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Thanks to the exegesis, Iamblichus succeeds in forging a psycho-epistemological doctrine which can boast a remarkable degree of consistency, albeit not always without minor flaws. Notably, the exegesis of Plato’s Phaedrus plays a pivotal role in constructing this system, despite moving not from phrases of the dialogue, but simply from single words, like κυβερνήτης and ἡνίοχος. Iamblichus’ anathema against Plotinus’ psychology makes Socrates’ palinode the sacred text from which to elicit those formulae of orthodoxy bound to be devoutly recited by posterior Platonists, like Hermias of Alexandria. Indeed, in this text the divine Plato has revealed the essence of the triad νοερόν, νοητόν, κριτήριον, whose each element is susceptible of being dichotomized: νοερόν in νοῦς and ἕν, νοητόν in νοητόν and ἀκρότατα νοητά, κριτήριον in καθαρμός/φιλοσοφία and ἐνθουσιασμός/θεουργία. The result of this complex and fascinating move is an outstanding proof of philology and philosophy, psychology and epistemology hermeneutics and mysticism.

With my article, I try to show how the Neoplatonist Hermias of Alexandria (c. 410-455 AD) elaborated on Plato’s arguments on the immortality of the human soul in order to forge a coherent psychological and ontological system which is in tune with a precise ethics of salvation. In the final Appendix, I propose that these doctrines of the soul were not just erudite theories but turned out to be an actual and effective tool for coping with the threatening moments of the everyday life (notably for coping with the loss of the beloved ones and for facing death).

Canine vector-borne diseases (CVBDs) are caused by a range of pathogens transmitted to dogs by arthropods. The present study investigates Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and Dirofilaria immitis seroprevalences in hunting dogs from southern Italy. Dogs (no. 1335) were tested using a commercial in-clinic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors. Overall, 138/1335 dogs (10.3%) were seroreactive to at least one CVBD pathogen. E. canis, Anaplasma spp., B. burgdorferi s.l., and D. immitis seroprevalences were 7.6, 4.4, 0.3, and 0.2%, respectively. E. canis and Anaplasma spp. co-exposures were found in 30 dogs (2.2%), compared with Anaplasma spp. and B. burgdorferi s.l. co-exposures in 2 dogs (0.1%). Adult age was a risk factor for E. canis (OR 2.35) seroreactivity whereas hunting fur-bearing animals for E. canis (OR 4.75) and Anaplasma spp. (OR 1.87), respectively. The historical presence of tick infestation was identified as a risk factor for positivity to E. canis (OR 2.08) and Anaplasma spp. (OR 2.15). Finally, larger dog pack size was significantly associated with E. canis (OR 1.85) and Anaplasma spp. (OR 2.42) exposures. The results of the present survey indicated that hunting dog populations are at relative risk of CVBDs in southern Italy. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of hunting dogs in the epidemiology of vector-borne organisms due to sharing common environments with wild, sympatric animal populations.

