Prognostic factors in gastric cancer patients: a 10-year mono-institutional experience.

Introduction: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the main causes of death from cancer globally. Long-term survival, especially in Western countries, remains dismal, with no significant improvements in recent years. Therefore, precise identification of clinical and pathological risk factors is crucial for prognosis, as it allows a better selection of patients suitable for oncologically radical treatments and contributes to longer survivals. Methods: We devised a retrospective observational longitudinal study over 10 years of experience with GC patients operated with curative intent. Results: Several factors were thoroughly investigated in a multivariate analysis to look for significance as independent risk factors for disease-free survival. Our results showed that only BMI, pTNM, and lymph node ratio expressed hazard ratios with implications for survival in our series of patients. Discussion: Although limited by the retrospective nature of the study, this is one of the few cancer reports from Northern Italy showing results over 10 years, which may in our view, have an impact on decision-making processes for multidisciplinary teams dedicated to the care of gastric cancer patients.

The Clean Care Contest: promoting hand hygiene among healthcare and medical students.

INTRODUCTION: Despite continuing efforts, compliance rates and knowledge of best practices in hand hygiene remain disappointing. Recognizing that conventional educational tools seem out of touch with young people and that the med and messages contents need refreshing, the Italian Study Group of Hospital Hygiene of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health devised a novel approach to promote the creation of innovative educational tools for improving knowledge of, and compliance with, hand hygiene rules among healthcare and medical students. METHODS: A contest in creating educational material on hand hygiene practices involved university students of nursing and medicine, and of other healthcare degrees. Students from the universities of the GISIO network were invited to create educational material (e.g., videos, posters, presentations, leaflets, and screensavers) to be presented by May 5th 2019 during the World Hand Hygiene Day / Save Lives: Clean Your Hands Global Annual Initiative of the World Health Organization). A local and a national winners were awarded. RESULTS: Three different local and national contests were performed during 2016, 2017 and 2018. During the three-year period, more than 270 educational tools have been developed: 130 (48%) were judged useful for hand hygiene promotion campaigns. The most frequent projects participating in the contests were videos (39%), posters (29%), leaflets (14%), and others (18%) submitted by more than 1,500 students of nursing (40%), medicine (31%), dentistry (7%), and of other healthcare courses in 14 universities. Products were evaluated by a local committee and, subsequently, local winners represented their University in a national contest. CONCLUSIONS: The contest provided a framework for the creation of innovative and potentially effective educational tools via an engaging approach that leveraged student creativity. Given the need to improve compliance rates, this study suggests that new ways can be advantageously explored to teach hand hygiene procedures and increase awareness of the importance of their consistent use among healthcare and medical students.

The prevention of doping and the improper use of drugs and food supplements in sports and physical activities: a survey on the activity of the prevention departments of Italian local health authorities.

INTRODUCTION: Doping is an important public health problem widespread not only among elite athletes, but also among amateur and recreational athletes and the general population. In Italy the introduction of doping prevention within the Essential Levels of Care (LEA) with the DPCM 12/1/2017 represents a crucial step towards the implementation of education and health promotion interventions. In this context, the Departments of Prevention (DP) of the Local Health Authorities (LHA) have to play a fundamental role, becoming the cultural and operational reference on this issue. As part of the "Doping prevention: development of a permanent educational tool coordinated by the National Health Service Prevention Departments" project, funded by the Italian Ministry of Health, a survey was conducted on the activities carried out by the DP regarding doping prevention and improper use and abuse of drugs and food supplements in sports and physical activities, as a basis for the harmonization of organizational structures and prevention programs and the creation of a collaboration network at a regional and national level. METHODS: A semi-structured questionnaire consisting of 11 questions, prepared on an electronic platform, was sent to the DP of all the Italian LHA. RESULTS: A total of 38 DP out of 131 (29%) completed the questionnaire, with representation from all regions. 42.1% of DP carried out or are still running programs for the prevention of doping, a percentage that decreases to 27% considering the programs for the prevention of misuse and abuse of drugs and food supplements in sports and in physical activities; in less than half of the DP, 37.5% and 41.7%, respectively, dedicated funds have been allocated. The professionals most involved in prevention of doping are the Specialists in Sport Medicine (81.3%) followed by Specialists in Hygiene (43.8%) and Psychologists (37.5%), while Health Care Assistants (50%) are the professionals most involved in the prevention of the improper use of drugs and food supplements, followed by Specialists in Hygiene and Specialists in Sport Medicine (40%). Most of the DP (71.9%) believe that the introduction of programs to prevent and counteract doping in the LEA will have repercussions on their approach against doping. CONCLUSIONS: The survey, although conducted on a limited sample, has provided an important framework relating to programs for the prevention of doping and the misuse and abuse of drugs and food supplements in sports and in the physical activities carried out by DP. A remarkable heterogeneity has been highlighted, both at national and regional level. It is urgent to provide DP with homogeneous and effective organizational models and adequate operational tools, paying particular attention to the training of all the professionals involved. It is also essential to implement permanent monitoring tools.

