Comparative virology team
Adenovirus genomics and taxonomy

adenovirus taxonomy
table of sequenced AdVs
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Balázs Harrach DVM, PhD, DSc,
Monika Ballmann molecular biologist, junior research fellow, PhD student
(avian adenoviruses of wild and exotic birds)
Laura Panto molecular biologist
(primate adenoviruses)
Tibor Papp DVM, zoologist, junior research fellow
(reptilian viruses)
Márton Vidovszky enginer of horticulture science, junior research fellow, PhD student
(adenoviruses of rodents, bats and some other mammals)
MSc students
Katalin Földes BSc, biology student
(monkey adenoviruses)
Tamás Görföl BSc, biology student
(bat adenoviruses)
Szántó Veronika biologist, PhD, microbiology student
(wild bird adenoviruses)
Earlier students and guest scientists
We study the diversity and molecular evolution of the adenoviruses of domesticated and wild animals, and man by applying molecular techniques and bioinformatic approaches. Our main goal is the reviling of the occurring diversity, the understanding of the evolution and host switches that occurred in the past and the prediction of possible such events in the future. We aim to find novel adenoviruses in taxonomically highly different hosts, to characterize them (preferably by whole genome sequencing), to understand the coevolution with their host, their continuous evolution by point mutations and the more drastic changes caused by gene acquiring, deletion, and duplications. We wish to understand the function of some novel and/or not yet characterized genes, how they manipulate the host cells, and possibly their practical use.
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)
Papers

Aoki K, Benkő M, Davison AJ, Echavarria M, Erdman DD, Harrach B, Kajon AE, Schnurr D, Wadell G, Adenovirus Research Community (2011) Towards an integrated human adenovirus designation system that utilizes molecular and serological data and serves both clinical and fundamental virology. J Virol 85 (11) 5703-5704
Hemmi S, Vidovszky MZ, Ruminska J, Ramelli S, Decurtins W, Greber U, Harrach B (2011) Genomic and phylogenetic analyses of murine adenovirus 2. Virus Res 160 (1-2) 128-135
Jánoska M, Vidovszky M, Molnár V, Liptovszky M, Harrach B, Benkő M (2011) Novel adenoviruses and herpesviruses detected in bats in Hungary. Short Communication. Veterinary Journal 189 (1) 118-121
Peters M, Vidovszky MZ, Harrach B, Fischer S, Wohlsein P, Kilwinski J (2011) Squirrel adenovirus 1 in red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in Germany. Vet Rec 169 (7) 182

Davison AJ, Harrach B (2011) Siadenovirus. Adenoviridae. Darai G, Konle S, Simniok J (eds) The Springer Index of Viruses, Springer, Berlin pp. 49-56
Harrach B, Kaján GL (2011) Aviadenovirus. Adenoviridae. Darai G, Konle S, Simniok J (eds) The Springer Index of Viruses, Springer, Berlin pp. 13-28
Mei Y-F, Harrach B, Göran Wadell (2011) Mastadenovirus. Adenoviridae. Darai G, Konle S, Simniok J (szerk) The Springer Index of Viruses, Springer, Berlin pp. 33-48

Harrach B, Benkő M, Both GW, Brown M, Davison AJ, Echavarría M, Hess M, Jones MS, Kajon A, Lehmkuhl HD, Mautner V, Mittal SK, Wadell G (2011) Family Adenoviridae. King AMQ, Carstens E, Adams M, Lefkowitz E (eds) Virus Taxonomy. 9th Report of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. Elsevier, New York 125-141
Arnold J, Jánoska
M, Kajon AE, Metzgar D, Hudson NR, Torres S, Harrach B, Seto D, Chodosh J, Jones
MS (2010) Genomic
characterization of the human adenovirus 36, a putative obesity agent. Virus
Research 149 (2) 152-161
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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 (1) 47-58
Kovács ER, Jánoska M, Dán Á,
Harrach B, Benkő M (2010) Recognition and partial genome characterization by
non-specific DNA amplification and PCR of a new siadenovirus species in a sample
originating from Parus major, a great tit.
J Virol Methods
163 (2) 262-268 ![]()
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Harrach B (2008) Adenoviruses. General features. Mahy BWJ, van Regenmortel MHV (eds): Encyclopedia of Virology, 5 vols. Third Edition. Elsevier, Oxford vol 1, pp 1-9

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January 14
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