When we think about working in a laboratory, we often picture people in protective suits studying slides under a microscope.
Although there’s some truth to the image – the role of a clinical virologist is far broader.
Dr Mubby Husain is the first consultant virologist at ESNEFT. He joined the infection and microbiology team during COVID-19. His role is to help tackle the virus and other patient-acquired infections.
“Everyone feels they’ve become a bit of a virologist themselves during the last year, having heard so much about viruses and how they mutate” said Mubby.
But virology is a highly specialist standalone area.
A clinical virologist works as part of an infection team. They focus on the diagnosis, management, and prevention of viral infections.”
Mubby’s role is part of Project 3000. The project involves building a new molecular laboratory to develop the molecular infectious diseases service. The project also includes providing an in-house virology specialist service, to support infection control and patient care.
Dr Mubby Husain, Consultant Virologist
Mubby has worked through several previous epidemics, including influenza H1N1(swine flu), MERS CoV and Ebola, across the NHS and Public Health England. He has many years of experience at large hospitals dealing with a range of infection issues.
“My focus is virological primarily. Part of my work involves reviewing and authorising significant test results from patients. I work closely with my microbiology and infection control colleagues in advising hospital clinical teams, infection control, GPs and community health protection.
“I help clinical teams investigate and manage patients with viral infections such as herpes viruses, hepatitis and HIV. My work also covers complex infections in immunocompromised patients (including transplant, haematology and oncology), and returning travellers with potential imported exotic infections.
“My work includes advising on the diagnosis and management of congenital and pregnancy related infections too.
“I’ve been involved with clinics in hepatitis, travel medicine and helped with the management of complex HIV cases. I interpret the molecular and serology tests to provide advice on the patient’s treatment.”
Virology has gained a new prominence as a specialty in the NHS because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Before the pandemic, the role existed mainly in large hospitals.
Mubby said: “SARS CoV 2 – or COVID-19 – is the ultimate pandemic virus. Its infectiousness before symptoms has made it a challenge to control, especially in the hospital setting. Viruses naturally evolve. The rise of variants due to mutations presents a further challenge to diagnostics and vaccines.
“I am looking forward to building on the incredible work already done by my colleagues in microbiology, the molecular lab, infection control and pathology in Colchester and Ipswich hospitals. Without their efforts I wouldn’t be here. With their help, I hope I can make a positive impact on patient care in ESNEFT.”
Mubby is helping to streamline molecular testing in the lab and reviewing the diagnostic virology infrastructure at ESNEFT across Colchester and Ipswich hospitals.
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