Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University
International cooperation to control viral infections
Topic 1
Our laboratory collects and preserves viruses isolated from epidemiological surveys of influenza in poultry, livestock, and mammals, including humans. Furthermore, by combining these with genetically reassorted viruses created in the laboratory, this library contains 144 different viruses, representing all possible HA and NA combinations. We are also using these viruses to develop vaccines in preparation for future influenza pandemics.
All influenza viruses held by our laboratory are registered in a database and centrally managed ( https://virusdb.czc.hokudai.ac.jp/ ).
Recent achievements on this topic:
Hayashi et al., Vaccines (Basel), 2020
Topic 2
Our laboratory is designated as a WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health) avian influenza reference laboratory and provides technical support for the international control of this disease. We also undertake the diagnosis of highly pathogenic avian influenza in dead wild birds within Japan.
Recent achievements on this topic:
Hew et al., Emerg Infect Dis, 2024 ; Hiono et al., Virology, 2023
Topic 3
In infectious disease research, it is important not only to study individual control and recovery from disease, but also to understand the patterns and factors of population spread, and to develop countermeasures. We receive data on disease occurrence and countermeasures in actual field settings and use epidemiological methods to study disease infiltration and the feasibility of control.
Recent achievements on this topic:
Isoda et al., Viruses, 2025 ; Hirose et al., Pathogens, 2021
To a different research topic