In our surgical daily activity, we report the observation of rare tumour as Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST). We report the incidence and behaviour of new cases of GIST operated in our Center during the last decade, from 2008 to 2018 and here we also describe the concomitant observation of a second gastroenteric tumor.We have examined all the case files and histological examinations of patients with CD 117-positive GISTs treated in our Institute from 2008 to 2018. We have gathered data regarding clinical symptoms at the time of diagnosis, tumour site, type of surgery performed, tumour size, histopathological data and follow up data.We have analysed 950 cases of patients who underwent surgery for gastrointestinal neoplasia in our department from 2008 to 2018. We have found 12 cases affected by GIST and in 4 cases it was also a second tumour. In two cases GIST were incidentalomas and in the others two patients a second tumour was incidentally observed in primary GIST.Patients with GIST run the risk of developing a second neoplasm, nearly twice as high as the general population with a negative impact on survival; also, incidental GIST is often observed requiring a better molecular characterization for the high risk of developing second neoplasms with the aim of achieving an early diagnosis.Gist, Second neoplasm, Surgery.I Tumori Stromali Gastrointestinali (GIST) sono neoplasie che derivano da una comune cellula staminale del tessuto mesenchimale del tratto gastrointestinale o, raramente, da altri tessuti intra-addominali: la cellula interstiziale di Cajal. Lo stomaco è la sede più comunemente colpita (50-60%) seguita dall’ intestino tenue (30- 35%) e meno dal colon- retto (5%) e dall’esofago (1%). Altre sedi nell’ambito della cavità addominale quali omento, mesentere o retroperitoneo (5% di tutti i GIST), sono indicate come extra-gastrointestinali. I progressi in immunopatologia hanno identificato una mutazione attivante il proto-oncogene c-KIT (75-80% dei casi) e in una minoranza dei casi (5%-10%) il gene PDGFR-a. Negli ultimi anni numerosi studi di biologia molecolare hanno dimostrato che i GIST KIT/PDGFRA WT rappresentano un’entità estremamente eterogenea sotto il profilo sia biologico che clinico). I GIST possono manifestarsi a qualsiasi età: quella mediana di insorgenza è 60-65 anni. Spesso viene posta diagnosi tramite l’evidenza radiologica di massa addominale. I tumori si sviluppano per lo più in sede sottomucosa ma possono manifestarsi anche come masse extra luminali. I piccoli GIST intestinali sono spesso asintomatici fino a quando non raggiungono dimensioni notevoli tali da provocare sintomatologia clinica. L’asportazione chirurgica è possibile nel 60% circa dei casi. Il trattamento adiuvante con gli inibitori della tirosin chinasi è raccomandato per i pazienti con un rischio intermedio/alto di recidiva e nei tumori con una mutazione a KIT o PDGFR-a. Nei casi di GIST wild type è utile inserire i pazienti in protocolli specifici in virtù della minore sensibilita’ a imatinib sia in fase adiuvante che localmente avanzata e metastatica. Gli inibitori della tirosina chinasi migliorano sostanzialmente la sopravvivenza di questi pazienti. I pazienti con GIST hanno un rischio circa 2 volte superiore alla popolazione generale di sviluppare un altro tumore (il 4-33% di essi sviluppa una seconda neoplasia, sia sincrona che metacrona. Presentiamo l’esperienza acquisita presso il nostro Istituto di pazienti con diagnosi di GIST singoli e casi associati ad una seconda neoplasia. Abbiamo analizzato 950 casi di pazienti sotsottoposti a chirurgia per neoplasia gastrointestinale dal 2008 al 2018 trattati presso la nostra divisione. Abbiamo riscontrato 12 casi affetti da GIST di cui cinque donne (5/12, 41,66%) e sette uomini (7/12, 58,33%). Nove casi erano a partenza gastrica (9/12, 75%), due casi a partenza digiuno-ileale (2/12, 16,6%), e un caso a partenza duodenale (1/12 8,3%). In 8 casi le dimensioni erano inferiori a 5 cm, in tre casi inferiori a 10 cm ed in un caso superiori a 10 cm . In 2 casi (2/12, 16,6%) la diagnosi è stata di incidentaloma in corso di stadiazione TC per una seconda neoplasia del tratto gastroenterico. In un caso con diagnosi primitiva di tumore del sigma-retto è stata eseguita in concomitanza anche una resezione digiunale , nell’altro caso con diagnosi di tumore primitivo del colon destro, è stata eseguita anche una resezione gastrica. In due casi (2/12, 16,66%) con diagnosi primaria di GIST è stata riscontrata una neoplasia concomitante all’esame istologico definitivo. Nel caso di un piccolo GIST di basso grado dello stomaco è stato evidenziato all’esame istologico definitivo, compreso nei prelievi, anche la presenza di tumore neuroendocrino. Nell’altro caso, sempre di GIST gastrico, è stata eseguita una colecistectomia per calcolosi, risultata essere poi all’esame istologico definitivo sede di seconda neoplasia (adenocarcinoma). È stata eseguita in tutti i casi la valutazione dello stato del “mismactch Repair System” (MMR) mediante tecnica immunoistochimica verso MLH1/PMS2 e MSH2/MSH6 che ha mostrato presenza di espressione di tutte le proteine nelle cellule neoplastiche. Da quanto è stato esaminato in questo articolo, si può concludere che i pazienti con GIST hanno un rischio quasi doppio rispetto alla popolazione generale di sviluppare una seconda neoplasia. Le seconde neoplasie associate nei pazienti con GIST possono avere qualsiasi istologia e apparire in qualsiasi organo, le sedi più frequenti sono quelle di origine gastrointestinale. La sopravvivenza dei pazienti con seconde neoplasie sembra essere inferiore alla media delle singole neoplasie per cui è necessario uno studio più approfondito di questi pazienti, nonché una migliore caratterizzazione molecolare per l’elevato rischio di sviluppare seconde neoplasie, con l’obiettivo di raggiungere diagnosi precoce.

