ZBS 2: Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms

Head:

Holger Scholz

Deputy:

Klaus Heuner, Daniela Jacob

Tasks

• Organisation of the diagnostics of samples with bioterrorism suspicion within ZBS
• Development and optimisation of microbiological, molecular biological and immunological detection systems for the identification, characterisation and differentiation of highly pathogenic microorganisms
• Management of a culture collection with highly pathogenic and other relevant microorganisms
• Supply of reference materials for diagnostics of relevant microbial pathogens within the framework of cooperative projects
• Coordination and planning of proficiency test for identification of highly pathogenic bacteria in compliance to international standards described in the DIN EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010 (for more details, please see the Guide for highly pathogenic bacteria proficiency tests (PDF, 284 KB, File does meet accessibility standards.))
• EMERGE - Efficient response to highly dangerous and emerging pathogens at EU level (see "EMERGE")
• Research in the field of epidemiology, pathogenesis and genetics of selected highly pathogenic bacteria with a focus on B. anthracis and F. tularensis
• Working Group “Cellular interactions of bacterial pathogens” with a focus on F. tularensis and amoebae as a reservoir for bacterial pathogens (see link under “More information”)
• Development and testing of decontamination and disinfection processes in particular for bioterrorist attacks
• Studies on the evidence and tenacity of highly pathogenic microorganisms under different environmental conditions
• Operation of a BSL 3 laboratory