- M. Wittwer et al. 2011: Tapping the potential of intact cell mass spectrometry with a combined data analytical approach applied to Yersinia spp.: detection, differentiation and identification of Y. pestis (2011)
- M. Tamborrini et al. 2010: Anthrax spore detection by a luminex assay based on monoclonal antibodies that recognize anthrose-containing oligosaccharides (2010)
- Gianinazzi C. et al. 2010: Screening of Swiss hot spring resorts for potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae (2010)
Bacteriology
The bacteriology group is specialised for the detection of bacterial warfare agents. Although the natural occurrence of these diseases is very rare in the highly developed European countries a deliberate release cannot be excluded. The anthrax letters which were circulated in the United States in fall 2001 have attracted the public perception. For the management of such events a rapid and accurate detection is essential.
Clinical and environmental samples are analysed according to international standards which require two independent methods for a confirmed identification. Therefore each sample is repeatedly investigated by culture, molecular, immunological and mass spectrometric detection methods.
To test the quality of the analytical work the bacteriology group participates regularly in national and international interlaboratory „round robin” tests. The methods are established, validated and subsequently accredited. The participation in the European network QUANDHIP (Quality Assurance Exercises and Networking on the Detection of Highly Infectious Pathogens) offers an ideal platform for the scientific exchange concerning the diagnostics of highly pathogenic bacteria.
SPIEZ LABORATORY is a partner of the Swiss regional laboratory network. This includes six laboratories equipped to conduct primary diagnoses of risk group 3 agents with bioweapon potential. Following an agreement with the “Zentrum West” regional laboratory (Bern cantonal laboratory) the sample analysis is performed in Spiez.
For military stakeholders but also for civil first responders commercial detection systems are evaluated and developed. Moreover applied research projects are performed in collaboration with (academic) institutes and universities from all over the world. To our area of responsibility also belong the microbiological analysis of Swiss army food supplies and the education of apprentices also belongs to our routine tasks.
 Head: Dr. Nadia Schürch |
 Dr. Matthias Wittwer |
 Sandra Paniga |
 Marcelle Holzer |
 Fritz Wüthrich |