blood pressure at hemostasis, and a higher bandage inflation volume; a hematoma of any size and the report of any discomfort were also more frequent. Barbeau's test returned to normal in 30% of them 3-60 days later., Conclusion: Our nurse-led quality assurance program helped us in reducing minor vascular sequelae and improving patient comfort after radial access. Early occlusion of the radial artery as detected by pulse oxymeter is frequent, often reversible, and may be mostly related to trauma/occlusion of the artery during hemostasis., (2011 Italian Federation of Cardiology.)

Cutaneous myiasis in humans involving fly species endemic in Italy are uncommon and are not often present in the literature. In the present article we describe the case of cutaneous myiasis in a woman brought to the Emergency Department (ED) of the S. Croce e Carle General Hospital in Cuneo, northwest Italy. The patient was in precarious hygienic condition, and was suffering from localized ulcerated foot ulcers with significant inflammation extending up to the knee. Fly larvae, subsequently identified as Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826), were found in the lesions. The patient was admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine where she was treated with antibiotics and the lesions were medicated, resulting in full recovery.

We report herein a new case of teniasis caused by Taenia saginata (tapeworm) in a pediatric patient with done-on-purpose dispersion of proglottids happened in an elementary school inside the health district ASL CN-1. This new case highlights how teniasis in children is not as rare, as it is not so rare dispersal of proglottids in the environment, made on purpose, by the same subjects that have been parasitized. The environmental dispersion of proglottids is an important public health problem that requires a rapid and joint management of the problem aiming to identify the parasite as quickly as possible, given the different pathogenic larval stage of three species of tapeworm that can infest the man.

We present a case of cutaneous myiasis occurring in a hospital environment (nosocomial myiasis) in an patient with serious multiple traumas sustained in a motorcycle accident. The agent responsible for the myiasis was identified as Sarcophaga cruentata (Meigen 1826). The larvae found in the necrotic wound were removed and the necessary environmental measures were taken to avoid further infestation. Although nonocomial myiasis is a form of parasitosis already cited in the in literature, it is a rare event and worthy of attention to aid in identifying parasitosis in hospitalized subjects in order to expedite proper diagnosis and treatment.

This article describes carefully parasitism by ticks hard under various medical issues ranging from biological signs of the notes up to the management of the patient follow-up, passing through the induced symptoms and therapeutic procedures. Just dealing therapeutic procedures is especially important because they compare various techniques proposed by the literature and is then proposed technique that determines the lowest risk of transmission of potentially infected material between the mite and man. Despite the treatment of parasitism is considered a medical practice trivial, given the banality of parasitism in fact among the medical community to see applied different treatment protocols are not always entirely accurate.

We describe a case of teniasis in a child, associated to the finding of Taenia proglottids in a classroom of a primary school in the area of Cuneo (Local Health Unit Cn-1, Piedmont Region, Italy). Several proglottids had been repeatedly found by cleaners on the bookbox of several schooldesks in the same classroom. Laboratory investigation was able to identify Taenia saginata proglottids and cooperation of the local Public Health Unit with the school management allowed to identify and treat the affected child. Laboratory investigation was crucial to exclude a Taenia solium infection, which should have had important public health implications. In fact, infection among humans can follow the ingestion of Taenia solium eggs and in this case larval forms in several tissues can occur (cysticercosis). Moreover the disease can be particularly severe when cysticerci invade the brain, causing seizures and hydrocephalia.

In the present study, ten cases of human and environmental infestation, observed between 2005 and 2008 in the Southern part of Piedmont, are reported. The infestation were caused by fleas and in particular by Ctenocephalides felis. The importance of human pulicasis transmitted by animals you have with (cats) and related risks to human health is inderlined. In the past pulicasis, mainly due to Pulex irritans, was related to poor hygienic conditions. On the contrary nowadays, pulicasis in urban habitats seems to be caused, on the basis of the observed cases, by particular fleas species of low host specificity and to linked to the available host species.

Thelazia callipaeda eyeworm is a nematode transmitted by drosophilid flies to carnivores in Europe. It has also been reported in the Far East in humans. We report T. callipaeda infection in 4 human patients in Italy and France.

In the present article the author reports a case of ocular thelaziasis in a man living in Piedmont (northern Italy). The subject first complained of symptoms of hyperlacrimation and conjunctivitis. After a series of treatments with eye drops, the nematode responsible for the symptomatology was identified, first mistaken with conjunctivitis. These parasites are rather rare in Italy especially in the North of the country.

