Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases focus on illnesses caused by pathogenic microorganisms—including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—and the mechanisms by which these agents invade, replicate, and spread within hosts and populations. The field investigates transmission dynamics, host–pathogen interactions, immune responses, and the environmental and social factors that shape outbreaks. It spans clinical care, epidemiology, microbiology, vaccinology, and public health. Advances in this area drive progress in preventing and controlling infections through vaccines, diagnostics, antimicrobial therapies, and global surveillance. Understanding infectious diseases is essential for managing both emerging threats and long-standing public-health challenges.