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Biomedical subjects

C Campello

Publications and source records attributed to C Campello.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

The association of chronic hepatitis B and myopathy.

In two patients with chronic hepatitis B and myopathy, muscle biopsy showed necrosis and scarce inflammatory infiltrates. CD8+ cells surrounded some non-necrotic fibers. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and antigens were found inside intact muscle fibers. Major histocompatibility complex class I antigens were coexpressed with viral antigens. In one patient, symptoms improved during antiviral therapy. HBV can infect muscle fibers and an immune-mediated response to viral antigens may cause muscle injury.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

HPV genotyping and HLA II analysis in a pedigree study of pediatric RRP: preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: This preliminary pedigree study aims at the evaluation of HPV infection and HLA class II alleles as predictive markers in pediatric RRP. METHODS: We investigated for HPV genotyping and HLA class II polymorphisms all the components of family nucleus where we detected a child born to an HPV infected mother and suffering from RRP. RESULTS: HPV 11 was detected both in the laryngeal biopsies of two of the three affected babies and in the cervical smear of their mothers. The third child was positive for HPV 6 while his mother harboured a double HPV 6-16 infection. In one family, the HLA-DQB1*0501 allele exerted its protective role. The HLA-DQB1*0301 allele, commonly associated to a high grade of cervical neoplasia and HPV infection, was present in homozygous in one mother and her child. The same allele was found, though in a heterozygous form, in the third patient too. CONCLUSION: Our report is the first attempt to use the pedigree study for the evaluation of HLA class II alleles and HPV infection related to pediatric RRP. This approach could identify genetic markers that may influence disease predisposition and the severity of HPV infection.

Alleles↗
PubMed2006

HBV, HCV, and TTV detection by in situ polymerase chain reaction could reveal occult infection in hepatocellular carcinoma: comparison with blood markers.

OBJECTIVE: To report a retrospective analysis on the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and transfusion transmitted virus (TTV) sequences in formalin fixed, paraffin embedded liver biopsies from eight patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, in comparison with blood markers. METHODS: A direct in situ polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was developed for the detection and localisation of genomic signals in the liver tissue. Conventional serological and molecular methods were used for blood evaluation. RESULTS: In situ PCR showed the presence of one of the three viruses (four HCV, two HBV, and one TTV) in seven of the eight patients. In addition, a co-infection with HBV and HCV was detected in one patient. HCV and HBV sequences were located in the cytoplasm and the nucleus, respectively. When compared with blood markers, these findings were compatible with one occult HBV and two occult HCV infections. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide further evidence for occult HBV and HCV infections in cancerous tissues from patients with hepatocellular carcinomas. In situ PCR could be an additional tool for evaluating the viral aetiology of hepatocellular carcinoma alongside conventional diagnostic procedures.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

A population based seroepidemiological survey of Chlamydia pneumoniae infections in schoolchildren.

AIM: A serosurvey was carried out in schoolchildren from a northeastern area of Italy to define the burden of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection. METHODS: A sample of 649 schoolchildren underwent a simplified version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire and IgG and IgA antibodies were investigated using an enzyme immunoassay, followed by a microimmunofluorescence assay in reactive sera. RESULTS: Of the children examined, 29% and 19.7% had IgG and IgA antibodies, respectively. The IgG prevalence increased with age. No other sociodemographical variable was related to C pneumoniae infection. An association was established between IgA prevalence and previous otitis media. CONCLUSIONS: A mesoendemic (intermediate between high and low endemic level) pattern of C pneumoniae infection is present in schoolchildren from this area and the prevalence rate is related to age. Moreover, this is the first epidemiological evidence of the role of C pneumoniae in otitis.

Age Distribution↗
PubMed2004

Three-year (1999-2002) of epidemiological and virological surveillance of influenza in north-east Italy.

