The invention provides ARO1 polypeptides and DNA (RNA) encoding such ARO1 and a procedure for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing such ARO1 for the treatment of infection, particularly fungal infections. Antagonists against such ARO1 and their use as a therapeutic to treat infections, particularly fungal infections are also provided. Further provided are diagnostic assays for detecting diseases related to the presence of ARO1 nucleic acid sequences and the polypeptides in a host. Also provided are diagnostic assays for detecting polynucleotides encoding arom and for detecting the polypeptide in a host.