An infectious disease doctor is a doctor who specializes in various infections that affect the human body.. These specialists have a lot in common with microbiologists who specialize in infections, although infectious disease specialists focus more on the clinical side.

What is the treatment field of infectious disease specialists?

The reasons your GP may refer you to an infectious disease specialist include:

• Infections that are resistant to treatment (such as antibiotics)
• Diagnosis of infection is difficult
• Infection is associated with high fever
• Assessment before international trips
• Illness after travel
• HIV / AIDS
• Hepatitis B and C

Events that lead to illness, especially travel or risky practices, will also be questioned.

What should you expect when visiting an infectious disease doctor?

History

The infectious disease specialist must first determine the possible infection, severity, nature, and then the best way to control it.... The history will focus on symptoms, their duration, and severity.... Past clinical problems, medications, allergies, and social history are also important.

Inspection

After completing the history, an infectious disease specialist will examine you.

This usually begins with an assessment of temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate.. A general examination is performed and generally includes an examination of the skin rash or lymph nodes, an examination of the chest and abdomen, and sometimes an examination of the genital area.

Otherwise, the examination is done according to the specific case and the symptoms that exist.

Clinical conditions

• Bacterial infections
• Viral infections
• Fungal infections
• Tropical diseases

Specific fields of interest

• Tropical infections
• Malaria
• General health
• Children's infections
• HIV / AIDS
• Tuberculosis disease

Related tests

• blood test
• Microscopic tests, culture and sensitivity of blood, sputum, urine, feces, joint fluid, sampling (swab) from wound, cerebrospinal fluid, etc.
• Imaging includes X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound and MRI scan.

Tests and academic qualifications

• Introductory medical education
• Internship
• Residence
• specialized training