Viral Exanthemata & STDs - STI, Polyoma and Herpesvirus Unit

The STD laboratory carries out reference, diagnostics and research for human papillomavirus (HPV), for human herpesviruses and for polyomaviruses. In addition, the section performs molecular surveillance for Chlamydia serovars causing lymphogranuloma venereum. The laboratory performs genotyping and comparative genomic studies of viruses, especially herpesviruses, and antiviral resistance for HSV and CMV. The laboratory carries out research and development studies on serological testing for VZV, antiviral resistance genotyping for herpesviruses and detection of polyomaviruses and HPV. It is now clear that HPV is the necessary cause of cervical cancer. Typing methods developed by the laboratory are being used to study the prevalence of oncogenic and non-oncogenic HPV types.