Massimo De Paschale

..The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of the serological markers of HBV in Italian and non-Italian HBsAg-negative subjects...

..The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HDV infection in the general population living in the catchment area of Legnano Hospital in northern Italy...

..0% (95% CI, 16.31-29.69) in the period 2001-2008. The results demonstrate that there has been an increase in non-B subtypes (especially sexually transmitted infections), particularly among patients infected abroad or by foreign partners...

..These findings indicate that a specimen in which highly positive IgM ELISA values are confirmed by ELFA, or which shows a high IgM/IgG ratio, is a good indicator of infection occurring within the previous three months...

..The possibility to identify these cases and consequently to plan appropriate interventions, supports the use of screening during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester when the risk of infection is greater...

..In children aged less than 10 years, it was associated mainly with acute infection but as past infection may be present in about one-third of such children, this possibility should not be overlooked...

..Our results indicate that a highly positive IgM value in patients can be a good index of recent infection, but its poor predictive value in pregnant women underlines the need for additional tests with a follow-up if necessary...

..When other tests are not available, the search for anti-EA antibodies may therefore be helpful in diagnosing patients with an isolated VCA IgG pattern at screening tests...

..The aim of this study was to assess the implementation, in an urban area of Northern Italy, of the 1998 law about 10 years after its entry into force...

..In conclusion, the AIDS presenters were mainly heterosexual men and immigrants. Their proportion increased significantly over time, and a substantial proportion maintained an immunovirological response to HAART...