Donkeys have been used as working animals for transport and farm activities worldwide. Recently, in European countries, there has been an increasing interest in donkeys due to their use as pets, onotherapy or milk production. During 2014–2016, a countrywide survey was conducted to determine prevalence and risk factors of principal helminth infections in 1775 donkeys in 77 Italian farms. A questionnaire on management and parasite control practices was filled out for each farm. Faecal samples were examined using a modified McMaster technique, a centrifugation/flotation method and a sedimentation technique. Pooled coprocultures were performed for differentiation of strongylid eggs. Strongyles were the most common parasites detected (84.9%), followed by Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (6.9%), Oxyuris equi (5.8%), Parascaris spp. (3.6%), Anoplocephala spp. (1.0%), Strongyloides westeri (0.3%). Coprocultures revealed an omnipresence of cyathostomins (100%), followed by Strongylus vulgaris (31.0%), Poteriostomum spp. (25.0%), Triodontophorus spp. (9.0%), Strongylus edentatus (7.0%), Strongylus equinus (5.0%). Logistic regression analysis identified breed, co-pasture with horses, living area, herd size and number of treatments as significantly associated with strongyles. Sex, age, living area and herd size were significantly associated with Parascaris spp. Dictyocaulus arnfieldi was significantly associated with sex, grass, co-pasture with horses, living area and herd size. Strongylus vulgaris was significantly associated with living area and herd size. The mean number of anthelmintic treatments/year was 1.4; most of the donkeys (71.8%) were dewormed using an ivermectin drug. It is important to design parasite programs to specifically address both D. arnfieldi and S. vulgaris in donkeys, and this is especially important if donkeys co-graze with horses.

The Egg Reappearance Period (ERP) is considered an early indicator of anthelmintic resistance. The aims of the present study were to determine the field efficacy and evaluate the ERP of four broad-spectrum anthelmintic drugs administered at horse dose rate in donkeys naturally infected by Cyathostominae. The trials were conducted in two farms (A and B). Forty-eight female crossbreed donkeys, 24 animals for each farm, were selected on the basis of Fecal Egg Count (FEC) > 300 eggs per gram and allocated to four treatment groups of six animals: pyrantel group (PYR), fenbendazole group (FBZ), ivermectin group (IVM), and moxidectin group (MOX). FEC was performed from the first to the 12th week after treatment. In the farm A at 2 weeks after treatment, the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) showed high efficacy for all drugs (PYR 99.3%, FBZ 99.8, and IVM/MOX 100%), and ERP rates were not shorter than those expected. In the farm B at 2 weeks after treatment, FECRT showed high efficacy for IVM/MOX (100%), suspect resistance (86.3%), and resistance (83.9%) to PYR and FBZ, respectively; only in the MOX group a shortened ERP was detected (9 weeks). No adverse reactions were observed at clinical examination. The results demonstrate that the major anthelmintic classes, administered orally at horse dose, are effective and safe for treatment of Cyathostominae in donkeys, although resistance development is possible and could be correlated to the high treatment frequency and the extra-label use of anthelmintic licensed for ruminants. Furthermore, a shortened ERP may be the early indicator of developing anthelmintic resistance in donkeys.

