In light of the recent global COVID-19 pandemic, the significance of infectious agents and newly emerging microbes has become apparent. However, infectious diseases resulting from viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria have long been a major cause of human morbidity and mortality.
In addition to high mortality rates and lasting symptoms from COVID-19, infections with viruses such as influenza claim tens of thousands of lives each year in the United States alone. According to the World Health Organization, antibiotic resistant bacteria are one of the biggest threats to global health. Emergence of new infectious diseases and exploitation of infectious microbes as bioterrorism agents also emphasizes the need for research in the area of infectious diseases.
The goal of PCOM researchers is to understand mechanisms infectious agents employ to infect humans, identify new strategies to prevent, treat and cure infectious diseases, and overcome vaccine hesitancy to control the spread of infectious diseases. Our investigators also study the contributions of infectious agents to Alzheimer’s disease and failure of implanted devices.
Pathology and immunology expert Valerie Cadet, PhD, explains what coronavirus is, how it spreads, preventive measures and more.
PCOM aims to develop innovative approaches to promoting health through basic, translational, clinical, behavioral, education and community research projects.
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