The infectious disease physicians at Hattiesburg Clinic specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. They possess in-depth knowledge and expertise in various types of infections, including emerging diseases, and work in collaboration with other Hattiesburg Clinic physicians to ensure comprehensive care for patients with complex infectious diseases.
These infections are caused by bacteria or fungi, both of which are microscopic organisms that can thrive in various environments, including the human body. While many bacteria and fungi are harmless or even beneficial, some can cause diseases when they invade the body and multiply. Depending on the severity of the infection, most patients can be treated with antibacterial or antifungal medication.
Diseases caused by bacteria or fungi include but are not limited to:
Hospital-acquired infections, also known as nosocomial infections, are infections that patients acquire while they are receiving treatment in a hospital or other health care facility. These infections can occur due to a variety of factors, including a compromised immune system, exposure to pathogens and invasive procedures such as catheterization or intubation. Common hospital-acquired infections include urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, sepsis and pneumonia.
Parasitic infections are caused by organisms known as parasites, which live on or inside another organism and benefit at its expense. Parasites can infect various parts of the body, including the intestines, blood, liver and skin. The most common parasitic infection globally is malaria. Other infections include ringworm, hookworm and toxoplasmosis, which is caused by a parasite typically found in soil, cat feces or undercooked meat. Treatment for parasitic infections often involves medication specifically targeted at the particular parasite involved.
A sexually transmitted infection, also commonly referred to as a sexually transmitted disease (STD), is an infection that is typically spread through sexual activity. However, some STIs can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact with infected areas. These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites, and they can affect anyone who is sexually active. There are many different types of STIs, each with its own set of symptoms, transmission methods and treatments. Some common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, herpes and HPV (human papillomavirus).
Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) affect the skin and the soft tissues beneath it. These infections can range from mild to severe and can be caused by various bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Treatment for SSTIs typically involves antibiotics for bacterial infections and antifungal medications for fungal infections.
Common types of SSTIs include:
Travel-related infections are illnesses that individuals may acquire while traveling to different regions or countries. These infections are often caused by exposure to pathogens that are not typically encountered in one’s home environment. The most common travel infections are malaria and Zika virus, both spread by mosquitos, and traveler’s diarrhea, often caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Prevention measures, such as vaccinations, mosquito avoidance strategies, food and water precautions and proper hygiene, can significantly reduce the risk of contracting these infections during travel.
Viruses are small infectious germs that can only replicate inside the living cells of other organisms. A viral infection occurs when a virus enters the body and starts multiplying, leading to illness. Some viral infections are airborne and can be spread by respiratory droplets in the air, while others are transmitted by direct contact with infected individuals. Viral infections can be minor, like the common cold, or more severe. While some viral infections, such as smallpox, have been eradicated due to vaccination efforts, many still affect large portions of the population. Some severe viral infections currently impacting individuals and communities include influenza, HIV/AIDS, COVID-19 and Ebola Virus Disease.