Hepatozoon canis is a hemoprotozoan organism that infects domestic and wild carnivores throughout much of Europe. The parasite is mainly transmitted through the ingestion of infected ticks containing mature oocysts. The aims of the present survey were to determine the prevalence of H. canis in hunting dogs living in Southern Italy and to assess potential infection risk factors. DNA extracted from whole blood samples, collected from 1433 apparently healthy dogs living in the Napoli, Avellino, and Salerno provinces of Campania region (Southern Italy), was tested by a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay to amplify H. canis. Furthermore, the investigated dog population was also screened by qPCR for the presence of Ehrlichia canis, a major tick-borne pathogen in Southern Italy, in order to assess possible co-infections. Two hundred dogs were H. canis PCR-positive, resulting in an overall prevalence of 14.0% (CI 12.2–15.9). Breed category (P P = 0.015), and province of residence (P H. canis infection. The presence of H. canis DNA was also significantly associated with E. canis PCR positivity (P H. canis, and the infection is potentially associated with close contact with wildlife. Further studies are needed to assess the pathogenic potential of H. canis, as well as the epidemiological relationships between hunting dogs and wild animal populations sharing the same habitats in Southern Italy.

Some Trials have demonstrated that the rate of false negative results of a sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy is10%. The aim of this study is to identify the predictive factors of a pathologic complete response in the axilla in order to make a better choice between the performance of an axillary lymphadenectomy or the performance of a sentinel lymph node biopsy.All patients diagnosed with positive axillary lymph nodes and achieving a clinical complete response after a neoadjuvant therapy were the object of our study. Radiologic, clinical and histopathological data were collected before and after the neoadjuvant therapy. Data regarding surgery, post-operative period and follow-up were also collected.Clinically negative lymph nodes were reported in 26 patients after they had received a neoadjuvant therapy (59.09%, 26/44). 57.69% of patients, who were clinically cN0 after neoadjuvant therapy, were reported to have a nodal disease on histological examination (pN+). Patients with a pathologic complete response in the axilla are more likely to be Her2-positive (58.33% vs 3.13%, p0.05) whereas a Luminal B phenotype is more frequently reported in those patients with an incomplete response (62.5% vs 16.67%, p0.05).The possibility to detect patients with a lower risk of nodal disease before surgery may reduce the rate of false negative results of sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients receiving a neoadjuvant therapy.Axilla, Breast cancer, Lymphnodes, Lymphonodes sentinel.Lo stato dei linfonodi ascellari nei pazienti affetti da tumore della mammella è un importante fattore prognostico ed influenza notevolmente la condotta terapeutica. Il 40-75% dei pazienti che presentano alla diagnosi linfonodi affetti da neoplasia possono andare incontro ad una completa remissione clinica della malattia linfonodale una volta completata la terapia neoadiuvante. In questi casi la pratica clinica più diffusa prevede di eseguire comunque la linfadenectomia ascellare. Tuttavia negli ultimi anni stanno aumentando gli Autori che eseguono la biopsia del linfonodo sentinella e, solo in caso di positività di quest’ultima, la linfadenectomia ascellare. Esistono però alcuni Trial che hanno dimostrato che il tasso di falsi negativi della biopsia del linfonodo sentinella nei Pazienti sottoposti a chemioterapia neoadiuvante èdel 10%. Obiettivo di questo studio è cercare di individuare i fattori predittivi di una risposta patologica completa ascellare così da poter meglio indirizzare la scelta tra l’esecuzione della linfadenectomia ascellare o della biopsia del linfonodo sentinella nei Pazienti sottoposti a chemioterapia neoadiuvante. Sono stati considerati per l’arruolamento tutti i Pazienti affetti da carcinoma mammario sottoposti ad intervento chirurgico dopo terapia neoadiuvante fra Gennaio 2010 e Dicembre 2015. Oggetto del nostro studio erano i Pazienti con positività clinica dei linfonodi ascellari al momento della diagnosi (cN+) e che dopo terapia neoadiuvante presentavano una risposta clinica completa a livello ascellare. Nel periodo di studio, 112 Pazienti giunti alla nostra osservazione presentavano una neoplasia mammaria con coinvolgimento dei linfonodi ascellari. Tra questi Pazienti, 44 rispettavano i nostri criteri di inclusione e sono stati sottoposti ad intervento chirurgico dopo terapia neoadiuvante. In tutti i Pazienti è stata eseguita una linfadenectomia ascellare completa, associata ad una mastectomia (81.82% 36/44) o ad una resezione mammaria parziale (18.18% 8/44). Secondo i nostri dati, il 59.09% (26/44) dei Pazienti che alla diagnosi presenta una neoplasia con coinvolgimento linfonodale (cN+) mostra una negativizzazione clinica di questi linfonodi dopo la terapia neoadiuvante (cN0) ma solo il 27.27% dei Pazienti (12/44) ha una risposta patologica linfonodale completa (pN0). Questi Pazienti sono individuati correttamente dalla stadiazione preoperatoria, infatti il 91.67% dei Pazienti pN0 era anche cN0. Tuttavia la stadiazione radiologica preoperatoria è caratterizzata dal 57.69% di falsi negativi e non è pertanto un test adeguato per individuare i Pazienti con risposta patologica completa a livello ascellare. I nostri dati dimostrano come i Pazienti con una risposta patologica ascellare completa sono più probabilmente Her2-positive (58.33% vs 3.13%, p0.05) mentre quelli con una risposta incompleta presentano più frequentemente un fenotipo Luminal B (62.5% vs 16.67%, p0.05). La possibilità di riconoscere prima dell’intervento i Pazienti con un minore rischio di malattia linfonodale potrebbe ridurre il tasso di falsi negativi della biopsia del linfonodo sentinella nei Pazienti sottoposti a terapia neoadiuvante. Pertanto l’individuazione dei fattori predittivi di risposta patologica linfonodale potrebbe consentire di adottare più estesamente la biopsia del linfonodo sentinella in questi Pazienti con gli indubbi vantaggi clinici che questa tecnica comporta.

