Tropheryma whipplei intestinal colonization in Italian and migrant population: a retrospective observational study
| Main Authors: | Beltrame Anna, Ragusa Andrea, Perandin Francesca, Formenti Fabio, Fenollar Florence, Edouard Sophie, Laroche Maureen, Zavarise Giorgio, Doro Francesco, Giorli Giovanni, Raoult Didier, Bisoffi Zeno |
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| Format: | Article |
| Terbitan: |
, 2019
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: |
https://zenodo.org/record/4061173 |
Daftar Isi:
- Aim: To obtain the first molecular epidemiological survey of Tropheryma whipplei intestinal colonization in Italy. Materials & methods: Retrospective, observational study to assess the prevalence of T. whipplei, the causative agent of Whipple's disease, in stool samples (real-time PCR) of patients attending the Center for Tropical Diseases (Italy) and risk factors associated. Results: Overall prevalence was 6.9% (85/1240). The younger age group showed a significantly higher rate than older age group (12.7 vs 5.9%, p = 0.002). The prevalence was 4.9% for Italians and 9.3% for migrants (p = 0.003). Among the latter, children less than 10 years had higher prevalence than older ones (17.3 vs 7.3%, p = 0.003). The young age, male gender and Giardia duodenalis and Entamoeba histolytica coinfection were risk factors. Conclusion: Our study confirms an increased risk of acquiring T. whipplei infection during childhood, under poor sanitary conditions.