SARS-CoV-2 / COVID-19

Since the end of 2019, a novel virus that can cause respiratory diseases and pneumonia has been spreading worldwide. The pathogen SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the coronavirus family and is closely related to the SARS virus, which caused a pandemic in 2002. Here we will keep you informed about current developments in research and provide answers to the most important questions.

Scanning electron microscope image of SARS-CoV-2.
Scanning electron microscope image of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The virus particles emerge from the surface of cells cultured in the lab. © NIAID-RML

Researchers at the HZI are highly demanded interview partners on the topic of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and provide assessments of the situation. Here you can find selected articles (further articles are available in German):

Helmholtz Climate Initiative: Zoonoses in times of climate change

The human immune system is not prepared for zoonoses, says HIOH director Fabian Leendertz. Climate change increases the risk of potentially dangerous contacts between humans and animals.[read more]

Interview with Luka Cicin-Sain: What comes after Omicron?

Luka Cicin-Sain, head of the department "Viral Immunology" at the HZI, explains in an interview with Helmholtz which virus variants we can expect in the future and how the pandemic could develop after Omikron. [read more]

Older posts

COVID-19 Special: Germany's growing caseload

There are more coronavirus cases than ever in Germany, even though more than two-thirds of people are fully vaccinated. In an Interview with DW, epidemiologist Gérard Krause points out why the vaccination still is very effective. [read more]

Did COVID vaccines cause the delta variant?

The delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 is spreading rapidly, even in countries with a high vaccination rate. In this article by Deutsche Welle, experts including HZI researcher Peggy Riese explain why vaccines cannot be held responsible for the emergence of new variants. [read more]

European leaders reinforce measures to boost Covid-19 vaccine takeup

The pace of Covid-19 vaccinations in Europe is slowing down. In an article by CNN, epidemiologist Berit Lange comments on the situation in Germany and discusses incentives to boost vaccination rates. [read more]

Helmholtz: Carlos A. Guzmán on immunity after corona infection and vaccination

Little is yet known about the corona immunity duration. "At least we are now gaining initial insights into what it looks like after periods of about six months," Guzmán explains in a recent article published by the Helmholtz Association. [read more]

Fighting COVID with SORMAS

SORMAS software was originally developed for managing the Ebola epidemic in Nigeria. The Nigerian newspaper The Guardian reports how this gave the country a unique advantage when the pandemic hit. [read more]

What happens to COVID during flu season?

Autumn and winter are commonly the season for colds and influenza. In an interview with DW, Gérard Krause assessed what happens when these infections meet COVID-19. [read more]

Combating COVID-19 in Germany: Key takeaways

Immunologist Michael Meyer-Hermann explains in an interview with the International Journalists' Network (IJN) how Germany is acting against COVID-19 and what can be expected in the next months. [read more]

.

Coronavirus

Electron micrograph of coronaviruses in black an white.

The coronaviruses are a family of viruses that includes a series of very different pathogens. These viruses usually infect mammals, rodents, and birds, but only few coronaviruses adapted to humans. They did this with great success: About one third of all typical "common colds" and some cases of diarrhoea as well are caused by these RNA Viruses, which are the largest of their kind. [more]

Interview

Dr Peggy Riese, scientist in the Department “Vaccinology and Applied Microbiology” at HZI, talks in an interview about current developments in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine research. [more]

Support

With your donation to the HZI you directly support innovative coronavirus research projects that contribute to solutions for the containment of the virus and the identification of possible therapies. [more]

Involved research groups

PrintSend per emailShare