Research in the Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health

Faculty members of the Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health (IDGH) conduct research on viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic and protozoan pathogens of veterinary and medical importance.

Multi-project programs that are currently active in the Department of Infectious Disease and Global Health include:

• Anti-infective VNAs
• Bacterial toxin-mediated diseases
• Botulism
  • Botulism antidotes
• Clostridium difficile infection (CDI)
• Diarrheagenic E. coli/HUS
• Human monoclonal antibodies
• Novel antitoxins agents
• Shigellosis
• Cryptosporidiosis
• Human microbiome
  • Analysis of bacterial microbiomes using 16S amplicon sequencing
• Leptospirosis
• Microsporidiosis
• Molecular helminthology
• Schistosomiasis and other helminth diseases
• Thermostable mucosal vaccines
• Tickborne diseases
• Tuberculosis

Most of the department's select agents and biosafety level 3 research takes place at the New England Regional Biosafety Laboratory (RBL) constructed to support research on the NIAID Category A, B and C priority pathogens and emerging infectious diseases. The New England RBL serves as a resource for regional research institutions and is available and prepared to assist national, state and local public health efforts in the event of an emergency.

Research in the Department is largely funded by the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Additional projects are funded by Merck, Pfizer, other various foundations and corporate sponsors and:

• PATH
• USAID
• CFAR
• USFW
• Gates Foundation

Inquiries from potential collaborators or study sponsors are welcome.

Pathogens Available for Study

A list of pathogens available for study is online for your convenience.