Medical Microbiology has a long-standing tradition at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. William Henry Welch, regarded as the father of American Pathology, was the hospital’s first microbiologist and a pioneer in applying bacterial culture for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. Since 1969, the current division has provided state-of-the-art diagnostic services and expert consultation to the hospital’s physicians and clinical staff.
In the 1970s, faculty members advanced the diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections at a time when fungi were only beginning to be recognized as emerging threats to immunocompromised patients. In 1989, the molecular era transformed the laboratory, with the introduction of nucleic acid probes and polymerase chain reaction for rapid and sensitive disease detection.
Today, with internationally recognized faculty leading research and test development across diverse areas, the division remains at the forefront of infectious disease diagnostics, consultation, and patient care. The laboratory is directed by Dr. Heba Mostafa, MD, PhD, D(ABMM), FIDSA.