Prof. LAU Kar Pui, Susanna

MBBS, MD, MRCP, FRCPath, FHKCPath, FHKAM (Path)

Honorary Clinical Professor

Email: skplau@hku.hk

ORCID : https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1383-7374

RESEARCH FOCUS

Novel and emerging infections, microbial discovery and pathogen bioinformatics:

Our laboratory focuses on emerging infectious diseases, including discovery and genomic characterization of novel pathogens and study of the evolutionary origin and inter-species transmission of these emerging pathogens.

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS

Discovery and characterisation of novel/emerging viruses

  1. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Li KSM, Huang Y, Tsoi HW, Wong BHL, Wong SSY, Leung SY, Chan KH, Yuen KY. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-like virus in Chinese horseshoe bats. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA 2005; 102: 14040-14045.
  2. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Yip CCY, Tse H, Tsoi HW, Cheng VCC, Lee P, Tang BSF, Cheung CHY, Lee RA, So LY, Lau YL, Chan KH, Yuen KY. Coronavirus HKU1 and other coronavirus infections in Hong Kong, China. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2006; 44: 2063-2071.
  3. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Li KSM, Huang Y, Wang M, Lam CSF, Xu H, Guo R, Chan KH, Zheng BJ, Yuen KY. Complete genome sequence of bat coronavirus HKU2 from Chinese horseshoe bats revealed a much smaller spike gene with a different evolutionary lineage from the rest of the genome. Virology 2007; 367: 428-439.
  4. Lau SKP, Yip CCY, Que TL, Lee RA, Au-yeung RKH, Zhou BP, So LY, Lau YL, Chan KH, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Clinical and molecular epidemiology of human bocavirus in respiratory and fecal samples from children in Hong Kong. Journal of Infectious Diseases 2007; 196:986-993.
  5. Lau SKP, Yip CCY, Tsoi HW, Lee RA, So LY, Lau YL, Chan KH, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Clinical features and complete genome characterization of a distinct human rhinovirus (HRV) genetic cluster, probably representing a previously undetected HRV species, human rhinovirus-C, associated with acute respiratory illness in children. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2007; 45:3655-3664.
  6. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Tse H, Fu CTY, Au WK, Chen XC, Tsoi HW, Tsang THF, Chan JSY, Tsang DNC, Li KSM, Tse CWS, Ng TK, Tsang OTY, Zheng BJ, Tam S, Chan KH, Zhou B, Yuen KY. Identification of novel porcine and bovine parvoviruses closely related to human parvovirus 4. Journal of General Virology 2008; 89: 1840-1848.
  7. Lau SKP, Chan KH, Yip CCY, Ng TK, Tsang OTY, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Confirmation of the first Hong Kong case of human infection by novel swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus diagnosed using ultrarapid, real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2009; 47: 2344-2346.
  8. Lau SKP, Yip CCY, Lin AWC, Lee RA, So LY, Lau YL, Chan KH, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Clinical and molecular epidemiology of human rhinovirus C in children and adults in Hong Kong reveals a possible distinct human rhinovirus C subgroup. Journal of Infectious Diseases 2009; 200: 1096-1103.
  9. Lau SKP, Li KSM, Huang Y, Shek CT, Tse H, Wang M, Choi GKY, Xu H, Lam CSF, Guo R, Chan KH, Zheng BJ, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Ecoepidemiology and complete genome comparison of different strains of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related Rhinolophus bat coronavirus in China reveal bats as a reservoir for acute, self-limiting infection that allows recombination events. Journal of Virology 2010; 84: 2808-2819.
  10. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Wong BHL, Wong AYP, Tsoi HW, Wang m, Lee P, Xu H, Poon RWS, Guo R, Li KSM, Chan KH, Zheng BJ, Yuen KY. Identification and complete genome analysis of three novel paramyxoviruses, Tuhoko virus 1, 2 and 3, in fruit bats from China. Virology 2010; 404: 106-116.
  11. Lau SKP, Poon RWS, Wong BHL, Wang M, Huang Y, Xu H, Guo R, Li KSM, Gao K, Chan KH, Zheng BJ, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Coexistence of different genotypes in the same bat and serological characterization of Rousettus bat coronavirus HKU9 belonging to a novel Betacoronavirus subgroup. Journal of Virology 2010; 84: 11385-11394.
