With the Zika virus outbreak in South America categorised by the World Health Organization as an international public health emergency, we speak to Dr Karen Buttigieg (BSc Hons Biology, 1998) about her role and how her team at Public Health England’s National Collection of Pathogenic Viruses is involved in supporting research into the virus and its effects.
What does your current role involve?
I am the Scientific and Operational Lead for the National Collection of Pathogenic Viruses, within Public Health England (PHE). We maintain stocks of clinically important viruses, and supply them to scientific researchers. All the stocks are authenticated and quality control tested, so that researchers can be sure of what they are working on.
My role involves selecting viruses that the Collection should contain such as those from new outbreaks, setting the strategy, collaborating with other groups within PHE, training junior staff, giving technical advice to end-users of the service, approving new stocks for supply, and increasing scientific awareness of the Collection. We also provide a secure frozen storage facility for external clients, and distribute viruses for third parties, such as the European Patent Office.
How is your team involved with research on the Zika virus?
We supply frozen cultures of Zika virus and RNA extracted from Zika virus to research laboratories across the world. The Zika virus strain we hold at the NCPV was deposited into the collection in 2013, is of African origin and has been stored at PHE Porton since 1962. Since the World Health Organization categorised the Zika virus outbreak in South America as a public health emergency of international concern, we have been responding to numerous enquiries about the supply of this Zika virus strain every day.
How much of a threat is Zika virus to human health?
For the vast majority of people, Zika virus infection causes a very mild disease. Serious complications and deaths from Zika are uncommon. However, as you will have heard in the news, recent increases in congenital anomalies (particularly microcephaly), Guillain-Barré syndrome, and other neurological and autoimmune syndromes, are being reported in areas where active Zika transmission is ongoing. The association of these illnesses with Zika virus is not yet proven and investigations in affected countries are ongoing.
How far could it spread?
The virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. This limits the spread of the virus to areas where this particular species of mosquito (Aedes aegypti) can survive and breed. The UK climate is not currently suitable for this species to establish itself.
What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
Working in research, you are by definition doing something no-one else has done before. I felt proud about that. In my career I’ve held various research posts.
One of my proudest achievements is developing the first effective vaccine against a disease called Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever.
Now, I’m proud of leading the National Collection into the future, where we can be supporting other researchers.
Why did you choose to study at Southampton?
My course had a modular format, so I could choose the topics each semester depending on those that interested me. I was a bit nervous about living on my own for the first time, so the fact that the University guaranteed a place in halls for the first year was quite important. I always loved travelling, so Southampton’s location near the sea and with its own airport meant I could spread my wings too!
How did your degree at Southampton help you achieve your career success?
One of my final year modules was on parasitology. I remember the lecturer stressing the importance of hygiene and hand washing during the practicals, and this helped me get my first job, working in HIV research. That started my fascination with viruses, and I’ve wanted to work with them ever since.
What advice would you give someone about to start their studies?
Study a subject that you really enjoy. You have a long career ahead of you and working on something you’re passionate about makes life much more enjoyable.
How would you describe your time at the University?
After I graduated from the University, I returned again a few years later as an employee. During both periods of time at the University, I enjoyed the social scene. I was a member of several clubs and societies. After I left, I was still involved with the gliding club and fencing club, and I have fond memories of the cocktail society events!
