Viral Hepatitis and Bloodborne Pathogens Section

The Viral Hepatitis and Bloodborne Pathogens (VHBP) Section provides national laboratory leadership in the detection, characterization, monitoring, prevention and control of viral hepatitis. The Section delivers specialized reference services for hepatitis A, B, C, D and E viruses, as well as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), including serological and molecular testing, viral detection and quantification, genotyping, antiviral drug-resistance testing, clinically relevant mutational analysis, outbreak support and molecular analyses of potential transmission events. For HBV, routine serological diagnostic testing is not provided; however, specialized serological reference testing remains available for complex, unusual or discordant cases and investigations in collaboration with provincial and territorial partners.

The Section supports public health surveillance and conducts research focused on the molecular epidemiology, evolution, transmission and replication of viral hepatitis viruses. Using advanced technologies, the Section develops and evaluates reference methods, diagnostic approaches and laboratory technologies, supports quality assurance, and contributes to Canadian and global viral hepatitis prevention, control and elimination efforts.