Infectious Diseases

The U.S. Military has been concerned about the impact that infectious diseases can have on readiness and Force effectiveness for over 100 years. Because the DOD often deploys personnel to countries where infectious diseases are endemic, the military has a unique interest in surveillance, detection, epidemiological studies, and research leading to risk reduction and development of new protective equipment and techniques. CAMRIS, with our global footprint and 60 years’ experience researching infectious diseases, is uniquely positioned to aid our government partners to create more effective infectious diseases surveillance programs, and to advance the development and fielding of medical technologies. Our work has led to more rapid, field-ready diagnostic and detection systems, capable of identifying the most problematic diseases (e.g., leishmaniasis and malaria) and infectious organisms (e.g., dengue, Zika, adenovirus, and MRSA). We recognize that surveillance and detection are the first lines of defense when it comes to preventing transmission of infectious diseases; therefore, our researchers, epidemiologists, and public health experts work tirelessly to support the DOD goal of protecting U.S. Service members, their health, and Force readiness from emerging infectious diseases.

CAMRIS is a recognized expert in emerging infectious diseases. Our experts work alongside our military and government partners, at home and abroad, to enhance outbreak preparedness and plan for rapid response activities. When an infectious disease outbreak occurs, we support force health protection via epidemiologic analysis and laboratory testing through state-side reach-back support and mobile laboratories in the field. We are aware of the devastating effects that enteric, febrile, and respiratory diseases can have on military readiness, health, and mission success. Therefore, CAMRIS maintains a Ready Team of Experts to provide support to the military whenever the need arises. Our scientists continually work to deliver advanced diagnostic and detection tools, improved prophylactic options, more effective therapeutics, and personal protective equipment to keep the fighting force effective, no matter where the fight takes them.

Our research staff focuses their expertise on finding new technological approaches, pre-clinical advanced non-human models, and new vaccines and biologics for military-relevant infectious disease threats to prevent and counter the health and readiness impacts that infectious diseases pose for the military in general and deployed personnel specifically. CAMRIS's vaccine and preventive research expertise span the spectrum from early testing with molecules, antigens, antibodies, and genomic variants, to in vitro and in vivo experiments, and ultimately to human clinical trials and FDA regulatory applications and filings. CAMRIS scientists work to stay abreast of advances in their field and use that knowledge to make significant contributions that protect the health and well-being of the military, their families, and communities worldwide. Click here to read about the patent for anti-malaria antigens that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office recently awarded CAMRIS.