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The article presents the discussion on history of vaccine development marked by a progression from religious attributions of diseases to divine punishment to the scientific exploration of immunization. Topics include contrast to the prevailing notion of diseases as divine retribution having early scrutiny of illnesses, such as the exanthematous diseases smallpox and measles; and enhancing immune responses, and the discovery of the molecular structure of antibodies.

The article primarily discusses the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2, focusing on its virulence, amino acid mutations, and the factors influencing its continued development. It explores how mutations in key proteins, namely the Spike and Nucleocapsid proteins, affect the virus's pathogenicity, fitness, and transmission. The discussion elaborates on how variations impact the virus's ability to infect, replicate, and its potential to cause diseases.

Das Influenzavirus A ist eines der genetisch variabelsten Viren. Nicht jede Mutation ist für seine Virulenz von Bedeutung, aber einige Aminosäure-Mutationen führen zu einer erhöhten Pathogenität. Mutationen können u. a. die Bindung an die Wirtszellen beeinflussen, zu einer Suppression des angeborenen Immunsystems führen oder die Thermosensitivität der viralen Replikation ändern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the increasing incidence of infectious gastroenteritis during the warmer months, emphasizing that while these infections are often self-limiting, they can pose severe risks for immunocompromised individuals and the elderly. It notes the role of various pathogens, including Norovirus and Campylobacter, in causing these infections, and discusses detection methods such as PCR and serology, which are increasingly used for quicker diagnosis.

The article discusses the resurgence of viral infections among children following the decline in transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other contagious pathogens due to pandemic-related protective measures. It explains that these measures led to reduced immunity against viruses such as adenovirus, enterovirus, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children, resulting in infection rates returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The article presents the discussion on concept of immunity carries benefits on both individual and population levels. Topics include successful vaccinations as seen with diseases like measles and tetanus, provide individuals with protection against illness, preserving their quality of life and averting fatal outcomes; and sought to harm others for personal gain, even resorting to acts as extreme as cannibalism.

Was unterscheidet den Menschen vom Schwein – immunologisch betrachtet? Und warum haben alle Säugetiere Transplantationsantigene, obwohl nur der Mensch Organe transplantiert? Durch die erste Transplantation eines genetisch veränderten Schweineherzens auf einen Menschen gewinnen solche scheinbar ungewöhnlichen Fragen an medizinischer Bedeutung. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die transfusionsassoziierte akute Lungeninsuffizienz (TRALI) ist eine seltene, schwerwiegende Transfusionsreaktion, die durch plötzliche akute Atemnot während oder innerhalb von sechs Stunden nach einer Transfusion gekennzeichnet ist. TRALI gehörte viele Jahre zu den häufigsten Ursachen für transfusionsbedingte Todesfälle. Seit ihre Pathogenese besser erforscht ist, konnte durch spezifische Spenderselektion die Fallzahl und Todesrate deutlich gesenkt werden. Trotzdem ist Achtsamkeit geboten, denn vereinzelt gibt es immer noch tödliche Verläufe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infektionen mit Bakterien der Gattungen Chlamydia, Mycoplasma und Ureaplasma sind sowohl beim Tier als auch beim Menschen weit verbreitet. Sie werden wohl trotz der Möglichkeiten zur erfolgreichen Prävention und Therapie bei den sexuell übertragbaren Infektionen auch in Zukunft eine Rolle spielen. Eine Infektion kann asymptomatisch, aber auch tödlich verlaufen; besonders immungeschwächte Personen und Neugeborene sind gefährdet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the challenges and limitations of self-testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly regarding the reliability and verification of results in fachärztlich geführten laboratories.

The authors of a systematic review and meta-analysis conclude that the benefit of convalescent plasma (CP) in the treatment of COVID-19 is limited. Among other systematic reviews, only one found an indication of benefit of CP. However, a meta-analysis needs a focused and meaningful clinical question and should include studies which are designed to test a reasonable hypothesis. Clinical trials to support the licensing of medicines should aim to define as exactly as possible the investigational drug and target disease. In the case of COVID-19, trial details (e.g., duration, stage and severity of disease, and antibody content and dose of CP) are quite heterogeneous. The so far available evidence suggests that the hypothesis should be sharpened as to treat COVID -19 patients at risk for developing severe disease as early enough with a sufficiently high dose of specific antibodies. It has been demonstrated that such an approach is feasible, and the lack of an independent reproduction by further trials with a really comparable design can probably not be compensated by compiling all available, heterogenous trials, even with the best methodology of a systematic review and meta-analysis. Though the COVID-19 pandemic appears to be fading, we should not neglect the search for effective prevention and treatments, given the still high death toll of COVID-19. Monoclonal antibodies were found effective in the early phase of the pandemic; however, due to new variants of SARS-COV2 undermining their efficacy they are no longer recommended by the current NIH guidelines. CP can provide a spectrum of polyclonal antibodies in close timely and regional connection to the particular prevalent virus variant. It would be extremely valuable to obtain a solid scientific foundation for the principle of target specific and temporarily adapted passive immunization, which could be a fast and flexible instrument also in future outbreaks of novel pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eine durchaus beachtliche Zahl von Sepsen wird in Deutschland durch Viren verursacht. Alle Viren verursachen eine vorübergehende Immunsuppression; hierbei sind sowohl das angeborene als auch das erworbene Immunsystem betroffen. Wie dann eine Sepsis entsteht, ist von Virus zu Virus unterschiedlich. Auch unterschiedliche Menschen sind für bestimmte Viren unterschiedlich empfänglich. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]