Role of a carboxy-terminal site of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 in eliciting immune responses of ... more Role of a carboxy-terminal site of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 in eliciting immune responses of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Gesundheitswesen (Bundesverband der Arzte des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany)), 2018
In 2016, an increased rate of methicillin-susceptible colonization was detected on a neonatal int... more In 2016, an increased rate of methicillin-susceptible colonization was detected on a neonatal intensive care unit at the Leipzig University Hospital. Typing results showed a predominant -type t091. Considering nosocomial clustering, several infection prevention measures (e. g. intensified standard precautions, single-occupancy room, cohorted patients, continuing education of staff) were introduced, including staff screening followed by decolonization of colonized health care workers. Staff members showing positive on screening carried out a 5-day decolonization program at home. Decolonization products containing octenidine as active ingredient were used first. At the earliest, 48 h after completing the procedure, the success of the intervention was tested (3 buccal and nasal swabs were taken on consecutive days). If 2 attempts at decolonization were not successful, staff members were provided with a mupirocin-containing nasal ointment instead of octenidine. Of 128 employees examined...
Bacteria, Complement and the Phagocytic Cell, 1988
Escherichia coli strains cause infections of the gut (intestinal infections), the urinary tract (... more Escherichia coli strains cause infections of the gut (intestinal infections), the urinary tract (urinary tract infections, UTI), the blood (sepsis) and are also the causative agents of new born meningitis (NBM). The infections which appear outside of the intestine have been termed as extraintestinal infections (Orskov and Orskov, 1985). It has been clear for several years that certain types of the O antigen (01, 06, 018, 075, 083) and capsule (K1, K5, K12, K15) are strongly associated with such infections, as are special fimbrial adhesins, hemolysins (Hly) and iron binding chelators, such as aerobactin, a substance which takes up iron from the surrounding medium (Table 1).
Elevated interleukin-8 levels and a mas- sive accumulation of neutrophils (PMN) are the hail- mar... more Elevated interleukin-8 levels and a mas- sive accumulation of neutrophils (PMN) are the hail- mark of a variety of severe lung diseases. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), an important res- piratory pathogen, induces interleukin-8 (IL-B) re- lease from human PMN, however, the mechanism is as yet unknown. We analyzed the role ofvirus uptake, intraceilular virus replication, virus attachment, and of virus capsid proteins for the induction of IL-8 (protein + inRNA) in human PMN. Cell supernatants were analyzed for IL-8 release via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; cell pellets were analyzed for IL-8-specific mRNA expression and for RSV-specific genomic and RSV-specilIc mRNA by reverse tran- scriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Stimulation of human PMN with viable, heat-inactivated, or UV-in- activated RSV (at a multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.) from 0.01 up to 10) induced IL-8 production (pro- tein + mRNA) to a similar degree. Maximal IL-8 release was observed at a m.o.i. of5-1O ...
The secretion of the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (Luk-PV) but not of another leukocidin (Luk-R) f... more The secretion of the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (Luk-PV) but not of another leukocidin (Luk-R) from Staphylococcus aureus strains is correlated with severe pyodermic infections (dermonecrosis). The effects of both Luk-PV and Luk-R in amounts of 0-5000 ng on inflammatory mediator release from human leukocytes were studied. Luk-PV but not Luk-R induced a pronounced release of the vasodilator histamine from human basophilic granulocytes (up to 55% +/- 7%) and of enzymes (beta-glucuronidase, up to 45% +/- 10%; lysozyme, up to 35% +/- 7%), chemotactic components leukotriene B4 (42 +/- 8 ng/10(7) cells) and interleukin-8 (up to 33 +/- 5 ng/10(7) cells), and oxygen metabolites from human neutrophilic granulocytes. The results indicate that granulocytes play a central role in dermonecrosis; these in vitro data account for the histologic picture of Luk-PV infections, characterized by local vasodilation, infiltration of granulocytes, and a central necrotic area.
Diarrhoea occurs frequently in neutropenic patients with acute leukaemia receiving chemotherapy a... more Diarrhoea occurs frequently in neutropenic patients with acute leukaemia receiving chemotherapy and may be caused by either infection- or drug-induced cytotoxicity. Since Clostridium difficile is the most common cause of nosocomial infectious diarrhoea in non-haematologic patients, we were interested in its incidence in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). In this retrospective study, we analysed 134 patients with AML receiving a total of 301 chemotherapy courses. Diarrhoea occurred during 33% of all courses in 58 patients. C. difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD) occurred in 18% of all patients and 9% of all treatment courses. Almost one third of diarrhoea episodes were caused by C. difficile. CDAD was associated with older age (58 vs. 50 years), number of antibiotics administered (2 vs. 1), duration of antibiotic therapy (7 vs. 4 days), ceftazidime as the antibiotic of choice (75% vs. 54%) and duration of neutropenia (12 vs. 7 days) prior to onset of diarrhoea. An increased risk for CDAD was seen for prolonged neutropenia. CDAD responded well to oral metronidazole and/or vancomycin and no patient died of this complication. In conclusion, CDAD is common in patients with AML receiving chemotherapy. C. difficile enterotoxin testing of stool specimens should be included in all symptomatic patients.
