Research

The research work of the institute is concerned with bacterial pathogens of veterinary importance, some of which are also relevant for human health as zoonotic pathogens. The focus is on investigations to identify bacterial virulence factors and to elucidate pathogen-host interactions. The findings are used to develop new or improved diagnostic methods and to research vaccines. In addition to classical bacteriological methods, the methods used include standard techniques of molecular biology, bacterial genetics and infection immunology.

Current research focus

• Molecular pathomechanisms in bacterial infections caused by streptococci, mycobacteria and mycoplasmas
• Diagnostics, antibiotic resistance and molecular biology of brachyspores
• Metabolic adaptation mechanisms of bacterial pathogens
• Pathogen-host interactions in co-infections
• Immunomodulation and immunoprotection in bacterial infections
• Molecular identification and differentiation of infectious agents

Current research groups and their focus

• WG Goethe (Mycobacteria, metabolic adaptation and gene regulation)
• AG Meens (Mycoplasma, proteomics)
• AG Rohde (Brachyspiras, molecular and proteomic diagnostics)
• WG Verspohl (Diagnostics and antibiotic resistance)
• WG Schaaf (Streptococci, co-infections in the respiratory tract)