A5088625710- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- COVID-19 epidemiological studies
- COVID-19 and Mental Health
- Escherichia coli research studies
- Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology
- SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
- Health and Medical Studies
- Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens research
- Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus
- Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria
- Infection Control and Ventilation
- Respiratory viral infections research
- Resilience and Mental Health
- Bacterial Identification and Susceptibility Testing
- Mental Health Treatment and Access
- Vibrio bacteria research studies
- Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research
- Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
- Poxvirus research and outbreaks
- COVID-19 and healthcare impacts
- Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy
- Listeria monocytogenes in Food Safety
- Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing
- Mycobacterium research and diagnosis
- Surgical site infection prevention
University Hospital Münster
2014-2024
Gesundheitsamt
2021-2024
Institut für Hygiene und Umwelt
2016-2024
Cologne Business School
2022-2023
Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene
2021
University of Münster
2013-2017
Klinik für Schlafmedizin
2013
In recent years, extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) producing bacteria have been found in livestock, mainly as asymptomatic colonizers. The zoonotic risk for people working close contact to animal husbandry has still not completely assessed. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence of ESBL-producing Escherichia spp. livestock animals and workers determine potential an animal-human cross-transmission.In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, northeast Germany, inguinal swabs 73 individuals with...
Background. Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O26 causes diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Strains harboring the stx1a gene prevail, but strains with stx2a as sole Shiga toxin–encoding are now emerging. The traits virulence of latter set unknown. We correlated stx genotypes 272 EHEC isolated in 7 European countries between 1996 2012 disease phenotypes. determined phylogeny, clonal structure, plasmid profiles isolates portray geographic temporal distribution different...
BackgroundThe extent to which children and adolescents contribute SARS-CoV-2 transmission remains not fully understood. Novel high-capacity testing methods may provide real-time epidemiological data in educational settings helping establish a rational approach prevent minimize transmission. We investigated whether pooling of samples for detection by RT-qPCR is sensitive feasible diagnostic strategy surveillance infections schools.MethodsIn this study, students school staff 14 facilities...
School-level infection control measures in Germany during the early Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic differed across 16 federal states and lacked a dependable evidence base, with available limited to regional data restricted short phases of pandemic. This study aimed assess (a) risks students staff; (b) transmission routes schools; (c) effects school-level on school population dynamics; (d) contribution contacts schools cases.
Abstract Systematic SARS-CoV-2 testing is a valuable tool for infection control and surveillance. However, broad application of high sensitive RT-qPCR in children often hampered due to unpleasant sample collection, limited capacities costs. Here, we developed high-throughput approach (‘Lolli-Method’) detection children, combining non-invasive collection with an RT-qPCR-pool strategy. infections were diagnosed sensitivities 100% 93.9% when viral loads >10 6 copies/ml 3 corresponding...
Infections by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPa) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Humid environments can serve as a reservoir source infection this pathogen. To minimize the risk from these reservoirs, we performed extensive remodeling sanitation water installations focus our hygiene bundle.During reconstruction unit (April 2011-April 2014) implemented several technical modifications...
Vaccination is currently considered the most successful strategy for combating SARS-CoV-2 virus. According to short-term clinical trials, protection against infection estimated reach up 95% after complete vaccination (≥14 days receipt of all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses). Nevertheless, infections despite vaccination, so-called breakthrough infections, are documented. Even though they more likely have a milder or even asymptomatic course, assessment further transmission highly relevant...
In October 2024, the first imported mpox clade Ib case was confirmed in Germany an individual their thirties returning from Rwanda. this report we summarise response public health service North Rhine-Westphalia related to management, contact tracing and institutional collaborations. Our findings highlight importance of a coordinated management cases preventing transmission beyond.
We characterized two epidemiologically similar Acinetobacter baumannii clusters from separate intensive care units (ICU) using core genome multilocus sequence typing. Clonal spread was confirmed in ICU-1 (12 of 14 isolates shared genotypes); ICU-2, all genotypes (13 isolates) were diverse, thus excluding transmissions and enabling adequate infection control measures.
