Presenter: Matthew Mathai, Physiology & Neurobiology, Global Public Health Scholars
My practicum project was focused around the development of a foci reduction neutralization assay that could analyze measles-infected cell monolayers and allow health officials to identify areas of measles susceptibility much more efficiently. To complete this project, I spent the entirety of the summer propagating Vero cells, splitting them into smaller cell monolayers, infecting them with the Edmonson strain of the Measles virus, injecting the monolayers with two specific measles antibodies, and then analyzed their infections by identifying the number of foci that were produced and, therefore, neutralized in the monolayer. In conclusion, I did extensive hands-on research in the Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health at the UMD School of Medicine, and tested a successful assay which I then presented in front of a group of medical professionals. With this research, UMD hopes to provide a successful working assay that numerous countries still struggling with measles, like the US, can use to identify susceptible populations before rapid replication and spreading of the virus.
Very thorough presentation of important work with implications for measles, but as you point out in your presentation, controlling spread of a contagious virus is on the forefront of everyone's minds.
I really enjoyed learning about the different lab techniques possible when dealing with a virus! It shocked me that the FRNT technique is just as efficient at the PRNT and can be used by countries that can't afford the time or money to use PRNT. This inspires me to think about doing research for my practicum because I plan to open up in a clinic in my home country as well! Thank you so much, and keep up the great work.