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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2013

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 promotion
2 in 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 Uganda（by Mitsuru Toda, Kenya Station）

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 sufferfrom a complex 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, 2013
Kouichi Morita
Dean and Professor
Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM)
Nagasaki University

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 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 ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
Clinic at the University Hospital ‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥‥
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, two additional depatments on clinicalmedicine, i.e., pediatric infectious diseases and clinicalpharmaceutical science, were admitted for installation.
In June, 2013, the Animal Research Center for
Tropical Infections was closed.

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

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
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

Nagasaki
University
HospitalInternal Medicine

Department of Infections Diseases

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, thespecific section supporting the Research Center on
Tropical Medicine was newly formed and a professor
was designated to be a section chief.

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

4. Applications for Collaborative Researches
There were 29 applications for collaborative
researches, out of which 23 were adopted.
There were 4 applications for research meeting, out of
which 4 were adopted.
There were 3 applications for collaborative researches
specified research area, out of which 3 were adopted.

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

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

Professor

Fumiko Oshikawa

Center for Integrated Area Studies, Kyoto University

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

Shigeyuki Kano

National Institute of Infectious Diseases
Deputy Director-General
Ichiro Kurane
RIKEN Center of Research Network for Infectious Diseases
Director

Yoshiyuki Nagai

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Professor

Noriyuki Nishida

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

Professor

Noboru Takamura

Institute of Tropical Medicine

Professor

Toshiya Hirayama

Institute of Tropical Medicine

Professor

Koya Ariyoshi

Institute of Tropical Medicine

Professor

Taro Yamamoto

Committee Member outside the instituteCommittee Member inside the institute◎：Chairman

Character of researchorganization and activities
Based on the following research organizationand intimate linkages with other research institutes
and universities, the institute aims at accomplishinga mission Spear-head research in tropical medicine
and international health.
●To study comprehensively the tropical diseases
which are raging in the developing countries,
research organization of the institute consists of 4
major research fields which deal with the classic
quad
of
the
human-agent-environment
determinant-clinical study of infectious diseases
and Overseas Research Station and Tropical
Medicine Museum. Other facilities of the instituteinclude a joint research laboratory and a tropical
medicine education office.
●The research of tropical medicine faces theinevitable fact that the bench is in the bush.
Therefore the institute has a close linkage with theoverseas institutes in Asia, Africa and SouthAmericas and continues the joint studies.
Memorandums of academic exchange programs
were signed between Nagasaki University and 14
overseas institutes. Since the overseas researchlaboratories 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,
Science and technology (MEXT), the extensive andlongitudinal studies on tropical diseases has beenon the progress, and are extended to continue inmore 5 or 6 years. We have extended our effort toachieve external funds for this project andobtained the Special Coordination Funds for
Promoting Science and Technology and theScience and Technology Research Partnership for
Sustainable Deve-lopment (SATREPS), etc. These
funds have expanded the researches at Asia andAfrica stations.
●The prevalence of tropical diseases depends onthe geographic, social and economic factors.
Therefore the institute has established the special
research system which helps forward themultidisciplinary 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 four doctoral courses. All the departments in
the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) are involved inteaching the Course on Infection Research. In April
2013, the “Program for Nurturing Global Leaders in
Tropical and Emerging Communicable Diseases” 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 oncontrolling tropical and emerging infectious
communicable diseases and on leadership. One of its
unique features is that students will be given practicaltrainings in a cross-field curriculum, which includes
hands-on training at overseas Nagasaki University
Research Stations in Kenya and Vietnam and otherinternational organizations. In addition, 23 staff of ITM
composed of professors, associate professors andassistant professors participate in this program. They
play an important role in giving lectures related totropical and emerging communicable diseases and in
helping students to write their dissertations.
〈 Master of Tropical Medicine (MTM)〉
In 2006, Nagasaki University Graduate Schoolof Biomedical Sciences opened the Master ofTropicalMedicine(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 by respective professors. From
April to June, they have intensive lectures andpractices on Clinical Tropical Medicine and TropicalPublic Health. Degree of Master of Tropical Medicine
is awarded to successful students. The applicant
should have more than two years of clinicalexperience as a medical doctor, and should havesufficient communication skill in English.
〈Master of Public Health (MPH)〉
In April, 2008, the Graduate School ofInternational Health Development was founded at
Nagasaki University. The main aim is to cultivate
specialists who contribute to the promotion of good
health in developing countries. A Master of Public
Health (MPH) degree is awarded to students who
successfully complete this two-year course. Since
tropical medicine plays a pivotal role in promoting
good health internationally, four professors from ITM
serve as a full-time faculty member in the program.
The applicants are required to have sufficientcommand of Japanese language.
The information on these courses including
application form is available through our homepage.
http://www.tm.nagasaki-u.ac.jp/nekken/english/index.html

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,
directing disease control programs and conducting
medical research in tropical and developing
countries. The course began in 1978. Fifteen
participants are accepted to attend the course ineach year. As of the 36th course in 2013, 455
participants in total (including 185 medical doctors,
and 270 co-medical such as nurses, community
health nurses, midwives, pharmacists) from all overJapan have completed the course. The course is run
by the steering committee, which consists ofmembers from both inside and outside the Instituteof 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, in2013) 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.

