Ten Reasons to See an Infectious Disease Specialist

Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites, which can invade the body and disrupt normal functioning. These illnesses can range from mild conditions like a common cold to more severe or chronic ailments such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS or fungal meningitis. Some infections are straightforward to diagnose and treat, but others can be complex and require advanced expertise. 

Your primary care doctor can manage many common infections, but some situations demand the specialized knowledge and skills of an infectious disease doctor. These specialists play a crucial role in diagnosing mysterious symptoms, treating severe or resistant infections and managing diseases that require lifelong care. Recognizing when to seek their expertise can be vital to improving your health outcomes. Below are ten reasons you might need to see an infectious disease physician.

Expertise in Complex Infections

Infectious disease doctors are highly trained specialists who focus on diagnosing and treating infections that are difficult to manage or identify. Their training includes extensive study of microbiology, immunology and pharmacology, allowing them to tackle uncommon infections or those with unusual symptoms. If your illness has not been accurately diagnosed or is not responding to standard treatments, an infectious disease specialist can delve deeper to uncover the root cause. Their detailed understanding of pathogens and disease mechanisms ensures a precise approach to care.

“Infectious diseases often present as medical puzzles. Symptoms can overlap, and the causes might be hidden in a patient’s history, environment or even recent travel,” Senate O. Amusu, MD, with Hattiesburg Clinic Infectious Diseases, explains. “Our role as specialists is to piece together these clues and deliver targeted, life-saving treatments.”

Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a significant challenge in modern medicine, with certain bacteria evolving to withstand the drugs designed to kill them. This resistance can lead to infections that are harder to treat and more dangerous. Infectious disease specialists are at the forefront of combating this issue by using advanced diagnostic tools and tailoring treatments to each patient. They carefully select antibiotics to address the specific bacteria involved, minimizing side effects and the risk of resistance, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.

Recurrent or Chronic Infections

Frequent or long-lasting infections can significantly affect your quality of life and may indicate underlying issues, such as a compromised immune system or structural abnormalities. Infectious disease doctors excel at identifying and addressing these recurring problems. They can perform specialized tests to uncover the cause and work with you to develop strategies to reduce infection frequency. Whether it is recurrent urinary tract infections, sinus infections or skin infections, their expertise can provide much-needed relief and prevention plans.

Thompson W. Liddell, MD, works with patients at Hattiesburg Clinic Infectious Diseases to understand the root cause of chronic infections. “Recurrent infections often indicate a deeper problem that requires a closer look. These aren’t just isolated events; they can point to immune system deficiencies or other underlying health conditions,” Dr. Liddell notes. “Our goal is to identify and address these causes, not just treat the symptoms.”

Managing HIV/AIDS

Living with HIV/AIDS requires specialized care to maintain health and prevent complications. Infectious disease doctors are leaders in the management of this condition, offering expertise in antiviral therapy, immune system monitoring and opportunistic infection prevention. Advancements in treatment allow individuals with HIV to lead long and healthy lives, but this depends on proper, ongoing care. These specialists ensure that therapy is effective, tolerable and tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

“Managing HIV/AIDS is about much more than prescribing medication. It’s about fostering trust and empowering patients to take control of their health,” Amusu shares. “With modern antiviral therapies, we can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, but the real success comes from building a long-term partnership where patients feel supported in every aspect of their care.”

Evaluation of Persistent Fever

A fever that lasts for weeks without a clear cause, known as a fever of unknown origin (FUO), can be a sign of an infection, autoimmune disorder or other serious condition. Infectious disease doctors are skilled detectives when it comes to such cases, leveraging their knowledge and diagnostic tools to uncover hidden causes. They often collaborate with other specialists to rule out non-infectious causes, ensuring you receive the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment possible.

Post-Surgical and Hospital-Acquired Infections

Surgical procedures and hospital stays can sometimes lead to infections caused by resistant or aggressive bacteria. These infections require prompt and precise management to prevent further complications. Infectious disease doctors work closely with surgeons and other health care providers to identify the pathogens involved and administer targeted therapies. Their involvement is critical in managing infections like surgical site infections, bloodstream infections or pneumonia, ensuring a smoother recovery.

Bone and Joint Infections

Infections involving the bones (osteomyelitis) or joints (septic arthritis) are often challenging to treat due to their location and the types of bacteria involved. Infectious disease specialists bring expertise in choosing the most effective therapies, whether through antibiotics, drainage procedures or surgical interventions. By addressing the infection quickly and effectively, they help preserve mobility and function, preventing long-term damage or disability.

Immunocompromised Patients

People with weakened immune systems—whether from cancer treatment, organ transplants or chronic conditions like diabetes—are more susceptible to infections. Infectious disease doctors focus on protecting these vulnerable patients by preventing and managing infections proactively. They also help patients recover from infections more effectively, tailoring treatments to the unique challenges of an immunocompromised system. This specialized care significantly reduces the risks associated with infections in these populations.

“Patients with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to infections,” Liddell explains. “Prevention and early intervention are key, but this requires close collaboration between specialists and patients. The goal is not only to treat infections but to build a protective shield around those at risk.”

Cutting-Edge Treatments and Research

Infectious disease specialists are at the forefront of medical advancements in their field, often participating in research to develop new therapies and vaccines. This keeps them well-informed of the latest treatments and technologies. Whether it is using innovative diagnostic techniques or accessing experimental therapies through clinical trials, these specialists provide cutting-edge care that enhances outcomes for patients with challenging infections.

Infectious Disease Management at Hattiesburg Clinic

At Hattiesburg Clinic, we understand the urgency of infection-related issues and our team prioritizes quick appointment scheduling to ensure prompt evaluation and treatment. Time is of the essence and early intervention can help prevent complications or further health issues.

As part of the Hattiesburg Clinic network, we work closely with your entire health care team to provide seamless care under one roof. By coordinating with your primary care physician and specialists, we provide evidence-based empathetic care to effectively manage your infection.

“Fighting infectious diseases isn’t an individual effort; it’s a collective one. From microbiologists identifying pathogens in the lab to pharmacists fine-tuning medication regimens, every professional plays a crucial role” Amusu says. “Most importantly, collaboration with patients themselves ensures that care plans are practical, effective and sustainable. Together, we can achieve outcomes that no one could accomplish alone.”

Click here to meet our team and to learn more about the infectious disease services offered at Hattiesburg Clinic.

###