The study of infectious disease is a constantly evolving field that deals with the emergence of novel diseases and identification of new pathogens. Some examples of bacterial diseases that have emerged or been recognized in recent years are Legionnaire’s Disease, Toxic Shock Syndrome, hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7, and gastric ulcer/cancer caused by Helicobacter pylori.
As new infectious diseases emerge and old infectious agents acquire resistance to current antibiotics, research into the basic molecular mechanisms by which bacteria establish infection and cause disease is essential for the development of new vaccines and therapeutic interventions. Many gaps remain in our understanding of the host-pathogen interactions that lead to successful infection, immune responses, and disease outcomes, providing multiple research opportunities in this area.
