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Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt
Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany

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Journal article
Published: 22 August 2021 in Microorganisms
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Background: Recent studies demonstrated higher prevalence rates of Tropheryma whipplei (T. whipplei) in HIV positive than in HIV negative subjects. However, associations with the immune status in HIV positive participants were conflicting. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, stool samples of 906 HIV positive and 98 HIV negative individuals in Ghana were tested for T. whipplei. Additionally, sociodemographic parameters, clinical symptoms, medical drug intake, and laboratory parameters were assessed. Results: The prevalence of T. whipplei was 5.85% in HIV positive and 2.04% in HIV negative participants. Within the group of HIV positive participants, the prevalence reached 7.18% in patients without co-trimoxazole prophylaxis, 10.26% in subjects with ART intake, and 12.31% in obese participants. Frequencies of clinical symptoms were not found to be higher in HIV positive T. whipplei carriers compared to T. whipplei negative participants. Markers of immune activation were lower in patients colonized with T. whipplei. Multivariate regression models demonstrated an independent relationship of a high CD4+ T cell count, a low HIV-1 viral load, and an obese body weight with the presence of T. whipplei. Conclusions: Among HIV positive individuals, T. whipplei colonization was associated with a better immune status but not with clinical consequences. Our data suggest that the withdrawal of co-trimoxazole chemoprophylaxis among people living with HIV on stable cART regimen may inadvertently increase the propensity towards colonization with T. whipplei.

ACS Style

Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Fred Stephen Sarfo; Eva-Maria Klupp; Albert Dompreh; Veronica Di Cristanziano; Edmund Osei Kuffour; Richard Boateng; Betty Norman; Richard Odame Phillips; Martin Aepfelbacher; Torsten Feldt. Intestinal Colonization with Tropheryma whipplei—Clinical and Immunological Implications for HIV Positive Adults in Ghana. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 1781 .

AMA Style

Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt, Fred Stephen Sarfo, Eva-Maria Klupp, Albert Dompreh, Veronica Di Cristanziano, Edmund Osei Kuffour, Richard Boateng, Betty Norman, Richard Odame Phillips, Martin Aepfelbacher, Torsten Feldt. Intestinal Colonization with Tropheryma whipplei—Clinical and Immunological Implications for HIV Positive Adults in Ghana. Microorganisms. 2021; 9 (8):1781.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Fred Stephen Sarfo; Eva-Maria Klupp; Albert Dompreh; Veronica Di Cristanziano; Edmund Osei Kuffour; Richard Boateng; Betty Norman; Richard Odame Phillips; Martin Aepfelbacher; Torsten Feldt. 2021. "Intestinal Colonization with Tropheryma whipplei—Clinical and Immunological Implications for HIV Positive Adults in Ghana." Microorganisms 9, no. 8: 1781.

Journal article
Published: 19 August 2021 in Pathogens
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Cystoisospora (C.) belli is a coccidian parasite associated with acute or chronic gastroenteritis in immunocompromised patients. Dissatisfactory sensitivity of microscopy as the diagnostic standard approach has been described. Here, we comparatively evaluated two real-time PCRs targeting ribosomal RNA gene sequences of C. belli in stool in a test comparison without a reference standard applying latent class analysis. Therefore, 1000 stool samples from Ghanaian HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) patients (n = 905) as well as military returnees from the tropics (n = 95) were assessed by both assays in parallel. After the exclusion of 33 samples showing PCR inhibition, 29 and 33 positive results were recorded with the 5.8S rRNA gene/ITS-2 sequence PCR and the ITS-2 sequence PCR, respectively, resulting in an accuracy-adjusted prevalence of 3.2%. Nearly perfect agreement between both assays was indicated by Fleiss’ kappa of 0.933 with sensitivity and specificity of 92.8% and 100% as well as 100% and 99.8% for the 5.8S rRNA gene/ITS-2 sequence PCR and the ITS-2 sequence PCR, respectively. Both assays proved to be suitable for the diagnosis of C. belli in human stool samples with slightly better sensitivity of the ITS-2 sequence assay, while the 5.8S rRNA gene/ITS-2 sequence PCR may be considered for confirmatory testing.

ACS Style

Martin Blohm; Andreas Hahn; Ralf Matthias Hagen; Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Holger Rohde; Gérard Leboulle; Torsten Feldt; Fred Stephen Sarfo; Veronica Di Cristanziano; Hagen Frickmann; Ulrike Loderstädt. Comparison of Two Real-Time PCR Assays Targeting Ribosomal Sequences for the Identification of Cystoisospora belli in Human Stool Samples. Pathogens 2021, 10, 1053 .

AMA Style

Martin Blohm, Andreas Hahn, Ralf Matthias Hagen, Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt, Holger Rohde, Gérard Leboulle, Torsten Feldt, Fred Stephen Sarfo, Veronica Di Cristanziano, Hagen Frickmann, Ulrike Loderstädt. Comparison of Two Real-Time PCR Assays Targeting Ribosomal Sequences for the Identification of Cystoisospora belli in Human Stool Samples. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (8):1053.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Martin Blohm; Andreas Hahn; Ralf Matthias Hagen; Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Holger Rohde; Gérard Leboulle; Torsten Feldt; Fred Stephen Sarfo; Veronica Di Cristanziano; Hagen Frickmann; Ulrike Loderstädt. 2021. "Comparison of Two Real-Time PCR Assays Targeting Ribosomal Sequences for the Identification of Cystoisospora belli in Human Stool Samples." Pathogens 10, no. 8: 1053.

Journal article
Published: 18 August 2021 in Microorganisms
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Background: The human gut microbiota is a microbial ecosystem contributing to the maintenance of host health with functions related to immune and metabolic aspects. Relations between microbiota and enteric pathogens in sub-Saharan Africa are scarcely investigated. The present study explored gut microbiota composition associated to the presence of common enteric pathogens and commensal microorganisms, e.g., Blastocystis and Entamoeba species, in children and adults from semi-urban and non-urban localities in Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: Seventy-six stool samples were analyzed for microbiota composition by 16S rRDNA sequencing. The presence of adeno-, entero-, parechoviruses, bacterial and protozoal pathogens, Blastocystis, and commensal Entamoeba species, was analyzed by different molecular assays. Results: Twelve individuals resulted negative for any tested microorganisms, 64 subjects were positive for one or more microorganisms. Adenovirus, enterovirus, enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), and Blastocystis were frequently detected. Conclusions: The bacterial composition driven by Prevotellaceae and Ruminococcaceae confirmed the biotype related to the traditional dietary and cooking practices in low-income countries. Clear separation in UniFrac distance in subjects co-harboring Entamoeba hartmanni and Blastocystis was evidenced. Alpha diversity variation in negative control group versus only Blastocystis positive suggested its possible regulatory contribution on intestinal microbiota. Pathogenic bacteria and virus did not affect the positive outcome of co-harbored Blastocystis.