Admisssion ceremony in 2013

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 2012, we had
4 open lectures at Nagasaki City Library. To

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.)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.
Research on animal and organ specificity 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.
Research on emerging viral infectious diseases
Epidemiological studies on SARS virus, Nipah
virus and H5N1 avian influenza virus are being
conducted in Viet Nam, Malaysia and othercountries in the South East Asia.
Activities as a WHO Collaborating Center
Dr. S. T. Han, then Regional Director of WHO
Western Pacific Region (WPR), designated theDepartment of Virology as 'a WHO Collaborating
Center for Reference and Research on Tropical Viral

Diseases' on 23 Nov. 1993. In 2003, the department
was re-designated as 'a WHO Collaborating Center
for Reference and Research on Tropical andEmerging Virus Diseases' by Dr. Shigeru Omi, former
Regional Director of WHO/WPR. The Department
has been collaborating with WHO in training for
WHO fellows from many developing countries anddeployment of experts as WHO short-term
consultants. In addition, Dr. Kouichi Morita wasdispatched to WHO/WPRO as Regional Adviser on
Communicable Diseases from 16 May 1995 to 15
May 1998. Dr. Futoshi Hasebe was also dispatched
for a long term to collaborate in the global emerging
infectious disease control program from March 2004
to March 2006. The Department initiated and held
the First GOARN/WHO National Training Course in
Nagasaki from 25 to 29 February 2008 incollaboration with WHO/WPRO.
Professor
Professor (Project)
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Visting Assistant Professor
Visting Researcher
Postdoctoral Fellow
Research Fellow
Visiting Researcher
Assistant
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Research Student

Kouichi Morita
Futoshi Hasebe
Shingo Inoue
Fuxun Yu
Takeshi Nabeshima
Daisuke Hayasaka
Masanobu Ago
Toru Kubo
Guillermo Posadas Herrera
Alonzo Maria Terrese Galvez
Mya Myat Ngwe Tun
Kazumi Jodai
Akira Yoshikawa
Muhareva Raekiansyah
Yuki Takamatsu
Luat Le Xuan
Reo Uchida
Ulanday Gianne Eduard Limbo
Adungo Ferdinard
Aung Kyaw Kyaw

Department of Emerging
Infectious Diseases

to control infection and to prevent furthertransmission. 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.

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.

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.
Development of detection methods for highly
pathogenic viruses
In case of outbreak of emerging infectious
diseases, rapid and accurate diagnosis is essential

Molecular Mechanism of Marburg virus budding

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.
Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant
Assistant
Assistant
Graduate Student

Jiro Yasuda
Yohei Kurosaki
Shuzo Urata
Saori Sakabe
Tomomi Kamiyama
Mahomi Ono
Mayuko Kobayashi
Chisato Narahara

Collaboration research work in the South Africa
BSL-4 facility

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 toVirulence mechanism of Helicobacter pylori
vacuolating cytotoxin, VacA

oral 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/ß-cateninsignaling pathway. Similar to RPTPα and RPTPβ,
LRP1 mediates VacA internalization in AZ-521 cells, but
in contrast to RPTPβ and RPTPß, 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.
Professor
Senior Assistant Professor
Assistant professor
AssistantToshiya Hirayama
Akihiro Wada
Masayuki Nakano
Kayo Maeda

LaboratoryDepartment of Protozoology
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 erythrocyte invasion and thephenomenon of cytoadherence of parasite-infected
erythrocytes. In addition, we are also conducting
research aimed at elucidating the intracellularsurvival strategy of Trypanosma cruzi that cause
Chagas disease and a molecular epidemiology ofLeishmania donovani that cause visceral leishmaniasis.
We are actively pursuing the following lines ofinvestigation:

Schematic of the malaria merozoite and its invasionrelated molecules

Newly identified malaria proteins were localized to the apicalend of the merozoite. Blue is parasite nucleous, green andred indicate the location of the identified proteins. Upper
panels are DIC images of the malara parasite.

1. Malaria
1) The molecular basis of host cell invasion by parasites
2) The molecular basis of cytoadherence of parasiteinfected erythrocytes
3) Transcriptional control in malaria parasites
4) How different malaria parasite species interact in the host5) Recrudescence of malaria parasites
6) Molecular epidemiology of P. falciparum malaria in
endemic countries
7) Transmission dynamics of P. knowlesi, a zoonotic
monkey malaria parasite
2. Trypanosoma
1) The function and expression mechanism of transsialidase
2) Stage specific adaptation mechanisms employedby different Trypanosoma species
3. Leishmania
1) Molecular epidemiology of Leishmania donovani
Professor
Senior Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Visiting Researcher
Visiting Researcher
Visiting Researcher
Visiting Researcher
Visiting Researcher
Assistant
Assistant
Assistant
Graduate Student
Graduate Student

Osamu Kaneko
Haruki Uemura
Shusuke Nakazawa
Kazuhide Yahata
Masahito Asada
Shinya Miyazaki
Phonepadith Xangsayarath
Pedro Eduardo Mendes Ferreira
Kishor Pandey
Miho Goto
Tomoko Komagata
Wataru Kagaya
Miki Kinoshita
Yoshimi Matsuo
Momoko Ogoshi
Joe Kimanthi Mutungi
Amuza Byaruhanga Lucky

Amastigotes (left) and trypomastigotes (right) of
Trypanosoma cruzi

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.
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
Since 1981, the research project on Schistosoma haematobium has been carried out in Kwale,
Kenya, in cooperation with Kenya Medical ResearchInstitute (KEMRI). In 2011, we started a newresearch project on parasitic diseases in Mbita andKwale, Kenya. In the laboratory, we have been
maintained Schistosoma mansoni and intermediatesnails and are trying to elucidate immune responses
as well as to develop sensitive and specificdiagnostic methods through the study on the uniquemolecules belonging to Schistosoma spp.
A research project on filariasis was also carriedout in Mbita and Kwale, Kenya, in cooperation withKEMRI. In order to contribute to "Filaria Elimination
Program" by WHO, we collaborate with Aichi
Medical College. In the laboratory, Brugia malayi, B.
pahangi and the vector mosquito, Aedes aegypti
have been maintained for many years.
2. Amoebiasis, Leishmaniasis, Trypanosomiasis etc.
Genetic epidemiology and cohort studies onamoebiasis and leishmaniasis are carried out incooperation 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 addition to
genetic factors, we aim to elucidate various
environmental factors that determine and/or

influence the outcome and transmission of theinfection. In the laboratory, we study host defense
mechanisms against Leishmania major, L. donovani,
Trypanosoma cruzi, and T. congolense, and in theprocess, have elucidated the function of the IL-12
cytokine family such as IL-27/WSX-1 during
infection. After we developed animal models ofintestinal amoebiasis together with Prof. Houptat University of Virginia, we elucidated thepathogenicity of Entamoeba moshkovskii, andnow are devoting ourselves to the study onmolecular basis of pathogenicity of E. histolytica,
E. moshkovskii and host defense mechanisms toEntamoeba spp.
3. Cohort study using HDSS on infectious diseases in
Mbita and Kwale area in Kenya
We carried out cross-sectional study on
infectious diseases in Mbita and Kwale area using
HDSS (Health and Demographic Surveillance
System) as the collaboration with Osaka City
University and Department of Eco-epidemiology.
In 2011, the feasible studies on shistosomiasis,other helminthic and protozoan infections, HIV/AIDS,
tuberculosis and so on were launched.
Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Technologist
Assistant
Assistant
Assistant

