Erasmus Universiteit, National Influenza Centre, The Netherlands

Erasmus Universiteit, National Influenza Centre
Dr Molewaterplein 50, P. O. Box 1738
3000 DR Rotterdam
The Netherlands

Principal investigators:
Ab D.M.E. Osterhaus, Head of department
Ron A.M. Fouchier, Group leader

The Department of Virology at Erasmus MC Rotterdam has tested tested clinical specimens from SARS cases for a wide range of viruses. From several clinical samples a coronavirus was isolated based on EM, PCR and sequencing. As the group discovered and has an active research program on hMPV, validated tests for hMPV detection were distributed to the members of the SARS network. Macaques were infected with clinical specimens from SARS cases, cultured coronavirus and hMPV. Such experiments may shed light on the etiology of SARS. The group is actively working on development of diagnostic tests for SARS.