INSTITUTE OF TROPICAL MEDICINENAGASAKI UNIVERSITYTE

OF TROPIC

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through Scientific Discovery and its Application Solving the World Health Problem

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2015

MISSION STATEMENT
Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), Nagasaki University
The tropics, the most ecologically diverse region on the Earth, presents an ongoingcomplexity of tropical diseases and other health problems. In view of the remarkableadvances made in the field of international exchange in recent years, it is imperative thatthese problems be addressed from a global perspective.
Based on this understanding, the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University,
aims to overcome tropical diseases, particularly infectious diseases, and the various healthproblems associated with them, in cooperation with related institutions, to strive forexcellence in the following areas:
1. Spear-head research in tropical medicine and international health
2. Global contribution through disease control and health promotionin the tropics by applying the fruits of the research
3. Cultivation of the researchers and specialists in the above fields

General View of the Institute

Coverpage Photo : Fieldwork in BangladeshPreface
Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) was established in 1942 as a unique government-assisted
institution for research on tropical medicine, both in the basic and applied fields. The Ministry of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) designated ITM as a “Collaborative Institute” and a “Center of Excellence” in1982 and 1995 respectively. In 1993, the World Health Organization designated ITM a WHO Collaborating Centre for
Reference and Research on Tropical Viral Diseases. Most recently, in 2009, ITM was authorized as a “Tropical
Medicine Research Center of Joint Usage” supported by MEXT, This recognition underlines the importance of ITM as
an open institute whose resources are freely available to the whole research community. The current organization of
the institute involves four major research fields (15 departments, one domestic visiting department, one overseas
visiting department), two centres, and one clinical unit.

Developing countries in the tropics, the most ecologically and culturally diverse regions of the world, are affectedby a diverse group of tropical diseases, new emerging infectious diseases and life-style diseases. In view of theremarkable advances made in the field of international exchange in recent years, the industrialized countries of thetemperate zones are also affected by these problems and it is imperative that they are addressed from a global
perspective. Based on this paradigm, ITM aims to overcome tropical and emerging infectious diseases, and thevarious related health problems in the tropics and the rest of the world, in cooperation with related institutions, and to
strive for excellence in the following areas:

1. Spear-head research in tropical medicine and international health
2. Global contribution through disease control and health promotion in the tropics by applying the fruits of theresearch
3. Cultivation of the researchers and specialists in the above fields

This pamphlet offers a brief but hopefully intelligible explanation of our organization and its activities in research,education and other related social activities. As you will see, our research activities address traditional tropicaldiseases such as malaria, schistosomiasis, dengue fever, yellow fever and acute respiratory infections, and emerging
infections such as HIV/AIDS and SARS. We conduct basic, epidemiological and clinical research for disease
prevention and control. We also investigate environmental factors including vectors, and natural and social
environments. ITM educates students in PhD and Masters courses as part of the Graduate School of Biomedical
Science and Graduate School of International Health Development of Nagasaki University. In addition, ITM provides athree-month training course on tropical medicine. You will also find information about our research bases in Kenya andVietnam. Finally, the financial status of the institute is summarized.
Your suggestions, support and ideas for the further development of ITM are greatly appreciated.
July, 2015
Kouichi Morita
Dean and Professor
Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM)
Nagasaki University― 1 ―Contents
Preface ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Contents ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Historical Review ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Successive Deans of the Institute ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Organizational Chart ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Research Center on Tropical Diseases ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥The Steering Committee for the Collaborative Research Center on Tropical Medicine ‥‥‥‥
Character of research organization and activities ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Graduate Courses ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Three-month Course on Tropical Medicine ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Public communication ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Publications ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Department of Virology ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Department of Bacteriology ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Department of Protozoology ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Department of Parasitology ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Department of Immunogenetics ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Department of Pathology ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Department of Eco-epidemiology ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Department of International Health ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Department of Vector Ecology & Environment ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Department of Clinical Medicine ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Department of Clinical Product Development ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Center for Infectious Disease Research in Asia and Africa
Kenya Research Station‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Vietnam Research Station ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Tropical Medicine Museum ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Central Laboratory ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
NEKKEN National BioResource Center ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
LF-NTD Unit ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥The University Hospital Infectious Disease Ward ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Number of Staff ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Accounting ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education,
Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ‥‥‥‥
Subsidy ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
External Fund‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Agreement of Educational, Scientific and Scholarly Exchange ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Telephone Number ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Location map of the Institute of Tropical Medicine on Sakamoto Campus of Nagasaki University ‥

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Historical Review
The Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki
University was originally founded in March 1942 as theEast Asia Research Institute of Endemics, Nagasaki
Medical College in order to perform basic and appliedstudies on endemic diseases in East Asia. At the
beginning, most of its research activities were fieldstudies conducted in mainland China by the
Departments of Pathology, Bacteriology, Internal
Medicine, and Dermatology of Nagasaki Medical
College. August 9th, 1945, the atomic bomb was
dropped in Nagasaki, and the Institute's all the facilities
and research materials were completely destroyed
together with Medical School. Consequently, thedevelopment of the Institute and its research activities
had lagged significantly behind.
In April, 1946, the Institute changed its name to
the Research Institute of Endemics, Nagasaki Medical
College, and moved to Isahaya City in May to resume
research activities. Yet in accordance with the National
School Establishment Law issued in May, 1949, theInstitute once again changed its name to the ResearchInstitute of Endemics, Nagasaki University. In 1957, theInstitute was affected by another disaster of massive
flooding, and its facilities, equipment, and researchmaterials were severely damaged. Thus, constructionof a new building started in Sakamoto, Nagasaki City in
1960, and the Institute moved to the building in April ofthe following year. The Institute's Departments, whichwere only two at the time, Pathology and Clinics,
increased its number every year after 1963, including
Epidemiology, Parasitology, and Virology. The
Sakamoto building finished its first expansion at theend of 1966.
In June, 1967, with the partial alteration of the
National School Establishment Law, the name of theInstitute was changed for the third time to the present
one to carry out basic and applied studies on tropical
medicine. Around the same time, the Department ofInternal Medicine, Institute of Tropical Medicine,
equipped with 20 beds, was opened in the University
Hospital. In 1974, the Department of Bacteriology andthe Reference Center were attached, and in 1978, theDepartment of Preventive Medicine, consisting mainlyof visiting professors, associate professors, andresearchers, and the Tropical Medicine Training Course

were launched. In the ensuing year, the Infectious
Animals Depriva-tion Experiment Laboratory was
promoted to be-come the Animal research Center for
Tropical Infections, and the second building expansion
was concluded in March, 1980. In September, 1983, a
JICA-sponsored group training program Tropical
Medicine Research Course was opened, theDepartment of Protozoology was established a year
after, and the third building extension was finished inJuly the year after that. Two years later, the Departmentof Medical Entomology was created and the Institutewas reorganized into the collaborative institute inanother two years. In 1991, the Department ofBiochemistry was added, and the fourth building
expansion was ended in March, 1994. In April, 1994,
the Institute was divided into three big Divisions,Tropical Microbiology, Pathogenesis and Clinical
Sciences, and Environmental Medicine, with theestablishment of two new research Departments,
Thermal Adaptation and Social Environment, whichhave expanded to 12 Departments at present. The
Institute was desig-nated as Center of Excell-ence inthe forefront of scientific research in 1995, and a newresearch Department, Molecular Epide-miology, wasestablished under the Research Field of Microbiology in1996 to invite overseas visiting professors. In 1997, theReference Room for the Tropical Medicine was
replaced by the Tropical Disease Information andReference Center, and it was again succeeded by the
Research Center for Tropical Infectious Disease in
2001. In March, 2003, when the Sakamoto build-ing
finalized its fifth expansion, its extension work of almost
40 years came to an end. In March, 2006, the mainbuilding's repair work was completed. In April, 2008,
the Research Center for Tropical Infectious Disease for
the Tropical Medicine was replaced by the Center for
Infectious Disease Research in Asia and Africa andTropical Medicine Museum. In June, 2009, the institute
was authorized as the Collaborative Research Center
on Tropical Disease by the Ministry of Education. Morerecently, three additional depatments i.e., clinicalmedicine, pediatric infectious diseases and clinicalpharmaceutical science, were admitted for installation.
In June, 2013, the Animal Research Center for
Tropical Infections was closed.
In April, 2014, Tropical Medicine Museum was
relocated.

― 3 ―Successive Deans of the Institute（East Asian Research Institute of Endemics）
Susumu Tsunoo

M a y. 04, 1942 - Aug. 22, 1945

Kohei Koyano

D e c . 22, 1945 - Jan. 23, 1948

Kiyoshi Takase

J a n . 24, 1948 - Aug. 31, 1948

Noboru Tokura

Sept. *1, 1948 - May. 30, 1949

（Research Institute of Endemics）
Noboru Tokura

M a y. 31, 1949 - Aug. 31, 1958

Nanzaburo Omori

Sept. 01, 1958 - Nov. 30, 1963

Hideo Fukumi

Dec. 01, 1963 - May. 31, 1967

（Institute of Tropical Medicine）
Hideo Fukumi

J u n . 01, 1967 - Nov. 30, 1969

Daisuke Katamine

D e c . 01, 1969 - Nov. 30, 1973

Kaoru Hayashi

Dec. 01, 1973 - Nov. 30, 1977

Tatsuro Naito

D e c . 01, 1977 - Nov. 30, 1979

Daisuke Katamine

D e c . 01, 1979 - A p r. 01, 1981

Keizo MatsumotoA p r. 02, 1981 - A p r. 01, 1991

Hideyo Itakura

A p r. 02, 1991 - A p r. 01, 1993

Mitsuo Kosaka

A p r. 02, 1993 - A p r. 01, 1997

Akira Igarashi

A p r. 02, 1997 - May. 31, 2001

Yoshiki Aoki

A p r. 01, 2001 - May. 31, 2007

Kenji Hirayama

A p r. 01, 2007 - May. 31, 2011

Tsutomu Takeuchi

A p r. 01, 2011 - May. 31, 2013

Kouichi Morita

A p r. 01, 2013 - Up to the present― 4 ―Organizational Chart

Department of Virology
Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases
Microbiology
and Parasitology

Department of Bacteriology
Department of Protozoology
Department of Parasitology
Department of Molecular Epidemiology(Overseas Visiting Professor)
Department of lmmunogenetics
Department of Host-Defense Biochemistry

Host and Vector
Biology

Depanment of Pathology
Department of Preventive Medicine and AIDS Research

Department of Eco-epidemiology
Management
Meeting

Department of International HealthPublic andEnvironmental Health

Department of Global Health Development Policy Sciences
Department of Vector Ecology and Environment

Dean

Faculty
Meeting

Department of Clinical Medicine
Clinical Medicine
and Research

Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Department of Clinical Product Development

Center for Infectious Disease Research in Asia and Africa
Kenya Research Station
AssociatedFacilities

Vietnam Research Station
Tropical Medicine Museum
Central Research Laboratory
Office for Training and Education
National BioResource Center
LF-NTD Unit

Nagasaki
University
HospitalInternal Medicine

Department of Infections Diseases― 5 ―Research Center on Tropical Diseases
Our institute is the one and only public sector
supported by MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture,
Sports, Science and Technology, Japan) that aims todo the research on tropical diseases, and identified as
the Collaborative Research Center on Tropical
Disease.

through exchanging information or technologies
necessary. The Research Center on Tropical Medicine
is also to deliver bio-resources including infectious
agents, information, and etc. collected and stored
here, and thus serves as a resource center on Tropical
Medicine.

