Description

Research Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is well-suited for replacing conventional histopathological methods in longitudinal in vivo studies in models of brain infections. In the framework of the TIC, we use the clinical 7T-scanner with a dedicated custom-made MRI coil that was developed in partnership with the High Field MR Center, Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. Combined with the evaluation of novel biomarkers of neuronal damage, we will test new therapeutic concepts that attenuate brain damage and support brain repair in order to preserve neuro-integrative function e.g. learning and hearing capacity in long term survivors of bacterial meningitis and other infectious and inflammatory diseases of the brain.

Within the Institute of Infectious Diseases, the research efforts of the Neuroinfection Lab are focused on infectious diseases of the brain with an emphasis on processes of neuronal injury and brain tissue repair in infectious-inflammatory diseases of the brain. An expertise of the group is the complementary work in vitro and – when necessary – in vivo disease models of CNS infections, assessment of parameters of brain inflammation and brain damage, disease monitoring by imaging and neuro-functional assessment for the pre-clinical evaluation of molecular therapeutics. Being a complex multifactorial disease, which is modulated by the interaction of the different brain cells with the microbial pathogens, infectious diseases of the CNS are prime targets for multidisciplinary efforts using integrative technologies including clinically relevant in vivo disease models combined with new imaging techniques, bioinformatics, assessment of biomarkers and neuro-functional outcome measurements.