Research
The division has a long-standing history of basic and clinical research supported by National Institute of Health, industry, foundations and intramural grants. The current research strength is in the field of respiratory viruses. Dr. Casola’s research is focused on the investigation of viral- and host-specific mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of respiratory viral infections, specifically pneumoviruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). Over the past two and a half decades, her laboratory has identified several inducible intracellular signaling pathways activated by pneumoviruses that contribute to viral replication and lung disease, using both in vitro and in vivo approaches, and has investigated the role of specific viral proteins in the activation of these pathways using recombinant virology techniques. Dr. Haas de Mello has worked on studies related to the regulation of bioenergetics by hydrogen sulfide, mitochondrial DNA damage in pulmonary inflammation, and therapeutics targeting oxidative stress. Her most recent research has focused on the role of several major signaling pathways in RSV infection, including nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2-mediated antioxidant responses, hypoxia-inducible factors and aryl hydrocarbon receptor.
Clinical Trials
The division faculties have played over the past decades a fundamental role in clinical trials performed in the Department of Pediatrics. The work done in our department has helped in the FDA licensure of vaccines that are now commonly given and help prevent death and illness in children every day. Recent work includes trials related to antibiotics and antivirals efficacy. Current ongoing studies are indicated below:
Lemuel Aigbivbalu, MD. Principal investigator. A multicenter, randomized, investigator-blind, active-controlled study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of ceftobiprole versus standard-of-care treatment in pediatric patients from birth to less than 18 years with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, including right-sided infective endocarditis. CSBAL5788-2025-002
Lemuel Aigbivbalu, PI. A Multicenter, Open-label, Phase 1b Study to Assess the Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Sulbactam-Durlobactam in Hospitalized Pediatric Patients from Birth to <18 Years who are Receiving Systemic Antibiotic Therapy for Suspected or Confirmed Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus complex Infection. CS2514-2023-002
Teaching
Medical Students: We are actively involved in teaching several courses. Some of the 3rd year students on inpatient rotation are assigned to spend one week with the infectious disease clinical service. A four-week pediatric infectious disease elective for year IV students is available.
Residents: A four-week pediatric infectious disease elective has been available to all pediatric, internal medicine-pediatric and family medicine residents. Faculties also mentor residents for their mandatory research projects.
Lectures: We provide lectures for adult infectious disease fellows and Regional Women’s and Pediatrics Services teams.