1. The Goal of the Center
The infectious diseases are caused by thecollapse of symbiosis with other creatures, whichcannot be avoided if we, human being, live in thenature. Although the ultimate aim of this center is toeradicate infectious diseases, it is needed rather toestablish reciprocal relationship with other creatures
than to eliminate them. Such establishment ofreciprocal relationship requires the collective
knowledge, which can be achieved only by combining
a broad aspect of disciplines.
The Tropical Infectious Diseases have been
spreading in the tropical area, which is the reflectionof environment and socio-economic situation existed
there. It is considered to be a big challenge related tohealth. As a matter of fact, emerging and re-emerging
infectious diseases including newly emerging
infectious diseases, HIV and tuberculosis have been
spreading globally with tropical area being its
epicenter. The tropical area is not only the battle field
where we, human being, fight against them but also
the experimental ground where we newly create anddevelop our knowledge and technology alike in order
to control infectious diseases.
The Research Center on Tropical Diseases is toaccomplish with the members in the diverse scientificcommunities collaborative researches rooted upon thefield where infectious diseases are prevailing, making
use of the facilities like Asia and Africa Research
Stations internationally recognized. It also serves as aresource center for information and biological samples
related to infectious diseases speeding globally.

3. Organizational Chart of the Center
As for administration of this research center, thedean of the Institute of Tropical Medicine establishedthe Steering Committee for the Collaborative
Research Center on Tropical Medicine, which wascomposed of 11 members, out of whom more thanhalf should be outside the university concerned. The
Steering Committee for the Collaborative ResearchCenter on Tropical Medicine is responsible for
adoption of the applications and monitoring andevaluation of the activities in question.
In order to support activities above mentioned,
the specific section supporting the Research Center
on Tropical Medicine was newly formed and aprofessor was designated to be a section chief.
4. Applications for Collaborative Researches
There were 27 applications for collaborative
researches, out of which 25 were adopted.
There were 3 applications for collaborative
researches specified research area, out of which 3
were adopted.
There were 3 applications for research meeting,out of which 3 were adopted.

2. Outline of the Collaborative Research
The Research Center on Tropical Medicine
appeals to the public for the collaborative research,which is either basic or applied research based uponepidemiological, clinical or public health framework.
The Research Center on Tropical Medicine appeals tothe public for the research meeting, which promotes
and facilitates the research of infectious diseases― 6 ―Concept Diagram
The Institute ofTropical Medicine

The Tropical Medicine
Research Center Committee

Researchers' Communities

Dean

Discuss important matterson its management

Send a delegate/delegates as amember of the committee to address
opinions from communities

Advice / Report

Expert advisors

Discuss specialized mattersthat are inquired

The Tropical Medicine
Research Center Office
Support for its management and follow
the intention of the committee― 7 ―Research Grants
A collaborative Research Topic
A collaborative Research Topic
A collaborative Research Topic

The Steering Committee for the Collaborative
Research Center on Tropical Medicine
Committee Member outside the university
National Reseach Center for Protozoan Diseases,
Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine◎ Professor

Ikuo Igarashi

Research Institute of Tuberculosis, Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association
Director

Nobukatsu Ishikawa

Department of Tropical Medicine and Malaria ResearchInstitute National Center for Global Health and Medicine
Director

Shigeyuki Kano

National Institute of Infectious Diseases
Director-General
Ichiro Kurane
RIKEN Center(Nagoya University and the University of Tokyo)

Research Advisor(Emerifus Professor)
Yoshiyuki Nagai

Committee Member outside the institute
Professor

Noboru Takamura

Institute of Tropical Medicine

Professor

Taro Yamamoto

Institute of Tropical Medicine

Professor

Koya Ariyoshi

Institute of Tropical Medicine

Professor

Yoshio Ichinose

Atomic Bomb Disease InstituteCommittee Member inside the institute◎：Chairman― 8 ―Character of researchorganization and activities
Based on the following research organization andintimate linkages with other research institutes anduniversities, the institute aims at accomplishing a
mission: Spear-head research in tropical medicine andinternational health.
●To study comprehensively the tropical diseases which
are raging in the developing countries, researchorganization of the institute consists of 4 major
research fields which deal with the classic quad of thehuman-agent-environment determinant-clinical studyof infectious diseases and Overseas Research Station
and Tropical Medicine Museum. Other facilities of theinstitute include a joint research laboratory and atropical medicine education office.
●The research of tropical medicine faces the inevitable
fact that the bench is in the bush. Therefore theinstitute has a close linkage with the overseas
institutes in Asia, Africa and South Americas andcontinues the joint studies. Memorandums ofacademic exchange programs were signed between
Nagasaki University and 14 overseas institutes. Since
the overseas research laboratories of the institute has
been established in Kenya Medical Research Institute(KEMRI), Kenya and National Institute of Hygiene andEpidemiology (NIHE) Vietnam in 2005, by the grants
from Ministry of Education, Sports, Culture, Scienceand technology (MEXT), the extensive andlongitudinal studies on tropical diseases has been on
the progress, and are extended to continue in more 5
or 6 years. The third term of the Vietnam project has
started in 2015. We have extended our effort toachieve external funds for this project and obtained
the Special Coordination Funds for Promoting
Science and Technology and the Science andTechnology Research Partnership for Sustainable
Deve-lopment (SATREPS), etc. These funds have
expanded the researches at Asia and Africa stations.
●The prevalence of tropical diseases depends on thegeographic, social and economic factors. Therefore
the institute has established the special researchsystem which helps forward the multidisciplinary
studies on tropical diseases.

Graduate Courses
In April 2002, the structure of doctoral course in
Nagasaki University was re-organized by integrating thethree graduate schools from the Schools of Medical
Science, Dental Science and Pharmacology into the
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. The school
now offers six master and doctoral courses. All the
departments in the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM)
are involved in teaching the Course on Infection
Research. In April 2013, the “Program for Nurturing
Global Leaders in Tropical and Emerging

Communicable Diseases (PhD course)” wasincorporated in this course. Limited to 15 students per
year, the new program is one of the several programs
adopted by the Program for Leading Programsupported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,
Science and Technology. It focuses on controlling
tropical and emerging infectious communicablediseases and on leadership. One of its unique features
is that students will be given practical trainings in across-field curriculum, which includes hands-on training
at overseas Nagasaki University Research Stations in
Kenya and Vietnam and other internationalorganizations. In addition, 22 staff of ITM composed ofprofessors, associate professors and assistantprofessors participate in this program. They play animportant role in giving lectures related to tropical andemerging communicable diseases and in helping
students to write their dissertations.
〈Master of Tropical Medicine (MTM)〉
In 2006, Nagasaki University Graduate School of
Biomedical Sciences started the Master of Tropical
Medicine (MTM) course, which accommodates 12
students from various countries. This one-year course
starts from October with one month of lectures/practice on conducting research, followed by research
period leading to Master thesis writing supervised byrespective professors. From April to June, they haveintensive lectures and practices on Clinical Tropical
Medicine and Tropical Public Health. Degree of Masterof Tropical Medicine is awarded to successful students.
The applicant should have more than two years ofclinical experience as a medical doctor, and shouldhave sufficient communication skill in English.
〈Master of Public Health (MPH)〉
In April, 2008, the Graduate School of International
Health Development was founded at Nagasaki
University. The main aim is to cultivate specialists who
contribute to the promotion of good health indeveloping countries. A Master of Public Health (MPH)
degree is awarded to students who successfullycomplete this two-year course. Since tropical medicine
plays a pivotal role in promoting good healthinternationally, four professors from ITM serve as a fulltime faculty member in the program. The applicants are
required to have sufficient command of Japanese
language.
In April 2015, School of Tropical Medicine and Global
Health was newly opened, with three courses, “Tropical
Medicine course” and “International Health
Development course” which were developed from two
existing master courses mentioned above, and a newly
established “Health Innovation course”. It will accept thestudents in October, 2015.
The information on these courses and new School
including application form is available through ourhomepage.
http://www.tm.nagasaki-u.ac.jp/nekken/english/index.html― 9 ―Three-month Course on
Tropical Medicine
This is a short-course of tropical medicine. This
course aims to support medical and co-medical
personnel who plan to work in the tropics, byproviding opportunities to learn a broad range ofskills and knowledge relevant to practicing medicine,
implementing disease control programs andconducting medical research in tropical anddeveloping countries. The course began in 1978.
Fifteen participants are accepted to attend thecourse in each year. As of the 36th course in 2013,455 participants in total (including 186 medical
doctors, and 269 co-medical such as nurses,
community health nurses, midwives, pharmacists)from all over Japan have completed the course. The
course is run by the steering committee, which
consists of members from both inside and outside
the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM).
The full-time staff members of the ITM and asubstantial number of visiting professors andlecturers provide the 13 weeks (April to June, in2014) of lectures, laboratory practicals and fieldwork in the fields of virology, bacteriology,
protozoology, parasitology, medical entomology,
pathology, immunogenetics, epidemiology, humanecology, social medicine, clinical medicine and also
geography and culture in tropics. Participants who
successfully completed the course are awarded the
Diploma in Tropical Medicine.

accumulate know-how of risk communication on
tropical infectious diseases in our institute, we areplanning to have open lectures where we have frankcommunication with citizens on the present stateand future prospects of research on tropical
medicine.

Publications
Our official publications are as follows;
1. Bulletin of Nagasaki University Institute of Tropical
Medicine (in Japanese, yearly since 1964, PDF
files are available at our web page.)
2. English Brochure: INSTITUTE OF TROPICALMEDICINE NAGASAKI UNIVERSITY (this copy.
Yearly since 1977, PDF files are available at our
web page.)
3. Japanese Brochure (in Japanese yearly since1977, PDF files are available at our web page.)
4. Report of Nation-wide Cooperative Research
Projects (Information of research activities andachievements as a nation-wile cooperative
research center for tropical medicine is compiled.)

1

2

3

4

Admisssion ceremony in 2015

Public communication
Lectures and film shows for citizens are heldoccasionally. Every year, several groups of highschool students with teachers visit our museum,attending lectures and film shows. In 2014, we had
6 open lectures at Nagasaki City Library etc. To― 10 ―

Department of Virology
This Department has been conducting basic
and applied research on mosquito-borne viruses
such as Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus, dengue
virus and West Nile virus, as well as emerging
infectious viruses such as SARS virus and Nipah
virus.
Molecular epidemiology of Japanese encephalitis andDengue viruses
We isolate JE and dengue viruses in Asia andAfricanregionsandconduct
molecular
epidemiological analysis to clarify international andinter-continental movement of those viruses. We
also analyze unique genome sequences that are
relevant to pathogenicity.

collaborating with WHO in training for WHO fellows
from many developing countries and deployment ofexperts as WHO short-term consultants. In addition,
Dr. Kouichi Morita was dispatched to WHO/WPRO
as Regional Adviser on Communicable Diseases
from 16 May 1995 to 15 May 1998. Dr. Futoshi
Hasebe was also dispatched for long term tocollaborate in the global emerging infectious disease
control program from March 2004 to March 2006.
The Department initiated and held the FirstGOARN/WHO National Training Course in Nagasaki
from 25 to 29 February 2008 in collaboration with
WHO/WPRO.

