July 8, 2008

Microbiologist awarded grant to develop and test vaccines against agents of bioterrorism

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded Donald Woods, PhD, at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, $1.7 million for research into vaccines against agents of bioterrorism.

Woods, who is part of the Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, is studying and testing vaccine preparations for the prevention of glanders and melioidosis.

Glanders is a widespread bacterial disease primarily found in horses that can be transmitted to humans. It has a history of use in biological warfare. Melioidosis, which affects people in Southeast Asia, is also caused by a bacterial agent. The disease can result in pneumonia, septicemia, and if left untreated, can become chronic.

Reporters are invited to attend a media availability Thursday July 10, 2008 between 10:30 a.m. and noon in the Health Sciences Centre, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W.

There will be interview and photo opportunities with researcher, Donald Woods, PhD at his lab.

WHAT:
Meet microbiologist Donald Woods regarding his work on vaccines to fight bioterrorism

WHERE:
Health Sciences Building, 3330 Hospital Dr. N.W. across from Parking Lot 6

WHEN:
Thurs. July 10, 2008 at 10:30 a.m.

To book interviews please contact:

Jordanna Heller, 403-220-2431, medmedia@ucalgary.ca

Marta Cyperling, 403-210-3835, marta.cyperling@ucalgary.ca

For more information contact Donald Woods, PhD  woods@ucalgary.ca