Clinical Research Directory

Soluble Immune Checkpoints in Intra-Abdominal Infections

Intraabdominal infections is a life-threatening syndrome with a high incidence and a significant economic burden. The early-stage cytokine storm and the late-stage immunosuppression contribute to the mortality of sepsis. Immune checkpoints expressed on lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of sepsis by regulating immune dysfunction. Specific therapies targeting immune checkpoints have shown great potential in animal and preclinical studies, paving the way for further clinical research. In this study, the significance of serum immune checkpoints - sCD25 (IL-2Ra), 4-1BB, B7.2 (CD86), Free Active TGF-beta1, CTLA-4, PD-L1, PD-1, Tim-3, LAG-3, and Galectin-9 - will be investigated in patients with intraabdominal infection.

Rapid Identification of Microbial Pathogens in Intra-abdominal Infections Using Multiplex PCR

With this study, the investigators want to determine whether a fast identification of microorganisms causing intra-abdominal infections in patients with suspected hollow organ perforation or peritonitis is possible using a multiplex PCR system (Unyvero A50), a method that allows rapid detection of predefined bacterial and fungal targets directly from clinical samples. Therefore, intra-abdominal peritoneal fluid samples collected during surgery will be analyzed by multiplex PCR and by conventional microbiological culture. The investigators want to determine whether multiplex PCR diagnostics could provide results faster than conventional microbiological methods and deliver additional information on pathogen detection.