Acaricidal properties of the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel (tea tree oil) against nymphs of Ixodes ricinus.

The aim of the study was to examine the acaricidal effect of essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree oil, TTO) at different doses (4, 6, 8 and 10 microl) and for different exposure times (30, 60, 90 and 120 min) on nymphs of Ixodes ricinus. A dose of 8 microl TTO was lethal for more than 70% of ticks when inhaled and this effect was enhanced when the dose was increased to 10 microl (> 80%). The effect was correlated with the duration of exposure of ticks to TTO, with a significant effect being observed after 90 min exposure. The findings show that TTO has acaricidal properties and could be extremely useful in controlling ticks that are efficient vectors of pathogens.

Molecular identification of Borrelia valaisiana and HGE-like Ehrlichia in Ixodes ricinus ticks sampled in north-eastern Italy: first report in Veneto region.

PCR amplification was applied to screen the presence of both Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. and Ehrlichia species in pools of field-collected Ixodes ricinus ticks. The specimens so far analysed (n = 55), grouped in 11 pools, were sampled in Feltre area (Veneto region, NE Italy). Five pools proved positive for B. valaisiana (45%) and one of them (9%) was also positive for Ehrlichia, that was further characterised as a HGE-like Ehrlichia. This is the first report of the two bacteria in the Veneto region. The pool positive for both pathogens was used to adjust a multiplex PCR assay, which allowed the detection and identification of both parasites in a single experiment. The advantages offered by this assay, when standardised, will substantially broaden the perspectives of ecological and epidemiological investigations on animal/human Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis, greatly facilitating disease surveillance and control programs.

[Polyneuropathies caused by glues in inhabitants of Montebelluna in the decade 1979-1988]. / Polineuropatia da collanti nel Montebellunese nel decennio 1979/88.

Sixty-seven incident cases of polyneuropathy (PNP) occurred among shoe workers exposed to solvents in the last ten years (1979-1988) in the Montebelluna area (Veneto region, northern Italy). They have been identified by the Occupational Health Service implementing a surveillance system. Around 700 shoe factories are active in this area with more than 6,000 workers. The disease has been diagnosed by means of neurological investigation and electroneuromyographical examination; it appears always as subclinical. The National Institute of Compensation (INAIL) confirmed the case series. In the present study data are discussed on the personal characteristics of the cases, including an evaluation of social and health consequences of the disease, and the work environment where PNP cases arose; attention is posed on the chemicals used, on jobs performed by the workers, and on duration of exposure. The study stresses the need to improve further the work conditions where solvents are used and to maintain a surveillance system for this occupational disease.

[Health aspects of antibiotic manufacture with particular emphasis on respiratory and genital disturbances (author's transl)]. / Aspetti sanitari della produzione di antibiotici con particolare riguardo alla patologia respiratoria e genitale

Sixty-seven workers employed in incapsulating and manufacturing antibiotics were studied by the authors by means of questionnaire, environmental survey, clinical examination and hematochemical, immunologic and microbiological determinations. The main features of respiratory and genital disturbances are discussed. Two cases of occupational asthma due to ampicillin were detected. Twenty-four out of forty-five female workers were found to be affected with vaginitis (due to Candida albicans in fourteen): a relationship with the working environment is hypothesized. The digestive tract disturbances are reported and the prevalence of dental discoloration is stressed. Finally the psycho-pathological pattern of the factory workers is outlined.

[Lead poisoning hazard in pewter manufacturing industry and in art bronze foundries (author's transl)]. / Rischio di saturnismo nella lavorazione del peltro e nelle fonderie artistiche di bronzo

Two manufacturing processes are reported by the authors, which proved to be sources of lead poisoning hazard, due to the presently employed row materials. The results of a survey performed in 50 pewter manufacturing workers, as well as in 16 workmen involved in artistic bronze melting, are also reported. The inspection of the manufacturing processes made it possible to find out the poison sources in both the above mentioned types of industry.