Hospital hygiene in Italy: the GISIO-SItI survey.

BACKGROUND: In Italy there are no rules concerning the establishment of a hospital hygiene structure in hospitals and other healthcare settings, and the hospital organization plans vary widely. The aim of the survey, carried out by the Italian Study Group of Hospital Hygiene of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive medicine and Public health, was to evaluate the presence in the hospital organization plan of a structure referred to as Hospital hygiene, or including in its denomination the words "hygiene" or "hospital hygiene", the activities carried out, the relation to other areas, like patient safety, the type and quantity of professionals involved, the strengths and the critical aspects. METHODS: A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to Healthcare Trusts representing all Italian Regions through the members of the above Study Group. RESULTS: 35 Trusts, 13 in Northern, 8 in Central, 14 in Southern Italy (including Sicily and Sardinia), completed the questionnaire. In 19 Trusts (54.3%) a structure whose denomination included the words "hospital hygiene" or "hygiene" was present. The activities related to the management of infectious risk were most represented, carried out autonomously or in collaboration, but many other activities were covered. In all hospitals the activities of the Hospital Hygiene Unit inter-linked with those of the clinical risk, with different forms of collaboration. CONCLUSION: This survey, even though on a limited sample, provided a picture of hospital hygiene at a national level, showing a considerable heterogeneity and highlighting critical issues but also strengths. It is essential to share organizational and management models that enhance and promote hospital hygiene, to ensure the appropriateness of healthcare practices offered in a safe and comfortable environment to patients, operators, and visitors.

Procedures in endoscope reprocessing and monitoring: an Italian survey.

BACKGROUND: The high diffusion of endoscopes worldwide and the need for effective reprocessing methods requested the development of guidelines and implementation of surveillance procedures at local level. STUDY DESIGN: In order to collect data on everyday's practice and adherence to available guidelines, endoscopy units from different public institutions were surveyed using a dedicated questionnaire. METHODS: Between July and November 2015 a survey was carried in 12 main hospitals from 10 different Italian regions, involving 22 endoscopy units. The state of the art of national and international guidelines was investigated to compare the protocols adopted at local level. RESULTS: In all the surveyed hospitals, the reprocessing activity is based on pre-established protocols in adherence with principal guidelines. Enzymatic detergents, which are recommended by the international guidelines, are used in 55.6% of units and peracetic acid is currently the most widely used chemical disinfectant. Discrepancies were observed in the application of periodic quality controls. CONCLUSION: Updated guidelines are generally applied in reprocessing practice. Quality controls may represent a critical issue to improve effectiveness and surveillance. The whole of acquired data can promote a positive trend towards the application of best practices.

A multicentre study on epidemiology and prevention of needle stick injuries among students of nursing schools.

