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Biomedical subjects

M A Di Bari

Publications and source records attributed to M A Di Bari.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

Animal transmissible spongiform encephalopathies and genetics.

The genotype of the host plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). In this respect, the most important factor is represented by the gene of the prion protein (PrP). The present work summarizes the currently available knowledge on the genetic basis of TSEs focusing, in particular, on sheep scrapie. Interest in this disease has grown markedly following the discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, both for scientific and health reasons. In Italy, specific research grants from the Ministry of Health and the National Research Council (CNR), together with cooperation between the Istituto Superiore di Sanità and the Istituti Zooprofilattici Sperimentali, have allowed us to study the PrP genotype and to investigate the genetic susceptibility to scrapie in the most important Italian sheep breeds, with special reference to Sarda, Comisana and Massese. The PrP genotype in relation to scrapie susceptibility was also studied in goats of Ionica breed.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

PrP genotype in Sarda breed sheep and its relevance to scrapie. Brief report.

Several PrP gene polymorphisms modulate sheep scrapie susceptibility. Recently, an increase of scrapie outbreaks has been reported in Italy. A vaccine containing sheep brain homogenate was used in most of the outbreaks. We investigated PrP gene polymorphisms in scrapie-affected and clinically healthy Sarda breed sheep from a flock exposed to the aforementioned vaccine, and in affected Sarda sheep from unexposed flocks. All affected animals were (Gln/Gln)171 homozygous. Moreover, we observed no variation for Ala136 and a new polymorphism (Lys to Asn) at codon 176. Our findings confirm the correlation between scrapie and (Gln/Gln)171 in breeds with no variation for Ala136.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Giardiasis in HIV: a possible role in patients with severe immune deficiency.

We report the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic characteristics of giardiasis in a population of HIV-infected patients with diarrhoic syndrome. During the period between 1988 and 1995, 720 HIV-patients with diarrhoic syndrome were evaluated. Fecal specimens were submitted to parasitological examination according to the Ritchie formalin-ethil acetate centrifugal sedimentation method and stained with iodine. Samples also underwent modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and standard bacteriologic testing. Cystis of G. intestinalis were identified in stool sample of 25 patients. Two patients were classified as in stage A2 and 23 in C3. Mean CD4 values of patients with giardiasis (26.9 cells/mmc) were compared with those of 65 patients from whom, during the study, was isolated Cryptosporidium parvum (63.12, cells/mmc): the difference resulted highly significant (p < 0.001). Among the patients with full-blown AIDS, giardiasis occurred following a single previous AIDS-defining event in 13 inividuals, in seven and in five subjects giardiasis was the 3rd and, respectively, the 4th relevant AIDS-defining condition. Death occurred within the following 2 months in nine patients and within 6, 12 and 24 months in seven, six and two patients, respectively; at present only three AIDS patients are still alive. In general, G. intestinalis in HIV+, is not considered a major cause of enteritis; nevertheless, in our experience enteritis due to G intestinalis is a frequent event among AIDS patients, especially in the most advanced stage of disease, irrespectively of the risk factor. The increase in mean survival of AIDS patients will probably lead to a progressive emergence of this pathogen which could determine a severe diarroic syndrome with hydro-electrolytic impairments.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