Research Margareta Ieven

Abstract

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a huge burden in terms of mortality and morbidity worldwide. To improve the management of the bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, the institution of an appropriate antimicrobial therapy as soon as possible has also been shown to be a key element for reducing morbidity and mortality. The aim of our project is to develop a panel of dedicated rapid diagnostic tests to allow the medical staff to link antibiotic prescription on evidence-based diagnosis.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Ieven Margareta

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Objectives: -To study the effect of pre-emptive aciclovir therapy to prevent the invasion of the lower respiratory tract by HSV in patients in intensive care with reactivation of HSV in the oropharynx, in a double blind placebo controled randomized study and to measure differences in outcome between treated and untreated patients. -To further objectivate the incidence rate of HSV reactivation in the respiratory tract of critical care patients and define risk factors for the reactivation of the virus. -To evaluate genome homologies between HSV isolated between and within patients. -To compare the sensitivity of conventional viral culture and molecular detection methods, and to demonstrate any relation between the viral load and disease severity/progression or outcome by using quantitative PCR techniques

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Ieven Margareta
• Co-promoter: Goossens Herman
• Co-promoter: Jorens Philippe

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The etiology of the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS) remains unclear; infectious agents like Mycoplasma species have been proposed to play a role. In a prospective longitudinal study of a limited number of CFS patients(n=50), an equal number of healthy controls living in the same area and 50 patients with a CFS-Iike clinical picture, prevalence of Mycoplasma fermentans, Mycoplasma hominis and Mycoplasma penetrans is investigated by P CR. Correlations between clinical picture and laboratory results will be studied.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Ieven Margareta

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In this study herpes simplex virus in the upper en lower respiratory tract of intensive care patients will be detected bV conventional and molecular techniques. Genotyping of the isolates will be developed to define their origin and possible pathological role. Investigations will be carried out to identify the immune defence mechanisms that are involved in the pathogenesis of these infections. Ultimately, we aim to conduct prospective randomised studies on the treatment and prevention of these infections.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Ieven Margareta
• Co-promoter: Goossens Herman
• Co-promoter: Jorens Philippe

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project will result in a number of rapid 'real time' multiplex nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) covering the whole spectrum of causes of atypical pneumonia, and in algorithms for their application. Each of the four partners will in close collaboration develop part of the necessary tests, the combination of which will result in NASBA (RNA targeted) and PCR (DNA targeted) multiplex tests. The participation of an industrial company is of crucial importance to solve technical problems. The tests will be cross-validated between the partners by the use of proficiency panels. The tests developed will be clinically validated by application to significant numbers of thoroughly documented respiratory specimens collected by three of the partners. The analysis of the results will allow to decide on algorithms to be used for the etiologic diagnosis of CAP. The aim of this project is the development and standardisation of molecular techniques with real time detection by the use of molecular beacons of the etiologic agents responsible for this syndrome and to optimize the diagnostic usefulness by combining the individual tests in multiplex formats because the traditional approaches for the diagnosis of atypical pneumonia are slow, insensitive and cumbersome. The joint effort of 4 labs, each of them having expertise and competence in different aspects of the problem should guarantee the achievement of the objectives. The implementation of the reactions developed should result in improved health care by both more rapid diagnosis and the correct identification of a greater number of etiologic agents responsible for atypical pneumonia resulting in improved patient care, better justified use of antimicrobials and decreased antibiotic pressure resulting in antibiotic resistance.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Ieven Margareta
• Co-promoter: Goossens Herman

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Ieven Margareta

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Search for the presence of Chlamydia Pneumoniae in patients with atherosclerotic lesions or aneurysmal disease of the aorta, coronary, carotid and femoral arteries and in control vessels without lesions by improved culture techniques and PCR. The PCR will be performed after different DNA extraction methods and in two different laboratories to exclude false positive results.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Ieven Margareta
• Co-promoter: Van Schil Paul
• Co-promoter: Vrints Christiaan

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

• Research Project