Shinjiro Hamano
Yoshinori Mitsui
Kentaro Kato
Risa Sonoda
Shumpei Kambe
Yombo Dan Justin Kalenda
Sachiyo Nagi
Kenichi Nobusue
Kyoko Masuda
Masako Hayashida
Megumi Hamasaki
Hiromi Oda

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) is analyzed bycase-control study in South East Asia, South
Pacific and West Africa.
2. Schistosomiasis
1) Immunological regulation of the pathogenic anti
egg response in the resistant and susceptible
persons, to post schistosomal liver fibrosis in
China and Philippines.

Fever)
Host factors will be detected by the Populational genetic analysis of the patients with DHF
and non DHF.
5. Vaccine development for Malaria, Dengue, Chagas
disease.
Collaborations:
The research here is performed based on thewell-arranged collaborative projects with thefollowing facilities.
1. Malaria: Thammasat University (Thailand),
Noguchi Memorial Medical Research Institute( G h a n a ) , K a ro l i n s k a I n s t i t u t e ( S w e d e n ) ,Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI).
2. Schistosmiasis: Jiangxi Provincial Institute ofParasitic Diseases (China), Jiangsu Provincial
Institute of Parasitic Disease (China), Univ.
Philippines and RITM (Philippines).
3. Chagas Disease: Center of Tropical Medicine,
Sirani Clinic, and Hospital Japones (Bolivia), IICS
University of Asuncion (Paraguay).

3. Chagas disease
1) Genetic susceptibility to different clinical typeso f c h r o n i a C h a g a s d i s e a s e , n a m e l y,indeterminate, cardiac, and digestive forms, isanalyzed by case control study in Bolivia where
Chagas disease is still highly endemic.
2) Host and Parasite factors influencing on thereactivity to the chemotherapy in the paediatricpatients with chronic Chagas Disease.
3) Genetic analysis of Trypanosomes in Latin
Americas by using local isolates and molecularbiology.
4. Dengu fever:Pasteurlnstitute HCMC(Vietnam)
1) Pathogenesis of the DHF (Dengue Hemorragic

Experiment scenery

Members

Professor
Associate Professor

Kenji Hirayama
Nguyen Huy Tien

Senior Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Technologist
Assistant
Assistant
Assistant
Assistant
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Research Student
Visiting Researcher

Mihoko Kikuchi
Cherif Mahamoud Sama
Shuaibu Mohammed Nasir
Tetsuo Yanagi
Junko Hayashima
Shuji Miyazaki
Shiho Chikatoshi
Kuniko Shimoda
Lam Quoc Bao
Mbancfo Evaristus Chibunna
Dang My Nhi
Nat Koonrungsesomboon
Vasquez Velasques, Clara Aleiandra
Yukimi Katagami（Clinical Product Development）

Fieldwork in Bolivia

○NEKKEN National BioResource
Center

The Japanese Government has been making
efforts under its second and third Science andTechnology Basic Plans to create a world-class
intellectual platform. In FY 2002 the Ministry of
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology(MEXT) implemented the National BioResource
Project (NBRP) to construct the framework forsystematic collection, preservation, and distributionof bioresources, 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 Chiba
University's Medical Mycology Research Center.
NEKKEN NBRP contributes the services toresearchers ; (1) information of owners and strains ofpathogenic protozoans in Japan on database
Website, (2) supply of protozoans for users fromNEKKEN NBRP, (3) deposits of protozoans to
NEKKEN NBRP and preservation in NEKKEN NBRP,(4) supply of protozoan specimens for laboratory
practice of medical educational institutions, (5)acceptance of examination for protozoan infections
from medical facilities.

To promote life sciences it is importantresearchers share the various bioresources
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 bioresoruces, which will not beable to be restored again if once they are lost. We
would like to ask the access to our Project Website.
Your cooperation and support for the project would
be highly appreciated.
Project Representative
Collaborator
Collaborator
Technician
Information Desk

Kenji Hirayama
Shinjiro Hamano
Richard Culleton
Tetsuo Yanagi
Shiho Chikatoshi

http://www.nbrp.jp/
http://www.pathogenic.lab.nig.ac.jp/ns.jspDepartment of Eco-epidemiology
April 2008, the Research Center for Tropical
Infectious Diseases was reorganized andtransformed into four groups i.e. two departments in
the Research Field of Environmental Medicine,
Tropical Medicine Museum and the Kenya station ofOverseas Research Stations.
Therefore, Eco-epidemiology department
inherited its philosophy of research from the
Research Center for Tropical Infectious Diseases, as
one of the departments in the Research Field ofEnvironmental Medicine. The mission is to contributeto the global control of the tropical infectious
diseases by analyzing the complex factors that
regulate the endemics and/or epidemics of thediseases to find appropriate control measure of theinfection.
The concept of eco-epidemiology is based on
the view of recognizing tropical diseases as asystem of infection. The aim of our research is tounderstand the process of interaction between
microorganisms, vectors and human beings in thesystem. Therefore, the staffs mainly work in the fieldat the Kenya Research station of Overseas Research
Stations.
Human beings and vectors, so-called hosts as
a niche of pathogens, exist not statically but
dynamically in time and space. In addition, there isan infinite diversity in the characteristics of hosts. We
study how microorganism survive, maintain,
proliferate, diminish, disappear and emerge throughthe niches.

