Chairperson: Charles R. Rinaldo, Jr., PhD
Department Office: A450A Crabtree Hall
(412) 624-3331, FAX (412) 383-8926
E-mail: PGUPTA1@VMS.CIS.PITT.EDU
The mission of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology (IDM) is to improve the health of the public through research, teaching, and service in the prevention and control of infectious diseases. The department recognizes that the control and prevention of infectious diseases requires the integration of public health with basic science research. As a result, the department provides an integrated graduate training program in bacteriology, virology, immunology, bacteriology, epidemiology, and public health. This integrated approach provides the graduate student with the necessary tools to understand and, subsequently, to research the mechanisms of pathogenesis of infectious disease agents towards their prevention and treatment.
To fulfill this mission, the department merges the disciplines of microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, epidemiology, and medicine to provide a unique research environment in which basic scientists and clinicians collaborate in a multidisciplinary approach to study infectious disease pathogenesis. The advantage of such an approach is that it enables a student to utilize a combination of methodologies to carry out laboratory and epidemiological research designed to advance our knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis, diagnosis, natural history, prevention, and control of specific viral and bacterial diseases.
IDM offers Master of Science, Master of Public Health, Doctor of Philosophy, and Doctor of Public Health degrees. Master's degrees require a minimum of 30 credits, and doctoral degrees require a minimum of 72 credits for full-time students. Students should expect to spend two to three calendar years to finish a master's degree and four to five years to finish a doctoral degree. The programs are flexible and can be adjusted to individual goals.
Applicants for the MS and PhD programs must have at least a bachelor's degree in biology or a biology related field with a strong background in chemistry, microbiology, cell biology, and biochemistry. Applicants for the MPH or DPH programs are usually limited to health professionals such as physicians, nurses, and health department workers who are interested in advanced training in public health.
IDM, within the context of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) hospitals and academic departments, offers a unique environment in which to conduct research on infectious diseases. The presence of a major AIDS research center in the department and the availability of one of the world's largest transplant centers located within the UPMC have greatly enhanced research and training programs in IDM in the immunopathogenesis of AIDS and the molecular pathogenesis of herpesviruses infections in the immunocompromised transplant recipient at a multitude of levels.
IDM is a major center for basic, clinical, and epidemiological research on AIDS. The basic research program includes biological, molecular, and immunological studies on the mechanism of pathogenesis of AIDS and sexual transmission of HIV. IDM is one of the four NIH sites of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study in the country that is investigating the natural history of AIDS through a multidisciplinary approach including immunology, virology, and molecular biology. In addition, the department is involved in the development and testing of anti-HIV drugs, in elucidating the molecular mechanism of drug-resistant HIV variants, and in clinical trials using anti-HIV drugs. The Pittsburgh Treatment Evaluation Unit of the UPMC is the only research clinic devoted to clinical trials of anti-HIV drugs in the tri-state area. IDM is also involved heavily in education and HIV prevention programs. It is the major site of the Pennsylvania AIDS Education and Training Center.
The UPMC is one of the major transplantation centers in the world, performing liver, kidney, heart, bowel, heart-lung, and bone marrow transplants.
The department has research projects studying infections by cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus 1 and 2, and human herpes virus-6 in transplant patients. Herpesviruses can be a major cause of viral infections in these patients, and research has centered on the frequency, morbidity, mortality, and risk factors of these infections and specific aspects of immunity affected by transplantation. One major focus is the pathogenesis of post-transplantation Epstein-Barr virus-induced lymphoproliferative syndromes and lymphomas. A multidisciplinary approach is being used to study the EBV-associated pathogenesis, which includes molecular biology and seroepidemiology, immunology, and the molecular characterization of specific viral/host interactions during lymphomagenesis.
Two important problems are the starting points of these investigations: the increased frequency of herpesvirus infections after transplantation and the consequences of HIV infections. Various parameters of humoral and cellular immunity are being measured in transplant and HIV-infected patients. Specific and nonspecific cytotoxic immunity, T cell responses to antigens, disturbances in the interferon system, and the effect of cytomegalovirus, EBV, and HIV on the immune system are present areas of investigation.
