Diarrhoeal Pathogens Research Unit

Current projects

Research on rotaviruses
The molecular epidemiology of rotaviruses is studied by collecting rotavirus stools and then characterising them. Various rotavirus strains are identified through sequence analysis studies. The molecular pathogenesis of rotaviruses is also studied through genetic analysis and association of rotaviral infection and diarrhoea in neonates and young children.

Animal rotaviruses in the environment
In this project, porcine, caprine and bovine rotaviruses are isolated and characterised. Animal-human transmission of rotaviruses is also investigated.

Rotavirus vaccine trials
In this project, vaccines against rotavirus infections are tested. A phase IIa trial of RotaShield was conducted in 1999, and a RotaRix trial is being planned.

Other viral agents associated with gastroenteritis
In these projects, human caliciviruses, human astroviruses and enteric adenoviruses are studied.

Entero-virulent Escherichia coli
The molecular epidemiology of E coli is studied. Molecular studies on enterohaemorrhagic E coli are also done. In addition, commercial assays for detection of enterotoxigenic E coli are conducted.

Studies on protozoan agents
Cryptospridium is characterised and the virulent effects of dsRNA virus are studied. In addition, Microsporidium is detected, genotyped and characterised.