Gail L. Woods, M.D., Professor. Investigation of nucleic acid amplification tests for rapid diagnosis of tuberculosis. The experimental pathology programs described below are independent but closely interconnected and multidisciplinary. Further information can be found under the University's listing for toxicology in this edition of Peterson's Guide to Graduate Programs in the Biological Sciences . Molecular Biology and Infectious Disease.
Studies involve the molecular biology of oncogenes, proto-oncogenes, and retroviruses.
Elucidation of pathogenic and immune mechanisms of bacterial, rickettsial, chlamydial, and viral diseases. Research, which ranges from the molecular genetic level to clinical and epidemiologic questions, aims to identify the antigens of importance for immunity to Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Mediterranean spotted fever, North Asian tick typhus, and human ehrlichiosis. Laboratories are also examining the molecular mechanisms of hepatitis B virus replication and oncogenesis, as well as flavivirus attenuation and vaccine development. Bacterial invasion and the host cell response are also being examined. The Center for Tropical Diseases has been established at the University of Texas Medical Branch to research infectious diseases found in tropical countries.