Research on animal and organ tropism of Flavivirus
JE virus infects more efficiently in swine,
whereas dengue virus multiplies well in humans. We
are identifying the molecular basis for such hostspecific infection of flaviviruses.
Research on viral gene functions and vaccine
development using reverse genetics
We have developed infectious clones for JE anddengue viruses and identify gene functions bymodifying various parts of the genes or constructing
chimeric viruses between the two viruses. In
addition, we are developing genetically engineered
viruses as candidates for live attenuated vaccines.
Development of rapid diagnosis
Various tools for rapid diagnoses are being
developed for flaviviruses and other emerging
viruses using PCR, LAMP and nLC/MS
technologies. Also, genetically engineered antigens
are being developed to provide affordable
serological tests for developing countries.

Kouichi Morita
Professor
Futoshi Hasebe
Professor (Project)
Meng Ling Moi
Associate Professor
Shingo Inoue
Assistant Professor
Fuxun Yu
Assistant Professor
Takeshi Nabeshima
Assistant Professor
Daisuke Hayasaka
Assistant Professor
Visiting Research Fellow Buerano Corazon Cerilla
Masanobu Ago
Visiting Professor
Toru Kubo
Visiting Researcher
Yuki Takamatsu
Visiting Researcher
Leo Uchida
Visiting Researcher
Mya Myat Ngwe Tun
Research Fellow
Muhareva Raekiansyah
Research Fellow
Mitsuru Toda
Research Fellow
Kazumi Jodai
Assistant
Takako Nishi
Assistant
Akira Yoshikawa
Graduate Student
Ulanday Gianne Eduard Limbo
Graduate Student
Adungo Ferdinard
Graduate Student
Aung Kyaw Kyaw
Graduate Student
Satoshi Shimada
Graduate Student
Phu Ly Minh Huong
Graduate Student
Bui Thu Thuy
Graduate Student

Research on emerging viral infectious diseases
Epidemiological studies on SARS virus, Severe
Fever and Thrombocytopenia Syndrome virus (SFTS)
and H5N1 avian influenza virus are being conductedin Viet Nam, Japan and other countries in the South
East Asia.
Activities as a WHO Collaborating Center
The Department of Virology is designated as a
WHO Collaborating Center for Reference andResearch on Tropical Viral Diseases' since 1993 andre-designated in 2003. The Department has been
― 11 ―

Epidemiological study of tick-borne virusesDepartment of Emerging
Infectious Diseases

transmission. We have developed novel diagnostic
assay for emerging viral diseases.

Emerging infectious diseases are infectious
diseases whose incidence in humans haveincreased in the past 20 years and threaten toincrease in the near future. We are working on the basic
research to develop and produce countermeasuresagainst emerging infectious diseases, especially viralhemorrhagic fevers and influenza.
Research subjects:
Analyses of replication mechanisms of highly
pathogenic viruses
In infected cells, the viruses replicate using
various cellular machinery and release a large
number of progeny virions. Our interests are toclarify the molecular mechanisms of virus replication
in host cells. We are currently analyzing themolecular interactions between viral proteins andcellular factors in virus infected cells. Especially, we
are focusing on highly pathogenic viruses, such as
Ebola, Marburg, Lassa and Influenza viruses.
Development of novel antiviral strategies
To establish novel antiviral strategies against
viral hemorrhagic fevers and influenza, we are
identifying the cellular factors which have antiviral
activity and analyzing the molecular mechanisms of
their antiviral action. We will also start highthroughput screening of organic and chemicalcompound libraries for antiviral drug discovery
against viral hemorrhagic fevers.

Studies on Lassa fever in Nigeria
Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever and now
endemic in West African countries. Annually
300,000-500,000 peoples are infected with Lassa
virus and 5,000 patients have died in Lassa fever
every year. We are carrying on the epidemiologicalstudies, the development of novel diagnostic
methods and the pathological studies on Lassa
fever in collaboration with a Nigerian group.
Studies on endogenous retroviruses
Recently, it has been reported that a portion oflive attenuated vaccines for pets, which were
produced using mammalian cell lines, were
contaminated with infectious endogenous retrovirus.
Furthermore, in therapeutic use of animal cells,
tissues, and organs derived from pigs as donors forxenotransplants, a major international concern is thepossibility of cross-species transmission of infectious
porcine endogenous retrovirus from animal donor to
immunosuppressed human transplant patients. To
reduce the risk induced by endogenous retrovirusesin vaccine preparation and xenotransplantation, weare developing the strategies to regulate theproduction of endogenous retroviruses from cells.

Development of detection methods for highly
pathogenic viruses
In case of outbreak of emerging infectious
diseases, rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential
to control infection and to prevent further

Molecular Mechanism of Marburg virus budding

Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Research Assistant
Assistant
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student

Jiro Yasuda
Yohei Kurosaki
Shuzo Urata
Saori Sakabe
Yukiko Uno
Sayaka Okada
Mayuko Kobayashi
Tomomi Kamiyama
Chisato Narahara
Yukiko Hirota
Sayuri Nakamae
Olamide Oloniniyi

Collaboration research work in the South Africa
BSL-4 facility― 12 ―

Department of Bacteriology
Our major research interest is to elucidate the
etiologic agents isolated from pathogenic bacteria
related to the worldwide emerging and reemerging
diseases and to know the virulence mechanisms ofbacterial pathogens.
Helicobacter pylori is a bacterial pathogen found in
the stomach mucosa of more than 50% of the world
population and more common (over 80%) in developing
and tropical countries. Infection with H. pylori plays amajor role in the development of chronic gastritis andpeptic ulcer, and is a risk factor for gastric cancer.
Pathogenic strains of H. pylori secrete a potent protein
toxin, a vacuolating cytotoxin, termed VacA, whichcauses progressive vacuolation of epithelial cells andgastric injury. We found that VacA induces multiple
effects on epithelial cells, including mitochondrial
damage [1] and apoptosis [2]. These actions of VacA
appear to result from activation of cellular pathways,
independent of those leading to vacuolation. Similarly,
VacA-induced phos-phorylation of G proteincoupled
receptor kinase-interactor 1 (Git 1), which may be
responsible for epithelial cell detachment caused by
VacA, leading to peptic ulceration [3], and VacAinduced activation of p 38/ATF-2- mediated signal
pathway [4] are independent of VacA effects on cellularvacuolation.
Analysis of VacA receptors provided new insights
into the molecular basis of VacA function. We reported
that two VacA proteins, termed m1 VacA and m2 VacA,
which were defined by sequence differences in the
middle of the molecules, interacted with target cells bybinding to two types of receptor-like protein tyrosine
phosphatases (RPTPs), i. e., RPTPα and RPTPβ,resulting in toxin internalization and vacuolation of thehuman gastric adeno-carcinoma cell lines AZ-521 andG 401 [5, 6, 7]. By analysis of the pathologicalresponses of wild type and RPTPβ-deficient mice tooral administration of VacA, we found that RPTPβ
functions as a receptor for VacA and produces thedisease associated with VacA toxicity including gastritis
and gastric ulcer [3].
More recently, we purified from AZ-521 cells, ahuman gastric epithelial ell line, a surface membraneprotein, p500, which binds VacA, and identified it as
low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1(LRP1). LRP1 binding of VacA was shown to be
specifically responsible for VacA-induced autophagy
and apoptosis, but not activation of the Wnt/β-cateninsignaling pathway. Similar to RPTPα and RPTPβ,
LRP1 mediates VacA internalization in AZ-521 cells, but
in contrast to RPTPα and RPTPβ, LRP1 targeted
downstream pathways leading to autophagy andapoptosis. VacA-induced autophagy via LRP1 binding
precedes apoptosis suggesting that an excessive
autophagic activity can also lead to cell death. This is
the first study to provide evidence that LRP1 mediates
autophagy [8]. Surprisingly, CagA, which is an
oncogenic protein injected by its type IV secretion
system into host cells, was degraded by autophagy
induced by m1 VacA, but not m2 VacA, whereas CagA
in CD44v9-expressing cancer stem-like cells escaped
this autophagy system, resulting in accumulation of
CagA in cells [9].
References:[1] Microb. Pathog. 31:29-36, 2001,[2] J. Biol. Chem. 281: 11250-11259, 2006,[3] Nat. Genet. 33: 375-381, 2003,[4] J. Biol. Chem. 279: 7024-7028, 2004,[5] J. Biol. Chem. 278:19183-19189, 2003,[6] J. Biol. Chem. 279: 51013-51021, 2004,[7] Cell Microbiol 7: 1285-293, 2005,[8] J. Biol. Chem. 287:3104-3115, 2012,[9] Cell Host Microbe. 12: 764-777. 2012.

Virulence mechanism of Helicobacter pylori
vacuolating cytotoxin, VacA

Senior Assistant Professor
Assistant professor

Akihiro Wada
Masayuki Nakano

Laboratory― 13 ―

Department of Protozoology

2) Stage specific adaptation mechanisms employedby different Trypanosoma species

Malaria is responsible for a huge burden ofdeath and disease in large areas of the tropical andsub-tropical world. Unfortunately, those countries
hardest hit by the disease are often amongst thepoorest. Despite continuing efforts, there is still noeffective vaccine against the disease. In order todesign and implement effective disease intervention
strategies, we believe that one of the key priorities inmalaria research should be the strengthening of ourunderstanding of the basic biology of the parasite.
We are currently investigating some fundamental
aspects of the parasite’s life cycle, such as themechanisms behind red blood cell (RBC) invasion
and the phenomenon of cytoadherence of parasiteinfected RBCs using human malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum and rodent malaria parasite
Plasmodium yoelii. In addition, we are also
conducting research aimed at elucidating theintracellular survival strategy of Trypanosma cruzithat cause Chagas disease and Babesia parasitesthat cause Babesiosis in cattle.
We are actively pursuing the following lines ofinvestigation:
1. Malaria
1) The molecular basis of host cell invasion by parasites
2) The molecular basis of cytoadherence of parasiteinfected RBCs
3) Transcriptional control in malaria parasites
4) Recrudescence of malaria parasites5) Calcium signaling in malaria parasites
6) Establishment of a continuous Plasmodium vivax
culture system
7) Molecular epidemiology of malaria parasites inendemic countries
8) Transmission dynamics of Plasmodium knowlesi,a zoonotic monkey malaria parasite9)Molecular basis of human Plasmodium knowlesi
infection
2. Trypanosoma
1) The function and expression mechanism of transsialidase

RBC invasion by P. yoelii. Merozoite-stage parasite(arrowhead) invades into RBC within 30 seconds (0 - 25 s)
and deformed RBC to spike-like shape (85 s).

