William A Petri

William A. Petri is the Wade Hampton Frost Professor of Medicine and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Medicine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He also holds professorships in Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, and Pathology. His primary appointment is in the Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health.

• Wade Hampton Frost Professor of Medicine
• Vice Chair for Research, Department of Medicine
• Professor of Medicine, Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, and Pathology
• Affiliation: University of Virginia School of Medicine

Dr. Petri's research focuses on the immunology and molecular pathogenesis of infectious diseases, with major emphasis on enteric infections such as amebiasis, Clostridioides difficile, and Cryptosporidium, as well as immune responses in COVID-19. His lab investigates host immune mechanisms, vaccine development, and mucosal immunity using mouse models, clinical trials, and bench research, particularly in high-transmission settings like Bangladesh.

His recent publications highlight a strong trend in understanding immune modulation during infection, the role of the microbiome in disease susceptibility and protection, and the long-term consequences of enteric infections on child growth and neurodevelopment. Themes include cytokine signaling (e.g., IL-13, IL-25), immune cell function (eosinophils, neutrophils, ILC2s), and the impact of nutritional and environmental factors on immune outcomes.

Dr. Petri has received extensive research funding from the NIH, including multiple R01 grants supporting his work on Entamoeba histolytica, C. difficile, and Cryptosporidium. He has mentored 19 PhD students and 25 postdoctoral fellows, with many of his trainees securing K awards and independent R01 grants. Currently, his research group includes five graduate students, three postdoctoral fellows, and six faculty members.

His lab has been instrumental in developing FDA-approved antigen detection tests for amebiasis and is actively working on an amebiasis vaccine in collaboration with the Infectious Diseases Research Institute. His work bridges basic science, translational research, and global health, contributing significantly to the understanding and control of diarrheal diseases worldwide.