ACS Style

Veronica Di Cristanziano; Fedja Farowski; Federica Berrilli; Maristella Santoro; David Di Cave; Christophe Glé; Martin Daeumer; Alexander Thielen; Maike Wirtz; Rolf Kaiser; Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Maria J. G. T. Vehreschild; Rossella D’Alfonso. Analysis of Human Gut Microbiota Composition Associated to the Presence of Commensal and Pathogen Microorganisms in Côte d’Ivoire. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 1763 .

AMA Style

Veronica Di Cristanziano, Fedja Farowski, Federica Berrilli, Maristella Santoro, David Di Cave, Christophe Glé, Martin Daeumer, Alexander Thielen, Maike Wirtz, Rolf Kaiser, Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt, Maria J. G. T. Vehreschild, Rossella D’Alfonso. Analysis of Human Gut Microbiota Composition Associated to the Presence of Commensal and Pathogen Microorganisms in Côte d’Ivoire. Microorganisms. 2021; 9 (8):1763.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Veronica Di Cristanziano; Fedja Farowski; Federica Berrilli; Maristella Santoro; David Di Cave; Christophe Glé; Martin Daeumer; Alexander Thielen; Maike Wirtz; Rolf Kaiser; Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Maria J. G. T. Vehreschild; Rossella D’Alfonso. 2021. "Analysis of Human Gut Microbiota Composition Associated to the Presence of Commensal and Pathogen Microorganisms in Côte d’Ivoire." Microorganisms 9, no. 8: 1763.

Research article
Published: 03 June 2021 in Applied Developmental Science
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There is a lack of feasible and psychometrically sound instruments assessing social-emotional development in young children in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) in two West-African populations. We administered the BITSEA in an interview-based mode to 289 mothers from Côte d'Ivoire and 227 mothers from Ghana for assessing their two-year-old children. In confirmatory factor analyses of four possible underlying theoretical models, we found only minimal support for the validity of the Problem scale and no support for the validity of the Competence scale. Consequently, without adaptation and subsequent validation of the modified version we cannot recommend the use of the BITSEA in West-African countries.

ACS Style

Dana Barthel; Levente Kriston; Nan Guo; Esther Doris Yao; Koffi Ekissi Jean Armel; Daniel Fordjour; Yasmin Mohammed; Carine Esther Bony Kotchi; Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Rebecca Hinz; Stephan Ehrhardt; Carola Bindt. Psychometric properties of the Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) in two-year-old Ivorian and Ghanaian children. Applied Developmental Science 2021, 1 -11.

AMA Style

Dana Barthel, Levente Kriston, Nan Guo, Esther Doris Yao, Koffi Ekissi Jean Armel, Daniel Fordjour, Yasmin Mohammed, Carine Esther Bony Kotchi, Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt, Rebecca Hinz, Stephan Ehrhardt, Carola Bindt. Psychometric properties of the Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) in two-year-old Ivorian and Ghanaian children. Applied Developmental Science. 2021; ():1-11.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Dana Barthel; Levente Kriston; Nan Guo; Esther Doris Yao; Koffi Ekissi Jean Armel; Daniel Fordjour; Yasmin Mohammed; Carine Esther Bony Kotchi; Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Rebecca Hinz; Stephan Ehrhardt; Carola Bindt. 2021. "Psychometric properties of the Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) in two-year-old Ivorian and Ghanaian children." Applied Developmental Science , no. : 1-11.

Journal article
Published: 26 May 2021 in Pathogens
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Microsporidiosis is an infection predominantly occurring in immunosuppressed patients and infrequently also in travelers. This study was performed to comparatively evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of real-time PCR assays targeting microsporidia with etiological relevance in the stool of human patients in a latent class analysis-based test comparison without a reference standard with perfect accuracy. Thereby, two one-tube real-time PCR assays and two two-tube real-time PCR assays targeting Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalocytozoon spp. were included in the assessment with reference stool material (20), stool samples from Ghanaian HIV-positive patients (903), and from travelers, migrants and Colombian indigenous people (416). Sensitivity of the assays ranged from 60.4% to 97.4% and specificity from 99.1% to 100% with substantial agreement according to Cohen’s kappa of 79.6%. Microsporidia DNA was detected in the reference material and the stool of the HIV patients but not in the stool of the travelers, migrants, and the Colombian indigenous people. Accuracy-adjusted prevalence was 5.8% (n = 78) for the study population as a whole. In conclusion, reliable detection of enteric disease-associated microsporidia in stool samples by real-time PCR could be demonstrated, but sensitivity between the compared microsporidia-specific real-time PCR assays varied.

ACS Style

Konstantin Tanida; Andreas Hahn; Kirsten Eberhardt; Egbert Tannich; Olfert Landt; Simone Kann; Torsten Feldt; Fred Sarfo; Veronica Di Cristanziano; Hagen Frickmann; Ulrike Loderstädt. Comparative Assessment of In-House Real-Time PCRs Targeting Enteric Disease-Associated Microsporidia in Human Stool Samples. Pathogens 2021, 10, 656 .

AMA Style

Konstantin Tanida, Andreas Hahn, Kirsten Eberhardt, Egbert Tannich, Olfert Landt, Simone Kann, Torsten Feldt, Fred Sarfo, Veronica Di Cristanziano, Hagen Frickmann, Ulrike Loderstädt. Comparative Assessment of In-House Real-Time PCRs Targeting Enteric Disease-Associated Microsporidia in Human Stool Samples. Pathogens. 2021; 10 (6):656.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Konstantin Tanida; Andreas Hahn; Kirsten Eberhardt; Egbert Tannich; Olfert Landt; Simone Kann; Torsten Feldt; Fred Sarfo; Veronica Di Cristanziano; Hagen Frickmann; Ulrike Loderstädt. 2021. "Comparative Assessment of In-House Real-Time PCRs Targeting Enteric Disease-Associated Microsporidia in Human Stool Samples." Pathogens 10, no. 6: 656.

Journal article
Published: 31 March 2021 in Microorganisms
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Background: The investigation of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 represents a key aspect in facing the COVID-19 pandemic. In the present study, we compared the new Immundiagnostik IDK® anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG assay with four widely-used commercial serological assays for the detection of antibodies targeting S (spike) and NC (nucleocapsid) proteins. Methods: Serum samples were taken from an unbiased group of convalescent patients and from a negative control group. Sample were simultaneously analyzed by the new Immundiagnostik IDK® anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG assay, by the DiaSorin LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG assay, and by the Euroimmun anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG ELISA. Antibodies binding NC were detected by the Abbott SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay and by the pan-immunoglobulin immunoassay Roche Elecsys® anti-SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, we investigated samples of a group of COVID-19 convalescent subjects that were primarily tested S1 IgG non-reactive. Samples were also tested by live virus and pseudovirus neutralization tests. Results: Overall, the IDK® anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG assay showed the highest sensitivity among the evaluated spike (S) protein-based assays. Additionally, the Immundiagnostik assay correlated well with serum-neutralizing activity. Conclusions: The novel IDK® anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1 IgG assay showed high sensitivity and specificity, representing a valid option for use in the routine diagnostic.

