Professor

Research map : https://researchmap.jp/7513-6186_NT?lang=en

Department Overview

The Department of Infectious Diseases is a basic medical science department established in 2011, with its origins in the former Departments of Microbiology and Medical Zoology. We are responsible for undergraduate education in virology, bacteriology, and parasitology (medical zoology). In our research, we seek to deepen our understanding of pathogens in order to elucidate the fundamental nature of infectious diseases and to contribute to their diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

In the field of virology, our primary research targets are respiratory viruses such as influenza viruses and coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. We investigate their pathogenicity and mechanisms of transmission. We also study the factors involved in contact, droplet, and airborne transmission of viruses and other pathogens, and, by incorporating physical and chemical analyses, aim to establish more effective methods for infection control.

In addition, we are investigating the mechanisms by which interactions between bacteria and viruses contribute to the severity of infectious diseases, using metagenomic approaches. We are also engaged in basic research on enteric bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, through collaborative research with laboratories both within and outside the university, we are developing studies in laboratory medicine and diagnostics for infectious disease control, as well as in preventive medicine, including vaccinology.

For Students Considering Graduate School

Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine (KPUM) is located in the center of Kyoto City, in a calm and historic setting, with the lush greenery of the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds to the west and the Kamo-gawa River flowing to the east. In 2022, the university celebrated its 150th anniversary, reflecting its long history and tradition as a medical university.

https://www.kpu-m.ac.jp/doc/english/index.html

The Graduate School of Medical Science offers both Master’s and Doctoral programs, and welcomes students not only from schools of medicine and dentistry but also from a wide variety of natural science backgrounds. In our department as well, in addition to our own graduate students and international students, graduate students from departments of social medicine and clinical medicine, with diverse academic backgrounds, participate in research activities here.

The Department of Infectious Diseases conducts a broad range of research on viruses, bacteria, and parasites, advancing studies that explore the essential nature of infectious diseases from the perspective of basic medical science. We welcome students who wish to deepen their understanding of infectious diseases through graduate research and to develop perspectives that may contribute to future advances in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

If you have an opportunity to visit Kyoto for a scientific meeting or any other occasion, we would be delighted to welcome you to our department in the Basic Medical Science Building on the Kawaramachi Campus. We warmly welcome visits and inquiries from prospective students.