Bacteriology in the tropics

Chronic skin and soft tissue infections in Sierra Leone. The extensive wounds are often infected by several pathogens simultaneously. (Schaumburg et al. Chronic wounds in Sierra Leone: pathogen spectrum and antimicrobial susceptibility. Infection (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-022-01762-6; the letter designation of the images was deleted in the original version; http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Bacterial infectious diseases, especially those caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens, cause higher mortality in tropical Africa than in temperate latitudes. In our research projects, we are investigating the epidemiology of bacterial pathogens in Africa, especially Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus schweitzeri.  We want to understand why certain virulent S. aureus strains (Panton-Valentine Leukocidin [PVL] - positive S. aureus) are so common in Africa and so rare in Europe. Furthermore, we support African cooperation partners in research projects to improve medical care in Africa.