Purpose Taenia hydatigena cysticercosis, due to Cysticercus tenuicollis, is a parasitic disease infecting domestic and wild animals worldwide causing economic and productive losses. Nonetheless, little attention has been paid to the role of the wild ungulates in the epidemiology of this disease. In the last years, the increasing population of wild boars in Europe has raised the attention of researchers on their role in the spreading of several infections, including those caused by cestodes. Herein, we report the description of a massive infection due to T. hydatigena cysticercosis in a wild boar from southern Italy. Methods An adult female boar was examined during the hunting season 2018 within the regional project “Piano Emergenza Cinghiali in Campania”. A complete necropsy was performed on the boar carcass and all viscera were examined to determine number and location of the cysts. Morphological and molecular analyses of the cysts were performed to confirm the C. tenuicollis identity. Results The boar examined has revealed an impressive massive infection with 265 cysts. Measurements of the large and small larval hooks showed a mean of length as 200.3 µm and 136.8 µm, respectively. Molecular analysis of Cox1 and ND1 mitochondrial genes confirmed the C. tenuicollis identity. Conclusions Our findings suggest that wild boar could be involved in the epidemiology of T. hydatigena, due to the significant amount of boar raw offal available to definitive hosts (i.e., hunting dogs, foxes and wolves), during the hunting seasons.

Hepatitis E is an emerging threat in industrialized countries. The foodborne transmission linked to consumption of pork and game meat is considered the main source of autochthonous infection. In Europe, small outbreaks have been reported linked to the consumption of pork liver sausages and wild boar meat. Based on previous findings and on increasing evidence of pork and game meat as a vehicle for HEV infections, the present study investigated the occurrence of HEV in 99 pork and 63 wild boar sausages and salami sold in Southern Italy. The HEV genome was detected in four wild boar sausages. Sequencing from 2 wild boar sausages confirmed that the HEV strains detected belonged to HEV-3 genotype, not assigned to any defined subtype. Data obtained confirmed the possible occurrence of HEV in pork products and in game. Although the detection rate is low, these products are frequently consumed raw after curing, whose effect on virus viability is still unknown.

Splenic flexure mobilization is a key-point of laparoscopic left colectomy and anterior resection. We describe our medio-lateral and caudo-cranial approach. The abdominal cavity is entered and the inferior mesenteric vein (imv), the aorta, the duodenum, the transverse colon and the pancreas are identified. With a gentle traction upward of the imv, we can bluntly dissect the areolar tissue between the Gerota's fascia and the mesentery of the descending colon.

