Universitätsklinikum Essen (UME), Poltava State Medical University (PSMU) and Poltava Regional Hospital for Infectious Diseases are studying the link between physical and mental stress caused by the war, a resulting weakening of the immune system and the clinically relevant reactivation of viral illnesses. They are developing capacity for viral diagnostics, immunology and psychology in the two Ukrainian hospitals.\r
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Context\r
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The Ukrainian population is suffering from stress as a result of Russia’s war of aggression. Besides weakening a person’s immune system, stress increases their vulnerability to viral infections. Stress hormones mobilise and mediate direct physical and emotional stress reactions, resulting, among other things, in an increase in blood sugar level, heart rate and blood pressure and redirecting the blood flow to major organs and muscles. Post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSDs) are often accompanied by depression, anxiety, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders, agoraphobia and panic disorders.\r
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Some pathogens have developed the ability to cause permanent infections. These include herpes viruses and retroviruses such as HIV, leading to a battle between the virus and the immune system. Most viral infections during phases of weakened immunity are very harmful.\r
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Activities\r
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-\tEvaluating stress, anxiety and PTSDs in various cohorts in Ukraine and comparing these stress values with a control group with low stress levels in Germany\r
-\tDiagnosing viral serology and virus reactivation (herpes viruses and HIV)\r
-\tProviding research training for PSMU staff at UME and introducing methods and research techniques at PSMU\r
-\tDetermining viral infection rates and virus-specific antiviral immunity at both partner sites\r
-\tAnalysing, processing, interpreting and discussing data and producing joint publications\r
-\tHolding a joint conference with around 50 participants at the end of the project on all aspects of the project\r
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Results\r
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Focusing on treatable or avoidable viral illnesses will improve the body of data relevant to public health. Greater clarity is achieved regarding the link between the war and physical and mental stress, which leads to temporary immunosuppression with subsequent clinically relevant reactivation of various herpes viruses and HIV. \r