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Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disease that results in the destruction of pancreatic β cells, leading to hyperglycaemia and the need for lifelong insulin therapy. Although genetic predisposition and environmental factors are considered key contributors to T1DM, the exact causes of the disease remain partially unclear. Recent evidence has focused on the relationship between the gut, the oral cavity, immune regulation, and systemic inflammation. In individuals with T1DM, changes in the gut and oral microbial composition are commonly observed, indicating that dysbiosis may contribute to immune dysregulation. Gut dysbiosis can influence the immune system through increased intestinal permeability, altered production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and interactions with the mucosal immune system, potentially triggering the autoimmune response. Similarly, oral dysbiosis may contribute to the development of systemic inflammation and thus influence the progression of T1DM. A comprehensive understanding of these relationships is essential for the identification of biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring, as well as for the development of therapies aimed at restoring microbial balance. This review presents a synthesis of current research on the connection between T1DM and microbiome dysbiosis, with a focus on the gut and oral microbiomes in pediatric populations. It explores potential mechanisms by which microbial dysbiosis contributes to the pathogenesis of T1DM and examines the potential of microbiome-based therapies, including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). This complex relationship highlights the need for longitudinal studies to monitor microbiome changes over time, investigate causal relationships between specific microbial species and T1DM, and develop personalised medicine approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent evidence has highlighted the role of the gut–brain axis in the progression of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with significant changes in the gut microbiome of individuals with this condition. This report investigates the effects of probiotics and human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) supplements on the gut microbiome, inflammatory cytokine profile, and clinical outcomes in an ASD adolescent with chronic gastrointestinal dysfunction and cognitive impairment. Following treatment, we observed a decrease in proinflammatory cytokines' concentration alongside Sutterella relative abundance, a bacterium reported to be linked with gastrointestinal diseases. Also, we reported a notable increase in mood stability. The study aims to evaluate the use of gut microbiome-based therapy in selected ASD patients, highlighting its potential to improve related clinical symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent European data show an increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly N. gonorrhoeae, among young heterosexuals, surpassing pre-pandemic numbers. Italy's varied local health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic likely affected STI management and reporting. To evaluate COVID-19's impact on STI spread in Italy, we analyzed microbiological data from before and during the pandemic in an area with minimal restrictions on clinical services. This retrospective study (2017–2022) included 5503 subjects: 2586 from STI clinics (STD group) and 3687 diagnosed with primary infertility (ART group). Samples were tested for Mycoplasmas/Ureaplasmas, C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and T. vaginalis by a multiplex PCR. During the pandemic, overall STI prevalence increased significantly (p < 0.01). U. parvum was the most frequent microorganism in the STD group (26.1% vs. 23.9%), with a notable increase in women (52.1% vs. 32.7%) (p < 0.001). C. trachomatis and M. hominis positive rates decreased significantly (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). N. gonorrhoeae cases rose among young people (19–29), predominantly heterosexual, with high ciprofloxacin resistance. In the ART group, U. parvum was the most common infection, particularly in young infertile women (p = 0.01). This study indicates a notable rise in STIs among young people, including heterosexuals, despite social restrictions. The long-term impact of this trend requires further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective treatment of infectious diseases requires prompt and accurate bacterial identification and tailored antimicrobial treatments. Traditional culture methods are considered the gold standard, but their effectiveness diminishes for fastidious and hard-to-grow microorganisms. In recent years, molecular diagnostic tools such as 16S rRNA gene next-generation sequencing (16S NGS) have gained popularity in the field. We analysed data from samples submitted for 16S NGS between July 2022 and July 2023 at the Department of Advanced Translational Microbiology in Trieste, Italy. The study included samples submitted for both culture-based identification and 16S NGS. Conventional media were used for culture, and bacterial identification was performed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using the Ion PGM platform. Among the 123 samples submitted, drainage fluids (38%) and blood (23%) were the most common, with requests predominantly from the Infectious Diseases (31.7%) and Orthopedic (21.13%) Units. In samples collected from patients with confirmed infections, 16S NGS demonstrated diagnostic utility in over 60% of cases, either by confirming culture results in 21% or providing enhanced detection in 40% of instances. Among the 71 patients who had received antibiotic therapies before sampling (mean 2.3 prior antibiotic days), pre-sampling antibiotic consumption did not significantly affect the sensitivity of 16S NGS. In routine microbiology laboratories, combining 16S NGS with culture method enhances the sensitivity of microbiological diagnostics, even when sampling is conducted during antibiotic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The loosening of social distancing measures over the past two years has led to a resurgence of seasonal epidemics associated with respiratory viral infections in children. We aim to describe the impact of such infections through urgent hospitalizations in a pediatric emergency department. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of medical records of all children and adolescents with a positive nasal swab admitted at the children's hospital IRCCS Burlo Garofolo of Trieste, in Italy, from September 2021 to March 2022, and September 2022 to March 2023. Results: Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza viruses accounted for up to 55% of hospitalizations for respiratory infections during the study periods. During the last season, the number of hospitalizations related to the Influenza virus was five times higher than those related to SARS-CoV-2 (25% vs. 5%). Respiratory Syncytial Virus was associated with a greater need for respiratory support, mostly HFNC (High Flow Nasal Cannula). Conclusions: Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza virus had a more significant impact on urgent hospitalizations during the past wintery seasons than SARS-CoV-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]