Infectious Disease

Our Infectious Disease physicians have expertise in all areas of clinical infectious diseases. We treat viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. We diagnose and treat complicated skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, wound infections including postoperative infections, blood stream infections, heart valve infections, infections of the brain and spine, infections of the kidney, liver, spleen and other internal organs, sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. We also administer all commercially available adult vaccines.

Most infections are handled well by a primary care physician. An infectious disease specialist is usually involved when an infection is unusual, keeps coming back, has not responded to the first course of treatment, involves a deep site such as bone, a heart valve or an implanted device, or needs intravenous antibiotics or months of follow-up. Referrals also come from hospitals when a patient is discharged with an infection that still needs managing.

Infections can be caused by a variety of harmful microbes and organisms, and can affect all areas of the body. Our physicians specialize in the treatment of all of the following types of infectious diseases.

Bacterial

Bacterial Infections are caused when harmful strains of bacteria enter your body and begin to reproduce and spread. Most bacteria are not dangerous, but when a harmful strain creates an infection it can cause serious damage or even death if left untreated.

Blood Stream

Blood stream infections are caused by harmful microorganisms living in the bloodstream. If you have a bloodstream infection you should seek treatment immediately, as it can quickly turn serious.

Bone and Joint

This type of infection occurs when harmful microorganisms spread to the bones and joints, often spreading from nearby infected areas in the body. It is also known as osteomyelitis.

Brain and Spine

Brain and spine infections occur in the tissues and fluids in and around the brain and spine. This can cause both meningitis (swelling of the membranes around the spine and brain) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

Fungal

Fungal Infections are caused when the body is invaded by a harmful fungal microorganism. These type of infections include conditions such as athlete's foot, yeast infections, or ringworm.

Heart Valve

Heart Valve Infections, also known as Endocarditis, are caused by dangerous microbes spreading from your bloodstream into your heart valves. If your heart is already weak or damaged, your chances of getting endocarditis are higher. If not treated quickly, this type of infection can lead to lasting damage or even death in some cases.

Internal Organs

Infections of the internal organs, also known as peritonitis, can lead to organ failure or even death if not treated quickly. This infection type can affect your kidney, liver, spleen, lungs, and other internal organs.

Parasitic

Parasites are organisms that rely on a host organism for survival, and cause damage to the host. Parasites live in or on their host.

Postoperative

Postoperative infections are a type of wound infection that can occur after surgery. If you have had a recent operation, you are at risk of getting an infection around the surgical site. These type of infections generally occur within 30 days after a surgery.

Sexually Transmitted

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs, are spread by sexual contact. There are a wide range of STIs, ranging from curable to incurable. Our treatment includes HIV, a dangerous STI that can lead to AIDS if left untreated.

Skin and Soft Tissue

Skin and soft tissue infections involve a microbial infection of the skin and surrounding tissue. This type of infection ranges in severity, and requires different treatment for each individual case.

Viral

Viral infections are caused by harmful microbes that invade your body. Viruses are parasitic in nature, meaning they rely on other living organisms to survive. They use your cells as a host to reproduce and spread.

Wound

Wound infections occur in the damaged area around a wound. Some signs that your wound may have become infected are redness, swelling, pain, and pus.

Decrease your risk of getting a dangerous future infection by engaging in preventative care. Click the button below to learn more about the preventative services we offer, as well as preventative measures anyone can take to stay in good health and catch problems early.