WHO Collaborating Centre for dipththeria
The reference laboratory for diphtheria at the Bavarian Food and Health Safety Authority (in German: Bayerisches Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit - LGL) has been designated as a WHO Collaborating Centre (WHO CC) for diphtheria for four years from 8 January 2024. This makes it the world’s second collaborating centre for diphtheria, alongside the “WHO Collaborating Centre for diphtheria”, at the UK Health Security Agency in London. At the same time, it is the first state laboratory in Germany to receive the Collaborating Centre award.
The WHO Collaborating Centre at the LGL supports the WHO and its partners such as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) on issues relating to diagnostics, epidemiology, and Infection protection in relation to diphtheria.
The LGL diphtheria laboratory achieved the status of a reference laboratory in 2007. Reference laboratories are designated by the Federal Ministry of Health after evaluation by the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Scientific Advisory Board for Public Health Microbiology.
What role do the WHO Collaborating Centres have?
The WHO CC are research institutions or university institutes that are designated by the WHO and support it in the implementation of its goals and tasks. There are currently more than 800 WHO CCs worldwide. Designation as a WHO CC is for a period of up to four years. Decisive factors for the LGL's award were numerous recognised research works as well as long-standing professional support at an international level.
WHO CCs take on special tasks, such as research activities, events, or direct practical support activities, in the case of diphtheria, for example, help in drawing awareness to outbreaks. The WHO is in close contact with WHO CCs and supports them in the implementation of these activities. After the appointment period has expired, the WHO decides on a new designation as WHO CC.
The tasks of the LGL Reference Laboratory for Diphtheria as a WHO Collaborating Centre
The main task of the WHO Collaborating Centre is to support the WHO's technical work in containing diphtheria.
LGL experts
- regularly organise national and international workshops and share their know-how in drawing awareness to outbreaks worldwide,
- examine 700 samples for diphtheria every year in the reference laboratory, and
- also maintain one of the world’s largest strain collections of the pathogens responsible for diphtheria.
The WHO Collaborating Centre is also involved in the development of new and improved laboratory diagnostics and laboratory standards in accordance with WHO norms and standards and supports the WHO in its coordinating role on diphtheria-related activities with other established WHO Collaborating Centres.
Contact WHO Collaborating Centre at the LGL
email: Diphtheria@lgl.bayern.de
- Prof. Dr. Dr. Andreas Sing
- Dr. Anja Berger