The occurrence of traces elements (V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Sb, As, Tl, Pb, Sn, U and Se) in individuals of Helix aspersa from five sites of Campania region was studied. They are representative primary consumers in the terrestrial ecosystem and useful key indicator species to evaluate the environmental impact of chemicals on our lands. Each sample was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after a microwave assisted digestion procedure. Sentinel snails allowed us to have information about the bioavailability of these elements into the environment similar in the main part of the regional land. Results indicated that elemental concentrations in all snail samples were significantly low. But within the five selected areas, the amount for each element was higher in the area of Caserta. Even though maximum admissible limits from European regulation are not even defined for these matrices, the area of Caserta represents a territory where environmental contamination may represent a high risk for human and animal health.

Mycoplasma haemocanis (Mhc) and “Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum” (CMhp) are the main haemoplasma species known to infect dogs. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of haemoplasma species infections in hunting dogs from southern Italy and assess related risk factors. 1,433 hunting dogs living in Campania region were tested by qPCR assay. The prevalence was 19.9 %; 13.1 % for Mhc and 11.4 % for CMhp; 4.6 % showed a coinfection with both haemoplasma species. Statistical analysis revealed living in Salerno province (Mhc: OR 3.72; CMhp: OR 2.74), hound (Mhc: OR 5.26; CMhp: OR 8.46) and mixed breed (Mhc: OR 3.38; CMhp: OR 2.80), rural environment (Mhc: OR 12.58; CMhp: OR 10.38), wild mammal hunting (Mhc: OR 8.73; CMhp: OR 8.32), cohabitation with other animals (Mhc: OR 2.82; CMhp: OR 2.78) and large pack size (Mhc: OR 2.96; CMhp: OR 1.61) as risk factors for haemoplasmas. Male gender (OR 1.44) and tick infestation history (OR 1.40) represented risk factors only for Mhc, while adult age (2 7 years - OR 2.01; > 7 years - OR 1.84) and large body size (OR 1.48) were associated only to CMhp. Mhc infection was significantly associated to Babesia vogeli (p < 0.05) and Hepatozoon canis (p < 0.001), while CMhp with H. canis (p < 0.001). This study adds information on haemoplasma species distribution in hunting dogs in southern Italy. Outdoor lifestyle and contact with wild fauna, through greater exposure to tick infestation, or possibly wounds acquired during hunting or fighting, could be factors contributing to haemoplasma infections.

Intestinal strongyles are the most common endoparasites of horses, and anthelmintic treatments are the main strategy to control these nematodes. However, the development of anthelmintic resistance has led to a decreased efficacy of synthetic drugs, and for this reason, there is a growing interest in alternative control strategies as the use of medicinal plants. The aim of the present study was to determine the in vivo efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum) in horses naturally infected by intestinal strongyles. The field trial was conducted in a horse trotter farm in Southern Italy. Fifteen mares were selected based on fecal egg count >200 eggs per gram and allocated into three groups of five animals: fresh garlic group (FG group), animals received 40 g of fresh crushed garlic once daily for 15 days; dry garlic group (DG group), animals received 40 g of commercial dry garlic flakes food supplement once daily for 15 days; and control group (C group), not treated. Two weeks after the first administration of garlic, fecal egg count reduction test showed failure of garlic to reduce intestinal strongyles egg shedding (−11.7% and −19.4% for FG and DG groups, respectively). Red blood cell count values were in the normal ranges over the entire period of garlic administration. In our study model, the oral administration of garlic formulations has no effect on reducing the egg shedding of intestinal strongyles, and the garlic supplementation over a short period of time is not responsible for hematological changes in horses.

Canine babesiosis is caused by haemoprotozoan organisms of the genus Babesia which are transmitted by the bite of a hard tick. The aim of this survey was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with Babesia species infections in hunting dogs from Southern Italy. Blood samples were collected from 1311 healthy dogs in the Napoli, Avellino and Salerno provinces of the Campania region of Southern Italy. Serological testing was performed using two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), with one designed to detect B. canis and B. vogeli antibodies, and the other designed to detect B. gibsoni antibodies. Blood samples were also tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays for amplification of B. canis, B. vogeli and B. gibsoni DNA. The overall seroprevalence for B. canis/B. vogeli was 14.0%, compared to 0.2% for B. gibsoni. B. canis and B. vogeli PCR positive rates were 0.15% and 1.1%, respectively. B. gibsoni DNA was not amplified by qPCR. Male gender (OR 1.85), increased age (OR 1.01), long hair coat (OR 1.61) and living in Salerno province (OR 1.71) represented risk factors for B. canis/B. vogeli seroreactivity. Hunting dogs in Southern Italy are often exposed to B. canis/B. vogeli, however Babesia spp. infection was infrequently detected using qPCR. Further studies are needed to determine the extent to which Babesia spp. cause clinical disease in hunting dogs, and to evaluate the potential epidemiological relationships between hunting dogs and wild animal populations sharing the same area.

