Seroprevalence

Institute of Virology, Technische Universität München / Helmholtz Zentrum München:  Research at the Institute of Virology is geared toward pathogenic human viruses such as hepatitis viruses, HIV, poxviruses or SARS virus.  Their study focuses on molecular details of the viral replication cycle, host-pathogen interactions and the role of immunity in viral diseases. The institute is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, BSL2 and BSL3 laboratories and an immune monitoring unit.  In spring 2013, the Global Virus Network met in Munich to discuss the topics of control of chronic and emerging viral infections. The workshop highlighted the Durability of Vaccine-induced Immune Response, and was led by GVN Co-Founder and International Scientific Advisor, Dr. Robert Gallo and Ulrike Protzer, among other speakers at the event.

The Centre de Recerca en Sanitat Animal (CReSA) is the animal health research program of the Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), a public company of the Autonomous Government of Catalonia (Spain). CReSA is located at the campus of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), working in a new and technologically advanced building with conventional laboratories as well as biocontainment with level-3 biosecurity (BSL3) laboratories and animal facilities. The mission of CReSA is to contribute to the advancement of scientific and technical knowledge on animal health by means of research, knowledge transfer and services to public and private bodies. The long term objective is to globally improve all aspects of animal health that influence the agri-food sector and public health. CReSA researchers’ expertise includes pathology, immunology, bacteriology, virology, entomology, epidemiology and molecular biology, as well as disease animal models. Viral research is focused on endemic and exotic viruses affecting mainly livestock (swine, ruminants and poultry) and occasionally wildlife. Zoonotic viruses including animal influenza viruses, West Nile virus, Rift Valley fever virus and MERS-coronavirus are nowadays significant poles of research.

The Institute of Human Virology (IHV) is the first center in the United States – perhaps the world – to combine the disciplines of basic science, epidemiology and clinical research in a concerted effort to speed the discovery of diagnostics and therapeutics for a wide variety of chronic and deadly viral and immune disorders – most notably HIV, the cause of AIDS. Formed in 1996 as a partnership between the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, the University System of Maryland and the University of Maryland Medical System, IHV is an institute of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and is home to some of the most globally-recognized and world-renowned experts in the field of human virology.

Karolinska Institute (KI) is one of the world’s leading medical universities. Their mission is centered toward research and education, to help improve people’s health. In Sweden, Karolinska Institute accounts for over 40 per cent of the medical academic research and has the largest collection of medical education. Since 1901 the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute has selected the Nobel laureates in Physiology or Medicine, and several alumni have won the prestigious award.

The MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) represents the UK’s largest grouping of human and veterinary virologists. More than 20 principal investigators and their associated teams make up the research core of the CVR creating a critical mass of researchers dedicated to the study of human and animal viral diseases. We carry out multidisciplinary research on viruses and viral diseases, translating the knowledge gained for the improvement of health and benefit of society. Research at the CVR spans molecular, structural and cellular levels through to the individual host and affected population, thus integrating molecular and structural virology, cell biology, pathogenesis, epidemiology and mathematical modelling. Our research covers emerging viruses including arboviruses, innate and intrinsic immunity to virus infection, hepatitis C virus, viruses and cancer, structural virology, viral genomics and bioinformatics.

Finding solutions to prevent, treat and cure infectious diseases and understanding the complexities of microbes and the immune system requires innovative approaches and concentrated effort. This is why the University of Melbourne – a world leader in education, teaching and research excellence – and The Royal Melbourne Hospital – an internationally renowned institution providing outstanding care, research and learning –partnered to create the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute); a centre of excellence where leading scientists and clinicians collaborate to improve human health globally.

Harare is home to a NIH AIDS Clinical Trials Unit that conducts research with NIAID HIV Research networks including the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG), International Maternal Pediatric and Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT), and Microbial Trials Network (MTN). In addition, UZ has a NIAID HIV Clinical Pharmacology Specialty Laboratory. These clinical research networks are led by senior clinical scientists who have been involved in international multicenter trials for the past two decades hence their ability to contribute to the HIV, HBV, HCV, HPV, and other global virology research agendas. A number of NIH funded studies exist including training programs such as e.g., International Clinical, Operational and Health Services Research Training Award for AIDS and TB (ICOHRTA AIDS/TB) as well as the PEPFAR funded Medical Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI).The Antiviral Pharmacology Laboratory was initially funded as a developmental International Pharmacology Specialty Laboratory and in 2015 gained status as an ACTG International Specialty Pharmacology Laboratory. This change in status reflected successful external assessment for its readiness to participate in protocol support for ACTG as well as other networks within the Clinical Trails Unit – Virology Program. The interface among the HIV Research Networks allows the clinical pharmacology laboratory to contribute drug assays, pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamics, drug interactions and pharmacogenomics research to HIV prevention and treatment research protocols in adults, pediatrics, adolescents, pregnant women, as well as to cure, vaccines, and co-infection (e.g., TB, HBV, HPV) protocols.

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) is known worldwide for its academic excellence in virology research. The scientists and academic staff at the university include some of the world’s foremost infectious disease experts, and research at the university results in groundbreaking biomedical discoveries and the development of vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostic tools. The Galveston National Laboratory (GNL), the flagship high containment facility of the UTMB Institute of Human Infections and Immunity, resides on the UTMB campus and houses research on Ebola, chikungunya, MERS coronavirus, dengue, West Nile, and other emerging viruses. The Institute also includes the Center for Biodefense & Emerging Infectious Diseases, the Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, the Center for Tropical Diseases, and the McLaughlin Endowment for Infection and Immunity.