Understanding and combating viruses

“It is easier for viruses to spread in a globalised world. The Lassa virus is widespread across West Africa. It causes high fever and bleeding, often leading to death. There is still no vaccine or treatment. Using modern biochemical and microscopic methods, we are now trying to establish how this virus infects human cells. The results will hopefully lead to the development of effective drugs.”

Stefan Kunz, virologist at the University of Lausanne

Researchers who study viruses have to protect themselves. The team led by Stefan Kunz is conducting some of the studies in the laboratory of the Swiss Confederation in Spiez. It is the only Swiss laboratory that offers the highest level of biological protection, level 4. The objects of study include frozen virus samples (left) and the blood serum of people who survived the illness (right).