Infection and Immunity

Infections can be caused when harmful bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms invade the body and proliferate. Immunity refers to the ability of the body to recognise and attack these disease-causing pathogens.

SAHMRI has specialist research groups that study infection and immunity and how that influences acute or chronic diseases including sexually transmitted diseases and blood-borne viruses. Understanding the role of the microbiome – the community of micro-organisms that live in and on the body – is becoming increasingly important in infection and immunity research.