Resident Manual

One Month Resident Rotation in Virology

General Objectives

The clinical virology rotation should provide the resident with a clear understanding of the functioning of a clinical virology laboratory. This includes becoming familiar with the methods used for 1) specimen collection and transport, 2) isolation and identification of viruses and chlamydiae from clinical specimens, 3) direct demonstration of virus and/or viral antigens in clinical specimens, and 4) serologic procedures used to detect virus-specific antibodies in patient sera. In addition, the appropriate use of these techniques in different clinical situations will be discussed.

These goals will be accomplished through reading assignments, daily review of virus cultures, discussions with the clinical virologists, observation of the laboratory procedures performed, and in independent testing of "unknown" specimens. Attendance of Infectious Disease conferences and rounds is also encouraged.

WEEK 1   SPECIMEN COLLECTION, PROCESSING, AND STORAGE

• Read references in the Resident Notebook and the Virology Laboratory Procedure Manual.
• Brief overview of the tests and procedures performed in the laboratory.
• Review methods for specimen collection and transport.
• Review the types of cell cultures, cell-culture media, and basic cell culture techniques used in the lab.
• Review set-up routines for virus isolation.
• Review virus structure, classification, and basic principles involved in culturing viruses.
• Read the pending cell cultures each day with a virologist (a.m.).
• Observe set-up of the specimens received each day (p.m.).

WEEK 2   IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTIC VIRAL CYTOPATHIC EFFECTS IN CELL CULTURES

• Read references in the Resident Notebook and the Virology Laboratory Procedure Manual.
• Review with a virologist and independently the Viral CPE Teaching Set.
• Read the pending cell cultures each day with a virologist (a.m.).
• Observe set-up of the specimens received each day (p.m.).
• Discuss the herpesviruses (HSV, CMV, VZV, EBV).
• Discuss the adenoviruses.
• Discuss the papillomaviruses and polyomaviruses.
• Discuss the parvoviruses and poxviruses.
• Discuss the picornaviruses.

WEEK 3   IMMUNOLOGICAL METHODS FOR DETECTION AND IDENTIFICATION OF VIRUSES AND CHLAMYDIA

• Read references in the Resident Notebook and the Virology Laboratory Procedure Manual.
• Review with a virologist and independently the Viral CPE Teaching Set.
• Read the pending cell cultures each day with a virologist (a.m.).
• Observe set-up of the specimens received each day.
• Discuss the various methodologies available for detecting and identifying viral and chlamydial pathogens.
• Discuss the orthomyxoviruses.
• Discuss the paramyxoviruses.
• Discuss the coronaviruses and rhabdoviruses.
• Discuss the arboviruses.
• Discuss the Chlamydiae.

WEEK 4   VIRAL SEROLOGY AND UNKNOWNS

• Read references in the Resident Notebook and the Virology Laboratory Procedure Manual.
• Discuss the various methods used for serological evaluation of viral infections.
• Discuss problem specimens.
• Observe the set-up and evaluation of various serological tests.
• Work on "unknowns".
• Discuss the reoviruses and the unclassified viruses.
• Discuss any areas of special interest.

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