Specialty Areas
Biodefense
Although most microbes benefit the biosphere, some are human or plant pathogens, and the world now faces the prospect that these bacteria or viruses might be used intentionally in bio- or agro-terrorism. The expertise of Purdue researchers in microbiology and virology is well-suited to develop means to defend against these challenges. If new forms of pathogens arise, knowledge of the physiology, genetics, and structure of these microbes will be crucial for the analysis of pathogenesis and the development of new antibiotics and vaccines. Our structural biologists study ways to defeat the mechanisms of infection in Dengue, Ebola, and other viruses that might be used as weapons. Microbiologists are investigating agents that cause anthrax, salmonellosis, and botulism that might impact national food supplies.