its consequences, diseases.
Ongoing activities are 1) research using Health and
Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), 2)
Establishment of African center for multiple assay
method, surveillance system and integrated control
programs for a wide range of pathogens ofneglected tropical diseases (NTDs), 3) A child healthcohort study from the viewpoint of sociology,
anthropology and epidemiology in a marginal area ofAfrica, 4) Application of the vein patternauthentication system to epidemiological studies
and social identification in developing countries, 5)Countermeasure of Problem Regarding Health in Sri
Lanka. As a social action program, 6) a project for
support communities in Lao People's Democratic
Republic with Research Institute for Humanity andNature (Kyoto) and Hitachi, Ltd by Grant Assistancefor Grass-roots Human Security Projects, theMinistry of Foreign Affairs in 2013.
Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Visiting Researcher

Satoshi Kaneko
Yoshito Fujii
Kensuke Goto
Masashi Miura
Chihiro Tanigawa
Nugegoda Gabadage Sujeewa
Panditharatne (Sri Lanka)
JSPS Ronpaku Researcher Samson Nzou Muuo (Kenya)
Assistant
Junichi Tanaka
Graduate Student Tomonori Hoshi

The ultimate purpose of the department is toform a theory for a better understanding of theinterrelationship between hosts and pathogen andChild health survey with finger veinauthentification system

Nairobi laboratory for multiple assay A scene at health and demographic
for a wide range of pathogens ofsurveillance system(HDSS)in
neglected tropical diseases
Lao PDR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) researchon infectious diseases in ecosystem, 2) research on
the environment including climate change and Asian
dust related to health, 3) research on biologicalevolution of microorganisms from the adaptation or
fitness view point. The umbrella concept or key word
linking above three research units is to reconstructinfectious diseases "temporally" and "spatially" alike.
Infection is the biological interaction between hosts
and microorganisms. 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.
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 in those
activities is to make solidarity in order to improve
people's health and contribute to people's
sustainable development. It is our department's
goal.
Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Visiting Researcher
Visiting Researcher
Visiting Researcher
Visiting Researcher
Visiting Researcher
Visiting Researcher
Visiting Researcher
Assistant
Assistant
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student

Taro Yamamoto
Junko Okumura
Takayuki Wada
Liang Qin
Zhuo Zhang
Taijin Kaku
Tomoo Ichikawa
Katsuyuki Eguchi
Sengchanh Kounnavong
Md Ubydul Haque
Akiko Hayashi
Satoko Arai
Katsura Igai
Kenji Mizumoto
Vu Hai Ha
Shuko Takahashi
Yoshihiro Takayama

Department of Vector
Ecology & Environment
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 strategies.
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 distributions in Vietnam
and Kenya, and examining the relationship withenvironmental factors, and examining the key
environmental factors that contribute to epidemics in
Hanoi and Nya Trang.
2. Malaria vectors
Main malaria vectors belong to a group of
sibling species, and members within a group aremorphologically indistinguishable. We are examining
ecological and physiological differences among themembers within the Anopheles gambiae complex
group and the Anopheles funestus complex group in
East Africa including Malawi. We are also
investigating their geographic distributions in East
Africa. This extensive field survey was designed tounderstand the effects of climate and the Great Rift
Valley on their distributions and evolution.
3. Vector control measures
The coverage of insecticide treated bed nets
has considerably increased in Africa. We areinvestigating whether local residents properly use

and maintain bed nets, and how long bed nets last.
We are also investigating the effects of bed nets on
the species composition of vectors and their
behavior, and monitoring their insecticide resistancein Kenya and Malawi. For control tools, we are
testing two new types of mosquito nets (ceiling net
and eave net).
4. Detection of virus in mosquitoes
We collaborate with National Institute of
Infectious Diseases in Japan and National Institute ofHygiene and Epidemiology in Vietnam to detect newviruses from a variety of mosquito species.
Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant
Assistant
Assistant
Assistant
Assistant
Graduate Student
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
Chiaki Tsurukawa
Emiko Kawashima
Naoko Mori
Kogomi Minagawa
Junko Sakemoto
Endang Pujiyati
Koji Yamada
Hanako Iwashita
Yusuke Sumita
Eugenio Fonzi
Huynh Thi Thuy Trang
Nozomi Imanishi
Owuor Gabriel Owino

Department ofClinical Medicine
Our research interests are tropical infectious diseases, respiratory
infectious diseases including TB, and HIV/AIDS. We conduct a wide
range of multi-diciplinary studies from basic research with animalmodels to clinical epidemiology research in and outside Japan.
Specific research activities are described as follows:
1. Respiratory Infections Diseases and Tuberculosis
We have developed molecular assays to identify multiple
pathogens causing respiratory infections and to quantify
pneumococcus bacterial load. These novel assyas are now being
applied for several clinical studies including a large epidemiplogicalstudy for adult pneumonia in Japan. Furthermore we are now
developing a novel assay to evaluate cellular immune responses tovarious TB antigens. Our goal is to better-understand mechanisms
causing severe and treatment-refractory pneumonias at molecularlevels toward development of a novel treatment strategy. We arealso working on basic research for pulmonary infection. We
hypothesize that an impaired process in inducing the cessation of
inflammation and repair of damaged tissues plays a central role in
the pathogenesis of pneumonia. Our interest focuses onmacrophage function, which is responsible for clearing apoptotic
cells from the inflammation site.
2. Pediatric Infectious Diseases in Vietnam
We have conducted studies regarding to clinical andmicrobiological diagnosis, antimicrobial susceptibility and molecularepidemiology in collaboration with National Institute of Hygiene andEpidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam. Since 2005, we started a large-scaleof community-based survey targeting all residents in Nha Trang cityand its adjacent Nin Hoa district in the Central Vietnam. During thesurvey, we collected information regarding environment andcommon diseases burden (pneumonia, diarrhea, dengue fever),health utilization pattern. Since 2006, we have dispatched aresearch clinician to the site and have been monitoring all
pneumonia cases admitted to the pediatric ward at Kan Hoa
General Hospital. In 2009, we commenced a birth cohort study,
recruiting 2,000 pairs of mothers and new-born babies, with theobjective of facilitating mother-to-child transmission studies ofvarious infections and studies of host-gene polymorphisms
associating the severity of pediatric infectious diseases.
3. Clinical Research in Infectious Disease Hospitals in the tropics
In collaboration with the National Infectious Disease Hospital(San Lazaro Hospital), Manila, the Philippines, we have started
research with lbjectives of improving diagnosis and management of
leptospirosis, central nervous system infection and tuberculosis. In
collaboration with the Department of Infectious Diseases, Bac Mai
Hospital, Hanoi, Veitnam, we are conducting prospective studies
aiming to disclose pathogens responsible for undiagnosed febrileillness.

