Virology

Specialists detect various viruses, such as herpes simplex, influenza and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and those causing, for example, infantile gastroenteritis and neonatal bronchiolitis. The work relates also to population screening programmes for immunity to hepatitis and rubella and to monitoring the efficacy of vaccines. Rapid diagnosis speeds treatment; it helps prevent the use of inappropriate antibiotics and aids the correct use of antiviral agents. Molecular biology techniques are widely applied.