Scholars@Duke
John Robert Perfect

John Robert Perfect

James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Medicine, Infectious Diseases
perfe001@mc.duke.edu
Duke Box 102359, Durham, NC 27710
Hanes House Rm 163, Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710

Overview

Research in my laboratory focuses around several aspects of medical mycology. We are investigating antifungal agents (new and old) in animal models of candida and cryptococcal infections. We have examined clinical correlation of in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing and with in vivo outcome. Our basic science project examines the molecular pathogenesis of cryptococcal infections. We have developed a molecular foundation for C. neoformans, including transformation systems, gene disruptions, differential gene expression screens, and cloning pathogenesis genes. The goal of this work is to use C. neoformans as a model yeast system to identify molecular targets for antifungal drug development. There are a series of clinical trials in fungal infections which are being coordinated through this laboratory and my work also includes a series of antibiotic trials in various aspects of infections. Finally, we have now been awarded a NIH sponsored Mycology Unit for 5 years with 6 senior investigators which is focused on C. neoformans as a pathogenic model system, but will include multiple areas of medical mycology from diagnosis to treatment.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Medicine · 2013 - Present Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Medicine
Professor of Medicine · 1996 - Present Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Medicine
Professor in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology · 2016 - Present Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Basic Science Departments

In the News

Published May 8, 2024
Keto Diet Boosts Lifesaving Antifungal Drug in Mice
Published June 14, 2016
Protein Structures Pave The Way For Broad-Spectrum Antifungals
Published October 5, 2015
Meningitis' Sci-Fi Worthy Creep Into the Brain

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Recent Publications

The tell-tale hearts: Donor-derived invasive fungal infections among orthotopic heart transplant recipients.

Journal Article Med Mycol Case Rep · June 2025 Donor-derived invasive fungal infections among solid organ transplant recipients are rare but sometimes devastating events associated with notable morbidity and mortality. Here we describe two donor-derived fungal infections - one Candida parapsilosis comp ... Full text Link to item Cite

Cryptococcal nutrient acquisition and pathogenesis: dining on the host.

Journal Article Microbiol Mol Biol Rev · March 27, 2025 SUMMARYPathogens must acquire essential nutrients to successfully colonize and proliferate in host tissue. Additionally, nutrients provide signals that condition pathogen deployment of factors that promote disease. A series of transcriptomics experiments o ... Full text Link to item Cite

Antifungal Policy and Practice Across Five Countries: A Qualitative Review.

Journal Article J Fungi (Basel) · February 19, 2025 The burden of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) is increasing worldwide. National, regional, and local policies on IFI management should respond to the changing landscape. We assessed antifungal policies from five countries of varying size, IFI burden, and ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants

Tri-Institutional Molecular Mycology and Pathogenesis Training Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029

Stimulating Access to Research in Residency (StARR) - NIAID

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2018 - 2029

The Role of Inositol in Cryptococcus Biology and Pathogenesis

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · 2024 - 2029

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Education, Training & Certifications

The University of Toledo · 1974 M.D.