3. Babesia
1) Molecular basis of host cell invasion andmodification
2) Development of genetic manipulation techniques
for Piroplasma parasites
Professor
Osamu Kaneko
Visiting Research Fellow Thomas James Templeton(Dept Mol Epidemiol)
Senior Assistant Professor Haruki Uemura
Assistant Professor Shusuke Nakazawa
Assistant Professor Kazuhide Yahata
Assistant Professor Masahito Asada
Research Fellow
Shinya Miyazaki
Research Fellow
Kittisak Thawnashom
Research Fellow
Hassan Hakimi
Research Fellow
Mika Takeda
Assistant
Miki Kinoshita
Assistant
Reiko Tanaka
Assistant
Yoshimi Matsuo
Assistant
Yukie Takahama
AssistantNana Matsumoto
Graduate Student
Amuza Byaruhanga Lucky
Graduate Student
Yuto Kegawa
Graduate Student
Kwame Kumi Asare
Graduate Student
Ben-Yeddy Abel Chitama
Visiting Researcher Fumihiko Kawamoto
Visiting Researcher Wataru Kagaya
Visiting Researcher Keita Banno

P. falciparum expressing a calcium biosensor. Fluorescenceresonance energy transfer (FRET) signal from the same
parasite is shown in pseudocolor before (left) and after(right) adding an inhibitor of calcium-dependent ATPase.

Recombinant protein (green) expressed in P. falciparum
co-localized with Maurer's cleft protein (red) seen in the
RBC cytosol outside of the malaria parasite. Nucleus isvisualized with blue color.

― 14 ―

Department of Parasitology
Infectious diseases are still a huge menace tohuman health and continue unabated in tropicalareas under the conditions of poverty and theunique natural and social environments. Various
kinds of parasites infect humans for long periods oftime without killing them, giving rise to tremendous
social and/or economic loss. We would like todevelop deep insight into parasitic diseases and thesurrounding factors from various points of view
through both field and laboratory studies. Our goal is
to contribute to new knowledge and to provide an
enthusiastic environment for the training of the future
generation of investigators.

elucidated the pathogenicity of Entamoeba
moshkovskii, and now are devoting ourselves to thestudy on molecular basis of pathogenicity of andhost defense mechanisms to E. histolytica.
3. Cohort study using HDSS on infectious diseases in
Mbita and Kwale area in Kenya
We are repeating cross-sectional study on
infectious diseases including shistosomiasis, otherhelminthic and protozoan infections, Malaria,
tuberculosis and so on, in Mbita and Kwale area
using HDSS (Health and Demographic Surveillance
System) as the collaboration with London School,
Niigata Univ. Kanazawa Univ. and Dept. Vector
Ecology and Environment, Immunogenetics andEco-epidemiology.

Target diseases of our studies
We have been carrying out both field andlaboratory studies on several of the most importanthelminthic diseases, including schistosomiasis,
filariasis and intestinal helminthiasis and on importantbut neglected protozoan diseases such asamoebiasis, leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis.
1. Schistosomiasis and Filariasis
We have been researching parasitic diseases in
Mbita and Kwale, Kenya, in cooperation with Kenya
Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). In thelaboratory, we maintain Schistosoma mansoni andintermediate snails and are trying to elucidate
immune responses as well as to develop ideal
diagnostic methods through the study on the uniquemolecules belonging to Schistosoma spp.
We set up lymphatic filariasis and neglected
tropical disease unit (LF-NTD Unit) together with
Prof. Kazuyo Ichimori, so as to contribute to theactivities toward Global Program to Eliminate LF and
NTD by WHO. In the laboratory, Brugia malayi, B.
pahangi and Aedes aegypti are maintained.
2. Amoebiasis, Leishmaniasis, Trypanosomiasis etc.
Cohort studies on amoebiasis and leishmaniasis
are carried out in cooperation with the International
Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research, Bangladesh(ICDDR, B.) and the University of Virginia. Field sites
include Dhaka and rural areas of Bangladesh. In thelaboratory, we study host defense mechanisms
againstLeishmania
major,
L.
donovani,
Trypanosoma cruzi, and in the process, haveelucidated the function of the IL-12 cytokine familysuch as IL-27/WSX-1 during infection. After wedeveloped animal models of intestinal amoebiasis
together with Prof. Houpt at University of Virginia, we― 15 ―

Shinjiro Hamano
Professor
Assistant Professor Yoshinori Mitsui
Assistant Professor Kentaro Kato
Assistant Professor Risa Sonoda
Visiting Researcher (PD) Sachiyo Nagi
Shumpei Kambe
Graduate Student
Yombo Dan Justin Kalenda
Graduate Student
Kenichi Nobusue
Graduate Student
Taeko Moriyasu
Graduate Student
Sharmina Deloer
Graduate Student
Evans Asena Chadeka
Graduate Student
Musa Abu Mohamed
Graduate Student
Khanjada Shahnewaj Bin Mannan
Graduate Student
Eman Sayed Mohammed Hassan
Graduate Student
Megumi Hamasaki
Technologist
Hiromi Oda
AssistantFumie Hara
Assistant
Tomoko Takaya
Assistant

One of our field site in Nepal, South Asia

Department of Immunogenetics
This department is focusing on the pathogenic
genetic factors of the host and the parasite in themost important tropical infectious diseases by using
immunology and genetics.
Research activities:
To clarify the molecular mechanisms in the protective
and/ or pathogenic host response to humanpathogens such as Dengue Virus, Malaria,
Trypanosoma cruzi and Schistosoma, the following
research projects are going on in our laboratory.
1. Malaria
1) Genetic susceptibility to severe forms of malaria(cerebral malaria, severe anemia)
TLR-9, IgGR, TNF-alpha2) Vaccine development
Py Legumain (Transamidase18p)DNA vaccinewith nanoparticle delivery system
2. Schistosomiasis
1) Vaccine and Drug target molecules identification
by genomics and proteiomics
SEA motif bearing gene family
3. Chagas disease
1) Genetic susceptibility to different clinical typesof chronia Chagas disease, namely,indeterminate, cardiac, and digestive forms
HLA-B14 haplotype as resistant against chronic
complications2) Host and Parasite factors influencing on thereactivity to the chemotherapy in the paediatricpatients with chronic Chagas Disease. On
going3) Compound library screening by using in vitro
culture of T.cruzi
Astellas open innovation network including
U.Tokyo, Tokyo Institute of Technology,
AIST(National Institute of Advanced Industrial
Science and Technology), and DNDi

Members

4. Dengu fever
1) Pathogenesis of the DHF (Dengue Hemorragic
Fever)HLA, Mast Cell derived factors, related toseverity
2) Early stage predictors for severe Dengue fever
Free DNA, Chymase, VEGF
Collaborations:
The research here is performed based on thewell-arranged collaborative projects with thefollowing facilities.
1. Malaria: Karolinska Institute (Sweden), Kenya
Medical Research Institute (KEMRI). London
School of Hygiene and Troppical Medicine,
Univeristy of Liverpool
2. Schistosmiasis: Jiangxi Provincial Institute ofParasitic Diseases (China), Jiangsu Provincial
Institute of Parasitic Disease (China), RITM
(Philippines).
3. Chagas Disease: Center of Tropical Medicine,
Sirani Clinic, and Hospital Japones (Bolivia), IICS
University of Asuncion (Paraguay).
4. Dengue Fever: Ho Chi Minh Pasteur in Vietnam,
Pasteur Paris, MacMaster University
Professor
Associate Professor

Kenji Hirayama
Nguyen Huy Tien

Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Technologist
Assistant
Assistant
Visiting Researcher
Visiting Researcher
Visiting Researcher
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student

Cherif Mahamoud Sama
Shusaku Mizukami
Tetsuo Yanagi
Junko Hayashima
Shiho Chikatoshi
Mbanefo Evaristus Chibunna
Lam Quoc Bao
Yukimi Katagami
Dang My Nhi
Vasquez Velasques, Clara Aleiandra
Dao Huy Manh
Mathenge Peterson Gitonga
Eleonor F Avenido

Experiment scenery― 16 ―(Clinical Product Development)

Fieldwork in Bolivia

Department of Pathology◯Division of Malaria◯Division of Pathology
Main purpose of our research is fundamentally
pathological investigation of tropical diseases, mainly
infectious diseases, focused on oncogenic
microbes, and establishes the basis of theirtreatment and prevention. Although many
investigators have proposed oncogenesis due to
inflammation associated cancer development, themechanisms underlying the relationship between
chronic inflammation and cancer still remainunresolved. Therefore, our research focuses on thepotential role of oncogenic microbes in thedevelopment of cancers, highlighting the recent
advances in the understanding of the molecularmechanisms.
The proportion of total cancer deaths
attributable to infectious agents is estimated to be
20% to 25% in developing countries and 7% to 10%
in industrialized countries. A causal relationshipbetween chronic inflammation and cancer is widely
accepted. Specifically, there is a strong association
between tumor viruses and the development of
human cancers. The mechanisms of oncogenesis
associated with infection and inflammation have notbeen elucidated. However, many oncogenic
mechanisms have been proposed for infection andinflammation. Activation of NF- B is also involved
cancer development and progression. Therefore, ourresearch focuses on the molecular players during
the development from chronic inflammation tocancer.

We are a small, highly driven malariology groupfocusing on many different aspects of malaria.
Established in 2011, we believe in a multidisciplinary approach to studying malaria, as thisenables a broad understanding of the subject, andtherefore facilitates the development of novel
solutions for fighting the disease. Such a holistic
approach to disease research can succeed only on
the foundation of a solid and detailed understandingof its multi-disciplinary constituents.
Our core belief is that all our research should
produce results that are of potential practical use forfighting the disease. We also strive to engage young
researchers in studies on malaria, and hope toencourage them to develop enthusiasm for usefulscientific research. Research should be fun, and wetry to foster a freethinking and engaging research
environment for students working with us.
We are interested in all aspects of malariology,
and are currently actively engaged in research
projects involving immunology, genetics, genomics,
evolutionary theory, ecology, epidemiology, andmolecular cell biology.
Collaborative projects with malaria researchers
based in Japan and internationally are of enormous
importance to us, and make up the bulk of the work
we are currently engaged in. At present we are
actively working with researchers from the USA, theRepublic of Congo, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Australia,
Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, Brazil, the UK and Saudi
Arabia.

Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant― 17 ―

Richard Culleton
Masachika Senba
Sarina Hokama

Department of Eco-epidemiology
Our department is involved in various branchesof public health research. Through cutting edge IT
and biotechnology, we aim to create more accurate
assessment methods in global health, improve
responses to public health needs on a local scale,and open new directions in health science to passon to future generations. Our activities include thefollowing:1) Development of microsphere-based simultaneous
multiple assays and surveillance systems for
multiple infectious diseases in Africa. Neglected
tropical diseases (NTDs) are spreading across SubSaharan Africa, but the actual situation of NTDs is
still unclear. Simple and cost effective methods formonitoring NTDs are desirable, especially where
distributions of multiple NTDs are overlapping.
Toward this goal, we are developing a simultaneous
multiple antibody assay system, utilizing
microsphere-based multiplex technology. We arealso using the latest in IT for developing in-fieldsurveillance strategies.
2) Health and Demographic Surveillance System(HDSS) in Lao PDR. In many developing countries,
civil registration and vital statistics systems are still
deficient. Health and Demographic Surveillance
System (HDSS) is a resident registration system for
epidemiological research in a given locale. HDSS
follows residents and their dynamics over a longterm period. In Lao PDR, we are operating two
HDSSs to design research and improve healthconditions in rural communities.
3) Epidemiological studies for child health in
Kenya. Kwale district is categorized as one of thepoorest areas in Kenya. The infant mortality rate in
the region remains high. Poor nutritional status in
Kwale children contributes to a high prevalence ofstunted growth. To improve this situation, we areconducting a child cohort study, attempting to reveal
factors that could prevent stunted growth. A finger
vein recognition system, connected to tablet
computers is being utilized to facilitate follow-up
sessions with mother-child pairs.

problems in Sri Lanka, and measures of prevention
are urgently needed. We are evaluating the effects ofenvironmental intervention: e.g., clean-up activities
such as collection of containers left outdoors thatact as breeding sites for dengue mosquitoes (Aedes
aegypti and Ae. albopictus).
5) Finding malaria vaccine candidate antigens
using microsphere-based simultaneous multiple
assays. We are working to find novel candidate
antigens for malaria vaccine using a cohort in amalaria endemic area with a microsphere-based
multiplex assay system.
6) Ethnographic study on difficulties amongfamilies with infants in Tohoku, Japan. This study
utilizes ethnographic methods to record the current
difficulties and support needs among families with
infants in Rikuzentakata, one of the devastatedregions of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
7) A scientific approach to community-led total
sanitation strategies in Africa. The aim of this study
is to develop Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS)
models in Africa. We particularly focus on improving
community health through the promotion of toiletuse.
8) Non-communicable disease (NCD) project by
JICA in Sri Lanka. With increasing economic
development and longer life expectancy, the numberof lifestyle-related diseases, or non-communicablediseases (NCDs) is expected to increase. However, amechanism to grasp the actual situation of NCDs
does not currently exist in Sri Lanka. The
department has cooperated with the JICA NCD
management project to establish a system forestimating the number of patients with NCDs.

4) Research on dengue prevention through a
residential environmental clean-up program in Sri
Lanka. Dengue fever is one of the major health― 18 ―

Professor
Assistant Professor
Visiting Researcher
Visiting Researcher
Research Fellow
Assistant
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Research Student

Satoshi Kaneko
Yoshito Fujii
Tomoko Komagata
Kazuya Ogawa
Job Wasonga
Emi Nakayama
Junichi Tanaka
Tomonori Hoshi
Chikayuki Moji

Department ofInternational Health
Department of International Health has started
its activities since 2008, following the internal reformof Institute of Tropical Medicine. Department ofInternational Health has its basis on ResearchCenter for Tropical Infectious Diseases (RECTID) of
Institute of Tropical Medicine established in 2001,
Information and Reference Center in 1997, andReference Center in 1994.
It says that RECTID, a precursor of ourdepartment, had following three activities; 1)
developing the museum of tropical medicine, 2)collecting and disseminating information on tropicalinfectious diseases and 3) promoting joint research
projects and doing epidemiological studies. Out of
which, Department of International Health takes overresearch activities and adds to its mandate aninternational collaboration as a social responsibility
anew. Thus, Department of International Health, as a
newly established department, has two pillars, e.g.
research and social responsibility.
Research was composed of three units; 1)
research on infectious diseases in ecosystem, 2)
research on the environment including climatechange and Asian dust related to health, 3) researchon biological evolution of microorganisms from theadaptation or fitness view point and 4) research on
the epidemiology from the historical viewpoint. The
umbrella concept or key word linking above four
research units is to reconstruct infectious diseases"temporally" and "spatially" alike. Infection is the
biological interaction between hosts andmicroorganisms. In other words, host behavior,social structure as well as culture per se affectmicroorganisms in fitness and adaptation whereas
microorganism has impact on its hosts. Based onthat perception, our department aims to get moredetailed understanding and insight on infectious
diseases. For examples, we would like to pursue theways of analysis by various approaches such as

molecular-evolutional
technique,molecular
epidemiology, detection of DNA footprint, next
generation sequencer, bio-informatics, mathematicalmodel. In addition to these researches of infectious
diseases, we decided to add the historical approachbased on documentary records in order tounderstand widely the relationship between
creatures and societies.
Another pillar is a social responsibility. Now thateven profit oriented organizations are required tohave its corporate social responsibility, no need tosay for academia or university. Out of the name ofour department, it must be nothing but contribution
to international health or people's health in resource
limited settings.
Our department raises following three activities
as international contribution; advocacy oninternational health at national and international level,
health promotion activities and empowerment at thecommunity/ grassroots' level and emergency relief.
What our department thinks of important inthose activities is to make solidarity in order toimprove people's health and contribute to people's
sustainable development. It is our department's
goal.

― 19 ―

Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Visiting Researcher
Visiting Researcher
Visiting Researcher
Research Fellow
Assistant
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student

Taro Yamamoto
Takayuki Wada
Tomoo Ichikawa
Taijin Kaku
Liang Qin
Guoxi Cai
Yasushige Egoshi
Kayo Maeda
Shuko Takahashi
Yoshihiro Takayama
Shiomi Yoshida
Kaori Yamamoto
Tu RaopingDepartment of Vector
Ecology & Environment

and monitoring their insecticide resistance in East
Africa.

Our research interests include anything from
ecology to molecular biology of medically important
arthropods, particularly mosquitoes that transmit
diseases such as malaria and dengue. We are alsointerested in their relationships with environmental
variables and development of environmentallyfriendly vector control tools.
1. Dengue vectors
As dengue vectors are extending theirgeographic distribution, the spread of the disease isbeing concerned. It has been suspected that the
expansion of vector distribution is due toenvironmental factors such as climate change. We
are currently mapping their geographicaldistributions in South East Asia and Africa, andexamining the relationships with environmental
factors.
2. Malaria vectors
We are examining ecological and physiologicaldifferences among the members within the
Anopheles gambiae complex group and theAnopheles funestus group in Kenya and Malawi. We
are also investigating their geographic distributions,and monitoring their abundance in East Africa. Thisextensive field survey was designed to understandthe effects of climate and develop a climate basemalaria prediction model.
3. Vector control measures
The coverage of insecticide treated bed nets
(ITNs) has considerably increased in Africa. We areinvestigating whether local residents properly use
and maintain ITNs, and how long ITNs last. We arealso investigating the effects of bed nets on thespecies composition of vectors and their behavior,― 20 ―

Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant
Assistant
Assistant
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student

Noboru Minakawa
Hitoshi Kawada
Toshihiko Sunahara
Yukiko Higa
Takashi Tsunoda
Kyoko Futami
Ataru Tsuzuki
Chaves Sanabria Luis Fernando
Naomi Sano
Ikumi Fritz
Junko Sakemoto
Koji Yamada
Yusuke Sumita
Eugenio Fonzi
Huynh Thi Thuy Trang
Nozomi Imanishi
Owuor Gabriel Owino
Sai Zaw Min OoDepartment ofClinical Medicine

training course on tropical infectious.

Our main research interests are respiratory infectious
diseases, tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS and tropical infectious
diseases. We are the only clinical department in NEKKEN andconduct a wide range of multi-disciplinary studies linking ourstrength of clinical epidemiology to laboratory-based
microbiology and immunology studies both in- and outside
Japan. Specific research activities are described as follows:
1. Respiratory Infections Diseases
We have developed multiplex-PCR assays to identify 19
different viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens and also
developed a novel nanofluidic real time PCR-based assay todetermine 50 pneumococcus serotypes. These molecular
assays are now being applied for several clinical studies
including a multi-center epidemiological study for adultpneumonia in all over Japan and childhood acute respiratory
infection study in central Vietnam. We already finishedenrollment of adult pneumonia in Japan and collected around
4,000 cases. A paper of the general epidemiology of adultpneumonia has been published using data of first year. In
2009, we commenced a birth cohort studies, recruiting
approximately 2,000 pairs of mothers and new-born babies,
which facilitates studies of host-gene polymorphisms
associating the severity of pediatric infectious diseases. For
the development of a novel treatment strategy, we also
investigate the pathogenesis of treatment-refractorypneumonia at molecular levels focusing on macrophagefunction, of clearing apoptotic cells from the inflammation site.

4. HIV Cohort Studies in Northern Thailand
In collaboration with National Institute of Health, Thailand,
we conducted a cohort study targeting HIV-infectedindividuals and their spouses in Lampang Hospital, northern
Thailand between July 2000 and December 2010; nearly
2000 people participated. The main objectives of this cohort
are to understand mechanisms of resistance to HIV infection
among HIV-exposed but uninfected spouses living with HIVinfected patients and mechanisms of slow-progression
among HIV-infected slowprogressors. Data and sample
analysis are still continuing as collaboration between Thaicounter parts and international experts in hostgene
polymorphisms, molecular immunology, molecularepidemiology and virology.
Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Associate professor
Visiting Researcher
Visiting Researcher
Assistant
Assistant
Assistant
Assistant(AssistantResearch student
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student

2. Tuberculosis
For better-diagnosis of latent MTB infection andtuberculosis, we are analyzing cellular immune responses tovarious TB antigens using a intra-cellular cytokine staining toevaluate a range of cytokines profile in various stages of TB
infection and their contact cases both in Japan. Our goal is toclarify TB-specific cellular immune responses characteristic toa different clinical stage of TB infection. We also investigatedpathogens causing bacterial pneumonia and its impact on thesurvival prognosis of TB patients admitted to the National
Infectious Diseases Hospital (San Lazaro Hospital) in thePhilippines.
3. Clinical Research in Infectious Disease Hospitals in the tropics
In collaboration with National Institute of Infectious
Diseases, Tokyo, we are conducting undiagnosed febrileillness study in the Department of Infectious Diseases, Bac
Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam by applying diagnostic tests for
leptospirosis and various richettial diseases. In collaboration
with the San Lazaro Hospital, the Philippines, we areconducting leptospirosis study to evaluate the new diagnostic
test and to improve clinical management. We haveestablished a new laboratory of microbiology in the San
Lazaro Hospital to make further progress in research of
infectious diseases. We also coordinate a bed-side clinical

Koya Ariyoshi
Konosuke Morimoto
Motoi Suzuki
Hikaru Sato
Yoshiro Yamashita
Michio Yasunami
Masahiko Mori
Rina Shiramizu
Kyoko Uchibori
Yumi Hamasaki
Hitomi Nakamura
Satsuki Shiraishi)
Yoshitaka Harada
Tohru Ogasawara
Kensuke Takahashi
Reiko Miyahara
Nobuo Saito
Ikumi Shimada
Satoshi Kakiuchi
Tomoko Ishifuji
Ngo Chi Cuong
Emi Kitashoji
Hiroshi Fujii
Shungo Kato
Hiroyuki Ito
Kenichi Nobusue
Mai Izumida
Hirotomo Yamanashi
Kentaro Hayashi

Bed-side clinical training course in San Lazaro Hospital― 21 ―

Department of Pediatric
Infectious Diseases

Hospital, Nha-Trang since 2007.

Activities
The Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases
is a recently expanded department under the ClinicalResearch Division at Institute of Tropical Medicine.
We work on a wide range of infectious diseases withspecial attention on severe pediatric infectious
diseases including pneumonia, diarrhea, dengue andmalaria. Our research interests include integration ofclinical, environmental and social issues atinternational, national and local levels.
Pediatric Respiratory Infections
Our department has a strong collaboration with
the Department of Pediatrics of Nagasaki University.
We regularly received clinical samples to identify viraland bacterial pathogens from pediatric cases
admitted to the Nagasaki University hospital withsevere respiratory infection. We are also conducting
pneumococcal serotyping and antibiotic sensitivity
testing of Streptococcal pneumoniae strains fromcases with invasive pneumococcal diseases inJapan. We have also developed an advancemolecular serotyping technique using nanofluidic
technology to determine the S.pneumoniae serotype
directly from clinical samples.

