Patient Services

Southeast Houston Infectious Disease offers a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services for a variety of patients.

• Comprehensive Care of the HIV infected patient
• Treatment of Osteomyelitis (bone infection) and diabetic foot infections
• Treatment of Hepatitis C infection
• Treatment of antibiotic resistance including MRSA and VRE
• Diagnostic evaluation for fever of unknown origin
• Convenient diagnostic testing including Computerized Tomography, diagnostic ultrasound, radiography, and lab work
• Antibiotic Infusions

Comprehensive Care of the HIV infected patient

The clinical staff of Southeast Houston Infectious Diseases is committed to providing comprehensive care for our patients living with HIV infection, and work toward achieving a patient-physician partnership that produces not just excellent clinical results, but improved quality of life as well. We are experienced with the entire spectrum of medical problems faced by HIV infected patients, including management of antiretroviral therapy and its complications, treatment and prevention of opportunistic HIV related infections, co-infection with Hepatitis B and/or HCV and general medical problems (such as uncomplicated diabetes or hypertension). We also specialize in dealing with the unique social and psychological issues that may be encountered by persons living with HIV infection in their day to day lives.

Treatment of Osteomyelitis (bone infection) and diabetic foot infections

Diabetics are often plagued by severe and complicated soft tissue infections of the feet as well as concomitant bone infections (osteomyelitis) requiring prolonged antibiotic therapy and the intervention of a specialist. Infectious disease physicians specialize in coordinating and monitoring appropriate long term antibiotic therapy for all types of infections. If the appropriate antibiotic is not chosen the infection may linger and fail to resolve completely. With the broad choice of antibiotic therapy available in today's market place, it is crucial to have an experienced professional overseeing therapy to avoid incomplete treatment and potential relapses. The physicians of SEHID will work closely with your podiatrist or surgeon and monitor you as an outpatient in order to assure the best possible outcome of your infection.

Treatment of Hepatitis C infection

Hepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver transmitted via contact with contaminated blood products or sexually. The clinical presentation of Hepatitis C (HCV) encompasses a wide spectrum from a dormant carrier state to a life threatening, fulminant hepatitis. Multiple factors contribute to the clinical spectrum of presentation including variations in viral strains, the host's autoimmune reaction to the virus, the overall constitution of the host, and concomitant alcohol use. The most common treatment for Hepatitis C is combination therapy with ribavirin and pegylated interferon. Our physicians have extensive experience with the side effects, indications for, and administration of the therapy for HCV. We can work with you to make an informed decision regarding the timing and appropriateness of therapy, and will provide support and advice throughout the course of treatment.

Treatment of Antibiotic Resistance including MRSA and VRE

With the advent of readily available antibiotics the development of bacterial resistance has become an increasingly common problem. Antibiotic resistance develops when bacteria are exposed to continued antibiotic use and subsequent generations of bacteria develop immunity to the drugs. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become an increasingly common community acquired pathogen, causing skin and soft tissue infections, bone and joint infections, and even pneumonia. The clinicians at SEHID take a comprehensive approach to the eradication of MRSA in their patients, including elimination of the carrier state as well as treating acute infection, and screening and treating household contacts that may also harbor the bacteria. Vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VRE) is the second most common resistant gram positive bacteria found in today's clinical environment, but fortunately it is more likely to cause a carrier state than invasive infection. Appropriate antibiotic therapy is absolutely crucial in combating these resistant bacteria in order to eradicate infection. Infectious disease physicians have specialized training in dealing with and managing antibiotic resistance

Diagnostic Evaluation for Fever of Unknown Origin

The source or cause of fevers can often pose a diagnostic dilemma requiring the intervention of a specialist. Patients sometimes have fevers on a daily basis for days, weeks, or even months without any obvious reason. Infectious disease physicians have specialized training in dealing with these types of difficult scenarios and establishing the diagnosis. The evaluation of fevers of unknown origin may require a diagnostic evaluation including multiple blood draws and CT scans, all of which can be done on site at our facility.

Diagnostic Testing

The office is equipped with a state of the art computerized tomography (40 slice Phillips Brilliance CT scanner), chest radiography, diagnostic ultrasound, and comprehensive blood draws and lab work.

Antibiotic Infusions

Our office contains a comfortable infusion suite where we administer intravenous antibiotics under the supervision of trained specialists. Arrangements can be made for those patients who require long term antibiotic infusions to get home therapy