Risk factors for human seropositivity in South Germany.

We analyzed risk factors for seropositivity in humans, using data from a population-based cross-sectional zoonosis survey in South Germany (2008/9). Out of 1007 participants 42 (4.2 %) were sero-positive (19/446 men; 23/561 women), indicating that exposure and sero-conversion is much more frequent than commonly assumed.

[Respiratory symptoms and sensitization to airborne pollen of ragweed and mugwort of adults in Southwest Germany].

Background And Objective: Allergic diseases of the respiratory tract are common atopic diseases in the population. Pollen of plants are one of their main causes. Pollen of trees, grasses, and weeds like mugwort are of particular importance in this context.

Decrease of internal exposure to chlororganic compounds and heavy metals in children in Baden-Württemberg between 1996/1997 and 2008/2009.

From 1996/1997 to 2008/2009, blood and urine were sampled from 9- to 11-year-old pupils in the state of Baden-Württemberg, South-West Germany. In blood samples the chlororganics DDE, HCB, PCB-138, PCB-153 and PCB-180 were analysed by gas chromatography and ECD detection. PCDD/PCDF were measured in pooled blood samples using GC/MS.

[Epidemiological enquiries in two Q fever outbreaks in a community of Baden-Württemberg during 2008 and 2009].

In 2008 and 2009, two consecutive outbreaks of Q fever in humans were recorded in the district of Freudenstadt, northern Black Forrest, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. In 2008, a total of 41 persons from a single local community fell ill and were found infected with Coxiella burnetii. Although comprehensive diagnostic and epidemiological outbreak investigations were conducted and control measures taken which included vaccination of ruminants at risk in three parts of the affected community, re-occurrence of the disease in 2009 with further 29 confirmed human Q fever cases could not be prevented.

Outbreak of leptospirosis among triathlon participants in Germany, 2006.

Background: In August 2006, a case of leptospirosis occurred in an athlete after a triathlon held around Heidelberg and in the Neckar river. In order to study a possible outbreak and to determine risk factors for infection an epidemiological investigation was performed.

Methods: Participants of the triathlon were contacted by e-mail and were asked to fill out a standardized questionnaire.