Several research projects are currently underway to elucidate the role of specific viral gene products and their interaction with host cell factors in the regulation of viral gene expression at the molecular level. These studies include the characterization of herpes simplex regulatory proteins and the role of host cell background on the maintenance of EBV latency, and the role of the EBV nuclear antigens in EBV-associated lymphomagenesis. The answers to these more basic research problems are frequently relevant to the clinical projects described above.
Gene transfer/therapy has become a promising approach in treating many genetic and acquired diseases recently. The systems currently being used for gene transfer are mostly derived from viral vectors. The success of the treatment is dependent on the efficiency of gene transfer and the duration of the expression of the therapeutic gene. The development of efficient, cell-specific gene transfer vectors will optimally enhance the success rate of gene therapy.
Several research projects are underway to use gene transfer as a novel approach for vaccination of infectious diseases and cancers. New gene transfer vectors are also being developed for preventive and therapeutic vaccines.
This department is closely associated with the clinical bacteriology and virology laboratories of Presbyterian University Hospital and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. There is interest in research and development of rapid and improved procedures, including those using immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, nucleic acid hybridization, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Research interests represented by active primary and associated faculty in the department are:
Dr. Breinig: Epidemiology, natural history, and treatment of genital herpes, herpesvirus infections of transplant recipients, immune response to herpesvirus infections, interferon
Dr. Frank-Hertweck: AIDS education of health care professionals
Dr. Gupta: Biologic and genetic variation of HIV, molecular mechanism of pathogenesis in AIDS
Dr. Kingsley: Epidemiology of HIV infections and AIDS
Dr. Koros: Immunoregulatory mechanisms in cancer, natural killer cells
Dr. McMahon: Treatment of HIV/AIDS, anti-viral clinical trials
Dr. Mellors: Anti-HIV therapy, molecular mechanism of drug resistance in HIV
Dr. Pasculle: Host defenses and virulence factors of Legionella infections, clinical microbiology
Dr. Rinaldo: AIDS, cellular immune response in human herpesvirus and HIV infections, clinical virology
Dr. Rowe: Regulation of gene expression in Epstein-Barr virus, molecular virology
Dr. Silvestre: HIV prevention, human diversity and public health, sexuality and homosexuality
Dr. Singh: Viral variation, drug resistance, and immune response
Dr. Wadowsky: Environmental microbiology, ecology of Legionella, clinical microbiology, molecular probes
Dr. Yu: Epidemiology and biology of Legionella, antimicrobial agents
In addition to meeting the general admissions requirements of the School leading to the Master of Science, Master of Public Health, and Doctor of Public Health degrees, applicants should be prepared in the following subjects: (1) college biology with or without microbiology; (2) chemistry including organic chemistry with laboratory and biochemistry; (3) college-level algebra. Admission may be made conditional upon removal of deficiencies in residence. Further inquiries concerning the program should be directed to Dr. Rinaldo at (412) 624-3928, FAX (412) 624-4953.
IDM 2001 MOLECULAR BIOLOGY OF MICROBIAL PATHOGENS: 3 credits; Fall Term
Students will develop a comprehension of (1) cellular molecular biology and the regulation of gene expression, and (2) the relevance of this knowledge to understanding microbial pathogenesis and the host response. In addition, procaryotic and eukaryotic model systems of gene regulation will be compared to emphasize the conceptual aspects and application of molecular biology to infectious diseases.
IDM 2002 COMPREHENSIVE VIROLOGY: 3 credits; Spring Term; cross-listed as MSMIC 2002
The intent of this course is to provide a comprehensive coverage of the animal virus families. The emphasis will be on in-depth coverage of the viral life cycle, including the fundamental mechanisms of viral replication and gene regulation. Representative members of each virus family will be selected for the lecture material. Also supplemental reading assignments on additional viruses.
