Infectious Diseases

National Leaders in Vaccine Development, Experts in Treating and Preventing Infectious Diseases

SLUCare Physician Group infectious disease specialists are renowned physicians, educators and researchers, fighting illnesses on three fronts: in our outpatient clinic, in hospitals and in the research lab. Our work with infectious diseases is nationally recognized, and our care is second to none.

Inpatient Hospital Care

SLUCare infectious disease specialists provide infection control at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital and at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. We diagnose, treat and manage infections for hospitalized patients, both through direct patient care and through collaboration with the attending physician. We also work to prevent hospital infections through proactive initiatives, such as our antibiotic stewardship program, to minimize risks for patients in our care.

National Leaders in Vaccine Development

Saint Louis University's Center for Vaccine Development is one of nine research centers in the U.S. recognized by the National Institutes of Health as a Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Unit (VTEU). VTEUs study infectious diseases, develop new or improved vaccines to protect the public, and provide rapid-response capability in the event of a public health crisis.

Our infectious disease specialists are part of this elite group, at the forefront of vaccine development for:

• Biodefense
• Emerging infectious diseases, such as bird flu and Zika
• Respiratory viral diseases and influenza, such as H1N1
• Other viral, bacterial and parasitic infections

Successes and Ongoing Trials

Infectious disease researchers at SLU quickly prepared flu vaccines for the nation in the face of an H1N1 pandemic in 2009. They've worked on vaccines forinfluenza,tuberculosis, smallpox, HIV and AIDS; RSV; hepatitis A, B and C; Haemophilus influenzae type B(Hib); dengue; and pertussis (whooping cough). Clinical trials are an important part of this research. Learn more about clinical trials.

Infectious Diseases Clinic

Providing Ongoing Care for HIV, AIDS, TB & Other Complex Infections

In the SLUCare Infectious Diseases Clinic (formerly New Hope Clinic), patients can feel confident in their care, knowing they will be treated by some of the top specialists in the field.

SLUCare infectious disease physicians offer comprehensive care for a variety of complex conditions, including:

• HIV/AIDS
• MRSA
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
• Endocarditis (heart infection)
• Brain abscess
• Joint infections
• Prosthetic device infections (pacemakers, artificial hips/knees, etc.)
• Other mycobacterial and fungal infections

Services include diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of infectious diseases, follow-up care for hospital infections, and preventive care to optimize patient well-being.

Help for People with HIV/AIDS

In addition to excellent medical care, the clinic offers supportive help for patients affected by HIV/AIDS. On-site case managers provide social work services, including counseling for newly diagnosed patients, help determining insurance coverage, facilitating access to life-saving medications, and help arranging transportation for clinic visits.

Counselors who specialize in psychosocial issues relating to HIV are also available. In addition, patients have the option of enrolling in clinical research trials to test the efficacy of cutting-edge medications to treat HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases.

Please note: Patients who have an infectious disease other than HIV/AIDS must have a referral from a physician to be seen at the clinic.