Paediatric Infectious Disease

Improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention of severe childhood infections

The Section of Paediatric Infectious Disease brings together world-leading research teams focused on improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention of globally important severe and life-threatening infections in children. We study common infectious diseases which can affect any child, whilst also seeking to explain and learn from those who have unusually severe infections. Translational research programs link patients recruited at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and elsewhere with sophisticated laboratory and informatics research methods. Complementary research is also benefitting animal health by tackling important veterinary pathogens. The interdisciplinary membership of the Section includes clinicians, laboratory scientists, molecular and cell biologists, microbiologists, proteomics experts, bioinformaticians and statisticians. The Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group was awarded the 2019 President’s Medal for Outstanding Research Team in Imperial College.

Research interests and areas

A selection of the Section's key research areas:

Genetic determinants of susceptibility and severity of infection
Pathogenesis of infectious and inflammatory diseases
Diagnosis and prognosis of infectious diseases
Immune responses and vaccine design
Personalised medicine
Omics approaches
Severe and chronic viral infections, including HIV and viral hepatitis
Bacterial infections
Tuberculosis
Malaria

Section leadership

Professor Aubrey Cunnington

Section Head, Paediatric Infectious Disease

Professor Aubrey Cunnington is Professor of Paediatric Infectious Disease at Imperial College and Honorary Consultant in Paediatric Infectious Diseases at St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. His research focuses on the interactions between hosts and pathogens which result in severe infectious diseases, particularly severe malaria.

Further information on Professor Cunnington