Jeffrey S. Kahn
Section of Infectious Diseases
Department of Pediatrics
jeffrey.kahn@yale.edu

Yale School of Medicine link

Research
Respiratory tract infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. My laboratory studies respiratory viruses, specifically respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the newly discovered human metapneumovirus (hMPV). The viral factors responsible for severe RSV disease are poorly understood. We have taken a novel approach to studying viral genetics by identifying RSV strains in infants and children with severe disease. We have demonstrated that certain viral lineages are associated with severe disease. Further genetic and biochemical analysis of these strains will lead to the identification of viral virulence factors and may ultimately lead to improved therapeutics.

hMPV is a newly discovered human respiratory virus. We have demonstrated that hMPV is circulating in Connecticut and is responsible for a significant portion of undiagnosed respiratory tract disease. We are currently defining the clinical spectrum of hMPV disease and the epidemiology of this new pathogen.