Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses Laboratory conducts diagnostic and research activities on different respiratory viruses.

Laboratory is integral part of surveillance program; participates in surveillance of influenza like illness (ILI) and Sever Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).

Since 2007 laboratory is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the National Influenza Center for Georgia and the primary goals of laboratory include: monitoring of Influenza viruses circulating in Georgia; timely detection of new subtypes of the Influenza virus, especially those viruses posing pandemic threats; and ongoing sharing of virus strains with other WHO collaborative centers in order to determine vaccine components.

Laboratory successfully performs studies associated with influenza viruses such as detection of Influenza virus using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) (Influenza A, H1, H3, H1p, H5, H7N9, Influenza B); isolation of influenza virus on cell lines (MDCK); and subtyping by hemagglutination inhibition assay and sequencing. 

Detection of other respiratory viruses is possible using real time RT-PCR. Currently laboratory is able to identify respiratory pathogens such as: Coronaviruses MERS-CoV, HKU, 229, 43, 63; Parainfluenza viruses 1, 2, 3, 4; Human Metapneumovirus A/ B; Rhinoviruses; Respiratory Syncytia virus A/B; Enteroviruses; Parechovirus; Bocavirus; Adenovirus; and Mycoplasma Pneumonia.

Laboratory annually participates in proficiency test panels that are organized by WHO and CDC, USA.  

Laboratory is involved in Several Sate International Research Projects:

CRDF #60211  ”Influenza Study of Backyard animals in Georgia”

GDD “SARI and community acquired pneumonia surveillance study”

Personnel

• 4 highly qualified professionals are working in the Laboratory with two MDs among them.
• Two personnel are writing doctoral theses on influenza and TBE .