UNAIR NEWS – Talking about zoonosis diseases (transmitted from animals to human, or vice versa) which are caused by virus, means talking about the Science of Virology. One of the experts in the field of Virology Science is Prof. Dr. drh Suwarno, M.Si., the Vice Dean III Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH) UNAIR.

Suwarno is a genuine product of Airlangga education. He obtained his bachelor, master, and doctorate degree from UNAIR. After graduating from his doctoral program in 2005, Suwarno was inaugurated as a Professor of Virology and Immunology Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2014.

Dozens of researches have been developed by Suwarno. In fact, because of his tenacity in doing researches about Virology Science, he gets a nickname of “Doctor Rabies”. This is because zoonosis diseases like Rabies and Avian Influenza are the main objects in his numerous researches.

Even though the main focus generally studies about virus on animals, it does not rule out the possibility that virus on human like Dengue Fever and Japanese Encephalities become part of the researches.

“Almost all diseases are virus-borne. Thus, the science that we pursue is highly beneficial for the people and also the government, including in the field of Avian Influenza counter measures,” he said.

The main point is everything that he does is a form of contribution for the country. It is expected that the loss of life because of plague or disease in Indonesia can be suppressed due to the increasing number of researches which offer solutions.

Suwarno’s researches have produced several products in a form of diagnostic kit. One of his products is called “ONRAW-IB-Varian”. ONRAW is taken from his nickname if read backwards. ONRAW is a diagnostic kit for Bronchitis Varian infection which was started to produce in 2014.

While for Rabies antidote, Suwarno invented ELIVE Tua Rabies Diagnostic Kit in 2013 and Rabies Vaccine Seed, SWN-JOL-007 which was produced by PT Sanbe Farma in 2012. The rabies vaccine seed is made to treat particular animals with risk of transmitting Rabies, for example dogs, cats, and monkeys.

Suwarno is also active in international publication. Among other titles are “Homology and Phylogenetic Analysis of Nucleotide Sequence of Omp2a Gene of Brucella abortus Local Isolates. Journal of Veterinary Advances” released in 2014; and “Production and Characterization Egg Yolk Derived Anti-Hemagglutinin Antibody (IgY) as Immunotherapy Agent on the Chicken Infected by Avian influenza A/H5N1 Virus. Journal of Veterinary Advances” published in 2013.

Due to his researches and service for the community, this Professor of FKH has earned various awards since 2014. Among others is National Third Winner for his kit product called ELISA Avian Influenza, which was given by Directorate General of High Education in 2013. Moreover, Suwarno is an outstanding lecturer in FKH UNAIR sphere, and also considered as a successful lecturer in offering applicative community service. (*)

Author: Dilan Salsabila
Editor: Rio F. Rachman