Activities Overview

The department of Molecular Virology offers diagnostic services for the detection of neurotropic viruses such as Herpesviruses and Enteroviruses. Viruses are detected primarily by using high quality serology methods that define specific antibodies against HSV1, HSV2, EBV, CMV, VZV, Adenoviruses, Parvoviruses and Enteroviruses, in the human serum. Taking into consideration the clinical symptoms and the serology results, further studies such as detection of viral genome, DNA or RNA, in the serum of the patient confirm viral infection.

For more specific cases, state-of-the-art molecular methods are used for the detection of viral genome in biopsies and/or human fluids and follow-up studies are performed to determine persistent or active infections.

The department of Molecular Virology is the only laboratory in Cyprus that performs molecular tests for the detection of viral meningitis. Ever since 1996 the department receives samples from suspected viral meningitis cases for analysis. The results provide information about circulating viruses among the population, which is then used to impose measures for the prevention of imminent viral epidemics. Additionally, the follow-up studies carried out in the department play an important role, not only in the diagnosis but also in the control of viral epidemics in Cyprus.

To download the Virology Referal Form,click here