Dr. Erwin Schurr

We are studying the genetic factors that predispose to tuberculosis and leprosy, two important mycobacterial infections that affect and kill an estimated three million people each year. In particular, the only effective and workable approach to break the transmission cycle of tuberculosis is the availability of a universally efficacious vaccine. Hence, we are working on the identification of host gene variants that determine the protective efficacy of present and newly developed tuberculosis vaccines. To accomplish our scientific objectives, we are collaborating closely with several research groups in the developing world and maintain several field sites for the genetic epidemiological analysis of tuberculosis and leprosy.