Immune and inflammatory diseases
Problems with immune and inflammatory cells are at the heart of many common diseases including cancer. Despite the prevalence of these diseases and their detrimental impact on society, we do not yet fully understand how they develop.
The University is not only world renowned for its pioneering research into asthma and arthritis, but has an extensive portfolio that covers many other immune and inflammatory diseases from multiple sclerosis to diabetes, psoriasis to AIDS.
Understanding the basic mechanism of these diseases is crucial in order to produce effective treatments and develop potential cures. A gift to the Medical Fund can help further this pioneering research.
Key Facts
- Over eight million people in the UK have long-term health problems due to arthritis or a related condition
- Over 200 types of the arthritis exist, affecting many parts of the body
- One child in every thousand has arthritis, it affects old and young alike
- 30% of the population will develop asthma and this disease which is increasing rapidly can affect anyone, at any age
Infectious diseases
Research at Glasgow into infectious disease centres on three main areas:
- Serious bacterial infections, with microbes such as Pseudomonas and Pneumococcus are a key area of focus. Research at Glasgow is aimed at better understanding the extremely sophisticated methods these bacteria utilise to establish infection and evade our defences.
- Viral infections are extremely common and effective drug therapy often limited. The study of viruses such as hepatitis C, polio and herpes viruses are some of the areas actively researched within Glasgow.
- Parasitic infections are a huge problem within the developing world. Within Glasgow a number of groups research into malaria, sleeping sickness, leishmanaisis and other parasites.
The increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance and the emergence of new pathogens means that infectious diseases are still a major cause of death and disability in both the UK and the developing world.