Division of Infectious Diseases

The Division of Infectious Diseases provides clinical instruction, consultation, and other related services for Saint Louis University Hospital and the St. Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The subspecialty Residency Program in Infectious Diseases is two years in duration, with third and fourth years of training available for additional experience in independent research. Fourteen faculty members provide a broad clinical and research experience, including expertise in Clinical Hospital Epidemiology and Clinical Microbiology.

As one of six federally funded Centers for Vaccine Development, the Division has a strong program in bacterial and viral vaccine research, basic virology, and immunology. Residents in Infectious Diseases have the opportunity to combine their clinical training with research training in Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Biology, or Cell and Molecular Biology.

Current research projects include development and evaluation of respiratory virus vaccines, bacterial conjugate vaccines, rotavirus vaccines, BCG, and HIV-1 vaccines. Epidemiology and basic research on influenza A virus, hepatitis C virus, and pertussis are ongoing. Fundamental studies in immunology include research on the basic mechanism of immunity to intracellular parasites. PCR, DNA sequencing, and other molecular biology tools are available to trainees. A biosafety level-3 laboratory provides opportunities for AIDS-related research and TB research.