Virological testing
The Public Health Virology laboratory provides Queensland-wide specialist diagnostic, surveillance and reference and research services for endemic, emerging and exotic viruses, as well as for arthropods of medical medical importance.
PHV plays a critical role in the detection, investigation and control of infectious diseases of public health significance. The laboratory supports the public health response to outbreaks of viruses that cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological and haemorrhagic diseases, enabling timely action to “prevent people from becoming patients”..
Sections
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Serology
- Viral Genomics
- Entomology
Capability
- Diagnose, investigate and support the response to outbreaks of viruses including influenza, measles, Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), Hendra, dengue, hepatitis and Mpox viruses.
- Provide specialist serology testing to detect antibodies to viral and rickettsial pathogens.
- Perform virus isolation from clinical and environmental samples for diagnosis and research, and to provide reference material for assay and vaccine development.
- Apply genomic sequencing to characterise viruses to identify transmission pathways, detect emerging variants, monitor viral evolution and support outbreak investigations.
- Undertake mosquito surveillance and vector competence studies to assess the role of Australian mosquito species in the transmission of endemic and emerging arboviruses.
- Identify medically important arthropod specimens using morphological and molecular techniques.
- Conduct diagnostic testing of human clinical samples according to NATA requirements.
- Ensure diagnosis is performed in a timely manner and results reported under appropriate notifiable conditions legislation (i.e. Public Health Act 2005).
- Provide expert level advice on all aspects of virus transmission, diagnostics and arthropods of medical importance.
- Conduct research into viruses of medical importance and mosquito biology to strengthen Queensland’s public health preparedness.
Specialist facilities
Public Health Virology operates high level physical containment laboratories certified by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR), providing the capability to safely work with pathogens that are exotic to Australia and/or require enhanced biological containment.
Public Health impact
In addition to providing diagnosis of virus infection in clinical patients, Public Health Virology works closely with Queensland public health units and national partners to support surveillance, outbreak investigations and response activities. The Entomology section undertakes mosquito and arbovirus surveillance for local, state and Commonwealth agencies, informing targeted public health interventions, such as mosquito control and vaccination programs.