Department of Virology
Department of Virology
![Team of the Virology Department of the BNITM [Translate to English:] The picture shows about 50 people of different ages and looks standing or squatting on a meadow. Behind them is a horizontal line: a row of bushes, behind which the Elbe can be guessed.](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/4/csm_Team_photo_Viro_1_Jun22_retouch_DSC03747_0848ad34e4.jpg)
Overview
Our research focus is on viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF), in particular Lassa fever, but also Ebola virus disease and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. These diseases are on the WHO R&D Blueprint List for their high risk to cause larger outbreaks, and for the lack of modern diagnostics, specific vaccines, and therapeutics to combat these diseases. The department's work is dedicated to BNITM's three strategic priorities, (1) combating highly infectious pathogens in resource-poor regions; (2) innovative disease control using interdisciplinary approaches; and (3) applying integrative experimental techniques to the study of pathogens and infections. Our methodology includes genetic modification of viruses, cell biology as well as preclinical models of disease in laboratories of the highest biosafety level.

Prof. Dr Stephan Günther
phone: +49 40 285380-547
fax: +49 40 285380-459
email: guenther@bnitm.de