Molecular virology team

publications    adenovirus taxonomy    table of sequenced AdVs    Blast search for AdVs    pictures   sister group

 

Mária Benkö DVM, PhD, DSc, professor, team leader (publications+citations)

 

Andor Doszpoly biologist, PhD     PhD thesis 

Noémi Erdei biologist, PhD student

Gyözö Kaján DVM, PhD     PhD thesis

Endre Kovács biologist, PhD defended     PhD thesis

Judit Pénzes biologist, PhD student

Zoltán Tarján BSc, biology student

Earlier members

The main interest of the research group is the molecular biological characterization of animal adenoviruses and herpesviruses. Adenovirus research has long tradition in the Hungarian veterinary virology. In the 60's, several bovine adenovirus (BAdV) strains exhibiting remarkable differences in their biological properties (such as replication ability, serological reactivity, etc.) compared to the human and other mammalian adenoviruses were isolated in Hungary. In the passed decades, our group characterized the genome of these viruses and proved their reptilian origin. Based on the DNA sequences, the recognition of a unique genomic organization (Both et al.), and the results of phylogenetic analyses, these and similar viruses indeed form a separate taxon equivalent to the earlier established two (Mastadenovirus & Aviadenovirus) genera within the family Adenoviridae. By now, we have established three new genera: Atadenovirus, Siadenovirus and Ichtadenovirus. A large number of exotic animal adenovirus types are studied for comparative purposes. We sequence the genomes of several adenoviruses including ones that could not be isolated and propagated. Fish herpesviruses and herpesviruses of exotic animals are also being studied on the molecular level.

 

Training possibility for early stage researchers (less than 4 years after finishing the University):

We invite highly motivated (non-smoking) veterinarians or biologists (foreign citizens) with basic experience in molecular biology techniques, proficient spoken and written English language skills, and specific interest in molecular and comparative animal adenovirology to apply. Earlier research work with adenoviruses, interest and practice in bioinformatics, and Hungarian language knowledge is an advantage. Candidates should send their CV and motivation letter to Dr. Mária Benkö(benko@vmri.hu) and Dr. Balázs Harrach (harrach@vmri.hu). The candidate is expected to try to formally enroll in graduate school in Sept, 2012, which may need an entrance exam in June. (The formal research plan for doctoral work will be published together with the Doctoral School of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University by January 20). The engagement will cover 36 months commencing by summer/fall 2012.

The closing date for applications is 15th March 2012 (further details)

 

 

Important recent papers

   New taxonomy 2011

Novel bat herpes- and adenoviruses  2008, 2011

Genome sequencing of non-isolated adenoviruses: 2009, 2010

Sturgeon herpesviruses 2010 self archiving; 2011

Catfish herpesvirus 2008

Encyclopedia of Virology, Five-Volume Set, 1-5Adenoviruses. General features/Pathogenesis: 2008

Complete genome of snake adenovirus: 2008 Abstract

  Phylogenetic analysis of adenovirus sequences: 2007Abstract

New human adenovirus: 2007 Free in PMC

New siadenovirus in raptors: 2006  Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery

First Old World monkey adenovirus genomes: 2004, 2005

Goose reovirus: 2003, 2005

Lizard adenovirus sequences; general adenovirus PCR: 2004

Cell tropism of recombinants using fiber knobs of atadenovirus: 2004

Bovine adenovirus 10: 2004

Snake parvovirus genome: 2004

The genetic content and molecular evolution of adenoviruses: 2003/ J Gen Virol Online

Porcine circovirus: 2002 Free in PMC   2003Abstract

Molecular evolution of adenoviruses: 2003

Snake and fish adenoviruses2002

The first adenovirus from marsupial (brushtail possum) 2002 pdf

 

Frog adenovirus proves to be similar to that of turkey hemorrhagic enteritis virus: 2000

 

Selected other publications

(full list)

 

Ivanics E, Palya V, Markos B, Dán A, Ursu K, Harrach B, Kaján G, Glávits R (2010) Hepatitis and hydropericardium syndrome associated with adenovirus infection in goslings.Acta Vet Hung 58. 47-58

Graham DA, Calvert V, Benkö M, Curran W, Wylie M, Snodden DA, Moffet DA, Papp T, Adair BM, Smyth JA (2005) Isolation of bovine adenovirus serotype 6 from a calf in the United Kingdom. Vet Rec 156. 82-86.

Fanigliulo A, Comes S, Pacella R, Harrach B, Martin DP, Crescenzi A (2005) Characterisation of Potato virus Y nnp strain inducing veinal necrosis in pepper: a naturally occurring recombinant strain of PVY. Arch Virol 150. 709-720. (Epub 2004 Dec 10.)

 

Molnár K, Eszterbauer E, Székely Cs, Dán Á, Harrach B (2002) Morphological and molecular biological studies on intramuscular Mxyobolus spp. of cyprinid fish. J. Fish Dis. 25. 1-10

 

Davison AJ, Harrach B (2002): Siadenovirus. Adenoviridae. In Tidona CA, Darai G (eds.) The Springer Index of Viruses, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, pp. 29-33

 

Harrach B (2002): Aviadenovirus. Adenoviridae. Tidona CA, Darai G (eds.) The Springer Index of Viruses. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, pp. 9-18

 

Dán Á, Élö P, Harrach B, Zádori Z, Benkö M (2001): Four new inverted terminal repeat sequences from bovine adenoviruses reveal striking differences in the length and content of the ITRs. Virus Genes 22. 175-179

Barbezange, C, Benkö M., Dán, Á., Harrach, B. (2000): DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the protease gene of ovine adenovirus 3 suggest that adenoviruses of sheep belong to two different genera. Virus Res. 66. 79-80 full text/pdf

Harrach B (2000): Reptile adenoviruses in cattle? Acta Vet Hung 48. 485-490 Full text/pdf

Rusvai M, Harrach B, Bánrévi A, Evans PS, Benkö M (2000) Identification and sequence analysis of the core protein genes of bovine adenovirus 2. Virus Res. 70. 25-30 Full text/pdf

Benkö M, Harrach B (1998) A proposal for establishing a new (third) genus within the Adenoviridae family. Arch Virol 143. 829-837

 

 

9th International Adenovirus Meeting - Dobogókő, Hungary, April 26-30, 2009   Book of Abstracts  (1.2 MB)

 

8th International Congress of Veterinary Virology - Budapest, Hungary, August 23-26, 2009  Book of Proceedings (13.5 MB)
 

 

 

Last update on January 14, 2012

 

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