Udeni B.R. Balasuriya, PhD
Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center
Department of Veterinary Science
University of Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky 40546-0099
Molecular Virology Laboratory:
The major focus of my laboratory is to definitively characterize the molecular epidemiology
and pathogenesis of equine arteritis virus (EAV) infection of horses, and to develop
improved recombinant vaccines to prevent infection of horses with this virus as
well as improved tests to diagnose the infection. An additional focus of my research
is development of new diagnostic and vaccine technologies, definition of the epidemiology
and pathogenesis of other important viral diseases of the horse, and the recognition
of novel and emerging viral diseases of the horse.
Projects
- Genetic Determinants of Virulence and Attenuation of EAV.
- Mechanisms of EAV Pathogenesis and Persistent Infection of Stallions.
- Molecular Epidemiology of EAV Infection.
- Cellular Immune Response to EAV.
- Development of Attenuated Marker Vaccines for Equine Arteritis Virus.
- Development and Validation of New Diagnostic Assays for Equine Viral Diseases.
- Fishing for Novel Pathogens.
Miscellaneous Projects
- Sequencing of NC-99 strain of Equine Coronavirus.
- Molecular Characterization of Equine Rotavirus Isolates from the US.
- Investigation into Viral Etiology of Diarrhea in Neonatal Foals.