Staphylococcus aureus infections – from bedside to bench

Bloodstream infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. S. aureus is responsible for about 20% of all catheter-associated bloodstream infections and for about 30% of endocarditis cases. In-hospital mortality of S. aureus bacteremia is in the range of 20 to 30%. Furthermore, the emergence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) infections has substantially limited therapeutic options. Despite this urgent clinical need, there are many open questions related to prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of S. aureus infections.

We aim to understand the processes that underlie S. aureus infections and how to use them for optimal diagnostic and treatment strategies. To this end, we are conducting large observational clinical studies as well as interventional clinical trials. Currently, we are leading a European randomized controlled clinical trial (SABATO) in which we assess early oral switch therapy. With data from our large, national and international prospective cohorts (more than 3500 patients) we are investigating different management strategies, esp. for echocardiography and blood cultures.

Our clinical studies are linked with our laboratory research. Our main interest lies in assessing the pathogenic potential of bacteria that we isolated from patients. Currently, we focus on bacterial factors that play a role in initiating infection. Here we employ state-of-the-art technology (e.g. whole-genome-sequencing) and phenotypic methods. Findings are then validated in laboratory models of infection.

A further area of interest is to integrate next-generation-sequencing technology into daily practice. We develop techniques and tools to detect transmission networks and metagenomic diagnostics.

We collaborate with many researchers around the world, always with the aim to improve patients’ life.

Active Clinical Studies

• Semaco: Serological investigations of blood donors from the city and area around Magdeburg for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
• Samosu: Molecular surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants using next-generation sequencing in Northern Saxony-Anhalt
• SURIP-B-FAST: Risk-based surveillance of people in close contact with people from risk groups as part of home care in the Magdeburg area in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic 

Closed Clinical Studies

• ASPIRE-ICU: Advanced understanding of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections in EuRopE – Intensive Care Units
• BURDEN: BURDEN of RESISTANCE and DISEASE in EUROPEAN NATIONS
• INSTINCT: A bicenter cohort study of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia
• ISAC-01: A prospective international study of  Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia in adults by the International  Staphylococcus aureus Collaboration
• preSABATO: Pilot Study on Antimicrobial Therapy in uncomplicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SABATO = Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia — Antibiotic Treatment Options)
• SABATO: Early oral switch therapy in low-risk Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection Acronym: SABATO(Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia Antibiotic Treatment Options)