John D. Kriesel

Dr. John D. Kriesel serves as Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine, with an adjunct appointment in Dermatology. Board certified in Infectious Diseases since 1994 and an AAHIVM certified HIV specialist, he has maintained active faculty status since joining in 1996 with primary clinical responsibilities at University of Utah Hospital, VA facilities, and the Salt Lake City STD Clinic.

His educational foundation includes:

• B.S. in Biology, University of Illinois (1984, cum laude)
• M.D., Washington University Medical School (1988)
• Internal Medicine Residency, University of Utah (1991)
• Infectious Diseases Fellowship, University of Utah (1994)

Dr. Kriesel's research centers on translational virology and autoimmune disease mechanisms, notably discovering the C21orf91 genetic contributor to herpes simplex labialis (cold sores) and identifying microbial RNA sequences overexpressed in multiple sclerosis and sarcoidosis. His work bridges clinical observations with molecular diagnostics to explore infectious triggers of autoimmune conditions, emphasizing novel antiviral therapies and vaccine development.

Analysis of his 2007-2012 publications reveals consistent focus on genetic susceptibility to viral infections (particularly herpes simplex), advanced sequencing techniques for pathogen detection in neurological diseases, and host-pathogen interactions in fungal and arboviral illnesses. Key methodological themes include genomic analysis of cold sore frequency, deep sequencing for brain virus identification in MS, and genetic risk profiling for West Nile virus progression.

He actively mentors medical students, allied health trainees, internal medicine residents, and infectious disease fellows while maintaining high patient satisfaction ratings (4.9/5 from 21 reviews). His clinical practice spans general infectious disease consultations, specialized HIV care, and STD management, reflecting his dual expertise in viral pathogenesis and clinical therapeutics.