Dr. Somboonwit, Professor of Medicine with the USF Morsani Division of Infectious Diseases, looks at important infectious diseases that have emerged over the last 20+ years, and the factors that have promoted their emergence. These include climate change, urbanization, international travel, and other factors. Syndromes examined include coronaviruses (SARS CoV1 and SARS CoV2), hemorrhagic fevers (Ebola), and vector-borne diseases (Zikavirus, Chikungunya, and Dengue). Future directions for managing emerging infectious diseases are also explored.

Dr. Jackie Sherbuk, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the USF Morsani College of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, presents a case-based discussion of gram positive organisms producing disease in humans. Infections discussed include Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Pneumococcus, Streptococcus spp., Enterococcus, Corynebacterium, Bacillus, and Erysipelothrix. Associated clinical syndromes are also discussed.

Dr. Rod Quilitz, infectious diseases pharmacotherapist at the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, presents his talk regarding the infectious diseases syndromes likely to be encountered when managing ID complications in an immunocompromised population. Dr. Quilitz begins by discussing risk factors for infection. He then goes on to discuss neutropenic fever management. The contrast between low grade and high grade neutropenia is also differentiated. Next, Dr. Quilitz discusses strategies for prophylaxis of patients who have prolonged neutropenia, including the use of gram positive antimicrobial agents and antifungals. Other subjects covered include the spectrum of CART toxicities, immune reconstitution, prophylaxis for Pneumocystis, CMV disease/prophylaxis, and other viral infections in the immunocompromised population.

Dr. Vivian Vega, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the USF Morsani College of Medicine, presents a board review series on HIV drug resistance. Among the topics discussed include what constitutes a drug mutation, the specifics of having a high resistance barrier, when to obtain a genotype, and when to add an integrate inhibitor genotype. Lastly, specific classic mutations to memorize are discussed.

Dr. Arun Sunny, infectious diseases attending for ID Associates of Tampa Bay, discusses antibiotic related drug intolerances. Dr. Sunny begins by reviewing the mechanisms behind types 1 through 4 immune-mediated hypersensitivity. Next, he differentiates DRESS (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, TEN (Toxic Epidemial Necrolysis)/Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and AGEP (Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis). Dr, Sunny then further characterizes Beta-lactam and Penicillin drug allergies. He then closes by describing antibiotic-related toxicities and provides several examples.

Dr. John Sia, Infectious Diseases Fellow at the Morsani College of Medicine, shares a grand rounds presentation on the national One Health Framework for addressing zoonotic diseases in the U.S. Dr. Sia introduces a clinical case involving a patient exposed to a zoonotic infection. Next, he covers different zoonotic pathogens and their vectors and focuses on Bartonella, Bacillus anthracis, and Brucella. Next, he describes how the One Health initiative helps teams of medical clinicians, scientists, and veterinarians to address disease threats in a collaborative fashion. After brief descriptions of two more cases, Dr. Sia closes with further examples of how the One Health Initiative is beneficial in combating antimicrobial resistance and connecting human, animal, and environmental health.

Dr. John Toney, Hospital Epidemiologist and Professor of Medicine at the USF Morsani College of Medicine, presents a basic review of hospital epidemiology and infection control in this presentation. Dr. Toney begins with defining the concept of hospital infection control, and presents a brief historical perspective. Next, he shares a step by step guide to investigating a hospital outbreak, including confirming the outbreak, forming a case definition, making a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis, and placing the plan into action. Dr. Toney then closes with a series of cases meant to reinforce the concepts presented during the first part of the lecture.

Dr. Suzanne Silbert, Microbiology Director for Tampa General Hospital, presents this introductory talk on the basics of the microbiology lab for 2025. Dr. Silbert begins with an overview of clinical microbiology, and then reviews the basic classification standards for bacterial organisms, viruses and fungi. She then goes on to discuss culture cultivation techniques, including the use of liquid, solid, or semi-solid media. The speaker then covers identification systems for bacterial organisms, including MALDI-TOF, Disk-Diffusion, and molecular diagnostic techniques.

Dr. Becca Bruning, Infectious Diseases Pharmacy Specialist at the Moffitt Cancer and Research Institute in Tampa, FL, takes a deep dive into the subject of resistance mechanisms for specific gram negative bacteria. Dr. Bruning begins her talk by discussing the primary resistance mechanisms, including porin channels, efflux pumps, and other target sites. Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are next covered, including typical bacterial species, identification techniques, ESBL testing, and the use of Piperacillin-tazobactam and carbapenems. Next, Dr. Bruning mentions AmpC-type resistance, and identifies the “HECKYES” bacteria. Pharmacokinetic and phamacdynamic considerations are explored, and specific antimicrobial agents are discussed. Lastly, Dr. Bruning covers the use of carbapenemase testing including the modified hodge test and the Carba-R test.

Dr. Ju Hee Katzman, Infectious Diseases attending and Program Director of the USF ID Fellowship Program, reviews anaerobic infections in this new presentation. In a question and answer format, Dr. Katzman covers the medically significant anaerobic bacteria and categorizes them by their clinical morphology. Next, she covers several clinical scenarios where the treatment of anaerobic infections is indicated, and those in which it is less advisable. Lastly, Dr. Katzman covers specific anaerobic infections, including the Clostridia, the anaerobic gram positive cocci, Bacterioides, Propionibacterium, and Actinomyces.