Trinidad Regional Virus Laboratory

Research facility in Trinidad and Tobago

The Trinidad Regional Virus Laboratory (TRVL) was a pioneering research facility established in the mid-20th century to study arboviruses and other infectious diseases in the Caribbean. Located in Trinidad and Tobago, the laboratory played a crucial role in the identification and understanding of several important viruses affecting both humans and animals.

History

The Trinidad Regional Virus Laboratory was founded in 1953 as a collaborative effort between the University of the West Indies and the Rockefeller Foundation. The laboratory was strategically located in Trinidad due to the island's diverse ecosystem, which provided a rich environment for studying vector-borne diseases.

Trinidad Regional Virus Laboratory building

The laboratory's initial focus was on the study of yellow fever, a disease that had significant outbreaks in the region. Over time, the scope of research expanded to include other arboviruses such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus.

Research and Contributions

The TRVL was instrumental in the discovery and characterization of several viruses. Researchers at the laboratory developed techniques for isolating viruses from mosquitoes and other vectors, which were crucial for understanding the transmission dynamics of these diseases.

One of the significant contributions of the TRVL was the identification of the Trinidad virus, a novel virus isolated from bats in the region. This discovery highlighted the importance of wildlife in the ecology of viral diseases.

Fieldwork conducted by the laboratory

The laboratory also contributed to the development of vaccines and public health strategies to control the spread of infectious diseases in the Caribbean and beyond.

Legacy

The Trinidad Regional Virus Laboratory laid the groundwork for modern virology research in the Caribbean. Its legacy continues through the work of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and other regional health organizations that build upon the research and findings of the TRVL.

Related pages

• Arbovirus
• Yellow fever
• Dengue fever
• Zika virus
• University of the West Indies