Research theme Infectious diseases and global health

Infectious diseases and global health About theme

The mission of the theme Infectious diseases and global health is to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of patients with infections using fundamental, translational, epidemiological, and health systems‐based investigative approaches. The theme aims to remain at the forefront of international research and research training.

The Infectious diseases and global health (IDGH) theme combines cutting-edge research in immunology, microbiology, epidemiology, and pharmacology. Key attributes of the theme’s ambition are integration of 'omics' data, translational research in immunology and infectious diseases, and implementation research at a population level. Thereby forming a research pipeline from molecule to man to population. Our research on innate immunity has changed the textbook paradigm and it is very likely that the first active malaria vaccines will have a basis at Radboudumc. All researchers of the theme IDGH aim to have a significant and global impact on the control, treatment, and elimination of infectious diseases. These aims will be accomplished through several complementary strategies: (i) basic research intended to understand biological mechanisms and to identify novel targets for diagnostic tests and therapy; (ii) translational research aimed at interrogating relevant biological processes in patients; (iii) epidemiological and health systems research designed to study infections and global health at a population level.
 

Objectives

• We aim to assess the pathophysiology of severe infections to identify novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
• We aim to explore antibiotic resistance mechanisms to devise novel approaches to antibiotic therapy.
• Through public health approaches, we will investigate quality of care for patients with infectious diseases.
• We aim to explore malaria biology and contribute to the identification of novel drugs and vaccines, as well to optimize malaria elimination interventions at the community level.
• We will improve understanding of the interaction between arboviruses, human hosts and the mosquito vectors.
• We aim to identify genetic and other risk factors for mycobacterial infections and to optimize the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of tuberculosis.
• We will optimize infection prevention and control programs in low-resource settings, including HIV programs.