Sergey P. Morzunov, Ph.D
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Research Interests:
Our research focuses on the genetic diversity and evolution of hantaviruses and their rodent hosts. Virus/host pairs currently under study include South American Oligoryzomys-borne viruses and their specific hosts, North American Sin Nombre-like viruses and their rodent hosts, and Old World Arvicoline-borne viruses and their hosts. We collect samples and analyze the standard fragment of the virus genome throughout the entire geographic range of the corresponding viruses, as well as the standard fragment of the host mitochondrial DNA. Based on the nucleotide sequences obtained, we reconstruct both virus and rodent phylogenetic trees, and examine those for concordance and for the “telltails” of the past co-evolutionary events. Currently, we also plan to investigate in detail co-evolution of Sin Nombre-like and Prospect Hill-like viruses with their specific hosts on the isolated mountain tops in American Southwest. For our second major focus, we are developing the PCR-based diagnostics tests for the Nevada State Health Laboratory. By use of the PCR technique, we have successfully developed and implemented molecular diagnostic tests for several viral and bacterial pathogens, including Sin Nombre virus, HPV, HSV type 1 & 2, HIV1, Norwalk-like viruses, and Bordetella pertussis.
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Mailing Address:
Sergey P. Morzunov, Ph.D.
Assistant Research Professor
Department of Microbiology
Mail Stop 320
University of Nevada-Reno
Reno, NV 89557