Institute of Virology

According to national¹ and international classifications^2,3, pathogens of the risk group 3 comprise highly pathogenic agents for which, in contrast to risk group 4 pathogens, protective or therapeutic countermeasures are available. These include e.g., HIV, Mykobacterium tuberculosis, SARS-CoV-2, highly pathogenic Influenza-A-Virus (H5N1) and the Mpox-Virus (MPXV). Yet, risk group 3 pathogens, which are often of zoonotic origin, pose a considerable threat to the experimenter as well as to the community and live-stock.

In order to diagnose and investigate these agents, the Department of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene provides two biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) cell culture laboratory units as well as a BSL-3 experimental animal unit. Work under BSL-3 conditions is performed by specially trained scientific and technical personnel.

Amongst others, the equipment of the BSL-3 units allows for the following tasks:

• Diagnosis of risk group 3 pathogens and subsequent treatment of patients based thereupon.
• Molecular characterization and research on risk group 3 pathogens in cell culture.
• Characterization of immune responses triggered by risk group 3 pathogens and the pathogenesis of these agents in vivo.
• Analysis of antiviral therapeutics and vaccine candidates.

For appointments, further information, and the terms of use (“user regulations”), please contact the > coordination office — we will be happy to assist you!

Current research projects in the BSL-3 units are supported by the following institutions:

Institute of Virology

Prof. Dr. Sabrina Schreiner-Gruber

Prof. Dr. Martin Schwemmle

Dr. rer. nat. Laura Graf

Dr. rer. nat. Peter Reuther

Dr. rer. nat. Kevin Ciminski

Dr. rer. nat. Florian Full

Dr. rer. nat. Jonas Fuchs

Dr. rer. nat. Philipp Kolb

Dr. rer. nat. Valeria Falcone

Institute for Microbiology and Hygiene

Prof. Dr. Georg Häcker

PD Dr. vet. Susanne Kirschnek

Division of Infectious Diseases

Prof. Dr. Siegbert Rieg

¹Technische Regeln für Biologische Arbeitsstoffe, TRBA 462 –Einstufung von Viren in Risikogruppen

²Directive 2000/54/EC of the European parliament and of the council

³WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual, 3rd edition (2004)