Infection and Immunity nieuws
Nov 18: Limited effect of cytomegalovirus on immune aging
Infection with the cytomegalovirus (CMV) appears to play only a minor role in aging of the immune system. To further unravel the relationship between CMV and immune aging, there should be more research leading towards a better understanding of the unique CMV-specific T cell response. This was concluded by Sara van den Berg who defended her PhD thesis in Utrecht November 18, 2020.
Read moreNov 12: Vulnerable elderly wanted to participate in BCG vaccine study
At the end of this week, 4000 participants will be participating in the Dutch study coordinated by UMC Utrecht and Radboudumc into the effect of the BCG vaccine against the consequences of a corona infection in vulnerable elderly. This was announced today during a working visit by minister Hugo de Jonge of VWS to the UMC Utrecht. The minister was provided an explanation of the ongoing investigation in which volunteers can still participate.
Read moreNov 11: RS virus infection second leading cause of infant death worldwide
The RS virus (RSV) is the second leading cause of infant death worldwide and causes 118,000 deaths in this group each year. In the Netherlands, 2,000 children also end up in hospital every year because of this cold virus. Pediatric infectiologist prof. Louis Bont of UMC Utrecht: “It is November, the start of the RS virus season in the Netherlands. At peak times, the RS virus also ensures a full intensive care unit for us.”
Read moreNov 4: A novel IL4-10 fusion protein for the treatment of inflammatory diseases
A novel fusion protein of IL-4 and IL-10 (IL4-10 FP) was effective in resolving chronic pain in multiple preclinical models and showed synergistic effects as compared to the activity of the two individual cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. The fusion protein was found to be effective against inflammatory, neuropathic and osteoarthritic pain, indicating that it targets common pain pathways in different types of chronic pain. This thesis by Cristine Steen-Louws describes the development of IL4-10 FP and the evaluation of its therapeutic potential in inflammatory diseases, as studied at the UMC Utrecht.
Read moreNov 3: Antimicrobial stewardship reduces use of antibiotics in pneumonia
An antimicrobial stewardship intervention (consisting of education, motivating opinion leaders, audit and feedback) in patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) resulted in 27 percent reduction in broad-spectrum antibiotic use, without compromising patient outcome. These findings were reported by Inger van Heijl and Valentijn Schweitzer who both received their PhD titles for their (partly joined) research on methodology and execution of antimicrobial stewardship strategies in hospitalized patients with CAP.
Read moreOct 28: Combination of existing drugs efficacious in Sjögren’s syndrome
The drug combination of leflunomide plus hydroxychloroquine was safe and resulted in a good clinical response in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome. “The successful outcome of this well-controlled study – the first ever to investigate a combination of existing drugs in this disease - warrants further evaluation in larger clinical trials”, concludes Eefje van der Heijden in her PhD thesis.
Read moreOct 27: Dysregulated monocytes are associated with severity of systemic sclerosis
It is evident that there is deregulation of monocytes in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). This is strongly related to the severity of the clinical picture and monocyte dysregulation is therefore most likely directly involved in the pathogenesis of SSc. How to prevent monocyte deregulation may help cure or prevent SSc should be subject of future research, concludes Maarten van der Kroef in his PhD research at UMC Utrecht.
Read moreOct 27: Tackling the Achilles heel of spondyloarthritis
The root cause of spondyloarthritis – an inflammatory joint disease - may be found in the acquired immune system. However, the precise mechanism of action needs further research, concludes Tessa van Kempen in her PhD thesis.
Read moreOct 12: Optimization of stem cell therapy necessary in patients with systemic sclerosis
To improve patient outcomes in systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), optimization of hematopoietic stem cell therapy is necessary, and will be investigated in the UPSIDE study. This was concluded by Julia Spierings who defended her PhD thesis on October 12 in Utrecht.
Read moreOct 5: Staphylococcus aureus carriage increases risk of S. aureus ICU-acquired pneumonia
The incidence of pneumonia due to infection with Staphylococcus aureus at the intensive care may be higher than previously thought. Future interventions to prevent this condition should therefore focus on patients colonized with S. aureus, says Fleur Paling in her PhD research.
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