  12. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Yip CCY, Li KSM, Fu CTY, Huang Y, Chan KH, Yuen KY. Co-existence of multiple strains of two novel porcine bocaviruses in the same pig, a previously undescribed phenomenon in members of the family Parvoviridae, and evidence for inter- and intra-host genetic diversity and recombination. Journal of General Virology 2011; 92: 2047-2059.
  13. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Lai KK, Huang Y, Yip CCY, Shek CT, Lee P, Lam CSF, Chan KH, Yuen KY. Complete genome analysis of three novel picornaviruses from diverse bat species. Journal of Virology 2011; 85: 8819-8828.
  14. Lau SKP#, Lee P, Tsang AKL, Yip CCY, Tse H, Lee RA, So LY, Lau YL, Chan KH, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Molecular epidemiology of human coronavirus OC43 reveals evolution of different genotypes over time and recent emergence of a novel genotype due to natural recombination. Journal of Virology 2011; 85: 11325-11337.
  15. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Yip CCY, Choi GKY, Wu Y, Bai R, Fan RYY, Lai KKY, Chan KY, Yuen KY. Identification of a novel feline picornavirus from the domestic cat. Journal of Virology 2012; 86: 395-405.
  16. Lau SKP, Yip CCY, Lung DC, Lee P, Que TL, Lau YL, Chan KH, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Detection of human rhinovirus C in fecal samples of children with gastroenteritis. Journal of Clinical Virology 2012; 53: 290-296.
  17. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Yip CCY, Fan RYY, Huang Y, Wang M, Guo R, Lam CSF, Tsang AKL, Lai KKY, Chan KH, Che XY, Zheng BJ, Yuen KY. Isolation and characterization of a novel Betacoronavirus subgroup A coronavirus, rabbit coronavirus HKU14, from domestic rabbits. Journal of Virology 2012; 86: 5481-5496.
  18. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Yeung HC, Teng JLL, Wu Y, Bai R, Fan RYY, Chan KH, Yuen KY. Identification and characterization of bocaviruses in cats and dogs reveals a novel feline bocavirus and a novel genetic group of canine bocavirus. Journal of General Virology 2012; 93: 1573-1582.
  19. Lau SKP, Li KSM, Tsang AKL, Shek CT, Wang M, Choi GKY, Guo R, Wong BHL, Poon RWS, Lam CSF, Wang SYH, Fan RYY, Chan KH, Zheng BJ, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Recent transmission of a novel alphacoronaivurs, bat coronavirus HKU10, from Leschenault’s rousettes to Pomona leaf-nosed bats: first evidence of interspecies transmission of coronavirus between bats of different suborders. Journal of Virology 2012; 86: 11906-11918.
  20. Lau SKP, Li KSM, Tsang AKL, Lam CSF, Ahmed S, Chen H, Chan KH, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Genetic characterization of Betacoronavirus lineage C viruses in bats reveals marked sequence divergence in the spike protein of Pipistrellus Bat Coronavirus HKU5 in Japanese pipistrelle: implications for the origin of the novel Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus. Journal of Virology 2013; 87: 8638-8650.
  21. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Wu Y, Wong AYP, Au WK, Wong BHL, Lau CCY, Fan RYY, Cai JP, Tsoi HW, Chan KH, Yuen KY. Identification and characterization of a novel paramyxovirus, porcine parainfluenza 1 virus, from deceased pigs. Journal of General Virology 2013; 94: 2184-2190.
  22. Lau SKP, Lau CCY, Chan KH, Li CPY, Chen H, Jin DY, Chan JFW, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Delayed induction of proinflammatory cytokines and suppression of innate antiviral response by the novel human betacoronavirus EMC: implications for pathogenesis and treatment. Journal of General Virology 2013; 94 2676-2690.
  23. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Yip CCY, Li KSM, Fan RYY, Bai R, Huang Y, Chan KH, Yuen KY. Chickens host diverse picornaviruses with evidence of interspecies transmission and recombination. Journal of General Virology 2014; 95: 1929-1944.
  24. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Li KSM, Tsang AKL, Fan RYY, Luk HKH, Cai JP, Wang M, Chan KH, Zheng BJ, Yuen KY. Discovery of a novel coronavirus, China Rattus coronavirus HKU24, from Norway rats supports the murine origin of Betacoronavirus 1 and has implications for the ancestor of Betacoronavirus lineage A. Journal of Virology 2015; 89: 3076-3092.