ACS Style

Kirsten Eberhardt; Felix Dewald; Eva Heger; Lutz Gieselmann; Kanika Vanshylla; Maike Wirtz; Franziska Kleipass; Wibke Johannis; Philipp Schommers; Henning Gruell; Karl Brensing; Roman-Ulrich Müller; Max Augustin; Clara Lehmann; Manuel Koch; Florian Klein; Veronica Di Cristanziano. Evaluation of a New Spike (S)-Protein-Based Commercial Immunoassay for the Detection of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Microorganisms 2021, 9, 733 .

AMA Style

Kirsten Eberhardt, Felix Dewald, Eva Heger, Lutz Gieselmann, Kanika Vanshylla, Maike Wirtz, Franziska Kleipass, Wibke Johannis, Philipp Schommers, Henning Gruell, Karl Brensing, Roman-Ulrich Müller, Max Augustin, Clara Lehmann, Manuel Koch, Florian Klein, Veronica Di Cristanziano. Evaluation of a New Spike (S)-Protein-Based Commercial Immunoassay for the Detection of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Microorganisms. 2021; 9 (4):733.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kirsten Eberhardt; Felix Dewald; Eva Heger; Lutz Gieselmann; Kanika Vanshylla; Maike Wirtz; Franziska Kleipass; Wibke Johannis; Philipp Schommers; Henning Gruell; Karl Brensing; Roman-Ulrich Müller; Max Augustin; Clara Lehmann; Manuel Koch; Florian Klein; Veronica Di Cristanziano. 2021. "Evaluation of a New Spike (S)-Protein-Based Commercial Immunoassay for the Detection of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG." Microorganisms 9, no. 4: 733.

Preprint content
Published: 01 February 2021
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A detailed understanding of antibody-based SARS-CoV-2 immunity has critical implications for overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic and for informing on vaccination strategies. In this study, we evaluated the dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 antibody response in a cohort of 963 recovered individuals over a period of 10 months. Investigating a total of 2,146 samples, we detected an initial SARS-CoV-2 antibody response in 94.4% of individuals, with 82% and 79% exhibiting serum and IgG neutralization, respectively. Approximately 3% of recovered patients demonstrated exceptional SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing activity, defining them as ‘elite neutralizers’. These individuals also possessed effective cross-neutralizing IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-1 without any known prior exposure to this virus. By applying multivariate statistical modeling, we found that sero-reactivity, age, time since disease onset, and fever are key factors predicting SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing activity in mild courses of COVID-19. Investigating longevity of the antibody response, we detected loss of anti-spike reactivity in 13% of individuals 10 months after infection. Moreover, neutralizing activity had an initial half-life of 6.7 weeks in serum versus 30.8 weeks in purified IgG samples indicating the presence of a more stable and long-term memory IgG B cell repertoire in the majority of individuals recovered from COVID-19. Our results demonstrate a broad spectrum of the initial SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody response depending on clinical characteristics, with antibodies being maintained in the majority of individuals for the first 10 months after mild course of COVID-19.

ACS Style

Florian Klein; Kanika Vanshylla; Veronica Cristanziano; Franziska Kleipass; Felix Dewald; Philipp Schommers; Lutz Gieselmann; Henning Gruell; Maike Schlotz; Meryem Ercanoglu; Ricarda Stumpf; Petra Mayer; Eva Heger; Wibke Johannis; Carola Horn; Isabelle Suárez; Norma Jung; Susanne Salomon; Kirsten Eberhardt; Gerd Fätkenheuer; Nico Pfeifer; Ralf Eggeling; Max Augustin; Clara Lehmann. Kinetics and correlates of the neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2. 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Florian Klein, Kanika Vanshylla, Veronica Cristanziano, Franziska Kleipass, Felix Dewald, Philipp Schommers, Lutz Gieselmann, Henning Gruell, Maike Schlotz, Meryem Ercanoglu, Ricarda Stumpf, Petra Mayer, Eva Heger, Wibke Johannis, Carola Horn, Isabelle Suárez, Norma Jung, Susanne Salomon, Kirsten Eberhardt, Gerd Fätkenheuer, Nico Pfeifer, Ralf Eggeling, Max Augustin, Clara Lehmann. Kinetics and correlates of the neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2. . 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Florian Klein; Kanika Vanshylla; Veronica Cristanziano; Franziska Kleipass; Felix Dewald; Philipp Schommers; Lutz Gieselmann; Henning Gruell; Maike Schlotz; Meryem Ercanoglu; Ricarda Stumpf; Petra Mayer; Eva Heger; Wibke Johannis; Carola Horn; Isabelle Suárez; Norma Jung; Susanne Salomon; Kirsten Eberhardt; Gerd Fätkenheuer; Nico Pfeifer; Ralf Eggeling; Max Augustin; Clara Lehmann. 2021. "Kinetics and correlates of the neutralizing antibody response to SARS-CoV-2." , no. : 1.

Correspondence
Published: 18 September 2020 in Bone Marrow Transplantation
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ACS Style

Veronica Di Cristanziano; Charlotte Meyer-Schwickerath; Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Jan Rybniker; Eva Heger; Elena Knops; Michael Hallek; Florian Klein; Udo Holtick; Norma Jung. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 viremia before onset of COVID-19 symptoms in an allo-transplanted patient with acute leukemia. Bone Marrow Transplantation 2020, 56, 716 -719.

AMA Style

Veronica Di Cristanziano, Charlotte Meyer-Schwickerath, Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt, Jan Rybniker, Eva Heger, Elena Knops, Michael Hallek, Florian Klein, Udo Holtick, Norma Jung. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 viremia before onset of COVID-19 symptoms in an allo-transplanted patient with acute leukemia. Bone Marrow Transplantation. 2020; 56 (3):716-719.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Veronica Di Cristanziano; Charlotte Meyer-Schwickerath; Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Jan Rybniker; Eva Heger; Elena Knops; Michael Hallek; Florian Klein; Udo Holtick; Norma Jung. 2020. "Detection of SARS-CoV-2 viremia before onset of COVID-19 symptoms in an allo-transplanted patient with acute leukemia." Bone Marrow Transplantation 56, no. 3: 716-719.