4. HIV Cohort Studies in Northern Thailand
In collaboration with National Institute of Health, Thailand andNational Institute of Infectious diseases, Japan, a large scale ofcohort study targeting HIV-infected individuals and their spouses has
been established and maintained in Lampang Hospital, northern
Thailand; nearly 2000 people have participated. The main objectivesof this cohort are to understand mechanisms of resistance to HIV
infection among HIV-exposed but uninfected spouses living with
HIV-infected patients and mechanisms of slow-progression among
HIV-infected slowprogressors. These studies are being conducted inclose collaboration with Thai counter parts and international experts
in various fields such as hostgene polymorphisms, molecularimmunology, molecular epidemiology and virology. Furthermore, weare conducting studies on frequencies of opportunistic infection, theeffect of anti-retroviral drug therapy and the effect of other viral coinfectiou such as GBV, hepatitis B.
Professor
Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Research Associate
Visiting Professor
Visiting Professor
Visiting Researcher
Visiting Researcher
Assistant
Assistant
Assistant
Assistant
Assistant
Research student
Research student
Research 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
Graduate student

Koya Ariyoshi
Michio Yasunami
Konosuke Morimoto
Motoi Suzuki
Hikaru Sato
Kiwao Watanabe
Tomoyuki Maekawa
Toshiyuki Miura
Akiko Takaki
Masahiko mori
Mitsuyo Kirie
Rina Shiramizu
Yumi Hamasaki
Sayaka Okada
Hitomi Nakamura
Mayumi Terada
Yoshitaka Harada
Masahiro Takaki
Yoshiro Yamashita
Tohru Ogasawara
Sugihiro Hamaguchi
Kensuke Takahashi
Reiko Miyahara
Le Nhat Minh
Nobuo Saito
Takaharu Shimazaki
Ikumi Shimada
Satoshi Kakiuchi
Tomoko Ishifuji
Dhoubhadel Bhim Gopal
Mai Izumida
Hirotomo Yamanashi
Ngo Chi Cuong
Emi Kitashoji
Kentaro Hayashi

Ward round in Khan Hoa HospitalDepartment of Pediatric
Infectious Diseases
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 with special
attention on severe pediatric infectious diseases including
pneumonia, diarrhea, dengue and malaria. Our researchinterests include integration of clinical, environmental andsocial issues at international, 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 viral andbacterial pathogens from pediatric cases admitted to the
Nagasaki University hospital with severe respiratory
infection. We are also conducting pneumococcal
serotyping and antibiotic sensitivity testing ofStreptococcal pneumoniae strains from cases withinvasive pneumococcal diseases in Japan. Currently weare developing an advance molecular serotyping
technique using nanofluidic technology to determine theS.pneumoniae serotype directly from clinical samples.
Cohort study on Pediatric Infectious Diseases inVietnamThis study is conducted with funding from the Japan
Initiative for Global Research Network on Infectious
Diseases (JGRID). Our main counterpart in Vietnam is the
National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (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 severecommon pediatric infectious diseases (SPID) like acuterespiratory infection (ARI), diarrhea and dengue which are
the major causes of under 5 mortality. The study sitecovers a population of 353,525 residing in 75,826
households with 24,781 children less than 5 years. We

Pediatric infectious diseases research in Vietnam

conducted population census, demographic, socialbehavioral data collection and disease burden study on
SPID. We also obtained hospital databases from two
hospitals covering the region. Utilizing these large
databases, we were able to investigate on a variety of
SPID in Vietnam. In addition, to determine incidence,viral etiology and risk factors for pediatric
ARI/pneumonia, we are conducting a population based
hospitalized Pediatric ARI surveillance at Khanh Hoa
General Hospital, Nha-Trang since 2007.
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 thePediatric Department of Nagasaki University to study
congenital infection and host genetic factors on physicalneurological development of the child and developmentof SPID.
Health impact of global environmental change
Our research interests cover most of environmental
epidemiology. Current substantive research topics ofinterest, on which we work in collaboration with bothinternational and Japanese colleagues, 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 andcholera in the East Africa. 3. Health effects of Asian dustin the East Asia. 4. Intervention study to prevent heatrelated illness in Japan. 5. Excess mortality due toinfluenza in Southeast Asia.
Professor
Associate Professor
Research Fellow
Assistant
Graduate student
Graduate student

Masahiro Hashizume
Lay Myint Yoshdia
Michiko Toizumi
Nozomi Oka
Chisato Imai
Noriko Furuoya