Pain and secretion of purulent materials are symptoms that are often associated with the pilonidal sinus. Generally, these symptoms are neglected by patients for a long time. Patients seek medical attention too late, fearing a prolonged period of pain and inability after surgery. The optimal therapy for pilonidal sinus should have the following characteristics: high healing rate, low recurrence rate, minimal postoperative pain and low cost. The aim of this study is to explore the effectiveness and safety of a new minimally invasive treatment: the scarless outpatient ablation of pilonidal sinus (SOAP). A total of 31 consecutive patients were enrolled; 27 of 31 patients were declared healed after the surgery (87·09%). After 1 year, only 4 of 27 patients (14·81%) reported symptoms related to recurrence of the disease. The average duration of the operation was 7·47 minutes. Patients reported the disappearance of painful symptoms after approximately 2·62 days and had been away from work for 0·53 days. No complications were recorded during the period of study. The advantages of the procedure examined in this study are its simplicity and rapidity of execution, its outpatient setting, its low cost and lack of complications. In our opinion, a randomised controlled trial should be conducted to validate the results related to this technique.

Southern Italy, particularly Campania region, is an area where canine leishmaniasis (CanL) and zoonotic human visceral leishmaniasis (VL) are endemic. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) has been hypothesized to play a role in occurrence of CanL in Italy but specific studies are poor. The aim of the present survey was to investigate the prevalence of Leishmania infection in dogs and foxes living in the same rural area (Picentini hills). 123 sera from autochthonous fox-hunting dogs were examined by immunofluorescent-antibody test (IFAT) using a cut-off of 1:160. The seroprevalence of dogs examined was 17.9%. Moreover, 48 foxes were examined after having been shooted by hunters or road accidents. Spleen, liver and lymph node samples were analyzed by specific Leishmania nested PCR (n-PCR). 10 foxes were found infected by L. infantum (20.8%) of which 4 animals in spleen, 2 in lymph nodes and 4 both in spleen and lymph nodes. The overall n-PCR positivity was 17.4% for spleen samples and 13.3% for lymph nodes; all liver samples resulted negative. In positive PCR foxes no signs clearly referable to leishmaniasis were recorded at necropsy. The results confirmed the presence of L. infantum infection in red foxes from Southern Italy, with a moderate level of exposure. Because large proportions of dogs with ascertained progressive leishmaniasis show a prolonged "subpatent condition" during which they are only positive to n-PCR before seroconversion, our results allow to assume that exposure risk in foxes is lower than hunting dogs living in the studied area.

Angiostrongylus vasorum (Nematoda: Angiostrongylidae) infection was detected at post-mortem examination in the pulmonary arteries and hearts of 34/102 (33,3%) of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from the Campania Region in southern Italy. Pathological changes consisted of granulomatous interstitial pneumonia caused by larvae and intravascular pulmonary adult nematodes. These changes confirm that angiostrongylosis infection in red foxes has a mainly chronic course, in which the infected host may disperse parasite larvae in the environment over its lifetime. Results suggest that the life cycle of A. vasorum is well established in the red fox in the Campania Region representing a potential infection risk for dogs.