Journal article
Published: 18 September 2020 in Viruses
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) represents a global health emergency. To improve the understanding of the systemic component of SARS-CoV-2, we investigated if viral load dynamics in plasma and respiratory samples are associated with antibody response and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was found in plasma samples from 14 (44%) out of 32 patients. RNAemia was detected in 5 out of 6 fatal cases. Peak IgG values were significantly lower in mild/moderate than in severe (0.6 (interquartile range, IQR, 0.4–3.2) vs. 11.8 (IQR, 9.9–13.0), adjusted p = 0.003) or critical cases (11.29 (IQR, 8.3–12.0), adjusted p = 0.042). IgG titers were significantly associated with virus Ct (Cycle threshold) value in plasma and respiratory specimens ((ß = 0.4, 95% CI (confidence interval, 0.2; 0.5), p < 0.001 and ß = 0.5, 95% CI (0.2; 0.6), p = 0.002). A classification as severe or a critical case was additionally inversely associated with Ct values in plasma in comparison to mild/moderate cases (ß = −3.3, 95% CI (−5.8; 0.8), p = 0.024 and ß = −4.4, 95% CI (−7.2; 1.6), p = 0.007, respectively). Based on the present data, our hypothesis is that the early stage of SARS-CoV-2 infection is characterized by a primary RNAemia, as a potential manifestation of a systemic infection. Additionally, the viral load in plasma seems to be associated with a worse disease outcome.

ACS Style

Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Charlotte Meyer-Schwickerath; Eva Heger; Elena Knops; Clara Lehmann; Jan Rybniker; Philipp Schommers; Dennis A. Eichenauer; Florian Kurth; Michael Ramharter; Rolf Kaiser; Udo Holtick; Florian Klein; Norma Jung; Veronica Di Cristanziano. RNAemia Corresponds to Disease Severity and Antibody Response in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients. Viruses 2020, 12, 1045 .

AMA Style

Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt, Charlotte Meyer-Schwickerath, Eva Heger, Elena Knops, Clara Lehmann, Jan Rybniker, Philipp Schommers, Dennis A. Eichenauer, Florian Kurth, Michael Ramharter, Rolf Kaiser, Udo Holtick, Florian Klein, Norma Jung, Veronica Di Cristanziano. RNAemia Corresponds to Disease Severity and Antibody Response in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients. Viruses. 2020; 12 (9):1045.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Charlotte Meyer-Schwickerath; Eva Heger; Elena Knops; Clara Lehmann; Jan Rybniker; Philipp Schommers; Dennis A. Eichenauer; Florian Kurth; Michael Ramharter; Rolf Kaiser; Udo Holtick; Florian Klein; Norma Jung; Veronica Di Cristanziano. 2020. "RNAemia Corresponds to Disease Severity and Antibody Response in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients." Viruses 12, no. 9: 1045.

Journal article
Published: 16 February 2020 in Viruses
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In the post-polio eradication era, increasing attention is given to non-polio enteroviruses. Most of the data about enteroviruses in sub-Saharan Africa are related to acute flaccid paralysis surveillance and target the pediatric population. This study aimed to investigate the presence of enterovirus in PLHIV (people living with HIV) and HIV-negative individuals in Ghana. Stool samples from HIV-positive individuals (n = 250) and healthy blood donors (n = 102) attending the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, were screened by real-time PCR for enterovirus. Molecular typing of the VP1 region was performed. Enterovirus-positive samples were tested for norovirus, adenovirus, rotavirus, sapovirus, and cosaviruses. Twenty-six out of 250 HIV-positive subjects (10.4%) and 14 out of 102 HIV-negative individuals (13.7%) were detected enterovirus-positive, not showing a significant different infection rate between the two groups. HIV-negative individuals were infected with Enterovirus C strains only. HIV-positive participants were detected positive for species Enterovirus A, Enterovirus B, and Enterovirus C. Co-infections with other viral enteric pathogens were almost exclusively detected among HIV-positive participants. Overall, the present study provides the first data about enteroviruses within HIV-positive and HIV-negative adults living in Ghana.

ACS Style

Veronica Di Cristanziano; Kristina Weimer; Sindy Böttcher; Fred Stephen Sarfo; Albert Dompreh; Lucio-Garcia Cesar; Elena Knops; Eva Heger; Maike Wirtz; Rolf Kaiser; Betty Norman; Richard Odame Phillips; Torsten Feldt; Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt. Molecular Characterization and Clinical Description of Non-Polio Enteroviruses Detected in Stool Samples from HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Adults in Ghana. Viruses 2020, 12, 221 .

AMA Style

Veronica Di Cristanziano, Kristina Weimer, Sindy Böttcher, Fred Stephen Sarfo, Albert Dompreh, Lucio-Garcia Cesar, Elena Knops, Eva Heger, Maike Wirtz, Rolf Kaiser, Betty Norman, Richard Odame Phillips, Torsten Feldt, Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt. Molecular Characterization and Clinical Description of Non-Polio Enteroviruses Detected in Stool Samples from HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Adults in Ghana. Viruses. 2020; 12 (2):221.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Veronica Di Cristanziano; Kristina Weimer; Sindy Böttcher; Fred Stephen Sarfo; Albert Dompreh; Lucio-Garcia Cesar; Elena Knops; Eva Heger; Maike Wirtz; Rolf Kaiser; Betty Norman; Richard Odame Phillips; Torsten Feldt; Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt. 2020. "Molecular Characterization and Clinical Description of Non-Polio Enteroviruses Detected in Stool Samples from HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Adults in Ghana." Viruses 12, no. 2: 221.

Review
Published: 01 October 2019 in International Journal of Infectious Diseases
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Lassa fever (LF) causes annual outbreaks in endemic regions with high mortality of symptomatic patients. Ribavirin is recommended as standard treatment for LF in national and international guidelines but the evidence base for this recommendation has been questioned recently. We conducted a systematic review and included 6 studies providing efficacy data of ribavirin treatment for LF (PROSPERO protocol CRD42018103994). Besides retrospective case series, the evidence mostly relies on a single prospective clinical trial with critical risk of bias. In this trial, LF associated mortality is reduced for patients with elevated aspartate aminotransferase (AST) when treated with ribavirin (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.23-0.73), while mortality is higher for patients without elevated AST (OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.07-5.25). Based on the available data, current treatment guidelines may therefore put patients with mild LF at increased risk of death. The role of ribavirin in the treatment of LF requires urgent reassessment.

ACS Style

Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Johannes Mischlinger; Sabine Jordan; Mirjam Groger; Stephan Günther; Michael Ramharter. Ribavirin for the treatment of Lassa fever: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2019, 87, 15 -20.

AMA Style

Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt, Johannes Mischlinger, Sabine Jordan, Mirjam Groger, Stephan Günther, Michael Ramharter. Ribavirin for the treatment of Lassa fever: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Infectious Diseases. 2019; 87 ():15-20.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Johannes Mischlinger; Sabine Jordan; Mirjam Groger; Stephan Günther; Michael Ramharter. 2019. "Ribavirin for the treatment of Lassa fever: A systematic review and meta-analysis." International Journal of Infectious Diseases 87, no. : 15-20.

