Facilities

The Emerging Infections Unit was set up for complex studies involved in the diagnostic, surveillance and monitoring of viral epidemics. Equipment for virus isolation and identification assays (light and fluorescence microscopy, spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric analysis), thermocyclers and spectrophotometric analyzers for qualitative and quantitative detection of viral nucleic acids, as well as for immunoenzymatic and immuno blotting assays (semi automated ELISA-thermostatic incubator, micro plates washer, microplates spectrophotometer for microplates with 96 wells) are available. An OpenGene® DNA Sequencing System from Bayer HealthCare, consisting of an automated fluorescence-based electrophoresis unit (LONG-READ TOWER™ sequencer, a GEL TOASTER™ Polymerization system and a PC unit with specific OpenGene® softwares) is used  for the analysis and interpretation of clinically-obtained HIV-1, HCV, HBV samples.