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) has been frequently described in donkeys in subtropical and tropical regions, but published data reflecting large scale surveys are very limited in Europe. The seroprevalence of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi was determined in a donkey population from Campania Region in Southern Italy using a commercial indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), and the risk factors associated with the occurrence of the infection were assessed. Of 203 samples, the overall seroprevalence for EP was 57.1% (116/203), with 35.5% (72/203) for B. caballi and 44.3% (90/203) for T. equi. Co-infection was detected in 46 donkeys (22.6%). The distribution of IFAT antibody titres to B. caballi was: 1:80 (n = 67), 1:160 (n = 2), 1:320 (n = 3); while the distribution of IFAT antibody titres to T. equi was: 1:80 (n = 25), 1:160 (n = 42), 1:320 (n = 12), 1:640 (n = 8), 1:1280 (n = 3). All examined donkeys were asymptomatic, except one adult male (with a titre of 1:640 against T. equi) that showed clinical signs corresponding to the acute stage of EP, reported for the first time in Italy. The unique risk factor associated with a higher B. caballi seroprevalence was the presence of horses in the farms, while risk factors associated with a higher T. equi seroprevalence were poor body condition, presence of ruminants in the farms and milk production. The results indicate a high level of exposure in donkeys living in Southern Italy and suggest that donkeys may be an important reservoir of EP.

Many Authors suggest that psoas abscess should initially undergo an antibiotic therapy, with or without percutaneous drainage. In their opinion, surgical drainage should be done in case of failure or complicated recurrences. Herein we report a laparoscopic drainage of a recurrent and multilocular psoas abscess.A 43-year-old woman presented to our department with a 4-week history of fever, anorexia, difficulty in walking, and pain in her right flank, lower back and hip. She had a 20-year history of recurrent lower back pain and fever treated with cyclic antibiotic therapy. Abdominal CT scan showed a complex multilocular right psoas abscess and a 17 mm hypodense area in the sixth liver segment. A drainage of the abscess through a laparoscopic access with intraoperative laparoscopic ultrasound of the liver was decided.The patient was discharged on the 3 th postoperative day. Her white blood cell count was normal and she was symptom free. At 1-, 6-, 12- and 24-months-follow-up, neither fever nor lower back pain were reported.According to our experience, laparoscopic drainage of iliopsoas abscess is safe and effective. However, further studies comparing laparoscopic drainage with open drainage and percutaneous drainage are required in order to define the specific indications of laparoscopic drainage.Negli ultimi anni, gli ascessi del muscolo ileopsoas sono stati riportati in letteratura con crescente frequenza, probabilmente a causa del largo impiego della TC nella diagnostica differenziale delle algie lombari. Qui presentiamo il caso di una paziente che ha sviluppato un ascesso dell’ileopsoas post-traumatico. Una donna di 43 anni riferiva febbre da 4 settimane, anoressia, dolore al fianco destro e alla regione lombare e difficoltà alla deambulazione. Tale sintomatologia, insorta per la prima volta 20 anni prima in seguito ad una caduta da cavallo, si ripresentava ciclicamente. Per il controllo della febbre e del dolore, la paziente assumeva una terapia antibiotica empirica. Al momento del ricovero gli esami ematochimici mostravano una moderata leucocitosi. La TC dell’addome evidenziava un grosso ascesso multiloculato dello psoas destro ed una lesione ipodensa del sesto segmento epatico. Considerando la lunga storia di infezioni ricorrenti e l’indicazione ad investigare ulteriormente la lesione epatica, si optava per il drenaggio laparoscopico della lesione: aperta completamente la parete dell’ascesso, venivano drenati 550ml di liquido purulento la cui coltura evidenziava la presenza di Stafilococco aureo. Una ecografia del fegato intraoperatoria con sonda laparoscopica escludeva la presenza di una lesione resecabile del sesto segmento epatico e ne confermava la natura infiammatoria. La paziente veniva dimessa in terza giornata operatoria con terapia antibiotica mirata sull’antibiogramma. Nè febbre, nè dolore sono stati più riferiti ai successivi controlli a 1, 6, 12 e 24 mesi dall’intervento. Molti Autori ritengono che gli ascessi dell’ileopsoas possano essere controllati con terapia antibiotica ed eventualmente attraverso il drenaggio percutaneo, riservando il drenaggio chirurgico ai casi complessi o recidivanti. Tuttavia la letteratura non chiarisce se sia da preferire il drenaggio chirurgico con accesso open o laparoscopico. Nella nostra esperienza, il drenaggio laparoscopico è sicuro e consente un drenaggio completo anche degli ascessi multiloculati; inoltre consente la visualizzazione delle strutture anatomiche contigue che potrebbero essere coinvolte dal processo infettivo. Infine l’accesso laparoscopico permette una precoce dimissione e minimi esiti cicatriziali.