INTRODUCTION: Among the health professions with a long period of training, the students of the Nursing Bachelor's Degree are the most exposed to biological risk resulting from accidents, in particular with needles and cutting edges. The aim of the study was to estimate the frequency and the circumstances for the occurrence of needle stick injuries, as a knowledge base for targeted prevention interventions. METHODS: The study was carried out between May and July 2017 in 11 Universities in Italy and 1 in Albania (associated with the "Tor Vergata" University of Rome). An anonymous semi-structured questionnaire was proposed to 1st (second semester), 2nd and 3rd year students of Nursing Bachelor's Degree. RESULTS: A total of 2742 questionnaires were collected. The average age of participants was 22.9 years (median 22, range 19-60 years), 73% of whom were females. A total of 381 injuries were reported. Three hundred and sixteen students (11.8%) underwent at least 1 injury (12.7% among females, 9.7% among males); 41 students declared two or more injuries; four students did not report the number of injuries occurred. The first injury occurred, as an average, 17 days after the start of the internship (median 15 days) and, in 25% of the cases, during the first 9 days. The highest percentage of accidents occurred during the first internship (25.3% of the total) and decreased with the progress of the training path. The injuries occurred in 38% of cases during drug preparation, 24% when disposing of sharp devices, 15% while re-capping needles, 13% during blood sampling and 10% in other circumstances. In 51.2% of cases, the needle was not sterile. Among the nursing students who suffered a needle stick injury, 58.1% declared that they had performed the post-exposure prophylaxis. 96% of students stated to be vaccinated against Hepatitis B virus. Amongst the students who had their serological status checked (74%), 18% stated the antibody titre was not protective. 49.8% of students answered to have been trained in advance on the correct procedures to avoid needle stick and cutting edges injuries in each clinical ward attended, 41.2% referred that this occurred only in some wards and 10% in no ward at all. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show a high percentage of needle stick injuries in students of the Nursing Bachelor's Degree. Therefore, there is a need for careful reflection on the most effective methods of targeted training acquisition of knowledge, skills and behavioural models useful for the exercise of the profession.

Knowledge, experiences, and attitudes toward Mantoux test among medical and health professional students in Italy: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization's Action Framework for tuberculosis elimination in low-tuberculosis incidence countries includes the screening for active and latent tuberculosis in selected high-risk groups, including health care workers. In this context, medical and health profession students, exposed to nosocomial tuberculosis transmission during training and clinical rotations, are target populations for tuberculosis screening. No updated data are available on tuberculosis screening practice and knowledge of medical and health profession students in Italy. METHODS: Within the activities Italian Study Group on Hospital Hygiene of the Italian Society of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, we carried out a multicentre cross-sectional study to assess knowledge, attitude and practices on tuberculosis prevention and control among Medical, Dentistry, Nursing and other health professions' students. Students were enrolled in the study on a voluntary basis and were administered a previously piloted structured questionnaire. Logistic regression models were applied to explore knowledge on tuberculosis prevention by selected socio-demographic variables and University-based tuberculosis prevention practice. RESULTS: Students of seventeen Universities across Italy participated in the study, and 58.2% of them received compulsory tuberculin skin test either at enrollment or while attending clinical practice. A total of 5,209 students filled the questionnaire. 37.7% were medicine and dentistry students (Group 1), 44.9% were nursing students (Group 2) and 17.4% were other health professions' students (Group 3). Age and gender had different distributions by groups, as well as knowledge and practice on tuberculin skin test. 84.4% of the study population (95% CI = 83.3-85.3) was aware of the existence of the tuberculin skin test, 74.4% (95% CI = 73.2-75.6) knew what is the first-level screening test for latent tuberculosis and only 22.5% (95% CI = 21.4-23.6) knew how to proceed after a positive tuberculin skin test result. Overall, knowledge on tuberculosis prevention was higher in Group 2 and lower Group 3, as compared to Group 1. CONCLUSION: In Italy, the knowledge on tuberculosis screening among University students is generally good. To reduce some of the criticalities found among the different study courses, it would be appropriate to harmonize both the regulations on tuberculosis screening practices for admission to University courses, and the educational activities on the topic of tuberculosis, to be extended to all workers involved in health care setting.

Genetic analysis of human and swine influenza A viruses isolated in Northern Italy during 2010-2015.

Influenza A virus (IAV) infection in swine plays an important role in the ecology of influenza viruses. The emergence of new IAVs comes through different mechanisms, with the genetic reassortment of genes between influenza viruses, also originating from different species, being common. We performed a genetic analysis on 179 IAV isolates from humans (n. 75) and pigs (n. 104) collected in Northern Italy between 2010 and 2015, to monitor the genetic exchange between human and swine IAVs. No cases of human infection with swine strains were noticed, but direct infections of swine with H1N1pdm09 strains were detected. Moreover, we pointed out a continuous circulation of H1N1pdm09 strains in swine populations evidenced by the introduction of internal genes of this subtype. These events contribute to generating new viral variants-possibly endowed with pandemic potential-and emphasize the importance of continuous surveillance at both animal and human level.

