Frankfurt microbiologist fights against deadly bacteria and resistance

Frankfurt microbiologist fights against deadly bacteria and resistance

What's going on in Frankfurt? The city is known not only for its impressive skyline, but also for its important research projects in the field of microbiology. At the forefront of these developments is Volkhard Kempf, a recognized microbiologist who has headed the Institute for Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene at the University Hospital since 2009. He completed his studies in Würzburg and Oxford before completing his habilitation in Tübingen. He has also been an active member of the Commission for Hospital Hygiene of the Federal Ministry of Health since 2019 and heads a consulting laboratory on behalf of the Robert Koch Institute [faz.net].

Kempf and his team examine around 200,000 samples every year, including wound swabs, pus, urine and blood. In his work, he encounters bacteria and viruses every day that are present everywhere in everyday life - in the air, in water and on surfaces. Particularly striking is Kempf's statement that the risk of infection in the laboratory is lower than in the subway because the laboratory employees know exactly what they are dealing with.

Research in focus: Bartonella bacteria

One of the main focuses of Kempf's research is the bacteria of the genus Bartonella. These pathogens can be transmitted from cats or dogs to humans and are responsible, among other things, for cat scratch disease. However, the bacterium Bartonella bacilliformis, which occurs in the high altitudes of the Andes in Peru and is transmitted by sand flies, attracts particular attention. It causes Oroya fever and the relatively little-researched Carrión disease. Kempf has already elucidated two fundamental biological principles about this pathogen that could potentially lead to new treatment methods.

In times of multi-resistant bacteria, the problem becomes even more explosive. Antibacterial resistance is increasing worldwide and it is crucial that the community addresses these challenges. According to an analysis on ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, pandemic challenges posed by RNA viruses coupled with antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens pose a threat to modern healthcare. Committed to the skyline, a rethink must also take place here - the “One Health” concept calls for comprehensive hygiene and infection prevention strategies.

The fight against resistance

Antibiotics are essential for treating many bacterial infections. However, their effectiveness is eroding due to the constant development of resistance. The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) has recognized this and is actively committed to combating these threats. The German Antibiotic Resistance Strategy (DART), launched in 2008, aims to reduce resistance and increase awareness of the appropriate use of antibiotics. The Commission for Hospital Hygiene also regularly issues recommendations for the prevention of nosocomial infections in order to meet the challenges of health care, as [bfarm.de](https://www.bfarm.de/DE/Aktuelles/Themendossiers/Antibiotika Resistanceen/_node.html) makes clear.

For Kempf, everyday life in research is not just theoretical. He is also a practicing rower and spends a lot of time in the water. He goes canoeing five to six times a week. He often thinks about the germs in the water, especially when he rows past the sewage treatment plant. Disgust or persistence – for Kempf it is the motivation to continue the fight against dangerous bacteria and resistant pathogens.

What is fascinating is how Kempf combines the challenges of microbiology and the need for basic hygiene in healthcare. In the long term, his commitment could be decisive for how future generations deal with infectious diseases. It remains exciting to see what new insights and approaches will emerge from his research.