Discovery and characterisation of novel bacterial/fungal pathogens

  1. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Hui WT, Li MWS, Teng JLL, Que TL, Luk WK, Lai RWM, Yung RWH, Yuen KY. Use of Cefoperazone MacConkey Agar for Selective Isolation of Laribacter hongkongensis. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2003; 41: 4839-4841.
  2. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Woo GKS, Fung AMY, Wong KM, Chan KM, Tang SF, Yuen KY. Eggerthella hongkongensis sp. nov. and Eggerthella sinensis sp. nov., two novel Eggerthella species, account for half of the cases of Eggerthella bacteremia. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease 2004; 49: 255-263.
  3. Lau SKP, Ho PL, Li MWS, Tsoi HW, Yung RWH, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Cloning and Characterization of Chromosomal Class C β-Lactamase and Its Regulatory Gene in Laribacter hongkongensis. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 2005; 49: 1957-1964.
  4. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Fan RYY, Lee RCM, Teng JLL, Yuen KY. Seasonal and tissue distribution of Laribacter hongkongensis, a novel bacterium associated with gastroenteritis, in retail freshwater fish in Hong Kong. International Journal of Food Microbiology 2007; 113: 62-66.
  5. Lau SKP, McNabb A, Woo GKS, Hoang L, Fung AMY, Chung LMW, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Catabacter hongkongensis gen. nov. sp. nov. isolated from blood cultures of patients from Hong Kong and Canada. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2007; 45: 395-401.
  6. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Fan RYY, Ma SSL, Hui WT, Au SY, Chan LL, Chan JYF, Lau ATK, Leung KY, Pun TCT, She HHL, Wong CY, Wong LLL, Yuen KY. Isolation of Laribacter hongkongensis, a novel bacterium associated with gastroenteritis, from drinking water reservoirs in Hong Kong. Journal of Applied Microbiology 2007; 103: 507-515.
  7. Lau SKP, Wong GKM, Li MWS, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Distribution and molecular characterization of tetracycline resistance in Laribacter hongkongensis. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 2008; 61: 488-497.
  8. Lau SKP, Lee LCK, Fan RYY, Teng JLL, Tse CWS, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Isolation of Laribacter hongkongensis, a novel bacterium associated with gastroenteritis, from Chinese tiger frog. International Journal of Food Microbiology 2009; 129: 78-82.
  9. Lau SKP, Wong GKM, Poon RWS, Lee LC, Leung KW, Que TL, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Susceptibility patterns of clinical and fish isolates of Laribacter hongkongensis: comparison of the E-test, disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 2009; 63: 704-708.
  10. Lau SKP#, Fan RYY, Ho TCC, Wong GKM, Tsang AKL, Teng JLL, Chen W, Watt RM, Curreem SOT, Tse H, Yuen KY, Woo PCY. Environmental adaptability and stress tolerance of Laribacter hongkongensis: a genome-wide analysis. Cell and Bioscience 2011; 1: 22.
  11. Lau SKP#, Wong GKM, Tsang AKL, Teng JLL, Fan RYY, Tse H, Yuen KY, Woo PCY. Virulence determinants, drug resistance and mobile genetic elements in Laribacter hongkongensis: a genome-wide analysis. Cell and Bioscience 2011; 1:17.
  12. Lau SKP#, Fan RYY, Wong GKM, Teng JLL, Tse H, Yuen KY, Woo PCY. Transport genes and chemotaxis in Laribacter hongkongensis: a genome-wide analysis. Cell and Bioscience 2011; 1: 28.
  13. Lau SKP#, Fan RYY, Lo HW, Ng RHY, Wong SSY, Li IWS, Wu AKL, Ng KHL, Tseung S, Lee RA, Fung KSC, Que TL, Yuen KY, Woo PCY. High mortality associated with Catabacter hongkongensis bacteremia. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2012; 50: 2239-2243.
  14. Lau SKP#, Curreem SOT, Lin CCN, Fung AMY, Yuen KY, Woo PCY. Streptococcus hongkongensis sp. nov. isolated from a patient with infected puncture wound and marine flatfish. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 2013; 63: 2570-2576.

