Immunology and Viral Isolation Group
This group examines biological specimens obtained from animals and humans to identify viral agents and products produced in natural and disease states. Virology is one of the fastest growing sections within the laboratory now being challenged to develop rapid methods for detecting recent threats to public health such as West Nile Virus, SARS, Monkeypox and, with the threat of terrorism, Smallpox. Research is ongoing to develop methods to identify these and new agents while maintaining routine testing services for herpes, enteroviruses, adenoviruses and a variety of common respiratory viruses. Each year during the influenza season, specimens obtained from sentinel physicians scattered throughout the Commonwealth are cultured for the influenza virus. Influenza isolates from these specimens are typed and this information provided to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This information, and that collected from other states, will be used to make the influenza vaccine for the coming year. Rapid (same day) identification of the rabies virus in animal tissue is also provided to monitor disease spread in animals and reduce the fear and expense of painful shots to human victims. Isolated strains of rabies virus are also typed to identify emerging strains within the Commonwealth. The Immunology section is also busy identifying antigens and antibodies produced in common and rare diseases such as Syphilis, Measles, Hepatitis, HIV, Lyme and Legionella.
Rabies Specimen Submission Protocol
Rabies Testing & Cooperative Programs
Viral Isolation Kit Collections Influenza and Other Viruses
Multiple Influenza Kit Instructions
Links:
VDH List of Reportable Diseases
Virginia Rabies Control
National Rabies Control
