Expert List Antibiotic Resistance

Micro-organisms that are resistant to antibiotics are becoming ever more frequent - in hospitals, on farms, in the environment. This is a global threat to the health of humans and animals. Experts from the University of Hohenheim give information about the background and possibilities for solutions.

Fighting bacteria with viruses - phages as an alternative to antibiotics

Phages can infect and kill bacteria - providing an alternative to antibiotics. This is particularly important when resistance to antibiotics is present. But why do phages do this in the first place? How do they reprogram the bacteria for their purposes? What is their life cycle and how do they reproduce? Prof. Dr. Fabian M. Commichau and his team investigate the biology of bacteriophages.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Fabian M. Commichau, Institute of Animal Science, Department of Molecular Microbiology, +49 (0)711 459 22222, email

Resistent germs in the stable: How did it happen and what can be done about it?

Which kinds of resistent germs are there, and how widespread are they? Is it possible to raise animals without using antibiotics? What should be changed about this situation? How does the dosage of drugs and the way they are administered affect the emergence of multiresistent germs? And what about farming methods? Which hygiene regulations must be observed in the stable? What should physicians and veterinarians do now? Prof. Dr. Ludwig E. Hölzle of the Department of Infection and Environmental Hygiene is happy to explain the various options.

Contact: Prof. Dr. Ludwig E. Hölzle, Department of Infection and Environmental Hygiene with Livestock, +49 711 459 22427, E-mail

Genetic mechanisms: How does antibiotic resistance spread?

What are the genetic mechanisms of bacterial antibiotic resistance in agriculture, environment, and hospitals? Which mechanisms cause a transfer of this resistance between the organisms? How can genome analysis be used to determine antibiotic resistance? What is the influence of antibiotics on the spreading of bacterial pathogens? Prof. Dr. W. Florian Fricke, Director of the Department of Nutrigenomics, is happy to answer all your questions on these issues.

Contact: Prof. Dr. W. Florian Fricke, Institute of Biological Chemistry and Nutritional Science, Department of Nutrigenomics, +49 711 459 24841, E-mail