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, 1995
Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are frequently colonized with Staphylococcus aureus strains ... more Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are frequently colonized with Staphylococcus aureus strains secreting exotoxins such as the staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and A (SEA). Nonetheless the role of SEB and SEA in AD is yet unknown. We analyzed the responsiveness of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and isolated T cells from donors with AD and from normal donors to SEB and SEA. PBMCs as well as T cells from normal donors showed a significantly enhanced proliferation after stimulation with enterotoxin B, whereas the 3H-thymidine uptake of the T lymphocytes from patients with AD was markedly suppressed. Furthermore, we show that IFN-gamma mRNA and protein and mRNA for both chains of IL-12 (p35 and p40) are produced in human PBMCs from normal donors upon stimulation with SEB and SEA. In contrast to normal donors T cells from donors with AD predominantly express mRNA for IL-4, IL-5, and only diminished levels for IFN-gamma and IL-12 upon stimulation with SEB and SEA. Furtherm...
Helicobacter pylori infections can be effectively treated with clarithromycin, a macrolide, in co... more Helicobacter pylori infections can be effectively treated with clarithromycin, a macrolide, in combination with other antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, tetracycline or metronidazole. The failure of H. pylori eradication is mainly associated with macrolide-resistant strains. Three point mutations (A2142G/C, A2143G, T2182C) in the peptidyltransferase region of domain V of the 23S rRNA have been described as being associated with clarithromycin resistance. Therefore, the determination of clarithromycin resistance by pyrosequencing was evaluated. H. pylori from 81 gastric biopsies was cultured and clarithromycin resistance was determined by Etest, as well as by pyrosequencing technology (PSQ 96 system; Biotage). The respective mutations were set in relation to the MIC measured in μg ml−1 by Etest. In this study, point mutations in positions 2142 and 2143 were associated with clarithromycin resistance. Mutations in position 2182 did not contribute to clarithromycin resistance. In additio...
Role of a carboxy-terminal site of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 in eliciting immune responses of ... more Role of a carboxy-terminal site of toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 in eliciting immune responses of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Gesundheitswesen (Bundesverband der Arzte des Offentlichen Gesundheitsdienstes (Germany)), 2018
In 2016, an increased rate of methicillin-susceptible colonization was detected on a neonatal int... more In 2016, an increased rate of methicillin-susceptible colonization was detected on a neonatal intensive care unit at the Leipzig University Hospital. Typing results showed a predominant -type t091. Considering nosocomial clustering, several infection prevention measures (e. g. intensified standard precautions, single-occupancy room, cohorted patients, continuing education of staff) were introduced, including staff screening followed by decolonization of colonized health care workers. Staff members showing positive on screening carried out a 5-day decolonization program at home. Decolonization products containing octenidine as active ingredient were used first. At the earliest, 48 h after completing the procedure, the success of the intervention was tested (3 buccal and nasal swabs were taken on consecutive days). If 2 attempts at decolonization were not successful, staff members were provided with a mupirocin-containing nasal ointment instead of octenidine. Of 128 employees examined...
Bacteria, Complement and the Phagocytic Cell, 1988
Escherichia coli strains cause infections of the gut (intestinal infections), the urinary tract (... more Escherichia coli strains cause infections of the gut (intestinal infections), the urinary tract (urinary tract infections, UTI), the blood (sepsis) and are also the causative agents of new born meningitis (NBM). The infections which appear outside of the intestine have been termed as extraintestinal infections (Orskov and Orskov, 1985). It has been clear for several years that certain types of the O antigen (01, 06, 018, 075, 083) and capsule (K1, K5, K12, K15) are strongly associated with such infections, as are special fimbrial adhesins, hemolysins (Hly) and iron binding chelators, such as aerobactin, a substance which takes up iron from the surrounding medium (Table 1).
Elevated interleukin-8 levels and a mas- sive accumulation of neutrophils (PMN) are the hail- mar... more Elevated interleukin-8 levels and a mas- sive accumulation of neutrophils (PMN) are the hail- mark of a variety of severe lung diseases. The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), an important res- piratory pathogen, induces interleukin-8 (IL-B) re- lease from human PMN, however, the mechanism is as yet unknown. We analyzed the role ofvirus uptake, intraceilular virus replication, virus attachment, and of virus capsid proteins for the induction of IL-8 (protein + inRNA) in human PMN. Cell supernatants were analyzed for IL-8 release via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; cell pellets were analyzed for IL-8-specific mRNA expression and for RSV-specific genomic and RSV-specilIc mRNA by reverse tran- scriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Stimulation of human PMN with viable, heat-inactivated, or UV-in- activated RSV (at a multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.) from 0.01 up to 10) induced IL-8 production (pro- tein + mRNA) to a similar degree. Maximal IL-8 release was observed at a m.o.i. of5-1O ...
