Population-Based Epidemiology

Management of Severe Infections in Special Populations

The Management of Severe Infections in Special Populations Program involves multiple clinical trials focused on evaluation and treatment of severe viral infections that affect pregnant women, neonates, immunocompromised hosts and typically-developing children. With funding from the NIAID/NIH Collaborative Antiviral Study Group, Roberta DeBiasi, M.D., M.S., is evaluating:

• Maternal herpes simplex virus shedding at delivery using rapid diagnostics
• The natural history of neonatal herpes simplex virus infection; pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antiviral therapy in premature infants with congenital cytomegalovirus infection
• Antiviral treatment of sensorineural hearing loss following congenital cytomegalovirus infection

The broader portfolio focuses on a range of infectious disease issues, including:

• Novel antiviral and plasma treatments for severe hospitalized influenza and parainfluenza infection
• Congenital Zika infection with particular emphasis on prenatal imaging, testing, genetics and virological features
• Ebola response and preparedness
• The burden of pediatric Lyme disease as well as the long-term outcomes of Lyme infection in children

Dr. DeBiasi is also the site’s principal investigator for a PCORI-funded multicenter clinical trial evaluating optimal management of refractory Kawasaki Disease.

Meet the Team

• Roberta DeBiasi, M.D., M.S.