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Using data on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in Germany from the Robert Koch Institute, we found a relative increase with time in the prevalence in 15–34 year-olds (particularly 20–24-year-olds) compared with 35–49- and 10–14-year-olds (we excluded older and younger ages because of different healthcare seeking behaviour). This suggests an elevated role for that age group in propagating the epidemic following the introduction of physical distancing measures.

To enable an up-to-date molecular analysis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) genotypes circulating in Germany we have established a surveillance system based on recently acquired HIV infections. New HIV infections are reported to the Robert Koch Institute as a statutory duty for anonymous notification. In 2013 and 2014, a dried serum spot (DSS) sample was received from 6,371 newly diagnosed HIV-cases; their analysis suggested that 1,797 samples originated from a recent infection. Of these, 809 were successfully genotyped in the pol region to identify transmitted drug resistance (TDR) mutations and to determine the HIV-1 subtype. Total TDR was 10.8%, comprising 4.3% with mono-resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), 2.6% to non-NRTIs, 3.0% to protease inhibitors and 0.6% and 0.2%, respectively, with dual- and triple-class resistances. HIV-1 subtype B was most prevalent with 77.0%. Non-B infections were identified more often in men and women with heterosexual transmission compared with intravenous drug users or men who have sex with men (79% and 76%, 33%, 12%; all p

This report outlines the evidence and main conclusions presented at an expert workshop on Cryptosporidium genotyping held on 16 and 17 June 2016, hosted by the Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, and funded by EU COST Action FA1408 “A European Network for Foodborne Parasites: Euro-FBP” (http://www.euro-fbp.org).

In March 2010 the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) was used to inform about Salmonella Montevideo in a herbal food supplement, formulated in capsules, distributed under a Dutch label in Germany. Simultaneous to the first RASFF notice, in the last two weeks of March 2010 an unusual number of 15 infections with S. Montevideo was notified within the electronic reporting system for infectious diseases at the Robert Koch Institute. Adult women (median age: 43, range: 1-90 years) were mainly affected. An outbreak was suspected and the food supplement hypothesised to be its vehicle. Cases were notified from six federal states throughout Germany, which required efficient coordination of information and activities. A case-control study (n=55) among adult women showed an association between consumption of the specific food supplement and the disease (odds ratio (OR): 27.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.1-infinity, p-value=0.002). Restricting the case-control study to the period when the outbreak peaked (between 29 March and 11 April 2010) resulted in an OR of 43.5 (95% CI: 4.8-infinity, p-value=0.001). Trace-back of the supplement's main ingredient, hemp seed flour, and subsequent microbiological testing by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis supported its likely role in transmission. This outbreak investigation illustrates that information from RASFF may aid in hypothesis generation in outbreak investigations, though likely late in the outbreak.

In 2004, the German public health institute, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), prioritised pathogens by public health criteria and presented the methodology and findings. In order to further improve the methodology, the RKI invited experts to give feedback on this via a structured web-based questionnaire. The survey was completed by 72 participants during 15 July 2008 to 15 January 2009. Prioritisation of pathogens was considered as useful for public health purposes by 68 participants and for both surveillance and epidemiological research by 64 participants. Additional pathogens were suggested, including some that are resistant to antimicrobials. The criteria incidence, severity, outbreak potential, emerging potential and preventability were each considered as useful or very useful for the prioritisation (by more than 65 participants for each criterion). Weighting of the criteria was judged as relevant or very relevant by 67 of participants, but needs more explanation. It was also suggested that the group carrying out the prioritisation be composed of a median of 15 experts (range: 5-1,000). The feedback obtained in the survey has been taken into account in the modification of the methodology for the next round of prioritisation, which started in December 2010. .

In 2010 (as of 13 October 2010), the number of adenovirus conjunctivitis cases reported to the Robert Koch Institute in Berlin, Germany, has increased by more than 250% compared with same period in the previous two years. An investigation was initiated to identify spatial or temporal clusters, possible sources of infection and potential connections to cases abroad. The analysis did not show a disproportionately affected sex or age group, but many infections were preceded by exposure to ophthalmological facilities, communal facilities or public places.