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GRK 1673:  Functional Molecular Infection Epidemiology

Subject Area Microbiology, Virology and Immunology
Term from 2010 to 2015
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 164295104
 
Final Report Year 2016

Final Report Abstract

In the era of globalisation, the prevention and spread of infectious diseases continues to play a crucial role for scientists v\/orldvwde. The international research training group (IRTG) GRK 1673 „Functional Molecular Infection Epidemiology" \was a combined effort of scientific institutions in Berlin and Hyderabad (India), located at Freie Universität Berlin. In Berlin, the Freie Universität Berlin (Department of Veterinary Medicine), Humboldt Universität zu Berlin (Institute of Biology), Robert Koch Institute, Charitö - Unversitätsmedizin and the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology were intimately involved in this network. In Hyderabad, the University of Hyderabad, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Centre for DMA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Mahavir Hospital and LEPRA - Blue Peter Research Centre were committed to the project. During the funding period, new collaborations were formed with KMC and Wenlock Hospital in Mangalore and NIRT in Chennai. Funding for the IRTG was only granted on the German side, while the grant application efforts of the Indian partners were not successful. In spite of this great financial drawback, besides many cultural challenges, the Indian scientists were extremely cooperative on all levels. Projects in Berlin benefitted from the excellent bioinformatics competences in Hyderabad. In addition, the project gave German scientists access to medical samples and patient cohorts in India. On the other hand, scientists from India profited from the infection biology expertise in Berlin. Research focused on the innovative interdisciplinary theme of Functional Molecular Infection Epidemiology. This new research area analyses the influence of genetic variations both of pathogens and human hosts on the course and distribution of infectious diseases. Such a scientific perspective allows deep insights into the link between global distribution and control of infections and genetically determined courses of disease. The studies concentrated on bacterial pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium. Streptococcus pneumoniae, multi resistant ESBL forming E. coli, Helicobacter pylori and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as on parasitical pathogens causing Malaria and Filariasis. ' . By the end of the funding phase, 13 students graduated from the program in Berlin and more than 60 publications were published. In addition to scientific activities and courses in practical laboratory techniques, bioinformatics, infection epidemiology and soft skills; the program enabled an intensive intercultural exchange, supported by weekly webinars, three joint summer/winter schools, a significant number of workshops and more than 50 research stays. In particular. Doctoral students and Post Doctoral scientists benefitted from this intercultural scientific experience. During the five year funding period close ties were formed that will continue to be strengthened In the future, which ultimately makes the IRTG a great success in the long run.

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