Correlates of HIV, HBV, and HCV infections in a prison inmate population: results from a multicentre study in Italy.

A cross-sectional study was undertaken on the correlates of infection for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis viruses B and C (HBV and HCV) in a sample of inmates from eight Italian prisons. A total of 973 inmates were enrolled [87.0% males, median age of 36 years, 30.4% intravenous drug users (IDUs), 0.6% men who have sex with men (MSWM)]. In this sample, high seroprevalence rates were found (HIV: 7.5%; HCV: 38.0%; anti-HBc: 52.7%; HBsAg: 6.7%). HIV and HCV seropositivity were associated strongly with intravenous drug use (OR: 5.9 for HIV; 10.5 for HCV); after excluding IDUs and male homosexuals, the HIV prevalence remained nonetheless relatively high (2.6%). HIV prevalence was higher for persons from Northern Italy and Sardinia. The age effect was U-shaped for HIV and HCV infections; HBV prevalence increased with age. Tattoos were associated with HCV positivity (OR: 2.9). The number of imprisonments was associated with HIV infection, whereas the duration of imprisonment was only associated with anti-HBc. The probability of being HIV-seropositive was higher for HCV-seropositive individuals, especially if IDUs. In conclusion, a high prevalence of HIV, HCV, and HBV infections among inmates was observed: these high rates are in part attributable to the high proportion of IDUs. Frequency of imprisonment and tattoos were associated, respectively, with HIV and HCV positivity. Although it is possible that the study population is not representative of Italy's prison inmate population, the results stress the need to improve infection control measures users was prisons.

[Bacterial endocarditis due to Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. A clinical case report]. / Endocardite batterica da Erysipelotrix rhusiopathiae. Descrizione di un caso clinico.

The authors describe an unusual case of bacterial endocarditis. A very rare etiologic agent, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, was isolated. The patient was not fisherman or butcher and he did ot other risky job. Moreover the disease had an atypical course.

[HCV and HBV infection in 3 communities in the Neapolitan area]. / Infezione da HCV ed HBV in tre comunita' dell' area napoletana.

Using the antibody to HCV and HBc (anti-HCV, anti-HBc), we studied the prevalence of Hepatitis C and B virus in three groups: intravenous drug abusers, subjects lodging in huts and elderly clergymen. Statistical analysis was carried out by chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Our results show statistical significance for anti-HCV seroprevalence among the three groups, while anti-HBc doesn't differ. These preliminary data seem to show that the two viruses have different ways of transmission.

Serum B2-microglobulin and human immunodeficiency virus infection in intravenous drug users: a cross-sectional study.

Beta 2-microglobulin level has been evaluated in 183 male intravenous drug users and 50 apparently healthy blood donors. The aim of the study was to assess the possible association between high values of the peptide and both HIV infection and disease progression in intravenous drug users. Beta 2-microglobulin values were found significantly higher in AIDS patients and other symptomatic subjects than in asymptomatic, both seropositive and seronegative, intravenous drug users. Among asymptomatic drug users, no significant difference in the values was found.

[The serum beta-2-microglobulin values in drug addicts with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy]. / Studio dei valori sierici di beta 2-microglobulina in tossicodipendenti affetti da linfoadenopatia persistente generalizzata.

Serum beta 2-microglobulin levels (beta-2-M) were studied in 150 drug addicts, 50 of them asymptomatic carriers of anti HIV-1 antibodies, 50 symptomatic carriers with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (P.G.L.) and 50 serum negative patients who had been living in a closed community for at least 2 years. The results showed increased beta-2-M in 24 P.G.L. patients (48%), in 6 of the asymptomatic serum positive cases (12%) and in 3 of the serum negative subjects (6%). No such increase was found in the selected control group. Statistical analysis using the chi-square test and one-way variance analysis gave a significant result. The data suggest that increased serum beta-2-M is essentially linked to the presence of P.G.L.

[Stomatologic pathology in HIV infection. Preliminary data]. / Patologia stomatologica in corso di infezione da H.I.V. Dati preliminari.

In order to investigate the clinical oral manifestations associated with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related conditions, 922 male subjects were studied in a closed community (inmates). 669 were drug-abusers, 24 homosexual or bisexual men, 86 drug-abusers and homosexual or bisexual men, 143 without risk behaviour. Only 120 patients had antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type I. All were throughly examined for evidence of oral disorders. The major finding was that almost all with AIDS and AIDS-related complex had oral manifestations one AIDS-patient was affected with hairy leukoplakia.

[Clinical and diagnostic considerations on a case of pancreatic plasmacytoma]. / Considerazioni clinico-diagnostiche su di un caso di plasmacitoma pancreatico.

An unusual case of obstructive jaundice due to metastatic pancreatic plasmacytoma is described. Initially post-transfusion hepatitis was suspected in the patient who suffered from multiple myeloma (IgA) and had received numerous transfusions for severe anemia. Clinical and laboratory findings indicated obstructive jaundice and the ecographic examination showed a dishomogeneous mass at the level of the pancreas. The investigators suggest that after this type of ecographic finding a percutaneous biopsy should be performed eliminating exploratory laparotomy, a high risk procedure in this type of patient, and eventually radiotherapy should be initiated since this type of tumor is radiosensitive.