Research and development laboratory

The Research and Development laboratory's major activities involve the molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). The laboratory is primarily concerned with clinical research aimed at improving outcomes for patients with chronic hepatitis B and C but is also involved in basic research, clinical trial support and molecular epidemiological studies.

Main areas of research include

• Evaluation of new antiviral drugs for HBV and HCV infection
• Study of HIV and HBV co-infection and HIV and HCV co-infection
• Studies of antiviral drug resistance
• Evaluation of new molecular technologies

Research and development at VIDRL is also undertaken in the

• Bacteriology/Parasitology Laboratory
• Epidemiology Unit
• Measles Reference Laboratory
• Virus Identification Laboratory