Observational study
Published: 03 September 2019 in PLOS ONE
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Sub-Saharan Africa is endemic for intestinal parasites and distinguished for the largest burden of HIV cases. Blastocystis sp. is one of the most common protists infecting humans but its role in human disease is still controversial. Aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in HIV positive and negative adults in Ghana and its association with immune status and other risk factors. 122 HIV positive outpatients and 70 HIV negative blood donors from the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana, were included in the present study. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected and HIV positive patients distinguished for CD4+ T cell count 200 cells/μl (n = 68). A Blastocystis’s phylogenetic analysis was performed to determine sample subtype (ST). The prevalence of Blastocystis sp. in adult HIV positive individuals was lower than in HIV negative persons (6.6% vs. 20.0%, p = 0.008) and Blastocystis sp. ST1 was the most prevalent strain. Within HIV positive participants, the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was lower in those individuals with CD4+ T cell count <200 cells/μl than in patients with higher CD4+ T cell count (1.9% vs. 10.3%, p = 0.076). Multiple regression analysis revealed that Blastocystis sp. was inversely associated with an obese Body Mass Index (BMI) in HIV negative persons (p = 0.040). Presence of Blastocystis sp. was correlated with higher CD4+ T cell count in HIV positive participants (p = 0.049). It is largely reported that people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Africa are affected from parasite infections and that co-infections may adversely impact on their immune status, accelerating progress to AIDS and worsening gastrointestinal manifestations. Differently, in this study Blastocystis sp. was associated with a better immune status jointly with a healthy body weight while it seems to be reduced with the progression of HIV infection. This data agree with recent suggestions that Blastocystis sp. can represent a component of the healthy gut microbiota.

ACS Style

Veronica Di Cristanziano; Rossella D´alfonso; Federica Berrilli; Fred Stephen Sarfo; Maristella Santoro; Lavinia Fabeni; Elena Knops; Eva Heger; Rolf Kaiser; Albert Dompreh; Richard Odame Phillips; Betty Norman; Torsten Feldt; Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt. Lower prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infections in HIV positive compared to HIV negative adults in Ghana. PLOS ONE 2019, 14, e0221968 .

AMA Style

Veronica Di Cristanziano, Rossella D´alfonso, Federica Berrilli, Fred Stephen Sarfo, Maristella Santoro, Lavinia Fabeni, Elena Knops, Eva Heger, Rolf Kaiser, Albert Dompreh, Richard Odame Phillips, Betty Norman, Torsten Feldt, Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt. Lower prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infections in HIV positive compared to HIV negative adults in Ghana. PLOS ONE. 2019; 14 (9):e0221968.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Veronica Di Cristanziano; Rossella D´alfonso; Federica Berrilli; Fred Stephen Sarfo; Maristella Santoro; Lavinia Fabeni; Elena Knops; Eva Heger; Rolf Kaiser; Albert Dompreh; Richard Odame Phillips; Betty Norman; Torsten Feldt; Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt. 2019. "Lower prevalence of Blastocystis sp. infections in HIV positive compared to HIV negative adults in Ghana." PLOS ONE 14, no. 9: e0221968.

Journal article
Published: 05 June 2019 in The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
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Although the costs of dengue illness to patients and households have been extensively studied in endemic populations, international travelers have not been the focus of costing studies. As globalization and human travel activities intensify, travelers are increasingly at risk for emerging and reemerging infectious diseases, such as dengue. This exploratory study aims to investigate the impact and out-of-pocket costs of dengue illness among travelers. We conducted a prospective study in adult travelers with laboratory-confirmed dengue and recruited patients at travel medicine clinics in eight different countries from December 2013 to December 2015. Using a structured questionnaire, we collected information on patients and their health-care utilization and out-of-pocket expenditures, as well as income and other financial losses they incurred because of dengue illness. A total of 90 patients participated in the study, most of whom traveled for tourism (74%) and visited countries in Asia (82%). Although 22% reported hospitalization and 32% receiving ambulatory care while traveling, these percentages were higher at 39% and 71%, respectively, after returning home. The out-of-pocket direct and indirect costs of dengue illness were US$421 (SD 744) and US$571 (SD 1,913) per episode, respectively, averaging to a total out-of-pocket cost of US$992 (SD 2,052) per episode. The study findings suggest that international travelers incur important direct and indirect costs because of dengue-related illness. This study is the first to date to investigate the impact and out-of-pocket costs of travel-related dengue illness from the patient’s perspective and paves the way for future economic burden studies in this population.

ACS Style

Yesim Tozan; Tyler Y. Headley; Maquines Odhiambo Sewe; Eli Schwartz; Tamar Shemesh; Jakob P. Cramer; Kirsten A. Eberhardt; Michael Ramharter; Nicole Harrison; Karin Leder; Andrea Angheben; Christoph Hatz; Andreas Neumayr; Lin Hwei Chen; Cornelis A. De Pijper; Martin P. Grobusch; Annelies Wilder-Smith. A Prospective Study on the Impact and Out-of-Pocket Costs of Dengue Illness in International Travelers. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2019, 100, 1525 -1533.

AMA Style

Yesim Tozan, Tyler Y. Headley, Maquines Odhiambo Sewe, Eli Schwartz, Tamar Shemesh, Jakob P. Cramer, Kirsten A. Eberhardt, Michael Ramharter, Nicole Harrison, Karin Leder, Andrea Angheben, Christoph Hatz, Andreas Neumayr, Lin Hwei Chen, Cornelis A. De Pijper, Martin P. Grobusch, Annelies Wilder-Smith. A Prospective Study on the Impact and Out-of-Pocket Costs of Dengue Illness in International Travelers. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2019; 100 (6):1525-1533.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Yesim Tozan; Tyler Y. Headley; Maquines Odhiambo Sewe; Eli Schwartz; Tamar Shemesh; Jakob P. Cramer; Kirsten A. Eberhardt; Michael Ramharter; Nicole Harrison; Karin Leder; Andrea Angheben; Christoph Hatz; Andreas Neumayr; Lin Hwei Chen; Cornelis A. De Pijper; Martin P. Grobusch; Annelies Wilder-Smith. 2019. "A Prospective Study on the Impact and Out-of-Pocket Costs of Dengue Illness in International Travelers." The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 100, no. 6: 1525-1533.

Research article
Published: 06 November 2017 in PLOS ONE
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The vast majority of research on mental health has been undertaken in high income countries. This study aimed at investigating the long-term course of maternal depressive symptoms and its association with various mother- and child-related characteristics in two West African lower middle income countries with focus on the relationship with long-term anxiety symptoms. In the Child Development Study, a prospective birth cohort study in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was answered by N = 776 women 3 months antepartum, and 3, 12, and 24 months postpartum between April 2010 and March 2014. Growth mixture modeling was used to identify distinct trajectories of depressive symptoms. Several psychosocial, obstetric, and sociodemographic characteristics were assessed and multinomial regression analysis was performed to investigate the influence of these variables on the different depression trajectories. We found three distinct classes of depressive symptoms that were characterized by an asymptomatic trajectory (91.5%), by recurrent risk (4.3%) and by postnatal risk (4.3%). The longitudinal course of depressive symptoms was strongly associated with anxiety symptoms (χ2 = 258.54, df = 6, p < 0.001; φ = .577). Among other factors, higher levels of anxiety, new pregnancy 2 years after birth, economic stress, and family stress were associated with the risk classes. A substantial proportion of West African women in our sample developed unfavorable patterns of depressive symptoms during the vulnerable phase of pregnancy and early motherhood. Psychosocial factors, especially antepartum anxiety symptoms, played a decisive role in this process. Perceived economic hardship further exaggerated the mental health burden.