The results of the epidemiological and virological surveillance of influenza performed during the 1999/2000, 2000/2001 and 2001/2002 seasons in the northeastern Italy were presented and the relationship between age-specific morbidity rates and circulating strains were discussed.The epidemiological findings pointed out a change in age distribution. During the 1999/2000 season, characterized by a circulation of viruses antigenically close to the vaccine strain, a similar incidence rate in the 0-14 and 15-64-year-old groups was observed, while during the 2001/ 2002 winter the virus infected mostly children. During 2001/2002 season, B type viruses predominated with at least three distinguishable molecular variants. In particular, B/Victoria/2/87-like viruses re-emerged after more than a decade, and the antibodies elicited by the vaccine strain and by the strains circulating in previous seasons were poor or not protecting. The accumulation of susceptible subjects in young age group during the 1990s, due to the lack of circulation of B/Victoria/2/87-like viruses, was responsible for the unusual morbidity in the 0-14 year group. No circulation of B/Victoria/2/87-like viruses was observed in > 64-year-old group during 2001/2002 epidemic, probably due to a long-lasting immunity against viruses belonging to this lineage.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Seroprevalence of HTLV-I and HTLV-II infection among immigrants in northern Italy.

To assess the prevalence of human T cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) and 2 (HTLV-II) infection and the associated risk factors among immigrants living in Northern Italy, we surveyed 3017 open-population subjects from three geographical areas and 371 prisoners. In the open population, the overall prevalence was 0.3% for HTLV-I and 0.1% for HTLV-II, while among prisoners, HTLV-I and HTLV-II infection were detected in 1.4 and 0.8% of subjects, respectively. HTLV-I prevalence was higher in subjects with multiple sexual partners or sexually transmitted diseases. This association was significant in the open-population group and close to significance in prisoners. Multivariate analysis showed that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity remained significantly associated with HTLV-I infection in both targeted populations (OR: 11.2 in the open population; OR: 9.9 among prisoners), whereas sexual exposure was associated with HTLV-I seropositivity only for prisoners (OR: 14.3). No independent variable was related to HTLV-II infection.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Seroprevalence, viremia and genotype distribution of hepatitis C virus: a community-based population study in northern Italy.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to define the burden of HCV infection and the related risk factors in a sample of the general population of northern Italy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a survey on the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection carried out in a cohort (861 males and 1,293 females aged 17-67 years) from the general population of northern Italy. RESULTS: The crude HCV seroprevalence rate was 3.3%, higher in females than in males (p < 0.01) and with a clear age-related effect (test for linear trend: p < 0.01). When adjusted for sex and age in relation to the reference population, the prevalence was 3.7% (95% CI: 2.9-4.5%). In the univariate analysis, HCV infection was related to intravenous drug use (IVDU) (p < 0.001); transfusion (p < 0.001); tattooing (p = 0.02); chiropodist/manicure (p < 0.001); number of children (p < 0.01); educational level (p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis sex, age over 50 years, transfusion, IVDU and tattooing were confirmed as risk factors, while the educational level seems to be a protective factor. Separate multivariate analysis for males and females points out that the age shift, the protective effect of education and the number of children as risk factor were present only in females. HCV viremia was detected in the 71.8% of the seropositive, resulting in an infection rate of 2.4% (95% CI: 1.7-3.0%). Genotype 1b accounted for 64.7% of isolates. CONCLUSION: In the general population of our area, HCV infection is mesoendemic and current infections are mostly sustained by genotype 1b.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Respiratory symptoms, asthma, atopy and Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG antibodies in a general population sample of young adults.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to test the association of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection with respiratory symptoms and atopy. METHODS: A general population sample of 369 young adults (aged 20-44 years) completed a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms and underwent skin prick testing. C. pneumoniae IgG and IgM serum titers were measured by microimmunofluorescence. Prior infection was defined by titers of IgG > or = 1:32, acute infection by titers of IgG > or = 1:512 and/or IgM > or = 1:16. RESULTS: The prevalence of cough and phlegm was higher in subjects with (19.0%) than in those without (11.4%) prior C. pneumoniae infection (p = 0.01). A similar difference was found for wheezing (14.3% vs 8.0%; p = 0.05), whereas the percentage of asthmatics was equally distributed between seropositive and seronegative subjects. IgG titers > or = 1:128 were found more frequently in atopic subjects (p = 0.04). After adjusting for any confounding factors, cough and phlegm (but not wheezing) were found significantly associated with C. pneumoniae positivity, both for 1:32 (OR 1.80; 95% CI: 1.01-3.36; p = 0.05) and for 1:128 titers (OR 2.31; 95% CI: 1.20-4.42; p = 0.01). A significant association was also found for atopy, for titers > or = 1:128 (OR 1.73; 95% CI: 1.01-3.20, p = 0.05). Acute infection was not associated with respiratory symptoms or asthma. CONCLUSION: We conclude that C. pneumoniae infection is associated with cough and phlegm and may have a role in the pathogenesis of chronic respiratory diseases. Moreover, our results indicate a relationship between atopy and C. pneumoniae infection.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Elective bone marrow transplantation in a child with X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome presenting with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

