Areas of Research

The scope of scientific projects being investigated by various laboratories within the ACHV include diverse aspects associated with the biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology, therapy and epidemiology of the hepatitis viruses of man and related animal viruses. It is primarily concerned with basic research and purely clinical research or epidemiological surveillance is seen to be outside the core activities of the ACHV.  However, members are acutely aware of the value of strong links with workers in these related areas, to ensure the highest quality and most appropriate research strategies.  Similarly, the Centre encourages links with community groups involved with hepatitis infections.

The human hepatitis viruses of clinical significance comprise 5 major unrelated agents, known as the hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV), C (HCV), D (Delta Agent) and E virus (HEV).  Two additional hepatotropic agents GBV-C virus and TTV have been described recently, but have no recognized disease association at present.  In addition, some core laboratories within the ACHV have well-established research programs studying the biology of the avian hepatitis B viruses as well as the bovine diarrhoea virus.