Abstract Background Vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) occur with enhanced frequency in hospitalised patients. This study elucidates the prevalence of VRE on admission among surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients, whether these patients are at special risk for acquisition and which factors support this process. Methods Patients admitted to SICUs University Hospital Münster were examined during August–October 2017. screening was performed within 48 h after directly prior discharge...
Escherichia coli O104:H4 that caused the large German outbreak in 2011 is a highly virulent hybrid of enterohemorrhagic (EHEC) and enteroaggregative (EAEC) E. coli. The strain displays "stacked-brick" aggregative adherence to human intestinal epithelial cells mediated by fimbriae I (AAF/I) encoded on pAA plasmid. AAF/I-mediated augmented might facilitate systemic absorption Shiga toxin, major virulence factor EHEC, presumably enhancing strain. However, stability unknown. We therefore tested...
To investigate the impact of weekly screening within bundle infection control measures to terminate vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) transmissions on an oncologic ward.A cluster 12 VRE colonisation and five infections was detected ward between January April 2015. Subsequently, point prevalence and, as part a strategies cluster, we isolated affected patients, performed hand hygiene training among staff ward, increased observations by specialists, intensified surface disinfection, used...
The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) is associated with increased infectivity. Data on breakthrough infections in vaccinated individuals and transmission risk are limited. aim of this study was to provide estimates infections.
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are important nosocomial pathogens that require effective infection control measures, representing a challenge for healthcare systems. This study aimed at identifying risk factors associated with prolonged VRE carriage and determining the rate of clearance allows discontinuation contact precautions. During 2-year study, screening was performed in patients history or becoming colonized. After bacterial identification antibiotic susceptibility testing,...
We report an ongoing, protracted and geographically dispersed outbreak of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) gastroenteritis in Germany, involving 30 cases since December 2016. The was caused by the sorbitol-fermenting immotile variant Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) Escherichia coli O157. Molecular typing revealed close relatedness between isolates from 14 cases. One HUS patient died. Results a case–control study suggest packaged minced meat as most likely food vehicle. Food safety...
With high numbers of refugees arriving in Europe uncertainty exists as to whether multidrug-resistant organisms are imported into the healthcare system. In our study, we identified 383 refugee-inpatients admitted University Hospital Münster, Germany between September 2015 and 2016. For this patient cohort screening for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) was recommended institution. Until May 2016...
The measures used to contain the COVID-19 pandemic led a significant reduction in physical activity. Due health benefits of exercise, recommendations were made for lockdown restrictions. Within CoCo-Fakt study (Cologne-Corona counselling and support index contacts during quarantine period), we aimed determine how these implemented, especially by individuals who officially quarantined due an infected persons (IPs) or as close (CPs), this affected their psychological condition.From 12 December...
ABSTRACT Alongside the well-characterized enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7, serogroup O157 comprises sorbitol-fermenting typical and atypical enteropathogenic E. (EPEC/aEPEC) strains that carry intimin-encoding gene eae but not Shiga toxin-encoding genes ( stx ). Since little is known about these pathogens, we characterized 30 clinical isolates from patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or uncomplicated diarrhea respect to their flagellin fliC ) type multilocus...
Introduction The current coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has placed unprecedented restrictions on people’s lives and routines. To counteract the exponential spread of this virus, a lockdown was implemented in Germany March 2020. Infected persons their contacts were also quarantined. Compliance with quarantine measures is essential for containing virus avoiding incalculable consequences terms morbidity mortality. On other hand, prolonged homestays, particularly quarantining, may lead to...
Abstract Purpose School closures have been used as part of lockdown strategies to contain the spread SARS-CoV-2, adversely affecting children’s health and education. To ensure accessibility educational institutions without exposing society risk increased transmissions, it is essential establish SARS-CoV-2 testing that are child-friendly, scalable implementable in a daily school routine. Self-sampling using non-invasive saliva swabs combined with pooled RT-qPCR (Lolli-Method) has proven be...