The National Institute of Virology and Bacteriology facilitates discoveries in infectious diseases with the goal of improving human health through the development of safe and effective therapies that counteract viruses and bacteria with pandemic potential.

The design of new therapeutics requires a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms that allow pathogens to infect cells and cause disease. Unfortunately, many of these mechanisms are still poorly understood. Basic and clinical research of viruses and pathogenic bacteria is essential for developing therapeutic responses to the processes by which pathogens cause disease, escape the immune system and resist treatment. To that end, the NIVB pursues cutting-edge research in the areas of (1) pathogen-host interactions, (2) immunity against viruses and bacteria (3) and the treatment of viral and bacterial infections.