DE | EN
|
A A+
Search
BlueSky
Youtube
Instagram
Facebook
Linkedin
Diagnostik- und Forschungszentrum
High-risk pathogensResearchDiagnostic and Research Center for Molecular BiomedicineResearch centers and institutesMedical University of Graz

Research team of Steinmetz

Molecular Epidemiology and Clinical Microbiology research area

PI's: Ivo Steinmetz, Eva Leitner-Meyer, Gabriel Wagner-Lichtenegger

Focus: Knowledge of the distribution of infectious agents in the population and in health facilities is essential to goal-oriented patient diagnostics and the review of strategies for prevention. A state-of-the-art methodology in the lab is important in the identification and typification of infectious agents, new pathogenic variants and antimicrobial resistance. A large number of new developments in this area aim to further improve the speed and accuracy of the procedures. The goal of our work is to optimize these methods and evaluate their targeted use.

Networking: Our research work is conducted in close cooperation with clinical colleagues at University Hospital Graz and other national and international partners.

Projekte

Whole genome-sequencing based molecular typing of high risk pathogens

  • High-resolution pathogen typing is essential for outbreak investigations and resolving patient-to-patient transmission events. It also provides data for analysing known virulence factors and antibiotic resistance markers. However, due to the high cost of devices and complex bioinformatics, broad standardized application is not yet feasible. In this project, we combine new whole genome sequencing technologies with an automated analysis in order to develop robust typification methods suitable for use in standard clinical microbiology laboratories for pathogens including Bordetella pertussis and Burkholderia pseudomallei.
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • Funded by: Med Uni Graz, ESCMID (European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases).
  • Project partners: AGES – Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Thanh Trung Trinh, Vietnam National University; Dag Harmsen, University Hospital Münster, Werner Ruppitsch, Medical University of Innsbruck

Association of Bordetella pertussis genomics with clinical course and vaccine status

  • Despite widespread vaccination programs, B. pertussis remains a significant public health concern largely due to pathogen adaptation and waning immunity. To address this, we establish a regional initiative for whole genome-based surveillance of B. pertussis across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. This initiative will enhance our understanding of B. pertussis molecular epidemiology and provide a robust platform for targeted public health interventions.
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • Funded by: Med Uni Graz
  • Project partners: Werner Ruppitsch, Medical University of Innsbruck, AGES – Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety

Ecology and global distribution of Burkholderia pseudomallei

  • Even 100 years after the discovery of B. pseudomallei, the global distribution of the pathogen remains unclear. By developing sensitive procedures for detecting B. pseudomallei, we aim to identify endemic regions, where the pathogen's presence is currently only predicted, as well as to decipher the environmental factors that correlate with its presence. This effort raise awareness of the disease, and most likely result in timely and adjusted intervention and a reduction in the high mortality rate of melioidosis.
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • Funded by: Med Uni Graz
  • Project partners: Medicins Sans Frontiers; Thanh Trung Trinh, Vietnam National University; Direk Limmathurotsakul; Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Thailand;

Epidemiology and diagnostics of pathogenic fungi

  • We develop and evaluate new diagnostic assays to enhance biomarker-based detection of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). In collaboration with the Mycology Study Group (Division of Infectious Diseases) the ‘MucorPCR Study’ aims to test bronchoalveolar lavage samples using a Mucorales-specific PCR to improve detection sensitivity beyond standard culture methods. In the ‘MycomEIA Study’ urine samples from ICU patients are tested using a novel ELISA targeting Aspergillus antigens.
  • Duration: ongoing
  • Funded by: Med Uni Graz
  • Project partners: Prof. Hönigl, LKH University Hospital Graz; Prof. Wagener, Trinity College Dublin; Prof. Misihairabgwi, University of Namibia

 

Rapid untargeted detection of pathogens in remote settings

  • This project focuses on mobile pathogen detection, identification and outbreak clarification. We develop a mobile, blackout-resilient workflow based on Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) untargeted and pan-targeted pathogen detection in clinical, environmental, food, and water samples. The system enables rapid identification of unknown or PCR-invisible agents, combining real-time sequencing with an offline-capable bioinformatics pipeline.
  • Duration: ongoing
  • Funded by: Med Uni Graz
  • Project partners: AGES – Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Thanh Trung Trinh, Vietnam National University

Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine

Ivo Steinmetz  
T: +43 316 385 73700
E: ivo.steinmetz(at)medunigraz.at
Ivo Steinmetz
Research profile

Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine

Eva Leitner-Meyer  
T: +43 316 385 73714
E: eva.leitner(at)medunigraz.at
Research profile

Diagnostic and Research Institute of Hygiene, Microbiology and Environmental Medicine

Gabriel Wagner-Lichtenegger 
T: +43 316 385 73711
E: gabriel.wagner-lichtenegger(at)medunigraz.at
Research profile

Team

Staff