Dr. Sarawar's research group is studying secondary bacterial infections following infection with influenza virus. Such secondary infections cause pneumonia or meningitis in young children, debilitated elderly and immunocompromised individuals and result in considerable morbidity and mortality. Secondary bacterial infections following influenza virus infection are also associated with significant increase in morbidity and mortality in normal healthy adults during influenza pandemics. The models developed in Dr. Sarawar's laboratory are being used to understand the mechanism by which influenza and bacteria interact leading to more severe disease and may lead to the development of novel methods of therapeutic intervention. Dr Sarawar is also collaborating with Lancell LLC, (San Diego) on strategies to make influenza vaccines more effective and is investigating why respiratory viral infections often trigger asthma attacks.

<< HIV | Smallpox >>