Virus Isolation Course

Understanding the complexities of viruses is crucial for advancing research and public health. Welcome to the Virus Isolation Course

This course, offered through the JICA-KEMRI TICT initiative, is designed to deepen your technical and theoretical expertise in the field of virus isolation. Building on foundational knowledge from the Cell Culture course—including techniques like cell line preparation and maintenance—this advanced training emphasizes Arboviruses and equips you with the skills necessary to effectively study and handle viruses in laboratory environments.

Topics Covered

• Merits and Risks of Virus Isolation: Explore the benefits of working with live viruses, such as biological characterization and vaccine development, alongside the associated safety considerations.

• Advanced Laboratory Methods: Gain expertise in virus administration routes, sample preparation, and managing different cell lines for effective virus isolation.

• Cytopathic Effect (CPE) Observation: Learn to identify and analyze the morphological changes in host cells caused by viral infections.

• Virus Titration Techniques: Master essential methods like plaque assays, focus assays, and calculations for PFU/mL and FFU/mL.

What to Expect

Through in-depth lectures, interactive discussions, and practical lab sessions led by experts like Prof. Shingo Inoue from the Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical Medicine and Kenya Medical Research Institute (NUITM-KEMRI), a renowned virologist with extensive experience in developing diagnostics for mosquito-borne viral diseases (such as dengue virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, Rift Valley fever virus, chikungunya virus, and West Nile virus), you will:

• Understand diagnostic methods for viral diseases.

• Execute advanced experimental procedures for virus isolation.

• Develop strong data analysis skills for determining virus titers and infection dynamics.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will have advanced your expertise in virology and be prepared to mentor others and lead innovative research initiatives. This course plays a critical role in building virology research capacity and supporting the sustainability goals of the JICA Project for Research Capacity Building at KEMRI

Prepare to immerse yourself in advanced techniques and critical insights that will enhance your expertise in virology. Join us in shaping the future of virus research and innovation—your journey begins now!