Background: Vascular access complications may be a cause of discomfort, prolonged hospital stay, and impaired outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac catheterisation., Aims: To assess vascular access complication in our patients with/without the use of closure devices as a first local benchmark for subsequent quality improvement., Methods: A nurse-led single-centre prospective survey of all vascular access complications in consecutive patients submitted to cardiac catheterisation during 4 months., Results: The radial and femoral access were used in 78 (14%) and 470 (83%), respectively, of 564 procedures, and a closure device was used in 136 of the latter. A haematoma (any size) was isolated and uneventful in 9.6% of cases. More severe complications (haemoglobin loss >2 g, need for blood transfusion or vascular repair) occurred in 1.2% of cases, namely: in none of the procedures with radial access, and in 0.4% and 2.4% of femoral diagnostic and interventional coronary procedures, respectively. During complicated (n=40) vs uncomplicated (n=172) transfemoral interventions, the activated coagulation time was 309+/-83 vs 271+/-71 s (p=0.004), but the use of closure devices was similar., Conclusion: Severe vascular access complications in our patients were fewer than in most reports, and virtually absent in radial procedures. Vigorous anticoagulation was associated with increased complications in our patients, but closure devices were not. A new policy including both the use of the radial access whenever possible, and a less aggressive anticoagulation regimen during transfemoral interventions will be tested.

Background: A new patient consent form has recently been adopted in our Institution, with a uniformly written text to be used for all medical procedures and interventions. It is accompanied by a separate information sheet, explaining both the details and the risk/benefit profile for each specific procedure/intervention. It should be given to the patient as early as possible after the procedure/intervention is planned. Testing the effectiveness of this new information policy has been included into the quality assurance goals by our nursing staff., Methods: From mid April to mid June 2004 a questionnaire was administered to all patients who had undergone an elective cardiac interventional procedure. The timing, manner and perceived completeness of the information received by patients was investigated by 14 yes/no or multiple choice questions. A goal of <5% deviation from a 100% standard was set for all indicators., Results: Two hundred and thirty-eight valid questionnaires were obtained out of 308 consecutive procedures. Seven patients (3%) refused the questionnaire. The response rate was >90% for each question. Seventy-eight patients (33%) had a history of cardiac interventional procedures. The information sheet had been received before the procedure in 93% of cases, and this had happened in the ward in 58% of cases; the procedure had been performed at least 1 hour after receipt of the information sheet in 83% of cases. Twenty-seven patients (13%) stated they had not read the information sheet, in most cases (92%) because they felt they already knew enough. Among patients who had read the information sheet, 99% deemed it could be easily understood. Difficulties in asking questions were reported by 6% of patients. When questions had been asked, the nursing staff was addressed in 42% of cases, and the answers were rated as clear in 98% of cases. The consent form was not read at all by 13% of patients, due to alleged lack of time, and was not read completely by another 15%; 98% of those who had read it, however, found it was fairly understandable., Conclusions: The effectiveness of our new patient information policy seems to approach our quality goals, and is liable to further improvement. The nursing staff of the cardiac catheterization unit is involved in the patient information process, and has full competence to study this issue.

The use of small catheters for cardiac catheterization, as well as for other diagnostic and interventional procedures, can reduce iatrogenic trauma on cardiac and vascular structures. Early patient mobilization may thus reduce both patient discomfort and the length and cost of stays. The performance of 4 French catheters was evaluated in a pilot cohort of consecutive in patients who underwent coronary arteriography with the use of the femoral Judkins technique and who had no restriction to full ambulation. Patients were helped to resume full ambulation two hours after the procedure, and the femoral access site was inspected 24 hours later upon discharge. Coronary arteriography with 4 French catheters was performed in 45 patients (10 women) aged 62 +/- 10 years. In one patient with anomalous origin of the right coronary artery, selective catheterization of the coronary ostium required a catheter style available only in 5 French. In all cases, selective opacification with 4 French catheters was adequate for diagnosis. Forty-three patients were mobilized 115 +/- 10 minutes after the end of manual compression. Hematoma, bleeding or limb perfusion disturbances were absent in all cases upon inspection 22 +/- 4 hours later. This pilot experience indicates that coronary arteriography with femoral 4 French Judkins catheters is technically feasible and that patient ambulation 2 hours later is safe. This data requires confirmation in a larger patient cohort and can lead to new standards for both patient comfort and the use of hospital resources in coronary arteriography.