The Division of Infectious Diseases (formerly Division of Clinical Research) was established under the leadership of the founding director, Dr. Monto Ho, MD in July 1997. The Division of Infectious Diseases is a mission-oriented research organization within the National Health Research Institutes.
The Division of Infectious Diseases is committed to conduct researches on important infectious diseases and to advocate for government actions and policies to solve medical/health problems. To improve management of infectious diseases in Taiwan, we conduct surveillance and clinical researches on important pathogens, including bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, and viruses. In addition, we also perform molecular epidemiology to investigate the mechanisms contributing the transmission of drug resistant pathogens. Furthermore, we also conduct basic researches, using animal model, genetics, genome-wide, and molecular biology approaches, to elucidate mechanisms of drug resistance and signal transduction pathways of virulence of va
rious important pathogens, including Acinetobacter baumannii, methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycobacteria, Candida species, Influenza B Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, and Epstein-Barr Virus. A HIV/AIDS study group conducts researches in southern Taiwan to assist in controlling this public health threat since 2006.
Besides the basic and clinical researches, public services are conducted to facilitate the successful implementation of policy. Training programs for the physicians, laboratory technicians, and nurses are also emphasized for successfully achieving these goals. Since infectious disease is a global problem, international collaboration and cooperation are part of the division’s endeavors
Research Projects
- Study on antibiotic resistance and epidemiology of clinically important bacteria, by Dr. Leung-Kei Siu
- Epidemiology and Pathogenesis in Medical Mycology, by Dr. Hsiu-Jung Lo
- Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance, by Dr. Tsai-Ling Yang Lauderdale
- Pathogenesis and drug resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, by Dr. Feng-Jui Chen
- Immuopathogenesis and Vaccine Development for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, by Dr. Horng-Yunn Dou
- Contribution of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Reactivation to Inflammatory Events of the Associated Cancers, by Dr. Yao Chang
- The Roles of Virulence Factors in the Pathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus, by Dr. Chia-Yu Chi