{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Tropheryma whipplei intestinal colonization in Italian and migrant population: a retrospective observational study.
{Author}: Beltrame A;Ragusa A;Perandin F;Formenti F;Fenollar F;Edouard S;Laroche M;Zavarise G;Doro F;Giorli G;Raoult D;Bisoffi Z;
{Journal}: Future Microbiol
{Volume}: 14
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 03 2019
{Factor}: 3.553
{DOI}: 10.2217/fmb-2018-0347
{Abstract}: 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.<BR>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.<BR>Our study confirms an increased risk of acquiring T. whipplei infection during childhood, under poor sanitary conditions.