The PACE study: past-year prevalence of tension-type headache and its subtypes in Parma's adult general population.

The mean global prevalence of tension-type headache (TTH) in adult is 42 %. To date, there have been no Italian studies on TTH prevalence in the adult general population. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study, called PACE, aimed at detecting the prevalence of primary headaches in the city of Parma's adult general population. 904 subjects representative of Parma's adult general population were interviewed face to face by a physician of our Headache Centre. Crude past-year prevalence for definite TTH was 19.4 % (95 % CI 16.8-21.9; 18.4 %, 95 % CI 14.6-22.3 in men, and 20.1 %, 95 % CI 16.6-23.6 in women), namely, 9.0 % (95 % CI 7.1-10.8) for infrequent TTH, 9.8 % (95 % CI 7.9-11.8) for frequent TTH, and 0.6 % (95 % CI 0.1-1) for chronic TTH. Crude prevalence for probable TTH was 2.3 % (95 % CI 1.3-3.3; 2 %, 95 % CI 0.6-3.4 in men, and 2.6 %, 95 % CI 1.2-3.9 in women). Our results indicate a TTH prevalence (19.4 %) at the lower limit of data ranges for Western countries, and prevalence rates for infrequent forms (9 %) do not appear different from those of frequent forms (9.8 %).

Immunity status against poliomyelitis in childbearing women in a province of northern Italy. A cross-sectional analysis.

This cross-sectional seroprevalence study was carried out in 2007 to estimate the immunological status associated with poliomyelitis among fertile women , according to demographic changes. We consecutively enrolled 493 healthy mothers at the time of delivery in order to assess immunity against poliomyelitis by a neutralisation inhibition test. Despite the lack of seronegative subjects, our investigation showed low GMTs, which confirmed a reduction in the "booster effect". The GMTs against poliovirus 1, poliovirus 2 and poliovirus 3 were 25.20, 14.79 and 8.80, respectively. The data that emerged from our survey showed that GMTs have decreased significantly since 1983 and reached low-to-medium values over the past 25 years. The serum prevalence studies, together with the vaccination coverage estimates, are useful and are strongly recommended in order to highlight and identify the possible scenarios in which susceptible subject groups may be present simultaneously as well the possibility of the reintroduction of wild virus in an area that was previously free of polio.

Prevalence of tension-type headache in adult general population: the PACE study and review of the literature.

The mean global prevalence of tension-type headache (TTH) in adult is 42 %. To date, there have been no Italian studies on TTH prevalence in the adult general population. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study, called PACE (PArma CEfalea, or "Headache in Parma"), aimed at detecting the prevalence and clinical features of primary headaches in the city of Parma's adult general population. Crude past-year prevalence for definite TTH was 19.4 % (95 % CI 16.8-21.9), namely 9.0 % (95 % CI 7.1-10.8) for infrequent TTH, 9.8 % (95 % CI 7.9-11.8) for frequent TTH, and 0.6 % (95 % CI 0.1-1) for chronic TTH. Crude prevalence for probable TTH was 2.3 % (95 % CI 1.3-3.3). Our study results indicate a TTH prevalence rate (19.4 %) at the lower limit of data ranges currently available for Western countries, and prevalence rates for infrequent forms (9 %) do not appear much different from those of frequent forms (9.8 %).

Swimming pools and health-related behaviours: results of an Italian multicentre study on showering habits among pool users.

OBJECTIVES: Showering before entering a swimming pool is highly recommended to reduce the risk of biological and chemical contamination. This study evaluated the behaviour of indoor swimming pool users; analysed the variables associated with lack of showering; and assessed awareness of the importance of showering. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data about users of swimming pools located in five different Italian cities. The association between specific variables and the lack of showering was assessed. P < 0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: In total, 4356 questionnaires were analysed. Sixty-five percent of interviewees always showered before entering the pool. The main reason given for pre-swim showering was 'to wash oneself' (50.5%); or 'to get used to the temperature of the water' (44.3%); and 5.2% answered 'for both reasons'. Risk factors significantly associated with lack of showering were: female sex (odds ratio (OR) 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-1.59), age 14-17 years (OR 5.09, 95% CI 3.40-7.64); not reading the swimming pool rules (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10-1.41); living in Central Italy (OR 3.3, 95% CI 2.65-4.1) or Southern Italy (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.18-1.55); and previous/current attendance of a swimming course (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.48-1.97). CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed low compliance with the rule of showering before entering a swimming pool, and little awareness of the preventive role of showering in the hygienic management of swimming pools. There is a need for targeted educational interventions to inform swimming pool users of the reasons for the importance of showering before entering a pool.

