Associate Professor Jo Kirman explains to RNZ, "Our immune system vs coronavirus: I think of it as an orchestra, and there's lots of different instruments playing and they all work together to make the music." The instruments in the immune orchestra have names like phagocytes, T cells and B cells, and together they help the human body repel invaders such as bacteria and viruses, including the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
A high-security Physical Containment Laboratory (PC3) at the University of Otago’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology, is undertaking research to isolate and grow SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, with samples taken from infected individuals. It’s the only lab growing and directly working on the novel coronavirus in NZ.
POSTPONED UNTIL A LATER DATE: A panel of experts from the University of Otago will present on all aspects of COVID-19 during a symposium hosted by the Webster Centre for Infectious Diseases. The presentation will be available by livestream. Archway 3 Lecture Theatre, Union Street.
Dunedin will soon become a key national centre for research into the virus that causes Covid-19 infections, thanks partly to a rare, high-level containment laboratory housed by the Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Otago.
Dr James Ussher speaks to media about the national lockdown. Associate Prof James Ussher, of the University of Otago microbiology and immunology department, said New Zealand was ‘‘definitely at a different stage to almost all other Western countries’’ and the Covid-19 Level 4 lockdown presented a unique opportunity.
Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Otago scientists have swiftly adapted overseas technology to help develop a powerful coronavirus test which this week detected Dunedin's first two confirmed COVID-19 cases. The testing device added significantly to the country’s testing capability.
Associate Professor James Ussher believes Covid-19’s Achilles heel appears to be an exquisite sensitivity to Rapid Case Contact Management, even after it has established large outbreaks.
12:00noon Monday 16th March
Room 208, 2nd floor,
Microbiology building,
720 Cumberland Street
12:00noon Monday 2nd March
Room 208, 2nd floor,
Microbiology building,
720 Cumberland Street
Monday 24th February: A Mihi Whakatau/welcome to the Department of Microbiology and Immunology has been held for our new 400-level students. University of Otago Office of Māori Development Kaitohutohu Māori Koro Hatarei Temo and Head of Department Greg Cook warmly welcomed all our new students. E mihi ana!