Environmental change andglobal health research in 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 health needs toaddress the issues of inequity in health.
4. Development of health products
The operation of this department depends on thecollaboration of existing offices and departments in
NEKKEN and in Nagasaki University, e.g. Office forTraining and Education, Immunogenetics, Toxicology,
Clinical Pharmacy, Parasitology, Clinical Medicine,
Clinical Paediatrics, Center for infectious diseaseresearch in Asia and Africa and the research institutions
and universities in developing countries. The aim of its
operation is to ensure that research priorities ofresearch institutions are in line with their public-healthneeds, in particular the need for innovative research toaddress the health problems of their populations and tocontribute 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 Malaria(see model below);4) PhD training as part of associated productdevelopment processes e.g. ethical issues in productdevelopment, clinical data management, goodlaboratory practice and etc.
2. Research1) Development of Shiunko for Cutaneous
Leishmaniasis;2) Identification and further development of Herbal
Medicine for Breast cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma
and Malaria.
3. Network
1) Coordination of Product Research andDevelopment (PRD) Network
2) Coordination of research ethics global networkStrategic Initiative for Developing Capacity in
Ethical Review (SIDCER)
Collaborations:
1. Drug Research Center, Thammasat University,
Bangkok, Thailand
2. SIDCER, National Research Council of Thailand(NRCT), Bangkok, Thailand
3. Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Ministryof Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
4. Institution of Human Research Protection, Ministryof Health, Thailand
5. Tokyo University, Tokyo, Japan
6. Government Pharmaceutical Organization,
Bangkok, Thailand
Professor
Associate Professor
Visiting Professor
Visiting Researcher
AssistantJuntra Laothavorn
Nguyen Huy Tien
Kesara Na-Bangchang
Tullayakorn Plengsuriyakarn
Ikumi Fritz

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

OutlineThe Kenya Research Station was established by special
funds for education and research of the Ministry of Education(MEXT), Program to Establish Infectious Disease Research
Network in September 2005. After the program completed in
March 2010, we have been on Tropical Medicine, Emerging
Infectious Disease and Clinical Epidemiological Research
Program to Establish Education and Research System for thecollaboration of Kenya and Japan by MEXT since Apr 2010.
The goals of this project are to develop Kenya Researchstation, to provide trainings to young researchers and to
conduct research on treatments and prevention of tropical andemerging infectious diseases with collaborative researchers.
Progress
1. Establishing of The Research Station
We have worked on further development such as building
and managing information network system, setting up labs
(including the P3 lab in Nairobi), conference rooms andvehicles in Nairobi office and three research project sites in
Mbita, Kwale and Busia.
2. Posting Researchers From JapanThe members of the station include two professors(including a leader), three administrative staff. Also, anassistant professor and a researcher as JICA experts for
STAREPS project, other four professors, another associate
professor and four assistant professors have supported
operating our project by short-term research visits.
3. Management for the Long-Term Research and Communities
In Mbita district, Health and Demographic Surveillance
System (HDSS) has been in operation collecting data of
population, births, death toll and diseases. Also, Malaria
Surveillance System (MSS) has been working on collection
and analysis of data of malaria mosquitos in the area.
Consequently, we began a new project of JICA Partnership
Program focusing on school health in Mbita area as the last
project completed its terms of three years, started in 2009.
Meanwhile, HDSS and parasitology research have beenrunning in Kwale since 2010. Science and Technology
Researchers Program by JSPS which started in 2010 has
completed in Apr 2013.

Nairobi Office

Our Members

4. The Study of Tropical Medicine
The research on malaria and mosquito transmission inWestern Kenya, bacterial and viral diarrheal disease andmosquito-borne hemorrhagic fever has been operated at
the P3 lab in Nairobi Office and KEMRI (Kenya Medical
Research Institute) production department. In Kwale,
epidemiological research of schistosomiasis
haematobium has been conducted. As the project of JSTJICA (SATREPS) launched in March 2012, we completed
setting up two of KEMRI's labs in KEMRI Production
Department and Busia. Meanwhile, we have begun
equipping a lab for seroepidemiology project supported
by MEXT which started in April 2013.
5. Educational Programs
Three of researchers and doctors from Kenya
graduated Master of Tropical Medicine at the Institute ofTropical Medicine in Nagasaki. Every year, we also giveopportunities to study in field for three graduate students
from school of International Health Development,
Nagasaki University and medical school students from
Osaka University Osaka City University, and Shiga
University of Medical Science.
Project Members
Leader and Professor
Professor
Professor
Professor
Professor
Professor
Associate Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Research Fellow
Staff
Staff
Staff
Staff
Staff
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student
Graduate Student

Yoshio Ichinose (Kenya)
Noboru Minakawa
Shinjiro Hamano
Masaaki Shimada (Kenya)
Masahiro Horio
Satoshi Kaneko
Hitoshi Kawada
Shingo Inoue (JICA Expert/ Kenya)
Yoshito Fujii
Kyoko Futami
Kensuke Goto
Shah Mohammad
Mitsuru Toda (JICA Expert/ Kenya)
Masashi Miura
Chihiro Tanigawa
Yukie Saito (Kenya)
Haruki Kazama (Kenya)
Tadahisa Sakata (Kenya)
Tomoka Tawara
Chiharu Kamimura
Shunpei Kanbe
Hanako Iwashita
Gabriel Dida
Ernest Apondi

Mbita Research Site

Kwale Research Site

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

Outline
NEKKEN and National Institute of Hygiene andEpidemiology, Vietnam (NIHE) jointly conducted a projectfrom 2005 on clinical and epidemiological research on
Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (ERID)
granted by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture andTechnology (MEXT) of Japan. Consequently, Vietnam
Research Station was established and a number of
research activities conducted by investigators from both
NEKKEN and NIHE. In the framework of the collaborative
project, researches on the environmental and social factors
influencing outbreaks of zoonosis, vector-borne infectious
diseases, diarrhoea, and childhood pneumonia have been
carried out. Having achieved goals of aforementioned
researches in the first phase project (2005-2009), the next
research objectives was underlined, which is, clarifying thefactors and their mechanisms in causation of infectious
diseases including ERID. In the second phase, therefore,
we aim to attain aforementioned objectives andconsequently seek for medically and socially significant
achievements by carrying out research activities. To
conduct a worldwide study of infectious diseases, we havea scope to network research centers which were
established in eight countries in tropical zone, under theframework of the Japan Initiative for Global Research
Network on Infectious Diseases (J-GRID).
Research activities
The objectives of the entire project are to clarify theecology of pathogens in nature and in human society, toclarify the pathogenic mechanism of human diseases, and todevelop an intervention-based 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 inecosystem in Vietnam
3) Hospital based analysis of a broad range of etiologicalagents of diarrhoea in Vietnam

