This spring, a workshop on antibody diagnostics organised by EUROIMMUN took place in Hamburg. These workshops are both informational events and advanced training courses for medical scientists and health personnel, and are held on a regular basis. In Hamburg, rheumatologist Dr. med. Sven Dubbert from the rheumatology practice in Twistringen, Germany, was among the guest […]
More than one month ago, the Republic of Korea confirmed its first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) infection. Since then, the number has raised to 180 including 31 deaths (WHO, 26.06.2015). One MERS infection has been reported in China so far. The man has already recovered and will leave the hospital within the
The skin is considered the largest and most versatile organ of the human organism. It hinders pathogens and harmful substances from entering the body, protects our interior from mechanical injuries or hazardous radiation and prevents the body from loosing too much liquid or too many electrolytes. At the same time it regulates the body temperature,
This is about two diseases with very similar symptoms, but completely different causes: chikungunya virus infection and rheumatoid arthritis. The chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is transmitted to humans by mosquito bites, particularly from yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). These insects may not only transmit CHIKV, but also dengue fever,
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterised by chronic inflammation of the joints. Its development is stimulated by genetic and environmental risk factors. It is not very long ago that the relevant autoantigens in RA were identified. So-called citrullinated proteins (they contain the amino acid citrulline) are one of possibly several target antigens of
