The Center for Pathogen Bioinformatics (CPB) was inaugurated on Thursday in Bern. Drawing lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, it aims to strengthen genomic surveillance of epidemics and support research and public policies in this area.
This initiative places Switzerland at the forefront of the genomics of pathogenic viruses and bacteria. It relies on advanced bioinformatics tools and reinforced national and international collaboration, notes theSwiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), based in Lausanne, which manages the new entity.
“We want to be better prepared for the next pandemic,” said Aitana Neves, director of the new center. The CPB aims to manage data from the genetic sequencing of microbes, from wastewater or clinical samples.
Objective: 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 capacities to combat emerging health threats,” adds Aitana Neves. The center will also contribute to bringing together expertise in the field at the national level and supporting health authorities.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, it became clear that better coordination and collaboration between different actors was needed
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, it became clear that better coordination and better collaboration between the different actors were necessary,” underlines 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 tracking
Thus, when the Federal Office of Public Health (OFSP) wants to monitor a new virus, the CPB will centralize data from genetic sequencing from different sources and ensure their quality. It will also carry out analyzes using bioinformatics methods to detect mutations and variants of the virus.
According to Aitana Neves, this will make it possible to detect and track dangerous mutations more quickly, which is decisive for responding to new epidemics in time. Bioinformatics methods combine computer science, mathematics and biology to analyze large amounts of genetic data.
For the director, the Covid-19 pandemic has not only revealed weaknesses in global surveillance of pathogens, but it has also shown the importance of a joint and coordinated response. The CPB aims precisely to fill these gaps and better prepare Switzerland for future challenges.
>> Read also: Five years after Covid-19, is the world ready to face a new pandemic?
Progress since Covid-19
Compared to the start of the pandemic five years ago, Switzerland has made significant progress in monitoring and analyzing pathogens. “During the pandemic, Switzerland recognized the crucial importance of data,” notes Ms. Neves. Only effective management and targeted exchange of data can improve the speed of response.
The inauguration, which took place on Thursday in Bern, brought together representatives of Swiss and international public health, as well as experts in bioinformatics and microbiology. The opportunity to take stock of the infrastructure and tools put in place to protect the population, according to officials.
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