IDM 2003 HOST RESPONSE TO MICROBIAL INFECTIONS: 2 credits; Fall Term (Part 2) prerequisite: IDM 2001
Students will develop a comprehension of the concepts and knowledge of resistance and immune response of humans to microbial infection. The role of phagocytic cells; complement; the development of humoral and cell-mediated immunity at the molecular, cellular, and organ level; and the consequences in controlling and enhancing disease are covered.
IDM 2004 VIRAL PATHOGENESIS: 2 credits; Spring Term; cross-listed as MSMIC 2004; prerequisite: IDM 2002 (MSMIC 2002) (previous or concurrent); admission by permission of instructor
The goal of this course is to integrate the lectures given on a particular virus in Comprehensive Virology (IDM 2002 or MSMIC 2002) with two additional lectures that expand the basic biology of the virus life cycle to the level of virus-host interactions. The first lecture will address the pathogenic properties of the virus from the perspective of disease manifestations, immunology, and the natural history of infection. This will be followed by a second lecture that will address the molecular basis of viral pathogenesis and current advances in anti-viral research.
IDM 2011 HEALTH, DISEASE, AND ENVIRONMENT 1: 1 credit; Spring Term (Part 1) (See EOH 2012 for Part 2).
Designed for students in public health to introduce a body of knowledge encompassing biological factors that affect the health of the community, including the microbial environment, infectious diseases, immunity, and genetics. The level is suitable for well-motivated students with minimal biology but is current enough to serve as a review and introduction to the public health approach for students with prior exposure to health and disease curricula.
IDM 2021 SPECIAL STUDIES IN MICROBIOLOGY: Credits and hours to be arranged; (pass-fail basis)
Properly qualified students may undertake special study, experience in a clinical laboratory, or research with the approval and under the guidance of a faculty member. Part or all of such study may be used as the basis for the essay or dissertation requirement for the master's and doctoral degrees.
IDM 2022 SPECIAL TOPICS, IDM: 3 credits; Fall Term (Part 1 and Part 2), Spring Term (Part 1 and Part 2), Summer Session I, Summer Session II; prerequisites: IDM 2001 and 2023 or equivalent and permission of instructor
Properly qualified students may undertake special study under the guidance of a faculty member to acquire the knowledge and skill to use independently a specific laboratory research tool, e.g., gene cloning, DNA sequencing, cell sorting, oligonucleotide synthesizer, polymerase chain reaction, and statistical analysis with the PC. Enrollment is limited to students in the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology.
IDM 2023 MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY: 2 credits; Fall Term; prerequisite: IDM 2001; or permission of instructor
A series of laboratory exercises introduces the student to biological assays and techniques, molecular techniques, and immunological techniques.
IDM 2025 MICROBIOLOGY SEMINAR: 1 credit; Spring Term; pass-fail basis.
Consists of seminar presentation by students dealing with major topics and advances in microbiology and infectious diseases. All IDM majors are expected to take this course.
IDM 2030 ADVANCED TOPICS IN VIROLOGY: 2 credits; Fall Term or Spring Term; cross-listed as MSMIC 2030 and BIOSC 2030; prerequisite: IDM 2002 (MSMIC 2002); admission by permission of instructor
Topics relate to the growth, regulation, and/or pathogenesis of viruses, primarily animal, explored through a series of lectures and student presentations of current and classic literature. The emphasis of the course is to promote in-depth critical analysis and understanding of a focused topic in current virus research.
IDM 2032 HUMAN DIVERSITY AND PUBLIC HEALTH POLICY, RESEARCH, AND PRACTICE: 2 credits; Summer Session I
Provides a theoretical framework for designing policy, research, and programs for diverse populations. Opportunities for expanding understanding and examining attitudes about human diversity will be presented. Community organizing and marketing methods related to program design and recruiting and sustaining volunteer or patient participation in programs will be a major focus of the course.
