BNITM supports international virus research with unique virus collection

The Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) is actively involved in the development of a global infrastructure for pandemic preparedness: The European Virus Archive (EVA) platform has recently been officially recognized as an international non-profit organization. With its new legal status as an "AISBL" (Association Internationale Sans But Lucratif) under Belgian law, EVA gains stability and visibility – and offers researchers worldwide reliable access to high-quality virus materials. The BNITM contributes one of the largest collections of highly pathogenic tropical viruses to this effort.

The electron microscope photo shows a multitude of round, light green dengue viruses against a black background.

©BNITM

EVA is the world's only research infrastructure dedicated exclusively to the collection, characterization, production, and distribution of reference viruses. Since 2008, the network has provided tested virus strains and diagnostic materials for research, vaccine development, and public health. With the establishment of EVA AISBL, the platform now unites 20 scientific institutions from Europe, Australia, and beyond – including universities, research centers, and government health authorities.

Diversity under lock and key: the BNTIM virus archive

The BNITM brings in viruses from tropical regions in particular, which are stored in the in-house safety laboratories of protection levels 3 and 4. A total of around 200 virus-related products are currently available, including

Lassa virus strains from West Africa (2004-2014),
various filoviruses, e.g. Ebola and Marburg virus,
Crimean-Congo fever virus from Afghanistan,
Chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever viruses,
rare arena viruses (e.g. Machupo, Guanarito) and hantaviruses (e.g. Sin Nombre, Tula).

Electron microscope image of Lassa viruses ©BNITM

The majority of these viruses originate from patient material - for example from the Ebola epidemic in West Africa in 2014-2016 or from Lassa virus outbreaks. Virus-derived products such as purified RNA, which can be used under safe conditions for diagnostics and test development, are particularly in demand.

Germany Strongly Represented

In addition to the BNITM, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the Friedrich Loeffler Institute (FLI), the DSMZ, and the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin are also part of the EVA network in Germany. Together, they represent a broad range of expertise, from tropical medicine to animal diseases and plant virology.

A contribution to global health security

Portrait photo of Prof. Dr Stephan Günther, an experienced researcher with a friendly expression and a short white beard. — Prof. Dr Stephan Günther ©BNITM | Dino Schachten

"Our virus archives make a concrete contribution to global virus research in the health sector," says Prof. Dr Stephan Günther, Head of Virology at the BNITM. “Through EVA, we are also making unique materials available for the development of vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics that benefit the regions where these pathogens are endemic."

From Europe to Australia: EVA Goes Global

With its new legal form, EVA is opening itself even more to international exchange: Partners from Switzerland, Greece, the Netherlands, and, for the first time, Australia are expanding the network. The Australian research agency CSIRO contributes high-security infrastructure and experience in dealing with zoonotic and novel viruses. Institutions such as the RIVM (Netherlands), the University of Basel, and the Hellenic Pasteur Institute are now also part of the alliance.

One Virology for One Health

The "One Virology" concept understands virology as a connecting element at the intersection of humans, animals, and the environment – a central idea within the One Health approach. EVA provides a sustainable, jointly managed infrastructure that supports research, diagnostics, and pandemic prevention worldwide.