Staff of Vietnam research Center

2. Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases Research Group:
1) Study on biological properties, virulence and ecologicalsignificance of dengue viral quasispecies 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 epidemiological researchdata 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 withneutralizing activity against avian influenza (H5N1) strain
5) An epidemiological study of avian influenza
NIHE-Nagasaki University Friendship Laboratory(NNFL) staff
Leader and Professor Tetsu Yamashiro
Futoshi Hasebe
Professor
Takashi Tsunoda
Assistant Professor
Kozue Hotta
Assistant Professor
Taichiro Takemura
Assistant Professor
Asako Tokizawa
Assistant Professor
Michiko Toizumi
Research Fellow
Takahiro Nakao
Staff
Dang Thi Dinh
Research Assistant
Le Thi Thuyen
Research Assistant
Phan Hoai Linh Ly
Research Assistant
Ung Thi Hong Trang
Research Assistant
Bui Thi Tra
SecretaryYumiko Fukuiwa
AssistantKanae Tanaka
Assistant

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

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. The
institution performs the following 2 functions.
The institute primarily functions as a museum
and resource center for tropical disease. Currently,
on the 1st floor of the Institute of Tropical Medicine
Nagasaki University, there is a general section
providing information on tropical diseases,
parasites/bacteria/viruses/poisonous insects andspecimen of dangerous animals, valuable books,
and displays images of the data. Moreover, it has anaudio-visual room accommodating a few numbers ofpeople. Furthermore, a system is being developedfor using this collection of resources to strengthen
public science and risk communication withthousand points relating to the history andphilosophy of tropical medicines and infection
symptoms. In the near future we would like toexpand the exhibition room to the museum of
tropical medicine and can be used as an educational
resource for society and educators and provide
tropical disease related research and successful
results for the public. In addition, we displayed
Africa's Nature, Development, and People, in March
2009, as part of the Ueno Yama Decade ofInformation series of National Museum of Nature andScience, Tokyo.
It also functions as an information center for the
dispatch, collection, organization, and analysis of
information on tropical medicine. This has become

Tropical Medicine Museum

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 are trying
to provide a similar environment to research
universities overseas with VPN by including videoconferencing system to promote international
conferences and e-learning plans.
Head and Professor Noboru Minakawa
Professor
Masahiro Horio
Technologist
Kazuo Araki
Staff
Akiko Akita
Assistant
Kiyomi Suda

The database server

BSL-4 lab modelCentral Laboratory○Laboratory of Molecular Biology

Investigation of the interactions between
microbial pathogens, vectors and hosts at molecularor gene levels is important for the better
understanding of pathogenesis of various infectious
diseases. Molecular Biology Laboratory has beenequipped with 16- and 48-cappilary sequencers forhigh-throughput and high-resolution genetic analysis
of pathogens, vectors and hosts. In addition to
general laboratory facilities such as pure watersupply, ultracentrifuge, lyophilizer, Speed-Vac,
French press, Bioruptor, sample storage in liquid
nitrogen, bio-safety cabinet, autoclave, dark roomand cold room, the laboratory is also equipped withseveral special analyzers such as laser confocal
microscope, flowcytometer, digital cell sorter,
Luminex bead-array system, fluorescence- andluminescence-multilabel counter, fluorescence- andluminescence-imager, mass spectrometry-based
genotyping system, genome sequencer "GS junior"
to meet a variety of demands of researches of theinstitute as well as those of visiting investigators.
Further, capillary electrophoresis system “QIAxcel”
has been introduced in year 2013.

○Laboratory 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-KB is also involved
cancer development and progression. Therefore, ourresearch focuses on the molecular players during
the development from chronic inflammation tocancer.

○Electron Microscope Room
The electron microscope room is a NEKKENwide user facility for ultrastructural characterizationof most microbial pathogens including viral,
protozoal, and bacterial species. We offer highquality imaging services from conventional andimmuno-electron microscopy to 3D tomography,
and also provide training on sample preparation anduse of equipment. This laboratory is equipped withtransmission and scanning electron microscopes(from JEOL), high-pressure freezer (from LEICA),
ultra-microtomes (from LEICA and REICHERT),Lab for Genetic Analysis

vacuum coater, critical point dryer system, andosmium plasma coater in addition to generallaboratory facilities for a wide range application ofelectron microscopy. Here is also open to users fromother universities and institutes.

○The Malaria Unit

We are a small and highly driven malariology
group focusing 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 only succeed,
however, on the foundation of a solid and detailed
understanding of 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. We believe that scientificresearch should be fun, and try to foster afreethinking 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, Brazil, theUK and Saudi Arabia.
Head and Professor Toshiya Hirayama
Associate Professor Richard Culleton
Assistant Professor Masachika Senba
Assistant Professor Miako Sakaguchi
Junko Kawashima
Assistant
Sarina Hokama
Assistant

Clinic at the University HospitalThis department is the only one department at
the Institute of Tropical Medicine, which runs a clinic
and a medical ward in the International Medical
Center of Nagasaki University Hospital. Besides
general ward, we have 8 negative pressure rooms
and two of them accommodate patients with BSL4
pathogens. We specialized in Infectious Diseases
and Respiratory Diseases; diseases that we handle
are systemic infectious diseases, including tropicalinfectious diseases and HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis andpneumonia, and various neoplasmic andinflammatory respiratory diseases. Each year, we
receive approximately 300 consultations from otherdepartments, regarding diagnosis and managementof infectious diseases. The outpatient clinic is open
once a week where we also run a travel clinic forinternational travelers.
For training and education, bisides training
programs for resident physicians, we provide anumber of lectures on infectious diseases andrespiratory diseases to undergraduate students. We
are responsible for organizing a clinical caseconference of tropical infectious diseases as a partof Master of Tropical Medicine course, Graduate
School of Biomedical Sciences. Staff doctors andresident doctors are regularly dispatched for a longterm to abroad, San Lazao Hospital, the Philippines
and the infectious disease ward in Bac Mai Hospital,
Vietnam to accumulate our knowledge andexperience with clinical tropical medicine.

