A5009987224- Legionella and Acanthamoeba research
- Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing
- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies
- Bacterial Infections and Vaccines
- Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus
- Bacterial Identification and Susceptibility Testing
- SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
- Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
- Vibrio bacteria research studies
- Pneumonia and Respiratory Infections
- Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria
- Trace Elements in Health
- Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies Research
- Infectious Encephalopathies and Encephalitis
- Antifungal resistance and susceptibility
- RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms
- vaccines and immunoinformatics approaches
- Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia detection and treatment
- Biosensors and Analytical Detection
- Infective Endocarditis Diagnosis and Management
- Cystic Fibrosis Research Advances
- Streptococcal Infections and Treatments
- Ocular Infections and Treatments
- COVID-19 and Mental Health
Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel
2023-2025
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
2024-2025
Université Libre de Bruxelles
2021-2024
European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
2024
Rega Institute for Medical Research
2024
KU Leuven
2024
Norwegian Institute of Public Health
2023
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Brugmann
2020
Université de Lille
2018
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille
2018
Abstract Objectives In August 2018, a public health alert was issued in Belgium regarding clusters of impetigo cases caused by the epidemic European fusidic acid-resistant clone (EEFIC) Staphylococcus aureus. As result, Belgian national reference centre (NRC) commissioned to update epidemiology S. aureus causing community-onset skin and soft tissues infection (CO-SSTI) assess proportion EEFIC among them. Methods For 1 year, clinical laboratories were asked send their first three isolated...
Introduction. Haemophilus influenzae ( Hi ) was long known as an easy-to-treat bacterium, but increasing resistance against beta-lactams and other critically important antibiotics is now a growing concern. We describe here the whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of three non-typeable isolates received in 2018–2019 by Belgian National Reference Centre (NRC) for , they presented unusual multi-resistant profile. Methods. All were sequenced WGS mapped to reference isolate Rd KW20. Shorten...
The Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in the general population context a relatively high immunity gained through early waves disease 19 (COVID-19), and vaccination campaigns. Despite this context, significant number patients were hospitalized, identifying risk factors associated with era is critical for targeting further preventive, curative interventions. We retrospectively analyzed individual medical records 1501 SARS-CoV-2 positive...
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination has resulted in excellent protection against fatal disease, including older adults. However, risk factors for post-vaccination COVID-19 are largely unknown. We comprehensively studied three large nursing home outbreaks (20-35% cases among residents) by combining severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) aerosol monitoring, whole-genome phylogenetic analysis and immunovirological profiling of nasal mucosa digital nCounter...
This first pilot trial on external quality assessment (EQA) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) whole-genome sequencing, initiated by the European Society Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Study Group for Genomic Molecular Diagnostics (ESGMD) Swiss (SSM), aims to build a framework between laboratories in order improve pathogen surveillance sequencing. Ten samples with various viral loads were sent out 15 clinical that had free choice...
Background: Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma spp. are responsible for opportunistic infections in transplant patients, sometimes causing a life-threatening hyperammonemia syndrome. Both pathogens not identified with standard microbiology techniques, resulting missed or delayed diagnosis. We present clinical case that illustrates the added value next-generation sequencing (NGS) may offer diagnosis of respiratory immune-compromised patients. Results: A 55 years-old man idiopathic pulmonary...
Background Antimicrobial resistance to mupirocin and fusidic acid, which are used for treatment of skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, is concern. Aim To investigate acid in meticillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) from community-acquired soft tissue (SSTIs) Belgium. Methods We collected 2013–2023 data on SSTI-associated MSSA two large Belgian laboratories. Resistant isolates sent the Staphylococci Reference Centre were spa -typed analysed presence eta etb virulence genes mupA...
Abstract Since the onset of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Belgium, UZ/KU Leuven has played a crucial role as National Reference Centre (NRC) for respiratory pathogens, to be first Belgian laboratory develop and implement developed diagnostic assays SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute syndrome 2) later assess quality commercial kits. To meet growing demand decentralised testing, both clinical laboratories government-supported high-throughput platforms were gradually deployed across Belgium....
Legionella pneumophila can cause a large panel of symptoms beside the classic pneumonia presentation. We present here case fatal nosocomial cellulitis in an immunocompromised patient followed, year later, by second legionnaires’ disease same ward. While first one was easily assumed as based on date onset, other needed to rely clear typing results be either assigned and related environmental source one, or community acquired. To untangle this specific question, we applied Core-genome...
Legionella pneumophila can cause a large panel of symptoms besides the classic pneumonia presentation. Here we present case fatal nosocomial cellulitis in an immunocompromised patient followed, year later, by second Legionnaires’ disease same ward. While first was easily assumed as based on date symptom onset, required clear typing results to be assigned either and related environmental source case, or community acquired. To untangle this specific question, applied core-genome multilocus...
Legionnaires' disease (LD) is a severe bacterial infection causing pneumonia. Surveillance commonly underestimates the true incidence as not all cases are laboratory confirmed and reported to public health authorities. The aim of this study was present indicators for impact LD in Belgium between 2013 2017 estimate its burden Belgian population 2017, most recent year which necessary data were available.Belgian hospital discharge data, from three infectious surveillance systems (mandatory...
We investigated the decline of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and core related (HBcrAg) in chronic patients sussessfully treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues. In plasma viral suppression, baseline median levels HBsAg HBcrAg were 3.1 3.0 log U/mL, respectively. The naïve 4.2 3.6 U/mL for HBcrAg, No significant was observed suppression within a year period. A low reduction during first months after treatment initiation, especially regarding HBcrAg. dynamics these antigens should be...
The translation of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) from research to clinical microbiology is increasing rapidly, but its integration into routine care struggles catch-up. A challenge for laboratories that the substantial investments made in required technologies and resources must meet both current forthcoming needs.To get a perspective these needs, we have sent survey infectious diseases clinicians five hospitals, covering following topics: NGS knowledge, expected syndromes patients...
<title>Abstract</title> Background Coresistance to both mupirocin and fusidic acid in<italic>Staphylococcus aureus</italic>affects the treatment of impetigo in Belgium, where they are only topical treatments available. Aim We investigated resistance methicillin-susceptible<italic>S. aureus</italic>(MSSA) strains involved community-acquired skin soft tissue infections (SSTIs). Methods The 10-year variation outpatients with SSTI-associated MSSA was studied two large laboratories. coresistant...
The incidence of Legionnaires' disease (LD) is increasing steadily in Europe. Its early diagnosis by general practitioners (GPs) crucial for better patient outcomes.
Introduction: Haemophilus influenzae (Hi) was long known as an easy-to-treat bacterium but the rise of resistance against beta-lactams and other critically important antibiotics is now increasing concern. We describe here whole genome sequencing (WGS) analysis three non-typeable Hi isolates received in 2018 – 2019 by Belgian National Reference Centre (NRC) for they presented unusual multi-resistant profile. The were resistant to ampicillin, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin,...