Switzerland/Medicine: Swiss center inaugurated to strengthen epidemic surveillance

The Centre for Pathogen Bioinformatics (CPB), inaugurated in Berne, strengthens genomic monitoring of epidemics. It centralizes data, analyzes mutations and supports research.

The Center for Pathogen Bioinformatics (CPB) was inaugurated in Berne on Thursday. Drawing on the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic, it aims to strengthen genomic surveillance of epidemics and support research and public policy in this field.

This initiative places Switzerland at the forefront of the genomics of pathogenic viruses and bacteria. It relies on advanced bioinformatics tools and strengthened national and international collaboration, notes the Lausanne-based Swiss Institute for Bioinformatics (SIB), which heads the new entity.

"We want to be better prepared for the next pandemic," Aitana Neves, director of the new center, told Keystone-ATS. The CPB aims to manage data from the genetic sequencing of microbes, whether from wastewater or clinical samples.

The aim is to monitor their epidemic potential, understand their biology and guarantee sustainable data management for research and public decision-makers.

"An urgent need

"The creation of the CPB responds to an urgent need to strengthen global capabilities in the fight against emerging health threats," adds Aitana Neves. The center will also help federate expertise in this field at national level and support health authorities.

"During the Covid-19 pandemic, it became clear that there was a need for better coordination and collaboration between the various players involved", stresses the director. The new center aims to meet this need.

According to the researcher, it will act as a central node for the collection, analysis and management of genomic data, and will collaborate with national and international health authorities.

Rapid detection and monitoring

For example, when the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (SFOPH) wants to monitor a new virus, the CPB will centralize genetic sequencing data from a variety of sources and ensure their quality. It will also carry out analyses using bioinformatics methods to detect mutations and variants of the virus.

According to Neves, this will enable dangerous mutations to be detected and tracked more quickly, which is decisive for reacting to new epidemics in good time. Bioinformatics methods combine computer science, mathematics and biology to analyze large quantities of genetic data.

For the Director, the Covid-19 pandemic not only revealed weaknesses in global pathogen surveillance, it also demonstrated the importance of a joint, coordinated response. The CPB aims to fill these gaps and better prepare Switzerland for future challenges.

Compared to the start of the pandemic five years ago, Switzerland has made significant progress in pathogen surveillance and analysis. "During the pandemic, Switzerland recognized the crucial importance of data," notes Neves. Only effective management and targeted exchange of data can improve the speed of response.

The inauguration, held in Berne on Thursday, brought together representatives of Swiss and international public health, as well as experts in bioinformatics and microbiology. It was an opportunity to take stock of the infrastructures and tools in place to protect the population, according to those in charge.

Source: www.lenouvelliste.ch