Research objective:
The central aim of this project is to develop a mobile laboratory for on-site diagnostics and pathogen characterisation in case of emerging highly pathogenic pathogens in Europe.
Due to climate change with globally rising temperatures and ongoing globalization of trade, introductions of arthropod vectors (mosquitoes, ticks) and subsequent outbreaks of arboviruses transmitted by these vectors, including highly pathogenic agents such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, West Nile virus, rift valley fever virus, and dengue virus, are expected. Such outbreaks of BSL3 and BSL4 pathogens will pose significant problems for public health systems. In order to control such outbreaks, a "one health" approach must be taken that includes human and animal as well as environmental conditions. To assist affected local agencies, first responders, permanent responders, as well as local and regional authorities in rapid and efficient diagnostics, mobile laboratory units are needed that can examine human and veterinary samples at the area of the outbreak and also include the habitat of vectors in such analysis. This will ensure that time is not lost in controlling the outbreak due to sample shipping and lack of diagnostic resources. Currently, due to long shipping times of samples and materials, as well as necessary communication channels between different authorities, a diagnostic gap can occur, leading to a delay in the onset of control measures and thus early containment of the outbreak.