The secretion of the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (Luk-PV) but not of another leukocidin (Luk-R) f... more The secretion of the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (Luk-PV) but not of another leukocidin (Luk-R) from Staphylococcus aureus strains is correlated with severe pyodermic infections (dermonecrosis). The effects of both Luk-PV and Luk-R in amounts of 0-5000 ng on inflammatory mediator release from human leukocytes were studied. Luk-PV but not Luk-R induced a pronounced release of the vasodilator histamine from human basophilic granulocytes (up to 55% +/- 7%) and of enzymes (beta-glucuronidase, up to 45% +/- 10%; lysozyme, up to 35% +/- 7%), chemotactic components leukotriene B4 (42 +/- 8 ng/10(7) cells) and interleukin-8 (up to 33 +/- 5 ng/10(7) cells), and oxygen metabolites from human neutrophilic granulocytes. The results indicate that granulocytes play a central role in dermonecrosis; these in vitro data account for the histologic picture of Luk-PV infections, characterized by local vasodilation, infiltration of granulocytes, and a central necrotic area.
Diarrhoea occurs frequently in neutropenic patients with acute leukaemia receiving chemotherapy a... more Diarrhoea occurs frequently in neutropenic patients with acute leukaemia receiving chemotherapy and may be caused by either infection- or drug-induced cytotoxicity. Since Clostridium difficile is the most common cause of nosocomial infectious diarrhoea in non-haematologic patients, we were interested in its incidence in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). In this retrospective study, we analysed 134 patients with AML receiving a total of 301 chemotherapy courses. Diarrhoea occurred during 33% of all courses in 58 patients. C. difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD) occurred in 18% of all patients and 9% of all treatment courses. Almost one third of diarrhoea episodes were caused by C. difficile. CDAD was associated with older age (58 vs. 50 years), number of antibiotics administered (2 vs. 1), duration of antibiotic therapy (7 vs. 4 days), ceftazidime as the antibiotic of choice (75% vs. 54%) and duration of neutropenia (12 vs. 7 days) prior to onset of diarrhoea. An increased risk for CDAD was seen for prolonged neutropenia. CDAD responded well to oral metronidazole and/or vancomycin and no patient died of this complication. In conclusion, CDAD is common in patients with AML receiving chemotherapy. C. difficile enterotoxin testing of stool specimens should be included in all symptomatic patients.
International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, 1995
Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are frequently colonized with Staphylococcus aureus strains ... more Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are frequently colonized with Staphylococcus aureus strains secreting exotoxins such as the staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and A (SEA). Nonetheless the role of SEB and SEA in AD is yet unknown. We analyzed the responsiveness of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and isolated T cells from donors with AD and from normal donors to SEB and SEA. PBMCs as well as T cells from normal donors showed a significantly enhanced proliferation after stimulation with enterotoxin B, whereas the 3H-thymidine uptake of the T lymphocytes from patients with AD was markedly suppressed. Furthermore, we show that IFN-gamma mRNA and protein and mRNA for both chains of IL-12 (p35 and p40) are produced in human PBMCs from normal donors upon stimulation with SEB and SEA. In contrast to normal donors T cells from donors with AD predominantly express mRNA for IL-4, IL-5, and only diminished levels for IFN-gamma and IL-12 upon stimulation with SEB and SEA. Furtherm...
Helicobacter pylori infections can be effectively treated with clarithromycin, a macrolide, in co... more Helicobacter pylori infections can be effectively treated with clarithromycin, a macrolide, in combination with other antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, tetracycline or metronidazole. The failure of H. pylori eradication is mainly associated with macrolide-resistant strains. Three point mutations (A2142G/C, A2143G, T2182C) in the peptidyltransferase region of domain V of the 23S rRNA have been described as being associated with clarithromycin resistance. Therefore, the determination of clarithromycin resistance by pyrosequencing was evaluated. H. pylori from 81 gastric biopsies was cultured and clarithromycin resistance was determined by Etest, as well as by pyrosequencing technology (PSQ 96 system; Biotage). The respective mutations were set in relation to the MIC measured in μg ml−1 by Etest. In this study, point mutations in positions 2142 and 2143 were associated with clarithromycin resistance. Mutations in position 2182 did not contribute to clarithromycin resistance. In additio...
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Papers by Brigitte König