EHEC/HUS O104:H4:A Zoonotic Pathogen Bids Farewell – But Its Successor Is Certain to Come

EHEC is traditionally classified as a zoonosis – similar to influenza and SARS – infectious diseases transmitted between animals and humans or vice versa. In retrospect, the EHEC outbreak revealed that the integrated research of human and veterinary medicine is a fundamental prerequisite for successfully combating zoonotic infectious diseases. Scientists who were able to establish a specific detection method in a very short time have been collaborating nationwide for several years in the research consortium "Food-borne Zoonotic Infections of Humans" (FBI-Zoo).

Also, the results of the genome analysis of strain O104:H4 by the Münster research group led by PD Dr. Alexander Mellmann, Prof. Dr. Dag Harmsen, and Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c Helge Karch, which were published in record time, were only possible through this systematic collaboration between human and veterinary medicine in the consortium. Using innovative sequencing methods (next-generation sequencing), the group decoded the genetic material during the outbreak, giving them a head start in the global race. "Through interdisciplinary collaboration involving university research groups and departmental research institutions, we have made a qualitative and quantitative leap in research within the consortium over the past few years. While at the end of the last century, we collected and analyzed samples randomly, we now systematically identify possible pathogens or entry sources and the underlying infection chains within the consortium," said Prof. Dr. Lothar Wieler, the coordinator of the FBI-Zoo research consortium.

The advantage of close collaboration between human and veterinary medicine lies in establishing not only highly complex analytical procedures and interdisciplinary data collections but also in identifying and overcoming communication gaps. This interdisciplinary, cross-institutional approach runs like a common thread through zoonosis research, which is represented in Germany by research consortia on zoonotic infectious diseases and the National Research Platform for Zoonoses.

"The consortium structures supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) have significantly contributed to the efficient clarification of the EHEC outbreak," concludes Prof. Dr. Reinhard Burger, President of the Robert Koch Institute. "Isolated research approaches alone are not sufficient in combating zoonotic infectious diseases. We must further deepen interdisciplinary collaboration!"

Because, in one respect, all experts agree – after the outbreak is before the outbreak! There is no complete protection against zoonotic infectious diseases. But, through intensive research, the probability of future epidemics can be reduced, and in the event of an outbreak, immediate containment measures can be implemented. Thus, investments in zoonosis research serve to protect the health of humans and animals, not to mention the economic effects.

Press Contact

Dr. Gerlinde Benninger
National Research Platform for Zoonoses
c/o Institute for Molecular Virology (IMV)
University of Münster
Von-Esmarch-Straße 56, 48149 Münster
Phone: +49 251 83 53 011
E-mail: benninge@ukmuenster.de