Birth cohort study
Currently we are also conducting a birth cohort
study on 2000 new born babies in Nha Trang,
Vietnam. This study was conducted in collaboration
with the Pediatric Department of Nagasaki University
to study congenital infection and host genetic
factors on physical-neurological development of thechild and development of SPID.
Health impact of global environmental change
Our research interests cover most ofenvironmental epidemiology. Current substantive
research topics of interest, on which we work incollaboration with both international and Japanesecolleagues, focus mainly on the impacts of weather
and global climate change on health, but also
include health risks of air pollution.
Ongoing projects include: 1. Effects of flooding andweather on cholera, acute respiratory infections andother infectious diseases in Bangladesh. 2. Oceanatmosphere interaction phenomenons including
Indian Ocean Dipole and its association with malaria
and cholera in the East Africa. 3. Health effects ofAsian dust in the East Asia. 4. Intervention study toprevent heat-related illness in Japan. 5. Excess
mortality due to influenza in Southeast Asia.

Cohort study on Pediatric Infectious Diseases in Vietnam
This study is conducted with funding from theJapan Initiative for Global Research Network on
Infectious Diseases (JGRID). Our main counterpart in
Vietnam is the National Institute of Hygiene andEpidemiology (NIHE), Vietnam. We have been
conducting a large population based cohort study
on Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Khanh Hoa
Province, central Vietnam since 2006, to determine
the etiology and risk factors for severe common
pediatric infectious diseases (SPID) like acuterespiratory infection (ARI), diarrhea and dengue
which are the major causes of under 5 mortality. The
study site covers a population of 353,525 residing in
75,826 households with 24,781 children less than 5
years. We conducted population census,
demographic, social-behavioral data collection anddisease burden study on SPID. We also obtained
hospital databases from two hospitals covering theregion. Utilizing these large databases, we were able
to investigate on a variety of SPID in Vietnam. In
addition, to determine incidence, viral etiology andrisk factors for pediatric ARI/pneumonia, we areconducting a population based hospitalized
Pediatric ARI surveillance at Khanh Hoa General― 22 ―

Professor
Associate Professor
Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Assistant
Assistant
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student
Graduate student

Masahiro Hashizume
Lay Myint Yoshida
Kim Yoonhee
Le Nhat Minh
Nozomi Oka
Setsuko Hirakura
Noriko Takahashi
Chisato Imai
Michiko Toizumi
Keisuke Yoshihara
Eriko Ikeda
Naohiko Matsusita

Environmental change andglobal health researchin BangladeshDepartment of Clinical
Product Development
This is a newly established department inresponse to the Global Strategy on public health,innovation and intellectual property (resolution
WHA61.21). The resolution calls for the enhancementof health-needs driven research and development toaddress diseases that disproportionately affectdeveloping countries. The establishment of thisdepartment was supported by the Department of
Academic and Research Promotion, Ministry of
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology(MEXT), Japan. MEXT continues to support the
department until its full development.
The department focuses on:
1. building capacity of individuals for innovation in
health product2. strengthening capability of the local research
institutions in providing an enabling environment,
including infrastructure for product R&D
3. strengthening research institutes network forknowledge sharing and exchange, and for R&D
technology transfer activities. The emphasis will
be on developing products for public healthneeds to address the issues of inequity in health.
4. Development of health products

2. Research1) Development of Shiunko for Cutaneous
Leishmaniasis;2) Identification and further development of Herbal
Medicine for Breast cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma
and Malaria.
3) Development of Methodology for Enhance
Informed Consent for clinical trials.
3. Network
1) Coordination of Product Research andDevelopment (PRD) Network
2) Coordination of research ethics global network:
Strategic Initiative for Developing Capacity in
Ethical Review (SIDCER)
Collaborations:
1. Drug Research Center, Thammasat University,
Bangkok, Thailand
2. Forum for Ethical Review Committees in the
Asian and Western Pacific Region (FERCAP),
Bangkok, Thailand
3. Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministry of
Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
4. Institution of Human Research Protection,
Ministry of Health, Thailand
5. Tokyo University, Tokyo, Japan
6. Government Pharmaceutical Organization,
Bangkok, Thailand

The operation of this department depends onthe collaboration of existing offices and departments
in NEKKEN and in Nagasaki University, e.g. Office
for Training and Education, Immunogenetics,
Toxicology, Clinical Pharmacy, Parasitology, Clinical
Medicine, Clinical Paediatrics, Center for infectious
disease research in Asia and Africa and the research
institutions and universities in developing countries.
The aim of its operation is to ensure that research
priorities of research institutions are in line with their
public-health needs, in particular the need forinnovative research to address the health problemsof their populations and to contribute to improved
public health in other countries.
The activities:
1. Training
1) Two- week course on Product Research andDevelopment for public health needs;
2) Three-day course on Bioethics
3) PhD training as part of actual product development
ie. Shiunko for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, Herbal
Medicine for Cholangiocarcinoma and Malaria4) PhD training as part of associated productdevelopment processes e.g. ethical issues in
product development, clinical data management,
good laboratory practice and etc.
― 23 ―

Professor
Associate Professor
Visiting Professor
Visiting Researcher
Assistant
Graduate Student
Graduate Student

Juntra Laothavorn
Nguyen Huy Tien
Kesara Na-Bangchang
Tullayakorn Plengsuriyakarn
Sayuri Delaney
Nut Koonrungsesomboon
Martha Lemma

Center for Infectious Disease
Research in Asia and Africa○Kenya Research Station

OutlineNagasaki University Kenya Research Station isan overseas research site that has been establishedthrough the “Program to Establish Infectious Disease
Research Network” funded by the Ministry of
Education (MEXT) in September 2005- March 2010.
Since April 2010, the site received renewed funding
from MEXT under the “Tropical Medicine, Emerging
Infectious Disease and Clinical EpidemiologicalResearch Program to Establish Education andResearch System for the collaboration of Kenya andJapan”.
The goals of this project are to strengthen the
Kenya Research station, to train young researchers
on research of emerging and re-emerging infectious
diseases, and to collaborate with local researchers
on long-term research projects.
Progress
1.Establishing of The Research Station
We have made progress on setting up the
Kenya Research Station in Nairobi (including
setting up the Biosafety Level 3 laboratory andother laboratories) and field research stations in
Suba, Kwale and Busia. Building renovation,
setting up conference rooms and information
systems, and vehicle procurement are currently
ongoing.
2.Posting Researchers From JapanThe members of the station include Chief
Representative (professor), two assistantprofessors, and two administrative staff members.
An assistant professor and a researcher are
working as JICA experts for STAREPS project.
Five professors, another associate professor andthree assistant professors have supported our
project through short-term visits.
3.Management for the Long-Term Research and Communities
In Mbita area, Health and Demographic
Surveillance System (HDSS) has collected data on
population, births and death rates, and incidencesof diseases. Mosquito surveillance System (MSS)
has collected and analyzed data on malaria
mosquitos in the area. We began a new projectthrough JICA Partnership Program focusing onschool health in Mbita area that has been ongoingsince 2009.
HDSS and parasitology research havecontinued in Kwale since 2010.

NUITM Kenya Research Station(Nairobi Office)4.The Study of Tropical Medicine
Research on malaria and mosquito transmissionin Western Kenya, bacterial and viral diarrheal
disease and mosquito-borne hemorrhagic fever has
continued at the P3 lab in Nairobi Office and at the
KEMRI (Kenya Medical Research Institute)
Production Department. In Kwale, epidemiologicalresearch of schistosomiasis haematobium has been
conducted. As the “The Project for Development of
Rapid Diagnostics and the Establishment of an Alert
System for Outbreaks of Yellow Fever and Rift Valley
Fever in Kenya” of JST-JICA (SATREPS) launched in
March 2012, we completed setting up two KEMRI
labs at the KEMRI Production Department and in
Busia. Meanwhile, a lab for seroepidemiology projectfocusing on NTD (neglected tropical diseases) was
set up with a fund by Japan Science andTechnology Agency, and the project started in April
2013.
5.Educational Programs
Three researchers and doctors from Kenya
graduated from the Master of Tropical Medicine at
the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Nagasaki. Every
year, we give opportunities for three graduate
students to study in the field in Kenya from the
School of International Health Development at
Nagasaki University. We also have accepted
students from medical school students from Osaka
University Osaka City University, and Shiga
University of Medical Science for field trainings.
Project Members
Leader and Professor Yoshio Ichinose (Kenya)
Noboru Minakawa
Professor
Shinjiro Hamano
Professor
Masahiro Hashizume
Professor
Masahiro Horio
Professor
Satoshi Kaneko
Professor
Associate Professor Hitoshi Kawada
Assistant Professor Shingo Inoue (JICA Expert/ Kenya)
Assistant Professor Kyoko Futamii
Assistant Professor Yoshito Fujii
Assistant Professor Mohammad Shah
Assistant Professor Rie Takeuchi (Kenya)
Assistant Professor Peter Larson (Kenya)
Mitsuru Toda (JICA Expert/ Kenya)
Research Fellow
Haruki Kazama (Kenya)
Administrator
Administrative/HR Manager Yukie Saito (Kenya)
Masayuki Kotani (Kenya)
Chief Accountant
Mitsuo Takato
Administrator
Shunpei Kanbe
Graduate Student
Gabriel Dida
Graduate Student
Ernest Apondi
Graduate Student

Our members

Mbita Research Site
― 24 ―

Kwale Research Site

Center for Infectious Disease
Research in Asia and Africa○Vietnam Research Station

OutlineThe Institute of Tropical Medicine, of Nagasaki
University (ITM) and the National Institute of Hygieneand Epidemiology, Vietnam (NIHE), have been jointly
conducting a joint project since 2005 on emerging
and reemerging infectious diseases under a grantfrom the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture andTechnology (MEXT) of Japan. A Vietnam researchstation established on the NIHE campus has been
the site of a number of research activities. Project forclarifying environmental and social factors affecting
outbreaks of zoonosis, vector-borne infectious
diseases, diarrhoea, and childhood pneumonia havebeen conducted within a collaborative projectframework. Having achieved the goals set or
research in the project s first phase (from 2005 to2009), the next objectives have been underlined,clarifying the factors and mechanisms causing
infectious diseases. Four groups were established toanswer these research questions, i.e., diarrhoea,
vector-borne disease, clinical epidemiology, andzoonosis. These groups have conducted 15
independent activities. To conduct projects on ahigher level, cooperation has been established withthree Vietnamese governmental research institutions
and with JICA-supported national hospitals. The
outcome of such activities is expected to contribute
greatly to promoting public health and improving
medical care.
Research activities (The activities which have been
implemented in the J-GRID program were
described)
The objectives of the entire project are to clarify
the ecology of pathogens in nature and in humansociety, to clarify the pathogenic mechanism of
human diseases, and to develop an interventionbased method to inhibit the spread of infectious
diseases. Four research groups will conduct theirresearches pursuing their research objectives.
Research agenda are as follows:
1. Diarrhoea research group:
1) A molecular epidemiological study on kinetics ofenteropathogens after rotavirus vaccine
intervention
2) A molecular epidemiological study of Vibrio
cholerae in ecosystem in Vietnam
3) Hospital based and a community based studies

