Infectious diseases are among the most critical health problems worldwide. One out of every three people worldwide is infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. Re-emerging infectious agents, as well as new antibiotic-resistant strains, make infectious diseases a major health problem of the new millennium. Between 1973 and 1999, more than 35 newly emerging infectious diseases were identified. Without rapid development of antimicrobials and vaccines, we face an era of drastically increased morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases.

The Center for Molecular Microbiology (CMM) was established in October of 2000 to formally bring together infectious disease researchers and clinicians from the Colleges of Dentistry, Medicine and Veterinary Medicine in order to function as an interdisciplinary group of collaborating scientists to address the issues of infectious diseases. The focus of the center is to conduct research to discover the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and invent, develop, and apply novel technologies for the discovery of new antimicrobial targets, vaccines, and diagnostics. In addition, this group of faculty is dedicated to the education and training of future scientists and clinicians who will be leaders in the field of cutting-edge technologies for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases. It is also expected that the center will stimulate and act as a resource for the growth of biotechnology companies in Northern Florida.