Since 1960, the Department of Virology has collected epidemiologic data and developed and evaluated products to protect Soldiers and citizens from infectious diseases. These diseases include high priority vector-borne diseases such as dengue, Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya and Zika viruses as well as respiratory pathogens to include influenza and SARS-CoV-2. The department’s world-class team of scientists, laboratorians and physician engage in field site development, epidemiology studies, sample collections and clinical trials to develop safe, effective and relevant products to overcome these diseases.
 
The Virology Serology unit’s works to detect both acute and convalescent exposure to high-threat viral pathogens of interest in blood and serum. This is accomplished using various assays ranging the classic techniques like tissue and mosquito culture and commercially-developed immunofluorescent, ELISA, and PRNT assays to more recent methodologies to include flow cytometry-based neutralization and FluoroSpot assays.
 
The Molecular Virology section, serving as the advanced characterization arm of the Department of Virology, utilizes PCR testing, next generation sequencing and bioinformatics to decipher nucleic acid and protein interactions and structures to inform targeted countermeasure development.
 
The Department of Virology also maintains robust clinical trials capabilities, with experienced research coordinators fluent in various local, state, federal and international regulations and project managers capable of processing thousands of samples every year.
 
These field, laboratory and clinical elements have produced numerous landmark accomplishments including:
 

• The early characterization of dengue hemorrhagic fever
• Identification of dengue serotypes 3/-4 and antibody-dependent enhancement of dengue infections
• Support for phase 3 trials for dengue, Japanese encephalitis and hepatitis A vaccines that led to FDA-licensure
• Development of the only licensed dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia)
• Development of the JE-MAC ELISA to diagnose Japanese encephalitis
• Validation of numerous rapid diagnostic tests and multiplex platforms