Two leading German scientists from the University of Tubingen, Professor Christian Meyer, M.D. and Associate Professor Velavan, shared their experiences and the latest information in the fields of infectious diseases and molecular biology, at a seminar entitled “Molecular Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases”, held for the first time at DTU.
Associate Professor Nguyen Ngoc Minh, DTU Vice-Provost, presents souvenirs to Professor Meyer Associate Professor Velavan.
During many years of research collaboration, Associate Professor Velavan and Dr. Nguyen Minh Hung, Director of the DTU Center for Molecular Biology, have worked on several projects together and published many articles in prestigious ISI-listed journals.
On August 22nd, Professor Meyer talked about “The Ebola Virus, the Zika Virus and Molecular Diagnosis” and “Trematodes and Nematodes”. Associate Professor Velavan gave a talk on “Molecular Diagnosis”, and methods that are widely used, accurate and easy to use”.
Assoc.Prof. Dr. Velavan also recognized the Vietnamese-German Research Center, located at the 108 Hospital. This center of intensive research into infectious diseases in Vietnam has teams of researchers, doctors and lecturers who conduct research and treatment projects to gain a deeper understanding of infectious diseases.
The seminar presented an in-depth picture of the current prevalence of infectious diseases in Vietnam and worldwide, giving the latest information and explaining modern testing techniques used to detect current infectious diseases, in particular those on the rise, such as Ebola and Zika.
Associate Professor Velavan and Dr. Nguyen Minh Hung, Director of the DTU Center for Molecular Biology, explained a number of molecular biology techniques that are used in diagnosing infectious diseases: 1) Fast DNA extraction from different blood samples using microwaves; 2) Testing with Alere Determine™ HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab Combo and 3) Molecular diagnosis of Hepatitis B, D, and E. They reported on the topic Fast-Track Diagnostics (FTD) of Tropical Fever Core (using Multiplex Real-time PCR) to detect the Dengue Virus, the Chikungunya Virus, Salmonella spp., the West Nile Virus, Plasmodium spp., Rickettsia spp., and Leptospira spp.
The seminar broadened the perspective of professionals, doctors, lecturers and students in the fields of infectious diseases and molecular biology. It also allowed scientists to share their knowledge and collaborate with each other
The application of molecular biology in the diagnosis infectious diseases is still weak in Central Vietnam and the seminar provided a catalyst to boost its development and educate those involved in research, diagnosis and the curing infectious diseases.
(Media Center)