[Microorganisms surviving in drinking water systems and related problems]. / Sopravvivenza microbica nelle reti di distribuzione di acque potabili e problemi conseguenti.

Drinking water in distribution systems may show abnormal values of some parameters, such as turbidity, and may support particular phenomena, such as bacterial regrowth or presence of Viable Not Culturable (VNC) bacteria. Turbidity can provide shelter for opportunistic microorganisms and pathogens. The Milwaukee outbreak (400,000 people) is one example of waterborne disease caused by the presence of pathogens (Cryptosporidium) in drinking water characterized by high and intermittent levels of turbidity. Bacterial regrowth in drinking water distribution systems may cause high increments of microorganisms such as heterotrophic bacteria, coliforms and pathogens. Microorganisms isolated from biofilm including Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Legionella may have a significant health hazard especially in hospital areas. The presence of VNC bacteria in drinking water may represent a problem for their discussed role in infectious diseases, but also for the possibility of a considerable underestimation of true microbial concentrations in drinking waters. To study this kind of problems is necessary to apply suitable methods for drinking water analyses.

Microbiological pollution and ocular infection in CAD operators: an on-site investigation.

A large number of workers are currently employed in tasks involving the use of computer based equipment. Much research has been carried out both on prevalence and incidence of ocular and visual disorders as well as on occupational asthenopia. Less attention has been given to investigating the possibility of a microbiological pollution of Video Display Unit (VDU) workstations and to the consequent possible development of work-related ocular infections. The authors investigated the presence of bacteria and fungi on Computer Assisted Design (CAD) workstations and in the conjunctival sac of the operators.

3H-[1,2]Dithiolo[3,4-b]pyridine-3-thione and its derivatives synthesis and antimicrobial activity.

A series of 2-substituted isothiazolo[5,4-b]pyridine-3(2H)-thiones, isothiazolo[5,4-b]pyridin-3(2H)-ones, N-substituted 2-sulfanylnicotinamides and the corresponding carbothioamide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against several strains of Gram+ and Gram- bacteria and fungi. Chemical syntheses were resumed into a comprehensive cyclic route that enables the reversible conversion for each derivative of the series considered. Among the tested compounds the N-(aralkyl)-2-sulfanylnicotinamides show the highest fungitoxicity (MIC = 1.25-5 microg/ml). The best activity towards Gram-positive bacteria was in the range of 2.5-5 microg/ml. Activity against Gram-negative bacteria was generally very poor for all compounds.

Antimicrobial and genotoxic activities of N-hydroxyalkyl-1, 2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one carbamic esters.

N-Hydroxyethyl- and N-hydroxypropyl-1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one carbamic esters were prepared in order to test their activity against representative bacterial and fungal strains. The obtained results were compared with those reported for parent alcohols and some interesting considerations were drawn. None of the studied derivatives possess genotoxic activity in the Bacillus subtilis rec-assay and Salmonella-microsome test.

[Pulmonary aspergillosis in acute leukemia. Description of a case and review of the literature]. / Aspergillosi polmonare in corso di leucemia acuta. Descrizione di un caso e revisione della letteratura.

A case of pulmonary multiple mycosis, recognized by cultural and radiological investigation, during chemotherapy for poorly outcoming acute leukemia is reported. The factors enhancing disseminated aspergillosis in haematologic malignancies as well as the need of early diagnosis and effective therapy in fungal infections complicating leukemias are also discussed in the light of the last 25 years literature.