ACS Style

Dana Barthel; Levente Kriston; Daniel Fordjour; Yasmin Mohammed; Esther Doris Kra-Yao; Carine Esther Bony Kotchi; Ekissi Jean Koffi Armel; Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Torsten Feldt; Rebecca Hinz; Koffi Mathurin; Stefanie Schoppen; Carola Bindt; Stephan Ehrhardt. Trajectories of maternal ante- and postpartum depressive symptoms and their association with child- and mother-related characteristics in a West African birth cohort study. PLOS ONE 2017, 12, e0187267 .

AMA Style

Dana Barthel, Levente Kriston, Daniel Fordjour, Yasmin Mohammed, Esther Doris Kra-Yao, Carine Esther Bony Kotchi, Ekissi Jean Koffi Armel, Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt, Torsten Feldt, Rebecca Hinz, Koffi Mathurin, Stefanie Schoppen, Carola Bindt, Stephan Ehrhardt. Trajectories of maternal ante- and postpartum depressive symptoms and their association with child- and mother-related characteristics in a West African birth cohort study. PLOS ONE. 2017; 12 (11):e0187267.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Dana Barthel; Levente Kriston; Daniel Fordjour; Yasmin Mohammed; Esther Doris Kra-Yao; Carine Esther Bony Kotchi; Ekissi Jean Koffi Armel; Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Torsten Feldt; Rebecca Hinz; Koffi Mathurin; Stefanie Schoppen; Carola Bindt; Stephan Ehrhardt. 2017. "Trajectories of maternal ante- and postpartum depressive symptoms and their association with child- and mother-related characteristics in a West African birth cohort study." PLOS ONE 12, no. 11: e0187267.

Journal article
Published: 15 October 2016 in Journal of Virology
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Interleukin 2 (IL-2) signaling through the IL-2 receptor alpha chain (CD25) facilitates HIV replication in vitro and facilitates homeostatic proliferation of CD25 + FoxP3 + CD4 + T cells. CD25 + FoxP3 + CD4 + T cells may therefore constitute a suitable subset for HIV infection and plasma virion production. CD25 + FoxP3 + CD4 + T cell frequencies, absolute numbers, and the expression of CCR5 and cell cycle marker Ki67 were studied in peripheral blood from HIV + and HIV − study volunteers. Different memory CD4 + T cell subsets were then sorted for quantification of cell-associated HIV DNA and phylogenetic analyses of the highly variable EnvV1V3 region in comparison to plasma-derived virus sequences. In HIV + subjects, 51% (median) of CD25 + FoxP3 + CD4 + T cells expressed the HIV coreceptor CCR5. Very high frequencies of Ki67 + cells were detected in CD25 + FoxP3 + memory CD4 + T cells (median, 27.6%) in comparison to CD25 − FoxP3 − memory CD4 + T cells (median, 4.1%; P < 0.0001). HIV DNA content was 15-fold higher in CD25 + FoxP3 + memory CD4 + T cells than in CD25 − FoxP3 − T cells ( P = 0.003). EnvV1V3 sequences derived from CD25 + FoxP3 + memory CD4 + T cells did not preferentially cluster with plasma-derived sequences. Quasi-identical cell-plasma sequence pairs were rare, and their proportion decreased with the estimated HIV infection duration. These data suggest that specific cellular characteristics of CD25 + FoxP3 + memory CD4 + T cells might facilitate efficient HIV infection in vivo and passage of HIV DNA to cell progeny in the absence of active viral replication. The contribution of this cell population to plasma virion production remains unclear. IMPORTANCE Despite recent advances in the understanding of AIDS virus pathogenesis, which cell subsets support HIV infection and replication in vivo is incompletely understood. In vitro , the IL-2 signaling pathway and IL-2-dependent cell cycle induction are essential for HIV infection of stimulated T cells. CD25 + FoxP3 + memory CD4 T cells, often referred to as regulatory CD4 T cells, depend on IL-2 signaling for homeostatic proliferation in vivo . Our results show that CD25 + FoxP3 + memory CD4 + T cells often express the HIV coreceptor CCR5, are significantly more proliferative, and contain more HIV DNA than CD25 − FoxP3 − memory CD4 T cell subsets. The specific cellular characteristics of CD25 + FoxP3 + memory CD4 + T cells probably facilitate efficient HIV infection in vivo and passage of HIV DNA to cell progeny in the absence of active viral replication. However, the contribution of this cell subset to plasma viremia remains unclear.

ACS Style

Mkunde Chachage; Georgios Pollakis; Edmund Osei Kuffour; Kerstin Haase; Asli Bauer; Yuka Nadai; Lilli Podola; Petra Clowes; Matthias Schiemann; Lynette Henkel; Dieter Hoffmann; Sarah Joseph; Sabin Bhuju; Leonard Maboko; Fred Stephen Sarfo; Kirsten Eberhardt; Michael Hoelscher; Torsten Feldt; Elmar Saathoff; Christof Geldmacher. CD25 + FoxP3 + Memory CD4 T Cells Are Frequent Targets of HIV Infection In Vivo. Journal of Virology 2016, 90, 8954 -8967.

AMA Style

Mkunde Chachage, Georgios Pollakis, Edmund Osei Kuffour, Kerstin Haase, Asli Bauer, Yuka Nadai, Lilli Podola, Petra Clowes, Matthias Schiemann, Lynette Henkel, Dieter Hoffmann, Sarah Joseph, Sabin Bhuju, Leonard Maboko, Fred Stephen Sarfo, Kirsten Eberhardt, Michael Hoelscher, Torsten Feldt, Elmar Saathoff, Christof Geldmacher. CD25 + FoxP3 + Memory CD4 T Cells Are Frequent Targets of HIV Infection In Vivo. Journal of Virology. 2016; 90 (20):8954-8967.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Mkunde Chachage; Georgios Pollakis; Edmund Osei Kuffour; Kerstin Haase; Asli Bauer; Yuka Nadai; Lilli Podola; Petra Clowes; Matthias Schiemann; Lynette Henkel; Dieter Hoffmann; Sarah Joseph; Sabin Bhuju; Leonard Maboko; Fred Stephen Sarfo; Kirsten Eberhardt; Michael Hoelscher; Torsten Feldt; Elmar Saathoff; Christof Geldmacher. 2016. "CD25 + FoxP3 + Memory CD4 T Cells Are Frequent Targets of HIV Infection In Vivo." Journal of Virology 90, no. 20: 8954-8967.

