Serological evidence of asymptomatic infections during Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak in Germany in 2011.

Introduction: The largest known outbreak caused by a rare hybrid strain of Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC) and enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) (E.

Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence among adults, Germany.

We assessed hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibody seroprevalence in a sample of the adult population in Germany. Overall HEV IgG prevalence was 16.8% (95% CI 15.

Epidemiology of hepatitis A virus infections, Germany, 2007-2008.

Approximately 60% of hepatitis A virus infections in Germany occur in persons without a travel history to disease-endemic areas and for whom sources of infection are unknown. Recommendation of pretravel vaccination fails to prevent the remaining imported infections. Using enhanced surveillance in 2007-2008, we analyzed epidemiologic patterns of hepatitis A in Germany and appropriateness and adequacy of current immunization recommendations.

Assessment of CYP1A2 activity in clinical practice: why, how, and when?

The cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP1A2 mediates the rate-limiting step in the metabolism of many drugs including theophylline, clozapine, and tacrine as well as in the bioactivation of procarcinogens. CYP1A2 activity shows both pronounced intra- and interindividual variability, which is, among other factors, related to smoking causing enzyme induction, to drug intake and to dietary factors which may result in induction or inhibition. In contrast to these exogenous factors, genetic influences on enzyme activity seem to be less pronounced.

Time response of cytochrome P450 1A2 activity on cessation of heavy smoking.

Background And Objective: Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 activity is induced by cigarette smoking. Thus smoking cessation in patients while they are undergoing therapy with a CYP1A2 substrate such as theophylline or clozapine increases its concentrations and may cause adverse effects. Our objective was to determine the time course of CYP1A2 activity changes after smoking cessation in heavy smokers as the basis for dosing adaptation schemes.