Staff of Vietnam research Centerof a broad range of etiological agents ofdiarrhoea in Vietnam
2. Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases Research Group:
1) Study on biological properties, virulence andecological significance of dengue viralquasispecies in mosquito vectors and humans
2) A survey of Japanese encephalitis virus migration
3) A study of the influence of arbovirus on
seasonal encephalitis of unknown origin
4) A survey of climate change, mosquito vectors,
and virus infection5) A study of mosquito vectors, pathogenic
mechanism of dengue fever, and anti-infection
measures
6) Inter-regional study on dengue virus and vector
mosquitos
7) A study of simian malaria in Vietnam
3. Clinical Research Group:1) Pediatric acute respiratory infection cohort
research study2) A birth cohort study3) An immunogenetical analysis of severe dengue
fever at Choray Hospital4) Establishment of a clinical and epidemiologicalresearch data collection system for analysis of
the fever of unknown origin
4. Zoonosis Research Group:
1) A viral epidemiological study of bat-borne
infectious diseases
2) A molecular epidemiological study of rabies
3) An epidemiological study of hantavirus
4) Development of human monoclonal antibody
with neutralizing activity against avian influenza(H5N1) strain
5) An epidemiological study of avian influenza
Vietnam Research Station (VRS) staff
Leader and Professor Tetsu Yamashiro
Professor
Futoshi Hasebe
Assistant Professor
Takashi Tsunoda
Assistant Professor
Taichiro Takemura
Assistant Professor
Hanako Iwashita
Administrative Staff
Takahiro Nakao
Research Assistant
Phan Hoai Linh Ly
Research Assistant
Ung Thi Hong Trang
Research AssistantPham Thi Hang
Research AssistantTran Ly Na
Research AssistantTran Thi Luong
Research Assistant
Doan Thi Hang
Research Assistant
Le Thi Kim Anh
Secretary
Bui Thi Tra
Assistant
Nobuko Sakakura
Assistant
Mayumi Ogawa

Japanese staff is providinga basic techniqueto perform PCR to a Vietnamese staff― 25 ―

A surveillance for mosquito which
potentially transmit dengue viruses

Tropical Medicine Museum
Museum of Tropical Medicine was preceded by
the Tropical Medicine Reference Centre, which wasestablished in 1974 and was reorganized in 1997 as
Tropical Medicine Reference and Information Center.
In 2001, it was renamed as Research Center
Tropical Infectious Diseases (RECTID) and in 2008 it
was established as an auxiliary institution. In
addition, the present museum was moved toNagasaki University Museum of Medicine. The
display was renewed.
The institution performs the following 2functions.
The institute primarily functions as a museum
and resource center for tropical disease. There is a
general section providing information on tropicaldiseases, parasites bacteria viruses poisonous
insects and specimen of dangerous animals,
valuable books, and displays images of the data.
Moreover, it has an audio-visual roomaccommodating a few numbers of people.
Furthermore, a system is being developed for using
this collection of resources to strengthen publicscience and risk communication with thousand
points relating to the history and philosophy oftropical medicines and infection symptoms. From
April, 2015 through May, Nagasaki University held
"the Nagasaki University exhibition which fought
against an infectious disease" in Nagasaki Museum
History and Culture. We provided much exhibits
about the tropical disease, and citizen's people saw
it.
It also functions as an information center for the
dispatch, collection, organization, and analysis of
information on tropical medicine. This has become
an essential component of the daily research

activities related to tropical medicine. Due toinfrastructure rearrangement in 2012, network tools
were updated with technological innovation and long
lasting safety; thus responding to every need of theusers. We also serviced various databases, using a
research evaluation system and a database of thetropical medicine museum. Moreover, we provide asimilar environment to research universities overseas
with VPN by including video conferencing system topromote international conferences and e-learningplans.
Head and Professor
Professor
Coordinater
Technologist
Assistant
Assistant

Noboru Minakawa
Masahiro Horio
Shohei Hashiguchi
Kazuo Araki
Kiyomi Suda
Sayaka Taniyama

The database server

Tropical Medicine Museum

Tropical Medicine Museum― 26 ―

Central Laboratory
The aim of Central Laboratory is to operate andefficiently manage common equipments and tosupport general laboratory activities in the institute.
In addition, this laboratory also supports research
activities conducted in the instutite by extramuralinvestigators.

○Molecular & Cellular Biology Unit

Molecular & Cellular Biology Unit is responsible
to maintain and operate following equipments
located in Central Laboraotory; 16- and 48-capillary
sequencers, GS junior genome sequencer and mass
spectrometry-based genotyping system for genome
analysis; flowcytometer for cell function analysis;
fluorescence-luminescence imager for visualization
analysis; and Luminex bead-array system andfluorescence-luminescence multilabel counter for
multipurpose analysis. In addition, this unit is also
responsible to maitain equipments/facilities tosupport general laboratory activities; such as purewater supply, ultracentrifuge, lyophilizer, Speed-Vac,
French press, Bioruptor, sample storage in liquid
nitrogen, bio-safety cabinet, autoclave, dark roomand cold room.

Researchers using 16-capillary sequencer○Light Microscope Unit

Light Microscope Unit provides optical
instruments to perform basic, translational, andclinical research on the imaging features of infectious
disease. We operate Nagasaki University-Nikon
Infections Disease Imaging Core Laboratory establishedin April 2015. The laboratory has equipped laser
scanning confocal/fluorescence microscope (NIKON),
imaging flowcytometer (MERCK), and laser scanningconfocal/superresolution microscope (ZEISS).

pathogens and the structural change of thepathogen-infected cells. This unit offers high quality
imaging services by state-of-art techniques such as
conventional and immuno-electron microscopy and
3D tomography, and also provide training on sample
preparation and equipment usage. This unit is
responsible for transmission and scanning electron
microscopes (JEOL), high-pressure freezer (LEICA),
ultra-microtomes (LEICA and REICHERT), vacuum
coater, critical point dryer system, and osmium
plasma coater in addition to general laboratory
facilities for a wide range application of electron
microscopy.

Transmission electron microscope○Eco-health Unit

In order to promote people s health in the world,
it is essential to understand the health in the context
of social and ecological interactions (Eco-system).
By such multi-disciplinary approach this unit
explicates factors associated to ill-health, especially
infectious diseases which are preventable byappropriate counter measures. Main focuses are: 1)
Emerging antimicrobial resistant bacterium in aquatic
environment, 2) Problems related to tuberculosis
medication under conditions of conflict and largescale disaster, 3) Rapid changes in Eco-system andmorbidity pattern among ethnic minorities.
In October 2013, Eco-health Unit initiated cohort
studies (children under 5 years of age) to investigate
risk factors influence on child health in Savvannakhet
province in Lao PDR. Since then the cohort has
been followed up every 2 weeks. This study will be
continued until March 2018.

Field survey in Lao PDR

Practical exercise in the PhD programusing superresolution microscope○Electron Microscope Unit
Electronultrastructural

Microscope
Unitsuppportscharacterization of microbial― 27 ―

Head and Professor
Associate Professor
Senior Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant

Osamu Kaneko
Junko Okumura
Mihoko Kikuchi
Miako Sakaguchi
Misako Nakayama

NEKKEN Bio-Resource Center（NBRC）The Government of Japan has been making
efforts under its second and third Science andTechnology Basic Plans to create a world-class
intellectual platform. In FY2002 the Ministry of
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology(MEXT) implemented the National Bio-Resource
Project (NBRP) to construct the framework forsystematic collection, preservation, and distributionof bio-resources, with a focus on those that required
strategic development by the National Government.
Since 2002 Institute of Tropical Medicine(NEKKEN), Nagasaki University has been taking of
Division of Protozoa in Pathogenic Microorganismsof a Core Facility Upgrading Program under Medical
Mycology Research Center, Chiba University.
NEKKEN Bio-Resource Center (NBRC) contributes
the services to researchers, (1) information ofowners and strains of pathogenic protozoans inJapan on database Website, (2) supply of
protozoans from NBRC, (3) acceptance of
protozoan deposit to NBRC and the preservation, (4)supply of protozoan specimens for laboratory
practice of medical-educational schools, (5)examination for protozoan infections from any
medical facilities. (6) instructions for protozoan

detection and for culture.
To promote life sciences it is important that
researchers share the various bio-resources
necessary for pursuing research and development.
The resources produced in years with painstaking
labor will make foundation for future researches. The
NBRP deals with the bio-resources, which will not
be able to be restored again if once they are lost.
Through the revision every five years, adding newcollections while maximizing the potential of existing
resources, the NBRP has come under the control ofJapan Agency for Medical Research andDevelopment (AMED) in FY2015, and the fourthphase of the NBRP will start in 2017. We would liketo ask the access to our Project Website. Your
cooperation and support for the project would behighly appreciated.

― 28 ―

http://www.nbrp.jp/
http://pathogenic.lab.nig.ac.jp/ns.jsp
E-mail:protozoa@tm.nagasaki-u.ac.jp
Project Representative
Service Representative
Collaborator
Collaborator
Collaborator
Technician
Information Desk

Kouichi Morita
Kenji Hirayama
Osamu Kaneko
Shinjiro Hamano
Richard Culleton
Tetsuo Yanagi
Shiho Chikatoshi

LF-NTD Unit
Global efforts to control, eliminate or eradicate
neglected tropical diseases (NTD) are fast
progressing in recent years. Lymphatic filariasis (LF)
is not an exception. Under Global Programme to
Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF), endemic
countries are progressively scaling up interventions
with partnership at national and global levels
towards the common goal to eliminate the disease
as a public health problem by 2020.
The purposes of this unit are to establish andkeep the data warehouse of the programme and tofoster professionals not only with knowledge but
also with global vision who can contribute to theglobal partnership to fight against LF and NTDs.
The main activities include 1) Collection andmanagement of data and information related to LF
and NTDs, 2) Establishment and maintenance of
global LF and NTD network in Japan, 3) Advocacy
and information dissemination in Japan, and 4)
Capacity building and leadership development ofJapanese professionals.

Director
AssistantKazuyo Ichimori
Yukiko Baba

Professor

Shinjiro Hamano― 29 ―

The University Hospital
Infectious Disease Ward
The department of clinical medicine, theInstitute of Tropical Medicine has a clinic and is incharge of managing infectious disease ward in the
Nagasaki University Hospital. Our ward has 16 beds
with 8 negative pressure rooms, of which two can
accommodate patients with BSL4 pathogens. We
specialized in infectious diseases and respiratory
diseases; we treat patients with systemic infectious
diseases, including tropical infectious diseases,
HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and various
neoplasmic and inflammatory respiratory diseases.
We see well over 300 consultation cases a year inother wards, for giving advices on diagnosis andtreatment of infectious diseases. Outpatient clinic is
open twice a week where we also run a travel clinic
for international travelers.
For training and education, we provide anumber of lectures on infectious diseases andrespiratory diseases to undergraduate students andbed-side training programs for resident physicians.
We organize a clinical case conference of tropicalinfectious diseases as a part of Master of Tropical
Medicine course, Graduate School of Biomedical
Sciences. Staff doctors and resident doctors are
regularly dispatched for a long-term to abroad, San
Lazao Hospital, the Philippines and the infectious
disease ward in Bac Mai Hospital, Vietnam toaccumulate our knowledge and experience withclinical tropical medicine.

