Infectious Diseases | Research

The Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases is recognized for outstanding research related to childhood infections.  A major research focus within the Division is the molecular basis of the pathogenesis of infectious diseases.  Along these lines, Drs. Haslam and Hunstad study the pathogenesis of Shiga toxin-producing and uropathogenic E. coli, as well as Salmonella and MRSA infections, while Dr. Odom focuses on the pathogenesis of falciparum malaria.  A second area of active investigation is molecular diagnostics, including both the development and the application of new diagnostic reagents. In recent years, Drs. Storch, Buller and Arens have developed molecular tests for the detection of HIV, herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, varicella-zoster virus, human herpesviruses 6 and 8, enteroviruses, parvovirus B19, Bartonella species, Ehrlichia species, Toxoplasma gondii, and Bordetella pertussis. Dr. Arens also applies molecular methods to detect and define antiviral resistance in HIV and cytomegalovirus.  Also active in basic investigation is Dr. Morley, who studies the molecular effectors of thymocyte maturation. 

Other Division faculty are involved in patient-oriented and translational research projects.  Dr. Elward, Director of Infection Control for St. Louis Children’s Hospital, is interested in nosocomial infections and is studying hospital-acquired infections in intensive care units, aiming to identify risk factors and strategies for prevention.  Dr. Fritz directs several clinical and translational studies on pediatric community-acquired MRSA infection, while Dr. Hayes participates in studies of pediatric HIV patients.