Microbiological Research Group

The Microbiological Research Group of the National Center for Epidemiology provides diagnostic services related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and performs research on HIV and other human viruses. Within the Research Group the following units are operating:

• The National Reference Laboratory for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-NRL)

The HIV-NRL deals with
1) Confirmation of HIV reactive or indeterminate serum samples prescreened by the HIV-screening laboratories in Hungary (HIV Confirmatory Laboratory).
2) Determination of HIV-1 RNA copy number in plasma samples of HIV infected persons, or persons with an indeterminate HIV serology (Nuclisens Laboratory).
3) Isolation and characterization of HIV strains prevalent in Hungary.
4) Preservation of prototype HIV strains and their host cells.

• The Virus Laboratory

The Virus laboratory performs
1) studies on the expression of viral genes  responsible for latent cell transformation and the mechanisms regulating the expression of viral oncogenes, including immune modulators (methylthio compounds, interferons and their inductors).
2) applies mass spectrometric methods for the identification of macromolecules.

• The Isotope Laboratory

conducts tests and research utilizing radioactive isotopes.

• The  Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory for Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease (CJD)

performs genetical and immunological studies of human TSE (transmissible spongiform encephalopathy) diseases.