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
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Chickenpox Chickenpox is a contagious viral infection often affecting children.
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COVID-19 COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. COVID-19 symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue and more.
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Diphtheria This serious bacterial infection spreads through coughs, sneezes or contact with objects.
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E. Coli Infections E. coli bacteria live in your intestines. Most are harmless, but some can make you very sick.
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Ebola Understanding the symptoms of Ebola and how it is transmitted are the keys to containing this dangerous disease.
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Flu Flu, also called influenza, is a respiratory infection caused by viruses entering your nose or mouth.
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Giardia Giardiasis is caused by parasites in soil, food and water.
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HIV/AIDS HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) kills or damages immune system cells. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is its advanced stage.
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Infectious Mononucleosis This infection, also called "mono," is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It spreads through saliva.
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Lyme Disease The bite of an infected tick spreads this bacterial infection.
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Malaria You get this serious disease, caused by a parasite, when an infected mosquito bites you.
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Measles Measles, or Rubeola, is a contagious viral disease marked by an itchy skin rash.
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Meningitis There are many types of Meningitis, a brain and spinal cord tissue inflammation.
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Mpox A viral infection that causes a painful rash, fever and other symptoms. Generally, the illness is not considered life-threatening.
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MRSA MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) causes a serious, antibiotic-resistant infection.
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Mumps Symptoms caused by the mumps virus include swelling on the side of the face.
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Pneumonia Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of the lungs. Many germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause pneumonia.
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Rubella This viral infection is typically mild, but is most dangerous for a pregnant woman's baby.
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Salmonella Salmonella bacteria are found in raw meat, eggs or unwashed produce.
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Tuberculosis Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by bacteria that attack the lungs or other parts of the body.