Vector-borne and Zoonotic diseases

1. Elucidate the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and virulence of vector-transmitted and zoonotic pathogens and examine arthropod vector-host-pathogen and animal reservoir-pathogen interactions in laboratory and in field settings.
2. Develop novel measures and employ innovative strategies for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases locally and globally.
3. Advance translational science addressing the most urgent needs of vector-borne and zoonotic diseases through fostering academic-industry relationships for clinical product development and testing and supporting entrepreneurial initiatives to bring the bench to the bedside.

We offer comprehensive consultation services for all infectious diseases including vector-borne and zoonotic diseases whether locally or internationally acquired through tropical and travel-medicine certified infectious disease specialists. Our faculty provide consultative care for patients pre- and post-travel in a Travel and Tropical medicine clinic.

Basic and translational research on vector-borne and zoonotic diseases is multidisciplinary. The overarching goal of basic and translational research is to expand a molecular understanding of critical interactions that facilitate transmission of protozoan, bacterial and viral pathogens by mosquitoes and ticks to improve diagnostics, to identify drug and vaccine targets on the vector or the pathogen, to prevent disease through development of novel vaccines or impair disease transmission. Translational research also buildings upon field-based studies to understand vector, mammalian reservoir and pathogen dynamics, drug resistance emergence and spread with the goal of improving and developing robust intervention strategies. Research efforts are funded by diverse funding agencies including the National Institutes of Health, private non-profit funding agencies, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. See individual faculty profiles to learn more about the ongoing research programs.

Important international sites for Yale-based vector-borne and zoonotic diseases research include collaborations with institutions and researchers in Peru, Brazil, Sri Lanka and sub-Saharan Africa in a continually expanding portfolio of sponsored research collaborations.

Our educational mission includes training PhD, MD, MD-PhD students, postdoctoral associates and clinical fellows in basic and translational research related to vector-borne and zoonotic diseases. Postgraduate fellowships and summer internship programs offer exciting opportunities for postgraduate, undergraduate and high school students interested in learning more about these diseases and the pathogens that cause them. The Section of Infectious Diseases has multiple NIH-funded T32, D43 and other training grant funding opportunities.