The Electron Microscopy (EM) and Gastroenteritis Laboratory at
VIDRL is one of a small number in Australia with significant skill
levels in the diagnosis and study of viruses using electron microscopy.
The laboratory is primarily concerned with the diagnosis and analysis
of viral gastroenteritis incidents of public health importance.
The laboratory routinely employs morphological methods such as
negative staining EM and molecular tools such as PCR and DNA sequencing
for the diagnosis and classification of viruses causing gastroenteritis
norovirus shedding project.
Over the past 25 years the laboratory has developed a particular
interest in the calicivirus group termed the ‘noroviruses’;
these viruses are now recognised as one of the most important
causes of gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. In particular the
laboratory has had a number of fruitful collaborations, with a
variety of researchers including Associate Professor P. Wright
(Monash University) Dr M. Hellard (Burnet Institute) and Dr H.
Kelly (VIDRL).
In a range of studies the laboratory has explored many aspects
of norovirus virology including:
