Főoldal     Dr. Miklós Koller  
Dr. Miklós Koller (1930 - 2010)

Dr. Miklós Koller graduated as medical doctor with honours at the University of Medicine, Debrecen, in 1954. However, as a "class alien", he could not get a job at the University. Between 1954 and 1962, he was chemical pathologist in the County Hospital of Hajdú-Bihar. In 1962, he could have a position in the Institute for Microbiology of University of Medicine, Debrecen, and became engaged in medical virology. In 1964, he was appointed to the Head of Virus Department of Köjál (predecessor of National Public Health and Medical Officer Service) in County Hajdú-Bihar. In 1968, he became the Senior Expert in the laboratory producing smallpox vaccine and human anti-vaccinia (cowpox) immunoglobulin within the Institute for Research and Production of Human Vaccine. From 1974 to 1994, he acted as the Head of Laboratory at the Virus Department of National Institute of Public Health for 20 years. Following his retirement, he continued his scientific activity at the Department of Morphology in the National Institute of Environmental Health for many years. He died in 2010.

His comprehensive scientific work covers several fields. In 1962, shortly after the beginning of virological research in Hungary and at the start of Department of Virology in the Institute for Microbiology of University of Medicine, Debrecen, he was given a task that had not a scientific foundation at that time: the elaboration of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) vaccine. The fundamental virological knowledge needed for the development of the vaccine was not available then. Miklós Koller had many important observations and publications on VZV features, multiplication, cell-bound character and persistence. It shows the significance his papers that his article "Study of the multiplication of varicella-zoster virus by the fluorescent antibody test" published in 1963, was referred to even 1990. In the '80s, we had information about the successful development of VZV vaccine, after 20 years.

His broad research work included other herpes viruses like herpes simplex virus, human cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus in the later years. Amid his students here, several ones felt a calling for virology, e.g. Professor Dr. Éva Gönczöl and Dr. Frigyes Lehel, Head Physician.

His appointment to the Chief of Department for Viral Diagnostics of Köjál in County Hajdú-Bihar implied the development of the department, introduction of viral diagnostic methods, and education of young scientists. One of his young colleagues, Dr. György Berencsi (III) became the Head of Division of Virology in the National Institute of Public Health and National Center for Epidemiology, respectively, between 1988 and 2006. It is worth mentioning that the emergence of West-Nile virus by migratory birds in Hungary was demonstrated in a publication by Miklós Koller as a first author and by Slovakian co-authors in 1968.

The Smallpox Virus Laboratory of Institute for Research and Production of Human Vaccine headed by Miklós Koller produced a smallpox vaccine meeting high-level international requirements and deserved the WHOs recognition. The Hungarian vaccine also had a significant role in the elimination of smallpox worldwide as Hungary's financial contribution for WHO was covered by the delivery of smallpox vaccines.

In the Virus Laboratory of National Institute of Public Health, in addition to his high-level viral diagnostic studies he published several scientific papers on the new methods for detection of herpes viruses and rota viruses and about the significance of these viruses in various immunological damages. He produced monoclonal antibody reacting with one of the important proteins of human cytomegalovirus. In Hungary, Miklós Koller introduced the cytomegalovirus antigenemia assay essential for the organ transplantations. One of his colleagues, Dr. Marina Varga became the Head of Virus Laboratory of Clinical Department for Transplantation, Semmelweis University of Medicine. His other colleague, Dr. Ildikó Visontai has been the Head of QC Department and Deputy-Director General of NCE since 1992.

Miklós Koller's activity can be characterized by the following: Deep commitment for understanding of biological connections related to medical sciences; never-dying curiosity for the development of his knowledge. He had an excellent ability to use the theoretical knowledge for the solution of practical tasks and to impart his knowledge and enthusiasm to several generations of students.  In addition, he could ensure a pleasant work atmosphere even in the hardest times - based on his wide culture, exceptional modesty and good sense of humour.

The WHO honoured the Hungarian smallpox vaccine of outstanding quality produced by Miklós Koller with a diploma. Perhaps, his extraordinary modesty and unassertive nature caused that he received recognition from only few people apart from his direct fellow-workers. This and the organizational changes within the National Institute of Public Health were the causes that Miklós Koller did not receive any official, national award. However, it is a greater recognition than any official reward that many national scientists studying microbiology heads, senior experts, and professors - consider Miklós Koller as their teacher, a man from whom they studied interest, enthusiasm and commitment for the profession in addition to the scientific knowledge.

Dr. Éva Gönczöl DSc
Senior Member
Department of Hepatitis and Molecular Virology

 

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Dr. Miklós Koller
Dr. Béla Lányi
Dr. Hedda Milch
Dr. Erzsébet Molnár
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