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Kempf, Volkhard

Kempf, Volkhard

Expertise: The lab of Volkhard Kempf has proven expertise in analyzing the pathogenicity of human pathogenic bacteria of the genus Bartonella, transferring this knowledge into diagnostic tests, and developing new infection models (e.g. human organ infection models). Bacteria–host cell interactions, functional analysis of the genetic foundations of pathogen adherence to endothelial cells, and the phenomenon of new blood vessel formation in Bartonella infections are studied in particular. Cell, spheroid, organ, and animal infection models (cell lines, primary cells) are also used. Microscopic techniques include confocal and electron microscopy, immune histochemistry, and FISH analyses. Bacterial mutagenesis and expression analyses are established procedures (unique selling points in Germany). Documented, multifaceted expertise in diagnostics development and an infection diagnostic tool according to DIN ISO 15189 (culture, resistance, molecular pathogen detection, infection serology, mass spectrometry, and many more) are available. Prof. Kempf was appointed in 2005 and has worked continuously for the Robert Koch Institute Berlin in a reference laboratory for Bartonella.