Detection of enteroviruses from urban sewage in Parma.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK: The human enteroviruses (EV) are the most common and widespread human viruses in the world. They have bowel as their natural habitat and they can spread in the environment through the faecal excretion. In the continental climate Regions these viruses may cause epidemic outbreaks in summer and fall, while in the tropical Regions the EV infections present a high incidence during all year. The symptoms can be minor or subclinic, but they can be also associated to rare and serious diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the environmental circulation of polioviruses and non-polio enteroviruses (NPEV) using standard methods of urban wastewater surveillance recommended by the WHO. METHODS: A total of 188 wastewater samples were collected between February 2005 and December 2008 from two sewage treatment plants in Parma. The sampling was carried out twice a month. Environmental variables were collected for each day of sampling. RESULTS: Out of the 188 examined wastewater samples, 78.7% were positive to the enterovirus research. One out of the 148 positive samples was identified as poliovirus Sabin-like type 3. The remaining 147 positive samples were enteroviruses non polio: Coxsakieviruses and Echoviruses. All Coxsakieviruses isolated were of type B. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method has shown high sensibility, also in presence of very low expected prevalence of vaccine poliovirus. It allows to verify the kind and relative frequency of enteric viruses circulating in the country, whose characteristics (virulence and pathogenicity) may vary with reference to a different epidemiologic and demographic structure of the resident population.

[Hospital admission of subjects with chronic obstructive bronchopulmonary disease (COPD) and air pollution in the city of Parma (Italy). A preliminary analysis]. / Funzionalità respiratoria in soggetti con Broncopneumopatia Cronica Ostruttiva (BPCO) e inquinamento atmosferico nella città di Parma Analisi preliminare.

A study was conducted in subjects admitted to hospital for chronic obstructive bronchopulmonary disease (COPD) in the city of Parma (Italy). The aim was to evaluate changes in patients' percent vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), as a function of changing degrees of atmospheric pollution as measured by PM10, NO2 and O3 concentrations in the outside air. Study results revealed an association between PM10 concentrations and hospital admissions for COPD. Statistically significant differences were found between PM10 concentrations measured three-four days before admission and in days not followed by admission to hospital. Regression analysis between PM10 concentrations at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours before admission and respiratory function showed a significant association between FVC% and FEV1% and PM10 concentrations at 96 hours. The relative risk was calculated to be 1.016 (95% confidence intervals: 1.001-1.032), which corresponds to a 1.6% increased risk of admission to hospital for COPD for each unit increase in PM10 concentration in the outside air.

Mother to child transmission of hepatitis C virus in a province of northern Italy.

INTRODUCTION: Study reports of mother to child transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) have shown transmission rates ranging from 3 to 37%, according to maternal viremia and HIV-1 coinfection. The present study evaluated the prevalence of the HCV infection in the general population and the incidence of vertical transmission, from women who delivered in the Obstetric Clinic of the Hospital of Parma from January 1st 1996 to 31st 2001 December. METHODS: Mothers and children were tested for the presence of HCV-RNA within one week after delivery. Children were considered to be infected when they were found positive at least twice for viral RNA or antibodies were still detectable at the end of the follow-up period (18 months) in blood. RESULTS: Out of 13,025 women, 110 (0.8%) were found positive for anti-HCV antibodies; 72 of them (65.4%) were HCV-RNA positive. All 110 children were positive for anti-HCV antibodies in the first blood sample (time 0); 8 of them were HCV-RNA positive. Three children were still viremic at the end of the follow-up whereas 5 showed a clearance. No significant differences were found between viremic and nonviremic children with respect to gestational week, maternal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and newborns weight at birth. CONCLUSION: This investigation shows that vertical transmission may occur in a general obstetric population despite a low prevalence of HCV-positive subjects.

