Global Viral and Bacterial Infections

Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi, and can be transmitted directly or indirectly from one person to another. Despite medical advances, viral and bacterial infectious diseases remain one of the leading causes of death worldwide.

The Viral and Bacterial Infections programme at ISGlobal comprises 15 research groups working on a wide range of viral and bacterial pathogens and encompasses a large, multidisciplinary and translational research portfolio ranging from basic science to clinical, epidemiological and public health-oriented research. Our main objective is to reduce the burden of major viral and bacterial diseases by providing society with new tools for prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Specific Goals

• To enhance knowledge of the pathophysiology and molecular biology of pathogens.
• To design and develop new tools for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of major viral and bacterial infections.
• To understand the immune response and the role of the microbiota against these infections.
• To conduct implementation science to develop and assess strategies for the delivery of proven effective interventions.

The programme, through the research groups involved, has a strong international presence by belonging to important networks such as B2B2B AMRx, by organising and participating in international seminars, conferences and workshops, and by coordinating and/or participating as partners in relevant projects funded by international agencies such as Horizon Europe (e.g. EChiLiBRiST), NIH, EDCTP (e.g. EXULTANT, Stool4TB), Bill and Belinda Gates (ICARIA), ANTICOV projects.

In addition, most of the programme's PIs collaborate with other ISGlobal programmes to develop projects and ideas, including those that do not have a second affiliation.

Main Research Areas

The programme encompasses a range of disciplines that are crucial to advancing our understanding of and response to viral and bacterial infectious diseases.

Bacterial Infections

Viral Infections

Our research group focuses on two pillars. First, we work to optimize HIV clinical management in Sub-Saharan Africa through epidemiological and operational research to improve the cascade of care for people living with HIV.

Our second pillar centers on health crisis preparedness, specifically through capacity building for pathogen surveillance systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, we engage at the local and European level to bring together multi-sectoral actors and develop solutions for more effective responses to future health emergencies through initiatives such as the PR3 hub.

Severe Infections and Prognosis

Health and Economic Impact Assessment

The overarching aim of the HIAE group at ISGlobal is to develop quantitative HIAE as a cross-disciplinary activity, working with the three internationally recognized areas of the institute: malaria and other infectious diseases; maternal and child health; and urban health, climate and non-communicable diseases.

Epidemiology of Liver Diseases and Public Health Interventions

The Public Health Liver Group, under the Liver disease epidemiology and public health interventions research area, is committed to changing the trajectory of liver health—starting with those most often overlooked.

Grounded in equity, informed by data, and enriched by engagement with affected communities, we work across governments, health systems, academia, and civil society to address the policy, epidemiological, and operational barriers to liver disease prevention, active case finding and early diagnosis, and access to quality care.

Through strategic partnerships, research, and advocacy, we shape and elevate the global public health agenda for liver health and drive sustainable health system-level solutions.

Antimicrobial Resistance

Immunology and Vaccines

Naturally-acquired and experimentally-induced immunity to viral and bacterial infectious diseases of global health relevance, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Klebsiella pneumoniae or Escherichia coli, particularly in vulnerable populations including infants and pregnant women in LMIC.

We perform immuno-epidemiological studies that aim to identify factors affecting disease risk, progression, vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy, and to understand the mechanisms of protective immunity. Knowledge generated is relevant to identify immune correlates of protection, biomarkers of infection and disease progression, and guide the rational development and deployment of vaccines.

To address these research aims, the group employs high throughput multidimensional immune assays, profiling many parameters simultaneously in single biological samples with low volumes (e.g. paediatric populations).

Migrant Health

Tuberculosis

Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Infections

Tropical Diseases

We work on both bacterial and viral diseases epidemiology and surveillance, and our research entails new monitoring of pathogens in the air microbiome using eDNA and shotgun metagenomics, to the analysis and modelling of the population epidemiology of climate-driven infectious diseases globally. We also focus on planetary dimensions, with climate change in the center.

One Health

Our research group focuses on two pillars. First, we work to optimize HIV clinical management in Sub-Saharan Africa through epidemiological and operational research to improve the cascade of care for people living with HIV.

Our second pillar centers on health crisis preparedness, specifically through capacity building for pathogen surveillance systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, we engage at the local and European level to bring together multi-sectoral actors and develop solutions for more effective responses to future health emergencies through initiatives such as the PR3 hub.

Microbiome

Translation and Impact

Translation activities were led by the Antimicrobial Resistance Initiative until January 2026, when they were integrated into the Global Viral and Bacterial Infections programme, further strengthening ISGlobal's commitment to a comprehensive, results-oriented approach.

Related Impact Stories

Unveiling the Culprits: A New Method to Identify Causes of Death in Low-Income Countries

Overcoming Barriers: Enhancing Hepatitis C Care for People Who Use Drugs in the Balearic Islands, Spain

Related Content

Reports

• Policy Brief 60 | Antimicrobial Resistance: The Role of Animals and the Environment
• Policy Brief 59 | Antimicrobial Resistance: The Silent Pandemic?
• Note 26 | Antibiotic Resistance: Not Just a Problem of Patents

Learning Tools

• Micro-Combat Card Game

Capacity Building Courses

• Modules in ISGlobal's Summer School, Spring School and Master's in Global Health
• AMREDUCare: training programme to tackle antimicrobial resistance for healthcare professionals

Multimedia

• Global Tuberculosis Dictionary
• Infographic | 12 Priority Bacteria for Research on New Antibiotics
• Infographic | 7 Facts on Antibiotic Resistance
• Infographic | 7 Facts about Tuberculosis and a Reason for Hope
• Infographic | One Health
• Special Report | The 4 Battlefronts against Antibiotic Resistance
• Videos [Spanish playlist] [Catalan playlist] [English playlist]

Blog Articles

• Water: The Invisible Link in the Spread of Antibiotic Resistance
• Superbugs Rising, Antibiotics Fading
• New Antibiotics Against Bacterial Resistance: The Potential of Gold Molecules
• Folk Wisdom and Science Join Forces to Explore the Power of Medicinal Plants
• The Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance: Towards a Global Health Crisis by 2050
• One Health: How to Achieve Optimal Health for People, Animals and Our Planet
• Antibiotics: What Happens If You Take Them Late or Expired? 7 Questions Answered