Infectiology

Infectious diseases are among the most common causes of illness worldwide and have been particularly prevalent since the coronavirus pandemic. They are caused by various pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites. While viral infections are the main focus today, bacterial, parasitic and invasive fungal diseases also play a role - especially in immunocompromised people or in travel medicine. Infectiology deals with the complex diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.

The Medizinicum offers interdisciplinary, personalized treatment by experienced infectiologists, supplemented by the expertise of other specialists for comprehensive care at the highest level.

Systemic infections and interdisciplinary diagnostics

Infections can cause illness directly or indirectly, and the interactions between host and pathogen are particularly important here. Precise knowledge of the transmission routes and epidemiology play a decisive role in targeted diagnosis and treatment. Infections can be acute or chronic and thus harm the host very quickly (e.g. Ebola) or cause illness over a longer period of time (e.g. HIV, hepatitis C). There are infections with a preference for certain organs (e.g. liver, heart, kidneys, brain), or lead to systemic diseases involving numerous organ systems. Common symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, weight loss, pain and other signs of systemic multi-organ disease. There are numerous overlaps with other systemic diseases, in particular rheumatic diseases or other chronic inflammatory syndromes, as well as malignant diseases. This results in a special synergy between the individual specialist areas of the Medizinicum with the involvement or leadership (so-called gate keeper) of an experienced infectious disease specialist. This allows us to work very effectively from the first symptom to the specific diagnosis and targeted therapy within a manageable period of time and avoid frictional losses.

Infections as a trigger for autoimmune diseases

Infections can trigger misdirected immune reactions, such as those that occur in post-Covid or long-Covid syndromes. Although the acute illness has been overcome, the immune system can cause inflammation in various tissues such as vessels, joints, CNS, muscles or kidneys, so-called post-infection syndromes. The particular strength of the Medizinicum lies in the interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of such complex clinical pictures by specialized teams under one roof.

Another important focus is the comprehensive care of patients with immunodeficiency diseases such as HIV/AIDS or congenital immunodeficiencies (e.g. CVID). Here, we draw on decades of experience and participation in pioneering therapy studies and pursue a holistic approach from clinical research to patient care. There is also an increasing focus on the phenomenon of "inflammaging" - chronic inflammatory processes that can trigger accelerated ageing processes and require a high level of interdisciplinary expertise for tailored therapy concepts.

Travel and tropical medicine advice and treatment

Travel medicine consultations and vaccinations are also offered, which require precise knowledge of the respective epidemiological situation and hygiene conditions in the destination countries. We also have particular expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses after returning from tropical and subtropical destinations.