Journal article
Published: 13 July 2016 in BMC Public Health
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The purpose of this study is to propose the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operators procedure (LASSO) as an alternative to conventional variable selection models, as it allows for easy interpretation and handles multicollinearities. We developed a model on the basis of LASSO-selected parameters in order to link associated demographical, socio-economical, clinical and immunological factors to performing tuberculosis screening in HIV-positive patients in Ghana. Applying the LASSO method and multivariate logistic regression analysis on a large public health data set, we selected relevant predictors related to tuberculosis screening. One Thousand Ninety Five patients infected with HIV were enrolled into this study with 691 (63.2 %) of them having tuberculosis screening documented in their patient folders. Predictors found to be significantly associated with performance of tuberculosis screening can be classified into factors related to the clinician’s perception of the clinical state, as well as those related to PLHIV’s awareness. These factors include newly diagnosed HIV infections (n = 354 (32.42 %), aOR 1.84), current CD4+ T cell count (aOR 0.92), non-availability of HIV type (n = 787 (72.07 %), aOR 0.56), chronic cough (n = 32 (2.93 %), aOR 5.07), intake of co-trimoxazole (n = 271 (24.82 %), aOR 2.31), vitamin supplementation (n = 220 (20.15 %), aOR 2.64) as well as the use of mosquito bed nets (n = 613 (56.14 %), aOR 1.53). Accelerated TB screening among newly diagnosed HIV-patients indicates that application of the WHO screening form for intensifying tuberculosis case finding among HIV-positive individuals in resource-limited settings is increasingly adopted. However, screening for TB in PLHIV is still impacted by clinician’s perception of patient’s health state and PLHIV’s health awareness. Education of staff, counselling of PLHIV and sufficient financing are needed for further improvement in implementation of TB screening for all PLHIV. The LASSO approach proved a convenient method for automatic variable selection in a large public health data set that requires efficient and fast algorithms. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01897909 (July 5, 2013).

ACS Style

Susanne Mueller-Using; Torsten Feldt; Fred Stephen Sarfo; Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt. Factors associated with performing tuberculosis screening of HIV-positive patients in Ghana: LASSO-based predictor selection in a large public health data set. BMC Public Health 2016, 16, 1 -8.

AMA Style

Susanne Mueller-Using, Torsten Feldt, Fred Stephen Sarfo, Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt. Factors associated with performing tuberculosis screening of HIV-positive patients in Ghana: LASSO-based predictor selection in a large public health data set. BMC Public Health. 2016; 16 (1):1-8.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Susanne Mueller-Using; Torsten Feldt; Fred Stephen Sarfo; Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt. 2016. "Factors associated with performing tuberculosis screening of HIV-positive patients in Ghana: LASSO-based predictor selection in a large public health data set." BMC Public Health 16, no. 1: 1-8.

Observational study
Published: 27 May 2016 in Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
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BackgroundHealth threats during mass gatherings, such as the FIFA world cup 2014 differ from traditional health risks. The influence of event type, demographics of attendees and environmental conditions are still not fully understood.MethodsAn observational, prospective case-control survey conducted at the Frankfurt international airport in Germany on 544 travelers to the FIFA world cup 2014 and 432 regular travelers to Brazil departing after the end of the world cup.ResultsTravelers to the FIFA world cup 2014 were predominantly male whereas the gender distribution in the control group was more balanced. The majority in both groups obtained insect bites and sunburns as environmental risk factors. Every third traveler suffered from diarrheal complaints in both groups, whereas the proportion of travelers with flu-like symptoms was higher in the case group. Travelers to the FIFA world cup 2014 indicated alcohol intake and sexual contacts outside of a relationship more frequently than travelers in the control group.ConclusionsThe additional health risks of travelers to sporting events as the FIFA world cup 2014 should be addressed in addition to traditional health threats in pre-travel counseling for the Summer Olympic Games 2016 in Brazil.

ACS Style

Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Christof David Vinnemeier; Johanna Dehnerdt; Thierry Rolling; Robert Steffen; Jakob Peter Cramer. Travelers to the FIFA world cup 2014 in Brazil: Health risks related to mass gatherings/sports events and implications for the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 2016, 14, 212 -220.

AMA Style

Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt, Christof David Vinnemeier, Johanna Dehnerdt, Thierry Rolling, Robert Steffen, Jakob Peter Cramer. Travelers to the FIFA world cup 2014 in Brazil: Health risks related to mass gatherings/sports events and implications for the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease. 2016; 14 (3):212-220.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kirsten Alexandra Eberhardt; Christof David Vinnemeier; Johanna Dehnerdt; Thierry Rolling; Robert Steffen; Jakob Peter Cramer. 2016. "Travelers to the FIFA world cup 2014 in Brazil: Health risks related to mass gatherings/sports events and implications for the Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016." Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease 14, no. 3: 212-220.

Journal article
Published: 09 March 2016 in Journal of Affective Disorders
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The presence of different trajectories underline the importance of monitoring anxiety symptoms in pregnant women and in mothers with infants/toddlers.

ACS Style

Dana Barthel; Levente Kriston; Claus Barkmann; John Appiah-Poku; Marguerite Te Bonle; Kra Yao Esther Doris; Bony Kotchi Carine Esther; Koffi Ekissi Jean Armel; Yasmin Mohammed; Yaw Osei; Daniel Fordjour; Dorcas Owusu; Kirsten Eberhardt; Rebecca Hinz; Mathurin Koffi; Eliezer N’Goran; Samuel Blay Nguah; Harry Tagbor; Stefanie Schoppen; Stephan Ehrhardt; Carola Bindt. Longitudinal course of ante- and postpartum generalized anxiety symptoms and associated factors in West-African women from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Journal of Affective Disorders 2016, 197, 125 -133.

AMA Style

Dana Barthel, Levente Kriston, Claus Barkmann, John Appiah-Poku, Marguerite Te Bonle, Kra Yao Esther Doris, Bony Kotchi Carine Esther, Koffi Ekissi Jean Armel, Yasmin Mohammed, Yaw Osei, Daniel Fordjour, Dorcas Owusu, Kirsten Eberhardt, Rebecca Hinz, Mathurin Koffi, Eliezer N’Goran, Samuel Blay Nguah, Harry Tagbor, Stefanie Schoppen, Stephan Ehrhardt, Carola Bindt. Longitudinal course of ante- and postpartum generalized anxiety symptoms and associated factors in West-African women from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2016; 197 ():125-133.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Dana Barthel; Levente Kriston; Claus Barkmann; John Appiah-Poku; Marguerite Te Bonle; Kra Yao Esther Doris; Bony Kotchi Carine Esther; Koffi Ekissi Jean Armel; Yasmin Mohammed; Yaw Osei; Daniel Fordjour; Dorcas Owusu; Kirsten Eberhardt; Rebecca Hinz; Mathurin Koffi; Eliezer N’Goran; Samuel Blay Nguah; Harry Tagbor; Stefanie Schoppen; Stephan Ehrhardt; Carola Bindt. 2016. "Longitudinal course of ante- and postpartum generalized anxiety symptoms and associated factors in West-African women from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire." Journal of Affective Disorders 197, no. : 125-133.

