A method is provided for treating subjects, including humans, with infection or virulence by pathogens. The method involves administering an agent in amounts effective to eradicate or reduce infections and/or an inflammatory response caused by pathogens. Methods for identifying compounds useful as anti-infectives that decrease the immune resistance, virulence, or growth of microbes are also provided. More particularly, there are provided methods for identifying compounds which increase accumulation or stability or activity, or alternatively decrease the degradation of HIF-1a protein.