Working Internationally
The institute sustains a range of international research interests, supporting efforts to control globally important infectious disease.
Recognising that the greatest burden of infectious disease falls on developing countries, the institute has strong international links, particularly through its Centre for Global Health. It leads drug and vaccine trials and other major initiatives in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an important focus, particularly through the INTERTB network, which aims to simplify TB treatment regimes. Other TB research focuses on the development of new diagnostic tools and novel approaches to vaccination.
Our researchers have contributed significantly to the fight against malaria, a battle to which our work on innovative point-of-care diagnostics will make an important contribution. Influential research has also been carried out on simplified antimalarial drug regimes in Africa.
Our work in sub-Saharan Africa on the opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus, responsible for a high proportion of AIDS-related deaths in Africa, has been highly influential in informing new and simpler treatment regimes, particularly relevant to the under-developed regions most affected.
Alongside our disease-targeted work, we strive to develop strategies for global access and technology transfer, to ensure that our research outputs can be delivered to those most in need in low- and middle-income regions.
Integration with clinical microbiology
Close links exist between clinical infection services and the institute’s microbiology research laboratories, providing access to important clinical isolates. Following the creation of a pathology hub at St George’s Hospital, linking hospitals and primary care centres in south west London, more than a million samples a year are now being analysed.
Other medical specialties
We also have strong ties with other clinical areas, such as oncology, respiratory medicine and genito-urinary medicine. As well as exploring the immunological basis of disease in these areas, this research provides new insight into infections in patients with underlying health conditions.
Wider networking
The institute belongs to the South London National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) and leads its infection theme.
We also have well-established links to Public Health England. Furthermore, our scientists are engaged in national policy and government strategy for several areas of infection.
A platform for clinical application
Our infrastructure facilitates a wide range of studies focused on clinical application in diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccinology. In the Centre for Diagnostics and Antimicrobial Resistance, multiple diagnostic approaches are being developed and evaluated for use in the UK and developing world. A number of potential new therapeutics have emerged from our research. We are leading and contributing to multiple national and international trials to improve use of anti-infective drugs. Our research also has impact on vaccine development, not only for infectious diseases but also as a route to innovative cancer treatments.
Read more about our work with international partners
Tackling Group B Streptococcus
Dr Kirsty Le Doare’s group are working on solving the mystery of Group B Streptococcus, a bacteria with two faces, the same bug either potentially lethal or completely harmless.
Cutting Deaths From Cryptococcal Meningitis
Professor Tom Harrison and the Cryptococcal Meningitis Group (Angela Loyse, Sile Molloy, Tihana Bicanic) are leading major international trials that are transforming the treatment of cryptococcal meningitis.
Vaccines Matter
Dr Cosgrove is focused on clinical trials of new and existing vaccines to tackle diseases which disproportionately affect those populations in resource-poor areas, and in particular those living with HIV.
Old Dogs and New Tricks
Point-of-care tests for malaria and repurposing malaria research to target cancer.
Tackling Global NeoAMR
Professor Paul Heath and Professor Mike Sharland are working on global projects to tackle the threat of antimicrobial resistance.
New Approaches To Fighting an Old Enemy
Dr Rajko Reljic has developed novel mucosal approaches for tuberculosis prevention and immunotherapy with a special emphasis on drug resistant disease.
A Global Issue Migration and Infectious Diseases
Evidence from the Migrant Health Research group at City St George's point to the need to facilitate access to high quality primary care to protect migrant health.
The Impact of Parasitic Worms
Based in Ecuador, Professor Philip Cooper is investigating parasitic worm infections and their relationships with asthma and other inflammatory diseases.
DREAMMs of Implementation
An innovative implementation project being run by Dr Angela Loyse is aiming to integrate diagnostic testing for HIV-associated meningoencephalitis into routine hospital care.
Shortening TB Treatments
Dr Amina Jindani is leading global trials testing shortened TB treatment regimens.
Antibiotic Treatments for Buruli Ulcer
Dr Mark Wansbrough-Jones has led a series of clinical studies showing that antibiotics are highly effective treatments for Buruli ulcer.
Understanding and Intervening in Early Viral Infections
Dr Qin Xue Hu studies early infection mechanisms of mucosally transmitted viruses and emerging viruses.
iGBS Study
A vaccine against GBS has been developed and is currently being tested. If effective this could be offered to pregnant women to protect their babies from this devastating disease.