Research article
Published: 24 November 2015 in PLOS ONE
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Worldwide, there is a high co-endemicity of HIV and H. pylori infection and there is growing evidence that H. pylori co-infection is associated with parameters of HIV disease progression. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori infection, and the association with clinical, immunological and virological parameters in a large cohort of HIV-infected individuals and uninfected controls in a West African country. HIV-patients (n = 1,095) and HIV-negative individuals (n = 107) were recruited at a university hospital in Ghana. H. pylori status was determined using stool antigen testing. HIV-related, clinical and socio-demographic parameters were recorded and analyzed according to H. pylori status. The prevalence of H. pylori infection was significantly lower in HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative individuals (51.5 vs. 88%, p<0.0001). In HIV patients, H. pylori prevalence decreased in parallel with CD4+ T cell counts. In ART-naïve HIV-infected individuals, but not in those taking ART, H. pylori infection was associated with higher CD4 cell counts (312 vs. 189 cells/μL, p<0.0001) and lower HIV-1 viral loads (4.92 vs. 5.21 log10 copies/mL, p = 0.006). The findings could not be explained by socio-demographic confounders or reported use of antibiotics. Having no access to tap water and higher CD4+ T cell counts were identified as risk factors for H. pylori infection. H. pylori prevalence was inversely correlated with the degree of immunosuppression. In ART-naïve individuals, H. pylori infection is associated with favorable immunological and virological parameters. The underlying mechanisms for this association are unclear and warrant investigation.

ACS Style

Fred Stephen Sarfo; Kirsten Eberhardt; Albert Dompreh; Edmund Osei Kuffour; Mareike Soltau; Marei Schachscheider; Jan Felix Drexler; Anna Maria Eis-Hübinger; Dieter Häussinger; Emelia Efua Oteng-Seifah; George Bedu-Addo; Richard Phillips; Betty Norman; Gerd D Burchard; Torsten Feldt. Helicobacter pylori Infection Is Associated with Higher CD4 T Cell Counts and Lower HIV-1 Viral Loads in ART-Naïve HIV-Positive Patients in Ghana. PLOS ONE 2015, 10, e0143388 .

AMA Style

Fred Stephen Sarfo, Kirsten Eberhardt, Albert Dompreh, Edmund Osei Kuffour, Mareike Soltau, Marei Schachscheider, Jan Felix Drexler, Anna Maria Eis-Hübinger, Dieter Häussinger, Emelia Efua Oteng-Seifah, George Bedu-Addo, Richard Phillips, Betty Norman, Gerd D Burchard, Torsten Feldt. Helicobacter pylori Infection Is Associated with Higher CD4 T Cell Counts and Lower HIV-1 Viral Loads in ART-Naïve HIV-Positive Patients in Ghana. PLOS ONE. 2015; 10 (11):e0143388.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Fred Stephen Sarfo; Kirsten Eberhardt; Albert Dompreh; Edmund Osei Kuffour; Mareike Soltau; Marei Schachscheider; Jan Felix Drexler; Anna Maria Eis-Hübinger; Dieter Häussinger; Emelia Efua Oteng-Seifah; George Bedu-Addo; Richard Phillips; Betty Norman; Gerd D Burchard; Torsten Feldt. 2015. "Helicobacter pylori Infection Is Associated with Higher CD4 T Cell Counts and Lower HIV-1 Viral Loads in ART-Naïve HIV-Positive Patients in Ghana." PLOS ONE 10, no. 11: e0143388.

Original article
Published: 18 August 2015 in Tropical Medicine & International Health
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Objective Group B streptococcal (GBS) colonization of pregnant women can lead to subsequent infection of the new‐born and potentially fatal invasive disease. Data on GBS colonization prevalence and serotype distribution from Africa are scarce, although GBS‐related infections are estimated to contribute substantially to infant mortality. In recent years, GBS vaccine candidates provided promising results in phase I and II clinical trials. We aimed to assess the prevalence and serotype distribution of GBS in Ghana since this knowledge is a prerequisite for future evaluation of vaccine trials. Methods This double‐centre study was conducted in one rural and one urban hospital in central Ghana, West Africa. Women in late pregnancy (≥35 weeks of gestation) attending the antenatal care clinic (ANC) provided recto‐vaginal swabs for GBS testing. GBS isolates were analysed for serotype and antibiotic susceptibility. GBS‐positive women were treated with intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) according to current guidelines of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Results In total, 519 women were recruited at both study sites, recto‐vaginal swabs were taken from 509. The overall prevalence of GBS was 19.1% (18.1% in rural Pramso and 23.1% in urban Kumasi, restrospectively). Capsular polysaccharide serotype (CPS) Ia accounted for the most frequent serotype beyond all isolates (28.1%), followed by serotype V (27.1%) and III (21.9%). No resistance to Penicillin was found, resistances to second line antibiotics clindamycin and erythromycin were 3.1% and 1%, respectively. Discussion Group B Streptococcus serotype distribution in Ghana is similar to that worldwide, but variations in prevalence of certain serotypes between the urban and rural study site were high. Antibiotic resistance of GBS strains was surprisingly low in this study.

ACS Style

C. D. Vinnemeier; P. Brust; E. Owusu-Dabo; N. Sarpong; E. Y. Sarfo; Y. Bio; T. Rolling; D. Dekker; Y. Adu-Sarkodie; K. A. Eberhardt; Jürgen May; J. P. Cramer. Group BStreptococciserotype distribution in pregnant women in Ghana: assessment of potential coverage through future vaccines. Tropical Medicine & International Health 2015, 20, 1516 -1524.

AMA Style

C. D. Vinnemeier, P. Brust, E. Owusu-Dabo, N. Sarpong, E. Y. Sarfo, Y. Bio, T. Rolling, D. Dekker, Y. Adu-Sarkodie, K. A. Eberhardt, Jürgen May, J. P. Cramer. Group BStreptococciserotype distribution in pregnant women in Ghana: assessment of potential coverage through future vaccines. Tropical Medicine & International Health. 2015; 20 (11):1516-1524.

Chicago/Turabian Style

C. D. Vinnemeier; P. Brust; E. Owusu-Dabo; N. Sarpong; E. Y. Sarfo; Y. Bio; T. Rolling; D. Dekker; Y. Adu-Sarkodie; K. A. Eberhardt; Jürgen May; J. P. Cramer. 2015. "Group BStreptococciserotype distribution in pregnant women in Ghana: assessment of potential coverage through future vaccines." Tropical Medicine & International Health 20, no. 11: 1516-1524.