Timeliness of surveillance during outbreak of Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection, Germany, 2011.

In the context of a large outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O104:H4 in Germany, we quantified the timeliness of the German surveillance system for hemolytic uremic syndrome and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli notifiable diseases during 2003-2011. Although reporting occurred faster than required by law, potential for improvement exists at all levels of the information chain.

Desperately seeking diarrhoea: outbreak of haemolytic uraemic syndrome caused by emerging sorbitol-fermenting shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H-, Germany, 2009.

Infection with sorbitol-fermenting Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H- (sf STEC O157:H-) is rare, but emerging in Europe. The pathogen is typically isolated from paediatric patients with life-threatening haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). It is unclear whether this observation primarily reflects the pathogen's virulence or its complex laboratory diagnosis, not routinely conducted in diarrhoeal patients.

Epidemic profile of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak in Germany.

Background: We describe an outbreak of gastroenteritis and the hemolytic-uremic syndrome caused by Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli in Germany in May, June, and July, 2011. The consumption of sprouts was identified as the most likely vehicle of infection.

Methods: We analyzed data from reports in Germany of Shiga-toxin-producing E.

Large and ongoing outbreak of haemolytic uraemic syndrome, Germany, May 2011.

Since early May 2011, an increased incidence of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and bloody diarrhoea related to infections with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) has been observed in Germany, with most cases in the north of the country. Cases reported from other European countries had travelled to this area. First results of a case–control study conducted in Hamburg suggest an association between the occurrence of disease and the consumption of raw tomatoes, cucumber and leaf salad.

An open trial of reboxetine in HIV-seropositive outpatients with major depressive disorder.

Background: The prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive patients is higher than in the general population. The treatment of comorbidities of HIV infection, such as depression, is an important target in the clinical management of these patients. The use of antidepressants in HIV patients can be complicated by the pharmacokinetic interaction between antidepressants and antiretroviral agents.