Immunology & Microbial Pathogenesis

• In the US the #1 diarrheal disease is Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) which effects millions of Americans. There is a high incidence of IBD patients in West Virginia.

• Scientists don't know what causes the disease-usually diagnosed in ages between the 20's and the 30's-but it is a lifelong disease with no cure.

• Patients with IBD are at extremely high risk for colon cancer and tend to get colon cancer earlier. The colon cancers of IBD patients are extremely resistant to treatment.

• Dr. Sundaram is also involved in a Phase 2 clinical trial for a new hepatitis C drug funded by Wyeth Laboratory. 4 million people nationally have hepatitis C and current treatments are effective in only about 40% of the cases.