Division of Infectious Diseases

May 3, 2018

LEAP Fellowship bolsters Staub’s antimicrobial stewardship research

Infectious Disease fellow Milner Staub, MD, is among the first awardees of the Leadership in Epidemiology, Antimicrobial Stewardship, and Public health (LEAP) Fellowship.

By Kathy Whitney
April 12, 2018

Alpha-gal found to be both a medication and red meat allergy

Alpha-gal allergy has commonly been referred to as “the red meat” allergy, but doctors at the Vanderbilt Asthma, Sinus and Allergy Program (ASAP) helped uncover that not only red meat, but some medications, can contain alpha-gal.

Illustration of human intestinal tract
March 22, 2018

Grant bolsters study of potential new therapy for C. diff infection

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2011 in the United States there were almost half a million Clostridium difficile infections, and one in 11 patients 65 or older with a healthcare-associated C. diff infection died within 30 days of diagnosis.

By Paul Govern
elderly Asian mother and adult daughter
March 1, 2018

Older adults less likely to receive flu tests: study

An influenza diagnosis for people 65 and older is serious. Up to 85 percent of influenza-related deaths occur in older adults, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention reports.

By Kristin Smart
January 5, 2018

What you need to know about this year’s flu

Discover what strains are prominent, how effective this year’s vaccine is, and how hard the virus has hit Tennessee so far.

By VUMC News and Communications
December 5, 2017

Vanderbilt receives national designation for excellence in infection prevention

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) is the first health system in the nation to receive the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) Program of Distinction designation, an acknowledgement of excellence for infection prevention and control programs that meet stringent standards established by the association.

By Jill Clendening
November 30, 2017

Study uses decision support to reduce unneeded lab tests

Diarrhea has many causes, and when there are prolonged or severe symptoms clinicians sometimes consider lab testing to help guide treatment. But sometimes they stray from published guidelines in the direction of overtesting.
By Paul Govern
November 21, 2017

Post-flu risks a growing concern for the elderly

Infectious disease experts are warning that flu can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and disability in elderly patients for months after they have recovered from their illness.
By Craig Boerner
November 9, 2017

HIV outreach and return to care

When chronic disease patients let their care lapse and fail to show for clinic appointments, it may behoove clinics to reach out and encourage a return to care.
By Paul Govern
October 26, 2017

Edwards, Schaffner honored by major infectious diseases organizations

Two highly regarded Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) infectious disease clinicians were recognized with service awards from prominent organizations during IDWeek in San Diego, California, Oct. 4-8.
By Craig Boerner
October 19, 2017

Room-cleaning robots use UV radiation to zap microorganisms

Germ-killing robots are being enlisted to further safeguard Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) patients from health care-associated infections.
By Paul Govern
October 12, 2017

Researcher targets peanut allergies with Cohen Fund support

Scott Smith, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of Medicine, has received a 2017 research award from the Stanley Cohen Innovation Fund to test a new therapeutic strategy for peanut allergies. Smith's research could fundamentally change allergy treatment.
By Leigh MacMillan
October 12, 2017

VIGH receives federal grants to fight kidney disease

Researchers in the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH) have received two new grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) aimed at reducing the risk of kidney disease in HIV-infected adults and improving the treatment of epilepsy in children in Nigeria.
By Bill Snyder