Establishment and characterization of a quality-assured collection of lytic phages against clinically relevant bacterial pathogens as a foundation for future biomedical applications.

Development and standardization of practical methods for determining phage susceptibility—with the goal of integrating phage-specific testing into routine microbiological diagnostics.

While antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) for bacteria is already standard practice in routine diagnostics, internationally recognized methods for testing phage susceptibility are still lacking. A key focus of current research is the development of a standardized phage susceptibility test suitable for routine use that is both easy to perform and cost-effective. We have already published a promising test design. As part of a national interlaboratory comparison, the methodology has now been evaluated throughout Germany. In doing so, we are supporting the ongoing efforts of the EUCAST Subcommittee on Phage Susceptibility Testing, which is currently working on the development of standardized methods. Furthermore, various methods are currently being evaluated that can be used for the development of a ready-to-use test kit. This will further simplify the introduction of this testing method into microbiological diagnostic laboratories.

Current: Seeking Routine Laboratories for an Interlaboratory Test on Anaerobic Phage Testing!

For a proficiency inter-laboratory comparison in the fourth quarter of 2026, we are seeking routine laboratories interested in testing the susceptibility of bacteria to anaerobic phages.

Prior experience with phage testing is not required. A prerequisite for participation is having established procedures for plate-based agar diffusion testing according to EUCAST or CLSI.

Interested? We look forward to your participation!

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Development of innovative strategies for utilizing phages, for example, through the functionalization of biomedical surfaces and the development of phage-based coatings for medical materials.