Research areas
Sepsis and Bloodstream Infections
Bloodstream infections and sepsis are among the most common and severe infections in hospitalised patients. Our research covers the entire care continuum, from epidemiology and diagnostics to treatment and quality of care. We investigate how pathogens and resistance patterns change over time, how antimicrobial therapy can be optimised and the ways in which infectious diseases expertise and antimicrobial stewardship can contribute to better patient outcomes. We also focus on innovative diagnostic approaches for earlier pathogen and patient risk identification, including clinical studies within EU-funded, interdisciplinary collaborations.
Infectious Diseases Consultation Service
Infectious diseases (ID) consultations are central to the care of hospitalised patients with complex infections. We study how ID consultation services contribute to patient care and how their quality and impact can be measured and improved. This includes analysing the growing complexity of patients seen by ID specialists, and developing quality indicators for clinical ID consultations. Further projects to assess and strengthen ID consultation services are underway.
Tick-borne diseases
Climate change and evolving forest ecosystems are affecting the distribution of ticks and the pathogens they carry. We study tick-borne pathogens in their natural environment, linking these findings to human infections. We have a particular interest in rare and emerging diseases, such as tularemia. Our goal is to improve our understanding of infection risks and to enhance diagnosis and clinical management. This work is carried out in close collaboration with virology and biology partners at the University of Freiburg.