Gary J. Weil, MD

Professor of Medicine
Associate Professor of Molecular Microbiology

Dr. Weil attended Harvard Medical School and did his internal medicine residency at Yale-New Haven Hospital. He joined the Infectious Diseases Division faculty at Washington University School of Medicine after 3 years of research training in the Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases at NIH and an ID fellowship at Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital. In addition to research activities described below, Dr. Weil's professional interests include clinical parasitology, tropical medicine, and international health.

Research Interests

My laboratory conducts research on filarial nematode parasites that cause important tropical diseases such as lymphatic filariasis and "river blindness". Our work is focused on the development and field application of improved diagnostic tests, on developing improved therapies, and on basic parasite biology. For example, we (with others) have developed new diagnostic tests for filariasis based on detection of parasite antigens, parasite DNA, and human antibodies to recombinant parasite antigens. Ongoing field studies are exploring the value of these newer tests for monitoring the impact of mass treatment programs on filariasis prevalence rates and transmission. Basic research in the laboratory is currently focused on studies of filarial parasite gene expression across the life cycle and in response to stresses such as drug treatment and radiation. We are also studying the role of Wolbachia (endosymbiotic bacteria) on filarial worm survival and development.

The DOLF project (funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation) supports applied field research in 7 countries. This exciting project pools the talent and experience of outstanding scientists from the North and South so that they can work together toward a lofty goal, namely a world without lymphatic filariasis or onchocerciasis.

Biographical Sketch

Link to PubMed for selected publications

Office Location:
Washington University School of Medicine
Barnes-Jewish Hospital, North Campus
614 Yalem Research Building
216 S. Kingshighway
St. Louis, MO 63110

Telephone: (314) 454-7782
Fax: (314) 454-5392
Email: gweil@dom.wustl.edu