USF Health’s IDPodcasts

Dr. Jose Montero, Medical Director of the Antibiotic Stewardship Program at Tampa General Hospital, presents a basic review of the use of antibiotics in infectious diseases for 2024. Dr. Montero reviews the different classes of antibiotics used in the hospital setting. He then covers each agent’s mechanisms of action, spectrum of activity and common indications. He also mentions the most common adverse reactions associated with antibiotic agents. Classes of agents covered include the penicillin agents, cephalosporins, carbapenems, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, aminoglycosides, glycopeptides, oxazolidinones, glycylcyclines, and beta-lactam-beta-lactamase inhibitor combinations. Lastly, Dr. Montero reviews emerging new agents on the horizon.

Melissa Albert, Infectious Diseases Pharmacist at the James A Haley Veterans Hospital, discusses the recent new literature regarding changes in the clinical breakpoints. Utilizing clinical cases, Dr. Albert demonstrates how to interpret antimicrobial susceptibility reports as well as how to design a patient-centered treatment regimen. Dr. Albert also discusses inducible AmpC-E resistance and how specific breakpoints have been changed for Aminoglycosides. From a lecture originally presented in March 2024.

Dr. Shylah Moore-Pardo, Assistant Professor with the Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, reviews the basics regarding vaccinations in the HIV-positive population. Dr. Pardo first reviews routine immunizations, such as Influenza, Tetanus, and COVID-19. She then covers risk specific vaccines, such as shots for Hepatitis B and C, meningococcus, and Mpox. Next, Dr. Pardo discusses routine vaccines indicated based upon one’s age, including Shingles, HPV, and pneumococcus. She then reviews non-routine vaccines given as indicated (Rabies, Men-B, Travel vaccines, etc.). Lastly, in a question and answer format, Dr. Pardo goes over common vaccine-oriented board questions and provides explanations and context as to the answers to those questions. From a lecture originally presented in January 2024.

Dr. Lauren Rybolt, Infectious Diseases Fellow at the Division of Infectious Diseases, Morsani College of Medicine, discusses the ways that climate change is expected to alter the infectious diseases landscape. Dr. Rybolt begins her talk with the discussion of vector-borne diseases, and then goes on to discuss zoonotic infections, water-borne diseases, habitat changes, and natural disaster impacts. Lastly, Dr. Rybolt completes her talk by sharing information on climate change solutions and adaptations.

Dr. Guy Handley, Assistant Professor of Medicine with the Division of Infectious Diseases, USF Morsani College of Medicine, provides an overview of Human Herpesvirus 6 in Stem Cell Transplant Patients. Dr. Handley uses clinical cases to describe several scenarios related to HHV6 infection. Topics discussed include background, HHV6 latency, reactivation, clinical presentation, encephalitis, treatment strategies, and outcomes. Guidelines for HHV care are also discussed. Dr. Handley closes by discussing controversies and future directions in HHV6 management.

In a lively case-based format, Dr. Jackie Sherbuk, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Division of Infectious Diseases, Moroni College of Medicine at USF, reviews important opportunistic infections (OI’s) in HIV/AIDS patients. Included in the talk, Dr. Sherbuk discusses effective timing of antiretrovirals in the setting of an opportunistic infection. She addresses HIV associated pulmonary disease, cerebral Toxoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis, esophageal candidiasis, cryptosporidiosis, Mycobacterium Avian Complex, and Histoplasmosis. Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS) is also discussed as a phenomenon when antiretroviral therapy is started in the setting of an OI.

Dr. Jamie Morano, Professor of Medicine at the Division of Infectious Diseases, USF Morsani College of Medicine, reviews the epidemiology of Tuberculosis and its relationship to Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection. Topics discussed include TB trends in the US, factors contributing to an increase in TB morbidity, tuberculosis transmission, TB screening, and progression to active disease. Next, Dr. Morano outlines the relationship between tuberculosis and HIV infection. She also presents pearls on the use of antiretrovirals in active TB treatment and how to utilize TB meds in patients who are on antiretrovirals.

Dr Guy Handley, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Division of Infectious Diseases, Morsani College of Medicine, discusses the Clinical manifestations of Pneumocystis Jirovecii infections in a question and answer format. Dr. Handley begins the talk by giving an overview of Pneumocystis, including its history and taxonomy. He then discusses the typical presentation when it causes pneumonia (PCP), the most likely clinical manifestation. Dr. Handley then covers PCP treatment, including the most commonly used therapy (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxasole) and other alternatives. Next, diagnostic testing is discussed, including the use of the 1,3 Beta-Gucan test. Lastly, the use of Echinocandins for the treatment of PCP pneumonia is covered.

Dr. Jackie Sherbuk, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Morsani College of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, presents this case-based review of the use of antiretroviral therapy in HIV/AIDS patients. Dr. Sherbuk begins by reviewing and available antireturovial options, including those that are considered first line. She also covers the use of antiretrovirals in special groups, including expectant mothers, elite controllers, treatment experienced patients, HBV/HIV connected patients, and patients with chronic renal insufficiency. Lastly, Dr. Sherbuk discusses the nuances of using co-formulated combinations of antiretrovirals and mentions the newer long-acting injectable preparations.

Jessica Kennedy, MD, Infectious Diseases Fellow at the University of South Florida Division of Infectious Diseases, discusses the scientific basics around many of the primary Infectious Diseases tests ordered by providers. Dr. Kennedy discusses the scientific basis for EIA/ELIZA, Quantiferon, chemiluminant immunoassays, lateral flow assays, RT-PCR, Fungitell, and LC/MS-MS. In explaining these diagnostic assays, Dr. Kennedy helps the provider understand the limitations and advantages of each test and when they are best used in a clinical scenario.