Pediatrics

E-mail: albert.park@hsc.utah.edu
Address: 100 N. Medical Drive, Suite 4500
Phone: 662-5666

Development of an animal model for CMV induced sensorineural hearing loss.

My current research projects include development of an animal model for CMV induced sensorineural hearing loss. Cytomegalovirus is the most common infection causing newborn hearing loss. Our lab has successfully isolated CMV in the temporal bones of one month old guinea pig pups following third trimester viral inoculation. We have also demonstrated elevated hearing thresholds using auditory brainstem response studies. Future directions for this project include isolation of the virus utilizing immunohistochemistry techniques, exploring the potential efficacy of subunit vaccination and evaluating the pathophysiology of this disorder via microassay.

12/2008