We describe a 10-month-old boy diagnosed with X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome (XHIM) after suffering from life-threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), although his previous clinical history and first level laboratory tests investigating immunological function did not indicate immunodeficiency. When the patient's overall condition was good, elective bone marrow transplantation from an HLA-matched older brother was performed successfully. We describe how correct diagnosis and successful treatment were made possible thanks to the involvement of a network of specialists.

Bone Marrow Transplantation↗
PubMed2002

In situ polymerase chain reaction detection of transfusion-transmitted virus in liver biopsy.

The potential role of transfusion-transmitted virus (TTV) infection in determining liver damage is poorly understood and no information exists about TTV replication within hepatocytes. In this study, we assess TTV in situ PCR in liver tissue. Twenty-one patients with different degrees of liver damage were studied by both serum TTV-DNA detection and in situ TTV PCR analysis and extractive PCR in liver biopsy paraffin sections (FFPE). Extractive PCR and in situ PCR detected TTV-DNA both in serum and liver tissue of five patients. The presence of TTV in serum matched with that found in the liver and TTV sequences were never found independently in liver or serum. Four out of five TTV-DNA-positive patients have not other known cause of liver damage while in one a coinfection from HCV was observed. Our data indicate that in situ PCR appears to be a reliable tool for the detection of TTV-DNA in FFPE, and may help detecting unknown origin of liver damage.

DNA Virus Infections↗
PubMed2001

Direct in situ PCR allows rapid and sensitive detection of high risk human papillomavirus in cytologic specimens and formalin-fixed paraffin tissues by fluorescent labelling.

We developed a rapid, sensitive and robust high risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) detection protocol based on direct in situ PCR technology and fluorochrome-modified nucleotides on cytologic specimens (cell smears) and on HPV infected tissues (CIN III). Reproducible results on both cytologic specimens and paraffin-embedded tissues were obtained, providing a powerful tool for clinical investigation on HR HPV infection. Quantitative PCR performed on the same tissue sections adjacent to those used for in situ techniques allowed us to establish the sensitivity of our methods, able to detect rare copies (about 15 in our paraffin-embedded tissues) of HPV.

Female↗
PubMed2000

[Amyloidoma of the central nervous system: CT and MR aspects].

