Head: Jana Zavadilová, M.Sc.

• verifies the identification of strains of B. pertussis, B. parapertussis, and Corynebacterium referred to the NRL by microbiology laboratories;
• screens C. diphtheriae and C. ulcerans strains for toxigenicity;
• keeps records and maintains the collection of strains of B. pertussis, B. parapertussis, and Corynebacterium for further analysis;
• performs RT PCR detection of B. pertussis and B. parapertussis from clinical specimens;
• screens patient sera for antibodies against B. pertussis, B. parapertussis, and diphtheria antitoxin antibodies;
• collects specimens for culture and PCR (Recommended procedures);
• provides expert opinions and reviews;
• provides consulting;
• provides methodological guidance to microbiology laboratories in the Czech Republic;
• tests the performance of commercially available diagnostic products;
• conducts the surveillance of diphtheria and whooping cough in cooperation with the NIPH Department of Infectious Diseases Epidemiology (Surveillance);
• has been involved in both national and international projects (Projects and International cooperation)
• cooperates with the National Reference Centre for Whooping Cough and Other Bordetelloses of the Institut Pasteur (International cooperation);
•  participates in the international external quality assessment schemes for the laboratory diagnosis of diphtheria and whooping cough.

Updated on 30 September 2015