Diseases & Conditions

Research to understand and treat some of the world's most problematic diseases.

29 Results

Tickborne Diseases

The incidence of tickborne infections in the United States has risen significantly within the past decade. Due to this increase, it is becoming more important that public health officials and scientists improve their understanding of pathogenesis, design improved diagnostics, and develop preventive vaccines for tickborne illnesses.

Tickborne Diseases image

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) bacteria. It is spread through the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks or sings, and people nearby breathe in these bacteria and become infected. 

Scanning electron micrograph of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria

West Nile Virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is a member of the flavivirus family, which includes other mosquito-borne viruses such dengue and Zika. WNV emerged for the first time in the Western Hemisphere in New York City in 1999 and has since spread across the United States. It is now the most common arthropod-borne virus found in the U.S. 

Image of West Nile Virus

Zika Virus

Zika virus is most typically transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Less commonly, Zika virus can be spread from person to person through sexual intercourse. Most people who become infected do not become sick; but about 1 in 5 people may develop such symptoms as fever, rash, and conjunctivitis. People who become infected while pregnant may transmit the virus to the fetus, which can result in very serious birth defects, including microcephaly.

Electron microscope image of Zika virus particles, colored orange