A cluster of Mayaro virus infections in a film team returning from Suriname, February 2024.

Mayaro virus is endemic to the tropical Americas, where the incidence is currently increasing. Like other viruses of the Semliki Forest virus serocomplex, such as , symptomatic infections are typically characterised by an acute febrile disease followed by long-lasting arthralgia. Cases in travellers are rarely reported but may be underdiagnosed.

Clinical phenotype and outcome of persistent SARS-CoV-2 replication in immunocompromised hosts: a retrospective observational study in the Omicron era.

Purpose: This study aims to describe clinical, virological and radiological characteristics as well as treatment strategies and outcomes of immunocompromised patients with persistent SARS-CoV-2 replication.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of immunocompromised patients at the University Medical Center Freiburg between 01/2022 and 05/2023. Patients with substantial immunosuppression and persistent SARS-CoV-2 detection (Ct-value < 30 after 14 days) were included.

[Antibiotic allergies: targeted approach in suspected β‑lactam allergy].

Allergic reactions to antibiotics belong to hypersensitivity drug reactions and can trigger both immunoglobulin E-mediated symptoms and T cell-mediated symptoms. Skin manifestations are the most common symptoms. Although reporting a penicillin allergy results in considerable restrictions in the treatment of acute infections, which may be associated with poor treatment outcomes, in most cases the label 'penicillin allergy' is not called into question or critically reviewed.

Already current practice? A snapshot survey on doxycycline use for prevention of sexually transmitted infections in parts of the German MSM community.

Purpose: Recent studies point toward a potential benefit of doxycycline use for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) or pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Although prescribing doxycycline in a prophylactic intention is not generally recommended yet, we noticed an increasing number of inquiries from individuals within the LGBTQ community for doxycycline prescriptions.

Methods: We conducted an anonymous online survey to evaluate the current extent of doxycycline use for PEP or PrEP within the LGBTQ community using REDCap electronic data capture tools.

Increasing numbers and complexity of Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection-14 years of prospective evaluation at a German tertiary care centre with multi-centre validation of findings.

Objectives: Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (SAB) is a common and severe infection. This study aims to describe temporal trends in numbers, epidemiological characteristics, clinical manifestations, and outcomes of SAB.

Methods: We performed a post-hoc analysis of three prospective SAB cohorts at the University Medical Centre Freiburg between 2006 and 2019.

[Antibiotic allergies: targeted approach in suspected β‑lactam allergy].

Allergic reactions to antibiotics belong to hypersensitivity drug reactions and can trigger both immunoglobulin E-mediated symptoms and T cell-mediated symptoms. Skin manifestations are the most common symptoms. Although reporting a penicillin allergy results in considerable restrictions in the treatment of acute infections, which may be associated with poor treatment outcomes, in most cases the label 'penicillin allergy' is not called into question or critically reviewed.

Generating evidence for diagnosis and therapy of RarE LIVEr disease: the RELIVE Initiative for systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Background: Rare liver lesions and diseases have seldomly aroused major interest of researchers. For most guidelines, presumably similar clinical conditions are pooled without detailed investigations of singularities that they present.

Main Text: A multidisciplinary project aiming to establish evidence-based therapies for rare liver diseases has been founded.

Transmission characteristics, replication patterns and clinical manifestations of human monkeypox virus-an in-depth analysis of four cases from Germany.

Objective: Since April 2022, increasing numbers of monkeypox (MPX) cases have been reported outside endemic areas as part of an international outbreak. Our study shows aspects of clinical manifestations as well as epidemiological and virological features impacting transmission, for which only scarce data are available so far.

Methods: We present a descriptive study consisting of epidemiological, clinical and virological data of four patients with confirmed MPX diagnosis.

Study protocol of REpeat versus SIngle ShoT Antibiotic prophylaxis in major Abdominal Surgery (RESISTAAS I): a prospective observational study of antibiotic prophylaxis practice for patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Introduction: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common complications after abdominal surgery and develop in approximately 20% of patients. These patients suffer a 12% increase in mortality, underlying the need for strategies reducing SSI. Perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis is paramount for SSI prevention in major abdominal surgery.

Short-course versus long-course antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated vancomycin-resistant enterococcal bacteraemia: a retrospective multicentre cohort study.

Objectives: The optimal treatment duration for vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) bacteraemia is still a matter of debate. The aim of the present study was to compare short-course (≤9 days) and long-course (≥10 days) antibiotic treatments in hospitalized adult patients with uncomplicated VRE bacteraemia.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in four university hospitals in Germany.

Prognostic indicators and outcomes of hospitalised COVID-19 patients with neurological disease: An individual patient data meta-analysis.

Background: Neurological COVID-19 disease has been reported widely, but published studies often lack information on neurological outcomes and prognostic risk factors. We aimed to describe the spectrum of neurological disease in hospitalised COVID-19 patients; characterise clinical outcomes; and investigate factors associated with a poor outcome.

