Publications by authors named "Elisabeth Aichinger"

We investigated 543 Listeria monocytogenes isolates from food having a temporal and spatial distribution compatible with that of the invasive listeriosis outbreak occurring 2012-2016 in southern Germany. Using forensic microbiology, we identified several products from 1 manufacturer contaminated with the outbreak genotype. Continuous molecular surveillance of food isolates could prevent such outbreaks.

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Listeriosis patient isolates in Germany have shown a new identical pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern since 2012 (n = 66). Almost all isolates (Listeria monocytogenes serotype 1/2a) belonged to cases living in southern Germany, indicating an outbreak with a so far unknown source. Case numbers in 2015 are high (n = 28).

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Background: Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) incidence in Germany is low, but management of contacts to prevent subsequent cases still requires resources. Local public health authorities (LHA) advise antibiotic post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and vaccination to close contacts as defined in national guidance. We aimed to audit implementation of recommendations for IMD public health management in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, and to estimate associated costs.

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In 2011 and 2012, a large outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections affecting 57 laboratory-confirmed patients occurred in an adult hematology unit in Heidelberg, Germany. During the outbreak investigation, we performed molecular genotyping of RSV strains to differentiate between single versus multiple introductions of the virus into the unit. Furthermore, we assessed the time of viral shedding of consecutive samples from the patients in order to better understand the possible impact of prolonged shedding for outbreak control management.

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While efforts are underway to expand latrine coverage to an estimated 2.6 billion people who lack access to improved sanitation, there is evidence that actual use of latrines is suboptimal, limiting the potential health and environmental gains from containment of human excreta. We developed a passive latrine use monitor (PLUM) and compared its ability to measure latrine activity with structured observation.

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The diagnostic gains of repeat testing for Clostridium difficile by enzyme immunoassay and PCR (i.e., initial negative result followed by positive result) within a 7-day period were 1.

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Synopsis of recent research by authors named "Elisabeth Aichinger"

  • - Elisabeth Aichinger's research primarily focuses on public health microbiology, exploring bacterial and viral outbreaks, particularly Listeriosis and Meningococcal disease in Germany, through molecular characterization and epidemiological investigations.
  • - In her studies, Aichinger demonstrates the importance of forensic microbiology and continuous surveillance in identifying outbreak sources, as seen in the Listeria outbreaks traced to contaminated food products, which emphasize prevention strategies.
  • - Additionally, her work extends to sanitation technology innovation, illustrated by the development of a device to assess latrine use in low-income settings, highlighting the role of monitoring in enhancing public health interventions.

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