Professor
Associate Professor
Senior Lecturer
Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
Fellow Doctor
Fellow Doctor
Fellow Doctor
Fellow Doctor
Fellow Doctor
Senior Resident
Senior Resident
Assistant Ayako

Koya Ariyoshi
Konosuke Morimoto
Akitsugu Furumoto
Maiko Kojiro
Nobuo Saito
Masahiro Takaki
Tomoko Ishifuji
Hirotomo Yamanashi
Satoshi Kakiuchi
Rena Osawa
Kota Mochizuki
Akira Nishiyama
Ayako Kitamura

Infectious diseases conference

Staff Members

Number of Staff（as of May 1, 2013）

Divisions

Professor

Associate
Professor

Lecturer

Enrollment

13
(4)

5
(1)

3

※（

Assistant Research
Professor Associate
15(18)

Sub total

Others

Total

37
(23)

9
(11)

46
(34)

1

）number of fixed-term staff

Accounting（Fiscal Year 2012）

Revenue

Expenditure
AmountDivisions

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

Administrative cost subsidy

811,768

Administrative cost subsidy

811,768

Non-subsidy income at Nagasaki University

206,836

Non-subsidy income at Nagasaki University

206,836

Joint Research

28,130

Joint Research

5,663

External Commissioned Research
Fund
Commissioned Project

319,728452,849

7,900

External Commissioned Research
Fund
Commissioned Project

Endowment

43,553

Endowment

34,208

252,652

Others252,652

Others1,670,567

Total

7,900

1,771,876

Total

Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of （FY 2012）
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Scientific
Research
Type of Scientific Scientific Scientific Scientific Challenging Young
Young
Exploratory
Research on Fellowship for
Research Research(A) Research(B) Research(B) Research(C) Research Scientists(A) Scientists(A) Innovative Areas Young Scientists

Total

Numberof Grants

8

3

8

9

1

6

1

1

38

49,53013,26014,17017,5501,820

10,27019,3701,040

145,080

1

Amount18,070(in thousands)

Facilities & Administrative costs included

Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research from
the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare（FY 2012）

Type of
Research

Global Health
Issues

HIV/AIDS

Emerging and Reemerging
Infectious Diseases

Rare andintractablediseases

New Drug
Development

Total

Number of
Grants

4

1

6

1

1

13

Amount(in thousands)

12,269

2,500

4,550

1,000

1,400

25,849Subsidy （FY 2012）

Type of
Research

Grant-in-Aid for
Forming
Research
Locations etc(Global COE)

Amount(in thousands)

204,567

Special Strategic
Funds forPromoting
Strategic Young
Science andResearcher
National BioTechnology of the Overseas Visits
resource Project
Ministry ofProgram for(NBRP)
Education,
Accelerating
Culture, Sports, Brain Circulation
Science andTechnology
5,169

26,596The Researcher
Exchanges
Program

16,309

11

Facilities & Administrative costs included

External Fund （FY 2012）
Divisions

Joint Research with
Private Sectors

Commissioned
Research

Commissioned
Project

Endowments

Number of Sources

6

14

3

28

Amount (in thousands)

28,130319,728

7,900

43,553

Facilities & Administrative costs included

Agreement of Educational, Scientificand Scholarly Exchange○Overseas
Name of organization of partner countries
Chiang Mai University (Thailand)
Mahidol University (Thailand)
University of the Philippines Diliman (Philippines)
National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (Vietnam)
Airlangga University (Indonesia)
St. Luke's Medical Center (Philippines)
San Lazaro Hospital Medical Center (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)

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

○Domestic
Name of organization of partner
The Research Institute of Tuberculosis Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association

Concluded date
March, 2009

Telephone Number
Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University ０９５（８１９）７８００
Extension
Dean ……………………………………………………………… ７８０１
Head of Administrative Office …………………………………… ７８０２
Expert 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 ………………………………………………… ７８２７Assistant Professor ……………………………………… ７８２８
Information ……………………………………………… ７８２９
Facsimile ………………………………………………… ７８３０
Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases
Professor ………………………………………………… ７８４８
Staff room ………………………………………………… ７８４９Laboratory ……………………………………………… ７８５０
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
National BioResource Center Information …………… ７８５６
Department of Pathology
Assistant Professor ……………………………………… ７８１４

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Department of Eco-epidemiology
Professor ………………………………………………… ７８６６
Assistant Professor ……………………………………… ７８６７Lab.1 ……………………………………………………… ７８５４
Information ……………………………………………… ７８６６
Department of International HealthProfessor ………………………………………………… ７８６９
Lab.1 ……………………………………………………… ７８０８
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
Electron Microscope Room …………………………… ７８５９Laboratory of Molecular Biology ……………………… ７８５７The Malaria Unit ………………………………………… ７９０３

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

PlaygroundGymnasium

Laboratory Animal Center
for Biomedical Research

Parking
Second Building of
the Atomic Bomb
Disease InstituteRadioisotope
Center
Sub-Gate

Parking

Researcher building(156 )
Tropical Medicine Musium(In part of the 1st Floor)
Reserch ininAsia
Research
AsiaandandAfrica
Africa(In part of the 2nd Floor)

Main Building of
the Institute ofTropical Medicine(7,782 )AtomicDiseaseInstitute

School of Medicine

Main Gate
MedicalBranchLibrary
Commemoration
Hall

Pompe
Hall

Back Gate

Alumni HallN
for University Hospital
RyoJunHall

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

Matsuyama-machi

Akasako
Ohashi for

Igakubu-mae

Nagasakieki-mae

School of
Dentistry
University
Hospital

School ofMedicine

Urakamitensyudo-mae

Prefectural OfficeInstitute of Tropical
Medicine

City Hall

Chuobashi

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 2013
Edited by Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University
Printed by Quick Print