Touching Base with Some Mediterranean Diseases of Interest from Paradigmatic Cases at the "Magna Graecia" University Unit of Infectious Diseases: A Didascalic Review

Abstract

Among infectious diseases, zoonoses are increasing in importance worldwide, especially in the Mediterranean region. We report herein some clinical cases from a third-level hospital in Calabria region (Southern Italy) and provide a narrative review of the most relevant features of these diseases from epidemiological and clinical perspectives. Further, the pathogenic mechanisms involved in zoonotic diseases are reviewed, focusing on the mechanisms used by pathogens to elude the immune system of the host. These topics are of particular concern for individuals with primary or acquired immunodeficiency (e.g., people living with HIV, transplant recipients, patients taking immunosuppressive drugs). From the present review, it appears that diagnostic innovations and the availability of more accurate methods, together with better monitoring of the incidence and prevalence of these infections, are urgently needed to improve interventions for better preparedness and response.

Keywords: One Health; infectious diseases; pathogens; system immunology; vectors; zoonoses.

Figure 1

Rickettsial rash with spots which then turn into petechiae.

Figure 2

Standardized average hospitalization rate (number of hospitalized cases/100,000) for non-typhoid rickettsiosis from 2001 to 2015 in Italian municipalities [14].

Figure 3

Red macula typical of Lyme disease in a patient.

Figure 4

Red thickening of the skin (papule) typical of cutaneous leishmaniasis, which slowly enlarges and ulcerates.