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Waghmare
Alpana Waghmare, MD
- Associate Professor, Infectious Disease Sciences Program, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutch
- Associate Professor, University of Washington Department of Pediatrics
- Attending Physician, Seattle Children’s Hospital
- Principal Investigator, Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute
Background
Dr. Alpana Waghmare is a pediatrician who specializes in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases with a focus on respiratory infections and their impact on vulnerable populations. Her work on viral infections in immunocompromised patients includes the often-overlooked pathogen, human rhinovirus, or HRV, which is a cause of head colds. Research shows that this virus is also the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in vulnerable patients and leads to mortality rates comparable to those of respiratory syncytial virus, influenza and parainfluenza virus. She studies both viral and host factors that might serve as disease severity biomarkers to help clinicians assess risk for their patients, develop prevention and treatment strategies, and carry out clinical trials for development of better drugs. She is working on numerous COVID-19 projects, such as studying infections in cancer patients who have received transplants or CAR T-cell therapy, and she is working to understand immune responses of children who develop a rare inflammatory syndrome after exposure to the virus.
Education
University of Washington School of Medicine, 2014, Fellowship (Pediatric Infectious Diseases)
New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, 2010, Residency and Internship (Pediatrics)
University of Washington School of Medicine, 2007, MD
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2003, SB (Biology with Minor in Brain and Cognitive Sciences)
Research Interests
Translational infectious diseases, with a particular focus on respiratory viral infections. The interest in viral infections in immunocompromised hosts stems from experience as a clinician, witnessing the impact of respiratory viral infections in vulnerable populations. Currently focused on an often overlooked respiratory pathogen, human rhinovirus (HRV). Data shows that HRV is also now the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and leads to mortality rates similar to those seen with known pulmonary pathogens including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus and parainfluenza virus. We propose that viral and host factors may serve as biomarkers for disease severity and can provide needed risk stratification and management tools. Data generated in this research will provide the critical basis to develop rational prevention and treatment strategies for immunocompromised patients. Involvement also in clinical trials for drug development to treat infections in this patient population.
Clinical Expertise
The treatment of infectious diseases in pediatric patients, with a particular interest in immunocompromised hosts.