Programmatic Support for the Center for Biopreparedness and Infectious Disease

Project Description Narrative:

The Center for Biopreparedness and Infectious Disease was conceived in response to the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease initiative to strengthen basic research and response capabilities to threats posed by the illegitimate use of microorganisms or their toxins. Infectious disease from normal modes of transmission, however, is still a threat to the community, especially as many treatment modalities for other diseases reduce the effectiveness of our immune systems. As the population ages and immune functions naturally weaken, diseases caused by microorganisms reduce life expectancy and quality.

Emerging pathogens, such as avian influenza or methicillin resistant Staphylococci, or West Nile virus will continuously evolve as they pass through susceptible hosts. The center will build on current strengths at MCW to enhance research efforts towards understanding the pathogenesis of infectious disease and the genetics of susceptibility. The long-term gals of this project include integrating basic and translational research to develop new therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostic tests to prevent and to rapidly identify pathogens. Such a center will serve as an educational and informational resource for public health, coordinating research efforts needing specialized containment facilities, resulting in new products or tests that will benefit the health of the citizens of Wisconsin and the nation.