PURPOSE: To report a case of tumor like amyloïd formation (amyloidoma) of the brain with etiologic discussion. MATERIAL: and Methods. A 46-year-old female had a 7 year history of epilepsy. CT scan and MRI revealed two enhancing lesions in the white matter of the right temporal and frontal lobes. RESULTS: Stereotactic biopsy examination showed large amyloid deposits surrounded by sparsely scattered lymphocytes, few matures plasma cells, macrophages and rare foreign body type giant cells. The congophilic amyloid was found in the interstitium as well as within the walls of blood vessels with close connection to the choroid plexus. No significant abnormalities were noted on routine laboratory studies. DISCUSSION: Unlike all other types of amyloid, AL amyloid can produce both systemic amyloidosis and solitary amyloidoma. Amyloidomas are rare and usually found in the lung, skin, lower urinary tract. The location in the brain is extremely rare, with only 16 cases reported in the literature. All this cases as well as our example in the current study to some extent involved deep white matter. The association with choroid plexus is possible. The relatively indolent course of this amyloidomas is noted. Our study showed a presence of monotypic lambda producing plasma cells. Thus this lesion could be the result of monoclonal B cell neoplasm capable of terminal differentiation and the existence of AL amyloid producing low grade B lymphomas of the brain could be discussed.

Amyloid↗
PubMed2000

[Gynecologic infections in adolescence].

BACKGROUND: Adolescence in the age bracket with the highest incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). An observational study was performed in symptomatic patients attending our Outpatient Clinic for STDs in order to evaluate the diffusion of genital infections in the adolescent population and the different epidemiological distribution compared to adults. METHODS: The incidence of these infections was compared in two groups of patients attending the clinic between April 1995 and April 1999. The first consisted of 54 teenagers (13-19 years-old) and the second, used as a control, consisted of 917 women of child-bearing age (20-40 years). All patients underwent clinical examinations and microbiological tests of vaginal secretions (bacterioscopic test on coloured plates using the Gram method, cold tests, cultural assay of bacteria and fungi, assay for (Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma spp., Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Herpes simplex virus). RESULTS: The most common genital infection in teenagers was candidosis (35% vs 23.9%), followed by bacterial vaginosis (31.9% vs 25.8%) and mixed flora vaginitis (25.9% vs 22.6%). HSV was found in 1.8% of adolescents (vs 0.6%), in selected cases, Chlamydia and Mycoplasma were present in 16.6% (vs 1.1%) and 50% (vs 28%) of teenagers respectively. CONCLUSIONS: All genital infections were more frequent in the study population of adolescents compared to the control group. The adolescent population should be the target of a serious and systematic programme of prevention in order to ward off the sequelae of early and often irresponsible sexual activity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Surveillance of cytomegalovirus infections in bone marrow transplant in Trieste: seven years' experience.

Forty-five consecutive patients submitted to a bone marrow transplant (BMT) were followed up weekly in order to evaluate the incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections on the basis of CMV antigenemia and polymerase chain reaction. All but one transplanted patients engrafted; fourteen patients out of these were CMV antigenemia positive after 16-184 days (median 32.5, mean 43.4) with an 31.8% incidence. CMV infections were associated with graft-versus-host disease and immunogenetic relationship between the donor and the recipient. No CMV infection was detectable in autologous transplants while antigenemia was demonstrated in 3/11 and 6/7 patients with BMT from respectively mismatched related and matched unrelated donors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Typification of HPV in clinical practice].

OBJECTIVE: To improve the sensitivity of cervical carcinoma screening and to determine the optimal management with an ASCUS Pap result we evaluated the effectiveness of combining thin layer cytologic slides (ThinPrep) and HPV DNA testing. METHODS: A total of 170 women were studied with conventional Pap smears, liquid based cytology, HPV testing and colposcopy with eventual histologic evaluation. RESULTS: The ThinPrep method yielded 12.5% more high grade lesions than did the conventional smears (and more severe diagnoses as compared to the conventional smears). HPV prevalence was significantly associated with disease status. Of 30 patients with ASCUS, HPV testing detected 100% of high grade lesions and 67% of low grade. If colposcopy had been limited to HPV+ women, 47% of case would have been spared. CONCLUSIONS: Liquid based cell collection improves sensitivity for the detection of disease. For women with ASCUS cytology, HPV DNA testing of residual specimen can identify the majority of high risk cases using a single sample.

Cervix Uteri↗