Ohio State offers comprehensive infectious diseases care. We treat bacterial, fungal, viral and other infections, as well as general internal medicine issues. We're part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team that includes specialists in pathology, virology, immunology, genetics, heart and lung, cancer and many other areas.

From clinical care and hospitalization to immunization, the road to better health starts here.

Specialized treatment areas include:

  • HIV/AIDS and other viral illnesses 
  • M. tuberculosis 
  • Non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infections 
  • Fungal diseases
  • Organ transplant care 
  • Musculoskeletal infections

We provide inpatient and outpatient care in world-class hospitals like the Ohio State Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Ohio State Richard M. Ross Heart Hospital, and in our convenient outpatient clinics.

Hospitalization and Consultation

Patients with potential infections may be hospitalized. Some are referred by emergency departments, outpatient clinics or communities. Specialized inpatient services include:

  • Surgical, medical and cardiac intensive care
  • Neurosurgical care for patients transitioning out of intensive care 
  • Bone marrow, heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas transplantation and care

Outpatient Clinical Care

Ohio State offers clinical care for HIV and varied infectious diseases, plus hospitalization, if needed. There is also an on-site Infectious Diseases Clinical Trials Unit.

Infectious diseases, also called communicable diseases, kill more people worldwide than any other single cause. They're caused by microscopic germs living in the air, soil and water. You can get infected by touching, eating, drinking or breathing something containing a germ. Germs can also spread through animal and insect bites, kissing and sexual contact. Vaccines, proper hand washing and medicines can help prevent infections.

There are four main kinds of germs:

  • Bacteria – one-celled germs that multiply quickly and may release chemicals which can make you sick 
  • Viruses – capsules that contain genetic material, and use your own cells to multiply 
  • Fungi – primitive plants, like mushrooms or mildew 
  • Protozoa – one-celled animals that use other living things for food and a place to live

Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH): National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases