Viral Infectious Diseases

Respiratory viruses are among the most transmissible and impactful pathogens globally, affecting both upper and lower respiratory tracts. At the Doherty Institute, research into respiratory viruses such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2 (which causes COVID-19 illness), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and the human metapneumovirus is central to our mission. The Institute has made significant contributions to the global COVID-19 response, including being the first outside of China to isolate the virus, developing diagnostic assays, and leading genomic surveillance of emerging variants. Additionally, ongoing work focuses on understanding viral evolution, improving vaccine design, and investigating immune responses to respiratory infections, including long COVID.  

Blood-borne viruses including human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV), hepatitis B and C viruses, and human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV–1), pose long-term health risks due to their potential for chronic infection and risk of transmission through blood and bodily fluids.  The Doherty Institute is internationally recognised for its leadership in HIV research, particularly in areas of latency, cure strategies, and vaccine development. The Institute also plays a key role in national hepatitis elimination strategies and in understanding the immunopathology of HTLV-1 which can cause a rare form of leukaemia, especially in Indigenous Australian communities.  

Emerging and zoonotic viruses, which originate in animals can spread into human populations, represent an emerging threat to global health security. The Doherty Institute is actively involved in research and response efforts for a range of viruses such as JEV, Hendra virus, Nipah virus, mpox and avian influenza. The Institute supports regional outbreak responses, develops rapid diagnostic testing in outbreak hotspots, and contributes to One Health surveillance frameworks and protocols. Our role in outbreak and pandemic preparedness is further strengthened through leadership in the Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID).  

Gastrointestinal viruses, including norovirus, rotavirus and enteric adenoviruses, are a major cause of concern, particularly in children, elderly and immunocompromised individuals. The Doherty Institute conducts research into the pathogenesis of these viruses and the role of mucosal immunity in controlling infection. This also leads to wastewater surveillance programs that provide early warning of outbreaks.  

Viruses that target the liver, such as hepatitis A, B, C, D and E, can lead to acute and chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The Doherty Institute contributes to national and global efforts to eliminate this virus by contributing to point-of-care diagnostics, supporting screening and linkage to care, and studying immune responses to chronic liver infections.  

Neurotropic Viruses are pathogens that target the nervous system, either by invading the central nervous system (CNS) or by causing neurological damage through immune-mediated mechanisms. At the Doherty Institute, research into these viruses focus on understanding how these pathogens can cause encephalitis, paralysis and long-term cognitive impairment. Key viruses studied at the Institute include Japanese encephalitic virus (JEC), which the Institute helps detect and track, and herpes simplex virus (HSV), known for causing herpes simplex encephalitis. The Doherty Institute houses the National Enterovirus Reference Laboratory, which is a part of the Victorian Infectious Disease Reference Laboratory (VIDRL). This laboratory plays a critical role in monitoring and characterising neurotropic enteroviruses and supporting national surveillance and outbreak response.