Skills (8)
Publications (71) View all
-
Article: Ciliate-adenovirus interactions in experimental co-cultures of Euplotes octocarinatus and in wastewater environment.
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The aim of the present work was to study the dynamics of the interactions between human adenovirus and ciliates under both experimental and field conditions. Experimental co-cultures of the ciliated protozoan Euplotes octocarinatus and human adenovirus (HAdV) type 2 were established and virus internalization was investigated using nested PCR and direct immunofluorescence (IF). In addition, to study protozoa-virus interactions in the field, wild ciliates were isolated from active sludges of a wastewater treatment plant and analyzed for the presence of adenovirus using direct IF. In vitro experiments revealed HAdV type 2 inside Euplotes cells after 15min of contact and its persistence until at least 35 days post infection. In addition, our results showed the adsorption of adenovirus on the surface of wild ciliates. We conclude that HAdV is taken up by ciliates, however more studies are necessary in order to better investigate the mechanisms, the infectivity of internalized virus and the protective effects of internalization against disinfection.European journal of protistology 01/2013; · 1.97 Impact Factor -
Article: Quantification of Human Adenoviruses in European Recreational Waters
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The presence of human adenoviruses (HAdV) in recreational water might cause disease in the population upon exposure. HAdV detected by PCR could also serve as indicators of the virological water quality. In order to assess the applicability of HAdV to the evaluation of the faecal contamination in European bathing waters, a real-time quantitative PCR assay was used for the quantification of HAdV in 132 samples collected from 24 different recreational marine and freshwater sites in nine European countries. Selected samples presenting positive nested PCR results for HAdV were analyzed using quantitative PCR and 80 samples from a total of 132 produced quantitative results with mean values of 3.2×102 per 100ml of water, being human adenovirus 41 the most prevalent serotype between the samples where adenovirus was typified. HAdV were quantified in samples from all 15 surveillance laboratories. Statistical analysis showed no homogeneous linear relation between HAdV and E.coli, intestinal enterococci or somatic coliphages concentrations in the tested samples when considering all the data together. Significant correlations between HAdV and at least one of the other indicators were observed only when data from individual laboratories were considered. The quantification of HAdV may provide complementary information in relation to the use of bacterial standards in the control of water quality in bathing water. KeywordsAdenoviruses-Quantitative real-time PCR-Bathing waters-Recreational waters-Seawater-FreshwaterFood and Environmental Virology 04/2012; 2(2):101-109. · 1.56 Impact Factor -
Article: Analytical Methods for Virus Detection in Water and Food
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Potential ways to address the issues that relate to the techniques for analyzing food and environmental samples for the presence of enteric viruses are discussed. It is not the authors’ remit to produce or recommend standard or reference methods but to address specific issues in the analytical procedures. Foods of primary importance are bivalve molluscs, particularly, oysters, clams, and mussels; salad crops such as lettuce, green onions and other greens; and soft fruits such as raspberries and strawberries. All types of water, not only drinking water but also recreational water (fresh, marine, and swimming pool), river water (irrigation water), raw and treated sewage are potential vehicles for virus transmission. Well over 100 different enteric viruses could be food or water contaminants; however, with few exceptions, most well-characterized foodborne or waterborne viral outbreaks are restricted to hepatitis A virus (HAV) and calicivirus, essentially norovirus (NoV). Target viruses for analytical methods include, in addition to NoV and HAV, hepatitis E virus (HEV), enteroviruses (e.g., poliovirus), adenovirus, rotavirus, astrovirus, and any other relevant virus likely to be transmitted by food or water. A survey of the currently available methods for detection of viruses in food and environmental matrices was conducted, gathering information on protocols for extraction of viruses from various matrices and on the various specific detection techniques for each virus type. KeywordsEnteric viruses–Gastroenteritis–Hepatitis–Detection–ConcentrationFood Analytical Methods 04/2012; 4(1):4-12. · 1.94 Impact Factor -
Article: Factors that influence Italian consumers' understanding of over-the-counter medicines and risk perception.
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To evaluate information needs for safe self-medication we explored the Italian consumers' functional health literacy, specific knowledge and risk awareness about over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. A survey was conducted in the health sections of six large super stores. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 1.206 adults aged 18 years and older through a self-administered questionnaire. Around 42% confused the concept of "contraindications" with that of "side effects" and were unable to calculate simple dosages. Most respondents were aware of the OTC general potential for side effects but 64.3% did not know that people with high blood pressure should use painkillers with cautions and 14.0% and 20.0% were unaware of the risks of long-term use of laxatives and nasal decongestants respectively. Higher total scores were obtained from women, highly educated people and those citing package leaflets as information sources. The study, the first of this type in Italy, showed an incomplete awareness of several risk areas, with regard to drug interactions and misuse/abuse. The results of this study were the basis of a following intervention plan tailored to the observed consumer needs and including information tools for customers and courses for the retail pharmacists.Patient Education and Counseling 11/2011; 87(3):395-401. · 2.31 Impact Factor -
Article: Virus hazards from food, water and other contaminated environments.
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Numerous viruses of human or animal origin can spread in the environment and infect people via water and food, mostly through ingestion and occasionally through skin contact. These viruses are released into the environment by various routes including water run-offs and aerosols. Furthermore, zoonotic viruses may infect humans exposed to contaminated surface waters. Foodstuffs of animal origin can be contaminated, and their consumption may cause human infection if the viruses are not inactivated during food processing. Molecular epidemiology and surveillance of environmental samples are necessary to elucidate the public health hazards associated with exposure to environmental viruses. Whereas monitoring of viral nucleic acids by PCR methods is relatively straightforward and well documented, detection of infectious virus particles is technically more demanding and not always possible (e.g. human norovirus or hepatitis E virus). The human pathogenic viruses that are most relevant in this context are nonenveloped and belong to the families of the Caliciviridae, Adenoviridae, Hepeviridae, Picornaviridae and Reoviridae. Sampling methods and strategies, first-choice detection methods and evaluation criteria are reviewed.FEMS microbiology reviews 09/2011; 36(4):786-814. · 10.96 Impact Factor
