Estimating bacteria diversity in different organs of nine species of mosquito by next generation sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Symbiosis in insects is accumulating significant amount of studies: the description of a wide array of mutualistic associations across the evolutionary history of insects suggests that resident microbiota acts as a driving force by affecting several aspects of hosts biology. Among arthropods, mosquito midgut microbiota has been largely investigated, providing crucial insights on the role and implications of host-symbiont relationships. However, limited amount of studies addressed their efforts on the investigation of microbiota colonizing salivary glands and reproductive tracts, crucial organs for pathogen invasion and vertical transmission of symbiotic microorganisms. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing-based approach, we analysed the microbiota of gut, salivary glands and reproductive tracts of several mosquito species, representing some of the main vectors of diseases, aiming at describing the dynamics of bacterial communities within the individual. RESULTS: We identified a shared core microbiota between different mosquito species, although interesting inter- and intra-species differences were detected. Additionally, our results showed deep divergences between genera, underlining microbiota specificity and adaptation to their host. CONCLUSIONS: The comprehensive landscape of the bacterial microbiota components may ultimately provide crucial insights and novel targets for possible application of symbionts in innovative strategies for the control of vector borne diseases, globally named Symbiotic Control (SC), and suggesting that the holobiont of different mosquito species may significantly vary. Moreover, mosquito species are characterized by distinctive microbiota in different organs, likely reflecting different functions and/or adaptation processes.

[Clinical onset of brain metastasis: ictus. Report of a case]. / Esordio clinico di una metastasi cerebrale: ictus. Descrizione di un caso.

We present a clinical case in which a patient with a brain metastasis had a clinical onset simulating a stroke. Computerized tomography showed a lesion which was diagnosed as ischaemic, whereas magnetic resonance imaging showed an expansive lesion surrounded by an aedematous region of probable neoplastic nature. Indeed histology confirmed the neoplastic origin of the lesion. This kind of presentation is very uncommon but when an hypodense area is detected on CT scan one should always think to this occurrence. Neuroradiology is often necessary for a correct diagnosis. CT scan might usefully be integrated by MRI to distinguish between stroke and brain neoplasty.

[Intestinal bleeding from an ulcerated diverticulum of the small intestine. A clinical case]. / Emorragia intestinale da diverticolo ulcerato del tenue. Descrizione di un caso clinico.

A case of occult bleeding of the upper intestinal tract in a patient with secondary polycythaemia and aortic valve stenosis is described. Routine tests failed to disclose the origin of the bleeding and the patient's condition continued to deteriorate. On the 23rd day after admission, laparotomy was performed, and an ulcerated diverticulum diagnosed. Resection of the diverticulum was done immediately. The patient had an uneventful post-operative recovery and was dismissed from the hospital 15 days later. Our experience underscores the necessity for early laparotomy in cases of gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin.

[Brachial artery stenosis in a subject with a past traumatic fracture of the elbow]. / Stenosi dell'arteria brachiale in soggetto con pregressa frattura traumatica di gomito.

We report a case of elbow fracture associated with brachial artery stenosis. Several authors reported that elbow fractures are associated with brachial artery injury. In the present case we detected brachial artery stenosis in a patient with a history of elbow fracture. Therefore we suggest that every patient with elbow trauma should undergo an assessment for brachial artery stenosis.