Dallas Infectious Disease Program
Overview, services & prevention
Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. There are many ways to catch an infection – bacteria could enter through an open wound, parasites may be living in contaminated food, or outside pathogens could be introduced to your system through a bug bite.
Infectious diseases can be serious and require dedicated care from medical specialists. This is especially true for patients with impaired immune systems, particularly those who have undergone an organ transplant.
Our multidisciplinary team of physicians includes fellowship-trained Edward Dominguez, MD, a board-certified Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease specialist.
Services we offer
- General infectious disease treatment and consultation
- Treatment of resistant bacterial infections such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) & streptococcus pneumoniae
- Clinical research on infectious diseases & advanced treatments
Organ Transplant & Infectious Diseases
It’s possible to become infected through an organ transplant. It is a potential risk that anyone who receives an organ transplant should be aware of. This is why patients and donors should undergo extensive screening procedures before a transplant occurs.
Immunosuppressants are often provided to patients to prevent their body from rejecting organ. The drawback is these necessary medications will weaken their immune system and make them more susceptible to infections. Thankfully, it is possible to treat infections caused by organ transplants.
Talk with your doctor about the warning signs of an infection so that you promptly schedule an appointment if symptoms occur.
Prevention
Your immune system will be weakened after an organ transplant, so be sure to avoid infection risks whenever possible, including:
- Getting too close to animals
- Spending time around people dealing with their own infection or illness
- Entering crowded areas such as stores, restaurants, movie theaters, etc.
- Walking past construction sites or industrial areas
- Gardening
Be sure to clean and dress wounds quickly and keep up with your regular dental appointments as many infections can start in the mouth.