Molecular and Genetic Medicine

Stephen Dunham

Biography

 Steve Dunham graduated in 1991 from the University of Bristol in Veterinary Science (BVSc). After a short time in general practice, he returned to Bristol Veterinary School as an intern in Small Animal Medicine and obtained his RCVS Certificate in Small Animal Cardiology in 1993. Research training in molecular biology as a Wellcome Trust Clinical Scholar at the University of Glasgow resulted in a number of publications characterising companion animal cytokines. Postdoctoral research initially concentrated on the development of lentiviral vaccines in the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) model. A number of experimental approaches were used in attempts to improve the efficacy of DNA vaccines for FIV including the use of cytokine adjuvants, codon optimisation and prime-boost vaccination with DNA and killed virus vaccines. Steve was appointed as Lecturer in Veterinary Virology at Glasgow University in June 2003 and successfully completed his PGCert in Postgraduate Education. Steve joined the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science as Associate Professor in Veterinary Virology in September 2008. His research interests centre largely around viruses and their interaction with hosts, with a particular focus on avian influenza viruses.

Research Interest

 Canine Parvoviruses. Together with colleagues at SVMS, we are interested in investigating the current importance of canine parvovirus in dogs in the UK. Since its emergence in the 1970s the virus has continued to evolve, leading to changes in host tropism and worries regarding vaccine efficacy. While current vaccines appear to protect against currently circulating viruses, it is prudent to maintain active surveillance of what viruses are currently causing disease in UK dogs. The importance of vaccination against preventable disease in pets cannot be overestimated. However, there are often concerns that vaccination may lead to the development of immune mediated disease. consequent;y, we are interested to find out owners and vets attitudes to booster vaccination and the use of titre testing.