Erasmus MC in Rotterdam is the world leader in GBS research. This has been demonstrated by a recent study into the impact of scientific publications over the past 30 years.

This prominent position is also evidenced by the fact that Erasmus MC is the leader of the International GBS Outcome Study (IGOS). The IGOS was launched in 2012 and since then more than 1800 patients from 160 hospitals from 22 countries are participating.¹

Detailed data is collected from Erasmus MC. In addition, patients are followed for up to 3 years and blood samples are taken from them at standard times. However, a new freezer was needed to be able to store this large biobank at a temperature of -80 °C. Because existing subsidisers do not finance a freezer, the GBS Foundation has collected money that made it possible to purchase a new freezer.² Om deze grote biobank te kunnen bewaren bij een temperatuur van -80 °C was echter een nieuwe vriezer nodig. Omdat bestaande subsidiegevers geen vriezer financieren heeft de Stichting GBS geld ingezameld waarmee het mogelijk was om een nieuwe vriezer aan te schaffen.

This freezer has been in Erasmus MC since January 2019 and contains more than 12,000 blood samples. This makes the IGOS biobank by far the largest biobank for GBS research in the world. The stored blood samples have already been used for the first laboratory studies. In addition, small amounts of material will also be shared with other universities for further research. The biobank is expected to be used for dozens of projects.