University Times

A world-renowned infectious disease specialist who is professor emeritus and former chair of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology at Pitt’s Graduate School of Public Health (GSPH), Monto Ho, and his wife, Carol Ho, have pledged $2 million to GSPH to establish an endowed chair in infectious diseases and microbiology.

Roberta Ness, interim dean of GSPH and chair of the Department of Epidemiology, said, “The Hos’ generosity in establishing the Monto and Carol Ho Endowed Chair in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology will afford GSPH the opportunity to support the work of a world-class scientist in the area of fighting infectious epidemics, something that will be truly transformational for the department.”

For nearly 40 years, Monto Ho was a professor at GSPH. Carol Ho also was affiliated with GSPH, serving as the school’s librarian from 1968 to 1972.

Monto Ho’s many accomplishments include pioneering investigations into interferons, which are proteins produced by cells in the body in response to an attack by a virus.

In addition, Ho’s laboratory revealed the source of viral infections that were occurring after organ transplantation, especially cytomegalovirus and herpes virus infections, which were major complications of early organ transplants.

Ho’s research and departmental leadership are credited with building the department’s international reputation. Research conducted within the department has led to many ground-breaking accomplishments, including clinical trials on passive immunizations against poliovirus, which directly aided the development of the Salk polio vaccine; the discovery of encephalitis viruses and adeno-associated viruses; research into the mechanisms of microbial infections at the cellular and molecular level, and studies of the molecular, immunologic, epidemiologic and biologic aspects of disease control and prevention.

The infectious diseases and microbiology department also established the Pitt Men’s Study, one of the largest and longest-running cohort studies of HIV infection, which includes findings of the predictive value of viral load in the development of AIDS.

In 1997, Ho left GSPH to become the director in the Division of Clinical Research and a distinguished fellow at the National Health Research Institutes in Taiwan. Because Taiwan’s overuse of antibiotics had led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, he recognized the need to enhance the quality of training of infectious disease physicians. His efforts caused the appropriate use of antibiotics to become a national health priority in the country.

His most recent book, “Several Worlds: Reminiscences and Reflections,” is a memoir that follows his life from childhood as the son of a Chinese diplomat through his research career. Ho will discuss the book and related topics at the Pitt Book Center at 12:30 p.m. on June 14.

A symposium featuring internationally renowned experts in the field of emerging infectious diseases will held in the Hos’ honor in September.