ZBS 1: Highly Pathogenic Viruses

Head:

Andreas Nitsche

Deputy:

Livia Schrick

Tasks

• Establishment of diagnostic methods to detect high-risk pathogens, in particular imported viruses and viruses that could be used for bioterrorist attacks
• Establishment of methods to detect genetically modified viruses
• Development of antigen-based detection methods for risk category 3 pathogens (eventually, risk category 4 pathogens)
• Development of rapid and sensitive nucleic acid-based detection methods for the identification, characterisation and differentiation of pathogens of high-risk groups
• Development of strategies for the combat and prevention of infections with highly pathogenic viruses
• Research on these pathogens in order to improve both therapy and prophylactics
• Research on mechanisms of pathogenesis of both wild-type viruses and genetically modified viruses that could be used as bioweapons
• Development of SOPs (standard operating procedures) for diagnostics
• Provision of reference samples, standards and materials for diagnostics
• Quality management and further development of detection methods based on serologic or virologic parameters or the pathogen’s molecular biology; interlaboratory experiments
• Organisation of collaborations with European and international high level disease safety laboratories (including ENIVD)