[Sensorineural hearing loss in childhood: evaluation of economic impact in view of vaccine prevention of cases due to congenital cytomegalovirus infection]. / Sordità neurosensoriale infantile: valutazione dell'impatto economico nella prospettiva della prevenzione vaccinale dei casi da infezione congenita da Cytomegalovirus.

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a serious public health problem which affects 1-3% per hundred live born babies in developed countries. The congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is its most important non-genetic cause. The evaluation of the effectiveness of future programs of anti-CMV vaccination requires an assessment of the present costs of SNHL. Direct costs for the Italian public system were calculated per prosthesis child until his full age and turned out to add up to 260,000 euro. Private costs are difficult to be assessed and anyhow are highly dependent from the socio-economic level. This preliminary assessment suggests that the vaccination would be cost-saving if SNHL cases due to congenital CMV were more than 21 per year, corresponding to a congenital infection prevalence higher than 0.21%o.

Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae and perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies in coeliac disease before and after gluten-free diet.

BACKGROUND: Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae and perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies are markers of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis respectively. AIM: To determine the prevalence of anti-S. cerevisiae and perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies in a large series of coeliac disease patients before and after gluten free diet, and to correlate anti-S. cerevisiae-positivity with intestinal mucosal damage. METHODS: One hundred and five consecutive coeliac disease patients and 141 controls (22 ulcerative colitis, 24 Crohn's disease, 30 primary sclerosing cholangitis, 15 postenteritis syndrome, 50 blood donors) were tested for anti-S. cerevisiae by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and for perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies by indirect immunofluorescence. RESULTS: In coeliac disease anti-S. cerevisiae (immunoglobulin G and/or immunoglobulin A) were slightly less frequent (59%) than in Crohn's disease (75%, P = 0.16) and significantly more frequent than in ulcerative colitis (27%), primary sclerosing cholangitis (30%), postenteritis syndrome (26%) and blood donors (4%) (P = 0.009, P = 0.0002, P = 0.025, P < 0.0001). No correlation was found between anti-S. cerevisiae and degree of mucosal damage. Perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies were detected only in one coeliac. After gluten free diet the disappearance of anti-S. cerevisiae-immunoglobulin A (93%) was more frequent than that of immunoglobulin G (17%, P = 0.0001); perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies disappeared in the only coeliac positive at diagnosis. CONCLUSION: More than half of untreated coeliacs are anti-S. cerevisiae-positive irrespective of the severity of mucosal damage. Differently from immunoglobulin A, anti-S. cerevisiae-immunoglobulin G persisted in more than 80% after gluten free diet. The high prevalence of anti-S. cerevisiae in coeliac disease suggests that they may be the effect of a non-specific immune response in course of chronic small bowel disease.

The Western immunoblotting pattern of anti-mitochondrial antibodies is independent of the clinical expression of primary biliary cirrhosis.

Anti-mitochondrial antibodies are the serological markers of primary biliary cirrhosis. We analysed the detailed anti-mitochondrial antibodies patterns to see whether the immunological specificities detected at the time of the diagnosis correlate with the histological, clinical and immunological expression of the disease. One hundred and thirty primary biliary cirrhosis patients were studied at the time of presentation/diagnosis. Anti-mitochondrial antibodies reactivity was dissected and evaluated by Western immunoblotting with bovine heart submitochondrial particles as antigenic source. Six different Western immunoblotting patterns have been identified with the following hierarchy: pattern A (anti-PDC-E2+anti-E3BP, 38.5%), pattern B (anti-PDC-E2+anti-E3BP+anti-OGDC-E2, 20.8%), pattern C (anti-PDC-E2+anti-E3BP+anti-BCOADC-E2+anti-OGDC-E2, 13.1%), pattern D (anti-PDC-E2+anti-E3BP+anti-BCOADC-E2, 6.9%), pattern E (anti-BCOADC-E, 6.1%) and pattern F (anti-mitochondrial antibodies negative primary biliary cirrhosis, 14.6%). The different patterns were neither associated with peculiar clinical, biochemical, histological and immunological features nor with the Mayo Risk Score. The anti-mitochondrial antibodies pattern at presentation is independent of the stage of the liver disease; therefore, the Western immunoblotting characterisation of anti-mitochondrial antibodies does not seem to be helpful in identifying the clinical, biochemical or histological expression of primary biliary cirrhosis at the time of the diagnosis.