Dr. Hook’s laboratory has emphasized diagnostic testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis and syphilis, providing a platform for a wide variety of studies. His laboratory is one of 5 CDC-funded reference laboratories for the Gonococcal Isolate Surveillance Project which has monitored trends in gonococcal epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance in the U.S. since 1988. In addition, data generated by his and Dr. Schwebke’s laboratories (see below) has reflected collaboration with other faculty of the Infectious Diseases Division and other Departments within the School of Medicine (Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics and Microbiology) and other UAB Schools (Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences). Dr. Hook’s recent work has included: studies of health behavior and behavioral interventions for STD/HIV risk reduction; assessment of STD epidemiology; clinical trials of new therapeutic agents; and clinical evaluation of new diagnostic tests for diagnosis of gonorrhea, chlamydial infection and syphilis. Major ongoing research efforts include his role as PI on a randomized trial evaluation of non-invasive screening for gonococcal and chlamydial infections in adolescents seeking care at hospital emergency rooms and as Protocol Chair for a randomized trial evaluation of azithromycin for treatment of syphilis. Dr. Hook’s research is currently supported thought UAB’s multi-project NIAID-funded STD CRC (PI, E. W. Hook), the NIAID-funded STD Clinical Trials Unit (CTU) [M. Cohen, UNC PI, E. W. Hook, Co-PI), and several other grants from NIH and the CDC.