Methods: We conducted an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis of hospitalised patients with neurological COVID-19 disease, using standard case definitions.

Routine Postoperative Antibiotic Prophylaxis Offers No Benefit after Hepatectomy-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Prophylactic antibiotics are frequently administered after major abdominal surgery including hepatectomies aiming to prevent infective complications. Yet, excessive use of antibiotics increases resistance in bacteria. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy of prophylactic antibiotics after hepatectomy (postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, POA).

Lung Abscess and Recurrent Empyema After Infection With : A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

is a rarely identified cause of respiratory infection that can cause significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. It is often missed due to the difficult detection of the organism with routine laboratory methods. We present the case of a 63-year-old male with a history of lymphoma who was transferred to our hospital with recurrent right-sided empyema and lung abscess in the right lower lobe.

[Clinical benefit of Tocilizumab and other immunomodulating agents for treatment of COVID-19].

The pathophysiological course of COVID-19 can be distinguished in a phase of viral replication and an inflammatory phase. Hyperinflammatory processes promote the development of severe COVID-19. Therefore, immunomodulating agents came into focus.

Within-host evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in an immunosuppressed COVID-19 patient as a source of immune escape variants.

The origin of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern remains unclear. Here, we test whether intra-host virus evolution during persistent infections could be a contributing factor by characterizing the long-term SARS-CoV-2 infection dynamics in an immunosuppressed kidney transplant recipient. Applying RT-qPCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS) of sequential respiratory specimens, we identify several mutations in the viral genome late in infection.

Therapy with lopinavir/ritonavir and hydroxychloroquine is associated with acute kidney injury in COVID-19 patients.

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an independent risk factor for mortality, which affects about 5% of hospitalized coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients and up to 25-29% of severely ill COVID-19 patients. Lopinavir/ritonavir and hydroxychloroquine show in vitro activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and have been used for the treatment of COVID-19. Both, lopinavir and hydroxychloroquine are metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4.

HBV-infection rate and long-term outcome after liver-transplantation of anti-HBc-positive liver-grafts to HBV-naïve recipients: A retrospective study.

Background: Anti-HBc only positive liver grafts may be suitable for HBV-naive recipients insofar as an appropriate infection prophylaxis is performed. Therefore, we investigated the effect of prophylactic regimens on HBV infection prevention and long-term outcome of anti-HBc-positive graft recipients.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective monocenter study consisted of a cohort of 1912 patients who underwent deceased donor liver transplantation at our transplant center between June 1987 and July 2019.

[Pulmonary Sonography in Patients With Suspected COVID-19 - Step-by-Step].

Pulmonary sonography can be a valuable aid in the differential diagnosis of a variety of cardiopulmonary diseases, including patients with COVID-19. Pulmonary sonography is an examination method that is also quickly available at the bedside without additional risks for the patient. When COVID-19 is suspected, lung sonography is a valuable component of initial diagnosis when used systematically, performed hygienically and correctly.

[COVID-19 associated pneumonia despite repeatedly negative PCR-analysis from oropharyngeal swabs].

Patient History And Clinical Findings: A 46-year old construction worker presented at the emergency department with two orthostatic syncopes. The patient complained of prolonged fever and coughs for 7 days which had not improved after oral treatment with sultamicillin for 5 days, prescribed by the patient's general practitioner. Physical examination showed high blood pressure due to previously known hypertension.

Clinical features and surgical outcomes of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma: retrospective analysis of a single-center experience.

Background: Clinicopathological features and surgical outcomes of patients with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FL-HCC) are underreported. The aim of this study is to describe clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes for patients with this rare tumor to raise awareness among clinicians and surgeons.

Methods: Retrospective review of records of a tertiary referral center and specialized liver unit was performed.

Routine Liver Elastography Could Predict Actuarial Survival after Liver Transplantation.

Background And Aims: Transient elastography (TE) has routinely been implemented in the diagnosis and assessment of chronic liver disease. Little data are available in the post liver transplant (LTx) setting.

Methods: Three months after LTx, we performed TE in 137 liver transplant recipients and investigated its predictive value upon further clinical outcome.

Impact of interventions and tumor stage on health-related quality of life in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Purpose: This study aims to examine the health-related quality of life in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods: 181 patients attending a tertiary center outpatient clinic were interviewed and completed the short form 36 (SF36) questionnaire. The SF36 was used to assess health-related QoL.

Phospholipase A of Microbiota as Pathogenetic Determinant to Induce Inflammatory States in Ulcerative Colitis: Therapeutic Implications of Phospholipase A Inhibitors.

Background: Attack by commensal microbiota is one component of induction of inflammatory episodes in ulcerative colitis (UC). In UC, the mucus layer is intrinsically devoid of phosphatidylcholine (PC) resulting in low hydrophobicity which facilitates bacterial invasion. Colonic ectophospholipase-carrying bacterial strains are likely candidates to further thinning the PC mucus barrier and to precipitate inflammatory episodes.