Emerging infectious diseases: molecular diagnosis, genomics and pathogenesis

  1. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Woo GKS, Yuen KY. Catheter-related Microbacterium bacteremia identified by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2002; 40:2681-2685.
  2. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Tse H, Leung KW, Wong SSY, Yuen KY. Invasive Streptococcus iniae infections outside North America. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2003; 41: 1004-1009.
  3. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Yim TC, To APC, Yuen KY. Molecular characterization of a strain of group A streptococcus isolated from a patient with psoas abscess. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2003; 41:4888-4891.
  4. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Mok MY, Teng JLL, Tam VKP, Chan KKH, Yuen KY. Characterization of Haemophilus segnis, an important cause of bacteremia, by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2004; 42: 877-880.
  5. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, To APC, Wong ATK, Yuen KY. Lack of evidence that DNA in antibiotic preparations is a source of antibiotic resistance genes in bacteria from animal or human sources. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 2004; 48: 3141-3146.
  6. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Chan CYF, Woo WL, Woo GKS, Yuen KY. Typhoid fever associated with acute appendicitis caused by an H1-j strain of Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2005; 43: 1470-1472.
  7. Lau SKP, Woo PCY, Luk WK, Fung AMY, Hui WT, Fong AHC, Chow CW, Wong SSY, Yuen KY. Clinical isolates of Streptococcus iniae from Asia are more mucoid and β-hemolytic than those from North America. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease 2006; 54: 177-181.
  8. Lau SKP, Teng JLL, Leung KW, Li NKH, Ng KHL, Chau KY, Que TL, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Bacteremia caused by Solobacterium moorei in a patient with acute proctitis and carcinoma of the cervix. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2006; 44: 3031-3034.
  9. Lau SKP#, Curreem SOT, Ngan AHY, Yeung CK, Yuen KY, Woo PCY. First report of disseminated Mycobacterium skin infections in two liver transplant recipients and rapid diagnosis by hsp65 gene sequencing. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2011; 49: 3733-3738.
  10. Lau SKP, Tang BSF, Curreem SOT, Chan TM, Martelli P, Tse CWS, Wu AKL, Yuen KY, Woo PCY. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry for rapid identification of Burkholderia pseudomallei: importance of expanding databases with pathogens endemic to different localities. Journal of Clinical Microbiology 2012; 50: 3142-3143.
  11. Lau SKP, Chow WN, Wong AYP, Yeung JMY, Bao J, Zhang N, Lok S, Woo PCY, Yuen KY. Identification of microRNA-like RNAs in mycelial and yeast phases of the thermal dimorphic fungus Penicillium marneffei. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases 2013; 8: e2398.
  12. Lau SKP#, Tse H, Chan JSY, Zhou AC, Curreem SOT, Lau CCY, Yuen KY, Woo PCY. Proteome profiling of the dimorphic fungus Penicillium marneffei extracellular proteins and identification of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as an important adhesion factor for conidial attachment. FEBS Journal 2013; 6613-6626.
  13. Lau SKP, Wu AKL, Teng JLL, Tse H, Curreem SOT, Tsui SKW, Huang Y, Chen JHK, Lee RA, Yuen KY, Woo PCY. Evidence for Elizabethkingia anophelis transmission from mother to infant, Hong Kong. Emerging Infectious Diseases 2015; 21: 232-241.
  14. Lau SKP#, Lam CW, Curreem SOT, Lee KC, Lau CCY, Ngan AHY, To KKW, Chan JFW, Hung IFN, Yam WC, Yuen KY, Woo PCY. Identification of specific metabolites in culture supernatant of Mycobacterium tuberculosis using metabolomics: exploration of potential biomarkers. Emerging Microbes & Infections 2014; 4: e6.
  15. Lau SKP#, Lam CW, Curreem SOT, Lee KC, Chow WN, Lau CCY, Sridhar S, Wong SCY, Martelli P, Hui SW, Yuen KY, Woo PCY. Metabolomic profiling of Burkholderia pseudomallei using UHPLC-ESI-Q-TOF-MS reveals specific biomarkers including 4-methyl-5-thiazoleethanol and unique thiamine degradation pathway. Cell and Bioscience 2015; 5: 26.