Prof. Dr. Alexander von Graevenitz

His research interests were biochemical properties, epidemiology, and pathogenicity of rare gram-negative rods (Aeromonas, Serratia, Enterobacter agglomerans, and nonfermentative Gram-negative rods), and later he switched to the study of taxonomy, diagnosis, epidemiology, and pathogenicity of coryneform bacteria. He characterized several new species of Corynebacterium and related genera and explored the role of extrarespiratory Corynebacterium diphtheriae infections in drug addicts. He also established microbiological quality control services in Switzerland and took a leading role in clinical microbiology education.