First Tuesday Lecture

Tuesday February 05, 2013   Noon - 1pm

"Even Frogs Get the Flu: Virus Infections of Cold-blooded Vertebrates"

SPEAKER: Victor Gregory Chincharr, Ph.D; Professor, Department of Virology University of MS Medical Center, Jackson

Iridoviruses encompass three genera of large, DNA viruses that infect amphibians,
fish, and reptiles. Members of one genus (Ranavirus) were initially viewed as relatively non-pathogenic. However, recent study indicates that ranaviruses are
responsible for the majority of amphibian die-offs in the U.S. Scientists are attempting to determine viral gene function and its role in disease and the ecological and commercial impact of ranavirus infections.