IDM 2034 CONTROL AND PREVENTION OF HIV/AIDS: 2 credits; Summer Session II
This advanced-level graduate course focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention and control will provide graduate and practicing health professionals with an in-depth knowledge base of information on clinical, prevention, and policy issues on HIV/AIDS.
IDM 3010 RESEARCH AND DISSERTATION FOR THE DOCTORAL DEGREE: Variable credits; pass-fail basis.
FTDR 0000 FULL-TIME DISSERTATION STUDY: Every term
Doctoral candidates who have completed all credit requirements for the degree, including any minimum dissertation requirements, and are working full-time on their dissertations may register for this course. While the course carries no credits and no grade, students who enroll in "Full-time Dissertation Study" are considered by the University to have full-time registration status.
Chairperson
CHARLES R. RINALDO, JR., Professor of Pathology (School of Medicine); Professor of Microbiology and Chairperson of the Department; Assistant Director of Clinical Microbiology Laboratories (Presbyterian University Hospital). PhD, University of Utah
Emeriti Professors
JOHN A. ARMSTRONG, Emeritus Professor of Microbiology. MA, Oxford University; ScD, University of Pittsburgh
R. WAYNE ATCHISON, Emeritus Associate Professor of Microbiology. MA, PhD, University of Kansas
MONTO HO, Professor of Microbiology; Professor of Medicine and Professor of Pathology (School of Medicine); Director of Clinical Microbiology (Presbyterian University Hospital). MD, Harvard University
ROBERT B. YEE, Emeritus Professor of Microbiology and Associate Chairperson of the Department. MS, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
Associate Professors
MARY C. BREINIG, Associate Professor of Microbiology. MS, ScD, University of Pittsburgh
PHALGUNI GUPTA, Associate Professor of Microbiology. MS, University of Calcutta; MS, PhD, University of Wisconsin
LAWRENCE A. KINGSLEY, Associate Professor of Microbiology; Associate Professor of Epidemiology. MPH, DrPH, University of Pittsburgh
Assistant Professors
LINDA FRANK-HERTWECK, Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology. MSN, RN, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
AURELIA M. C. KOROS, Research Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology. MS, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
DAVID T. ROWE, Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology. PhD, McMaster University
ANTHONY J. SILVESTRE, Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology. MA, Pennsylvania State University; PhD, University of Pittsburgh
MANDALESHWAR K. SINGH, Research Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology. PhD, University of California, Santa Cruz
FRANK Y-T TUNG, Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology. MS, PhD, University of Tennessee
Professor
VICTOR L. YU, Professor of Medicine (School of Medicine); Professor of Microbiology. MD, University of Minnesota
Associate Professors
FRANK JENKINS, Associate Professor of Medicine (School of Medicine); Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology. MD, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
JOHN W. MELLORS, Associate Professor of Medicine (School of Medicine); Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology; Director of the Pitt Treatment Evaluation Unit. MD, Dartmouth University
A. WILLIAM PASCULLE, Associate Professor of Pathology (School of Medicine); Associate Professor of Microbiology; Associate Director of Clinical Microbiology (Presbyterian University Hospital). MS, ScD, University of Pittsburgh
FREDERICK RUBEN, Associate Professor of Epidemiology; Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology. MD, Duke University
ROBERT M. WADOWSKY, Associate Professor of Pathology (School of Medicine); Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology; Chief of Clinical Microbiology Laboratories (Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh). MS, ScD, University of Pittsburgh
Assistant Professor
DEBORAH K. McMAHON, Assistant Professor of Medicine (School of Medicine); Assistant Professor of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology; Medical Director of the Pitt Treatment Evaluation Unit. MD, Temple University
Assistant Professors
SPYROS KOMINOS, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Microbiology. MS, Duquesne University; ScD, University of Pittsburgh
JOHN M. KUCHTA, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Microbiology. MS, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; PhD, West Virginia University
STANLEY J. STATES, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Microbiology. MS, PhD, University of Pittsburgh