Professor
Associate Professor
Senior Lecturer
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Fellow Doctor
Fellow Doctor
Fellow Doctor
Fellow Doctor
Fellow Doctor
Fellow Doctor
Senior Resident
Senior Resident
AssistantStaff Members― 30 ―

Koya Ariyoshi
Konosuke Morimoto
Takashi Tanaka
Yoshirou Yamashita
Masahiro Takaki
Maiko Kojiro
Kensuke Takahashi
Rena Osawa
Emi Kitashouji
Shungo Kato
Kousuke Matsui
Hiroyuki Itou
Noriko Kobayashi
Taisuke Nakamura
Ayako Matsuo

Number of Staff（as of May 1, 2015）

Divisions

Professor

Associate
Professor

Lecturer

Enrollment

13
(3)

6
(1)

3

※（

Assistant Research
Professor Associate
19(16)

Sub total

Others

Total

41
(20)

8
(11)

49
(31)

0

）number of fixed-term staff

Accounting（Fiscal Year 2014）

Revenue

Expenditure
AmountDivisions

AmountDivisions(in thousands of yen)(in thousands of yen)

Administrative cost subsidy

826,901

Administrative cost subsidy

826,901

Non-subsidy income at Nagasaki University

178,020

Non-subsidy income at Nagasaki University

178,020

Joint Research

21,500

Joint Research

35,465External Commissioned Research
Fund
Commissioned Project

540,236482,232

29,699External Commissioned Research
Fund
Commissioned Project

Endowment

50,488Endowment

44,472Others31,690Total

28,922Others31,690Total

1,678,534

1,627,702

Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of （FY 2014）
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Scientific
Aid forType of Scientific Scientific Scientific Scientific Challenging Young
Young
Exploratory
Research on launching
Research Research(A) Research(B) Research(B) Research(C) Research Scientists(A) Scientists(A) Innovative Areas research activiy

Total

Numberof Grants

2

11

2

9

6

1

7

1

1

40

Amount(in thousands)

13,65052,00010,40010,427

12,220

3,250

8,391

18,4601,170

129,968

Facilities & Administrative costs included

Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from
the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Type of
Research

Global Health
Issues

HIV/AIDS

Emerging andRe-emerging
Infectious Diseases

Total

Number of
Grants

2

1

7

10

Amount(in thousands)

800

300

13,95015,050― 31 ―（FY 2014）

Subsidy （FY 2014）

Type of
Research

National
Bio-resource
Project (NBRP)

Strategic Young
Researcher
Overseas Visits
Program for
Accelerating
Brain Circulation

Amount(in thousands)

4,400

27,290

Facilities & Administrative costs included

External Fund （FY 2014）
Divisions

Joint Research with
Private Sectors

Commissioned
Research

Commissioned
Project

Endowments

Number of Sources

5

15(4)

6

29

Amount (in thousands)

21,500540,236(51,200)

29,69953,438

Facilities & Administrative costs included

Agreement of Educational, Scientificand Scholarly Exchange◯Overseas

Name of organization of partner countries
Chiang Mai University (Thailand)
Mahidol University (Thailand)
National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (Vietnam)
Airlangga University (Indonesia)
St. Luke's Medical Center (Philippines)
San Lazaro Hospital (Philippines)
Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kenya)
Thammasat University (Thailand)
Defence Research and Development Establishment (India)
National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health
Laboratory Service (South Africa)
China Medical University (China)
Peking Union Medical College (China)
Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases (China)
National Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology(Vietnam)
University of the Philippines Manila (Philippines)
Patan Academy of Health Sciences (Republic of Nepal)

Concluded dateFebruary, 1988
November, 1999
June, 2001
January, 2004
February, 2004
August, 2004
November, 2004
March, 2006
January, 2010
July, 2010
September, 2010
September, 2010
September, 2010
November, 2013
January, 2014
July, 2014

◯Domestic
Name of organization of partner

Concluded date

The Research Institute of Tuberculosis Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association― 32 ―March, 2009

Telephone Number
Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University ０９５（８１９）７８００
Extension
Dean ……………………………………………………………… ７８０１
Head of Administrative Office …………………………………… ７８０２
Section Leader ………………………………………………… ４７１４Expert Staff ……………………………………………………… ７８１３
Chief of General Affairs Unit …………………………………… ４７０２
General Affairs Unit ……………………………………………… ７８０３
Dean Secretary ………………………………………………… ７８５８
Chief of Accounting and Facilities Management Unit ………… ４７０６
Accounting and Facilities Management Unit ………………… ７８０７
Accounting and Facilities Management Unit ………………… ７８１６
Chief of Overseas Research Station Unit ……………………… ４７０９
Overseas Research Station Unit ……………………………… ７８０６
Facsimile ………………………………………………………… ７８０５
Main Meeting Room …………………………………………… ４７１１
Meeting Room …………………………………………………… ７８７０
Department of Virology
Professor ………………………………………………… ７８２７Associate Professor …………………………………… ８５８８Assistant Professor ……………………………………… ７８２８
Information ……………………………………………… ７８２９
Facsimile ………………………………………………… ７８３０
Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases
Professor ………………………………………………… ７８４８
Staff room ………………………………………………… ７８４９
Information ……………………………………………… ７８５１
Department of Bacteriology
Professor ………………………………………………… ７８３１
Lab.1,Lab.4 ……………………………………………… ７８３３
Facsimile ………………………………………………… ７８７７
Department of Protozoology
Professor ………………………………………………… ７８３５
Lab.2 ……………………………………………………… ７８３６
Lab.1 ……………………………………………………… ７８３７
Information ……………………………………………… ７８３８
Senior Assistant Professor ……………………………… ７８１５
Department of Parasitology
Professor ………………………………………………… ７８２２
Staff room ………………………………………………… ７８２３
Facsimile ………………………………………………… ７８２４
Information ……………………………………………… ７８２５
Department of Immunogenetics
Professor ………………………………………………… ７８１８Senior Assistant Professor ……………………………… ７８４５
Information ……………………………………………… ７８２０
Facsimile ………………………………………………… ７８２１
NEKKEN BioResource Center Information …………… ７８５６
Department of Pathology
Associate Professor …………………………………… ７９０３
Assistant Professor ……………………………………… ７８１４

― 33 ―

Direct dialing
８１９−７８０１
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８１９−７８０３
８１９−７８１３
８１９−７８０３
８１９−７８５８
８１９−７８０７

８１９−７８０６
８１９−７８０５

８１９−７８２７
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８１９−７８３８
８１９−７８１５
８１９−７８２２
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８１９−７８２４
８１９−７８２５
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８１９−７８４５
８１９−７８２０
８１９−７８２１
８１９−７８５６
８１９−７９０３
８１９−７８１４Extension
Department of Eco-epidemiology
Professor ………………………………………………… ７８６６
Assistant Professor ……………………………………… ７８６７Lab.1 ……………………………………………………… ７８５４
Information ……………………………………………… ７８６６
Department of International HealthProfessor ………………………………………………… ７８６９
Lab.1 ……………………………………………………… ７８０８
Lab.2 ……………………………………………………… ７８５３
Information ……………………………………………… ７８６９
Department of Vector Ecology and Environment
Professor ………………………………………………… ７８１０
Staff room ………………………………………………… ７８１１
Information ……………………………………………… ７８０９
Facsimile ………………………………………………… ７８１２
Department of Clinical Medicine
Professor ………………………………………………… ７８４０
Professor ………………………………………………… ７８５７
Associate Professor …………………………………… ７８７３
Information ……………………………………………… ７８４１
Information ……………………………………………… ７８４２
Facsimile ………………………………………………… ７８４３
Department of pediatric Infectious Diseases
Professor ………………………………………………… ７７６３
Associate Professor …………………………………… ７２８４
Information ……………………………………………… ７７６４
Department of Clinical Product Development
Professor ………………………………………………… ７２８５
Information ……………………………………………… ７５５８
Center for Infectious Disease Research in Asia and Africa
Kenya Research Station Professor …………………… ７８６０
Kenya Research Station Assistant Professor ………… ７８３２
Vietnam Research Station Professor ………………… ７８７６
Tropical Medicine Museum
Professor ………………………………………………… ７８１７
Information ……………………………………………… ７８６８
Central Laboratory
Eco-health Unit ………………………………………… ７５８２
Electron Microscope Unit ……………………………… ７８５９
Information ……………………………………………… ７８５７
LF-NTD Unit …………………………………………………… ８５８９― 34 ―

Direct dialing
８１９−７８６６
８１９−７８６７
８１９−７８５４
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８１９−７８６９
８１９−７８０８
８１９−７８５３
８１９−７８６９
８１９−７８１０
８１９−７８１１
８１９−７８０９
８１９−７８１２
８１９−７８４０
８１９−７８５７
８１９−７８７３
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８１９−７８１７
８１９−７８６８
８１９−７５８２
８１９−７８５９
８１９−７８５７
８１９−８５８９

Location map of the Institute ofTropical Medicine on SakamotoCampus of Nagasaki University

PlaygroundGymnasium
Laboratory Animal Center
for Biomedical Research

Medicine Museum

Sub-Gate

Grobal Health General
Tropical Medicine Museum Research Building(In part of the 1st Floor)

Radioscope
Research Center

Parking

Main Building of
the Institute ofTropical Medicine
Medhcine(7,782㎡)
Atomic Bomb
DiseaseInstitute

School of Medicine

Main Gate
MedicalBranchLibrary

Alumni Hall

Commemoration
Hall

Pompe
Hall

Back GateN
for University Hospital
RyoJunHall― 35 ―

Location map of Institute of Tropical Medicine,
Nagasaki University in Nagasaki City▲
Mt.InasaN

Ropeway

Nagasaki Bay

fo

Urakami

rK

og

ak

ur

a

Hamaguchi-machi
Urakamieki-mae
Nagasaki

Ohato

Ishibashi

Tsukimachi

Akasako
Ohashi for

Igakubu-mae

Nagasakieki-mae

School of
Dentistry

Prefectural Office

University
Hospital

School ofMedicine

Urakamitensyudo-mae

Institute of Tropical
Medicine

City Hall

Chuobashi

Matsuyama-machi

Kokaido-mae
Suwajinja-mae

JR Kyushu
Electric Tramway

Shokakuji-shita

Main bus routefor Mogi

for Hotarujaya

How to get the Institute○From JR Nagasaki Station
Electric Tramway Nagasaki Station → (bound for Akasako) → Hamaguchi-machi → about 10-minute walkNagasaki Bus Nagasaki Station → (No.8 bound for Shimoohashi via School of Medicine) → School of Medicine○From JR Urakami Station
Electric Tramway Urakami Station → (bound for Akasako) → Hamaguchi-machi → about 10-minute walk
○From Nagasaki Airport
Kenei Bus Nagasaki Airport No.4 Bus Stop → (bound for Nagasaki City via Showa-machi and Urakami)→ Urakami Station → refer to from JR Urakami Station above
Location
1-12-4 Sakamoto Nagasaki 852-8523
URL http://www.tm.nagasaki-u.ac.jp
Published on July, 31 2015
Edited by Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University
Printed by Quick Print