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The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) is one of the most important bodies for the safeguarding of public health in Germany. As leading governmental institution in the field of biomedicine it plays a major role in the prevention and combating of infectious diseases as well as in the analysis of long-term public health trends in the German health system.
Research and prevention of infections represents one of RKI's classic fields of work. For example, its scientists conduct research into the molecular properties and transmission modes of all groups of pathogens, including not only bacteria and viruses but also fungi, parasites and prions like the BSE pathogen. In addition, the RKI records and analyses data on the occurrence of numerous infectious diseases throughout Germany in accordance with the infection protection act.