USF Health’s IDPodcasts

Dr. Kornblum, an Infectious Diseases fellow at the USF Morsani College of Medicine, reviews the rapidly advancing practice and integration of artificial intelligence technologies into mainstream medicine, with a focus on infectious diseases. Dr. Kornblum focuses on several central themes: (1) How good is the information provided by AI models, such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini or xAI’s Grok, for diagnosing complex medial cases. (2) What are the pitfalls of relying on AI models for medical diagnostics? (3) Are there safety concerns with integrating AI models into a physician’s workflow? And (4) what are the future directions for this technology.

Dr. John Toney, Professor of Medicine at the USF Morsani College of Medicine, looks at the current landscape of Clostridioides difficile infection in the post-COVID environment. A great deal has changed in the years COVID-19 was a major health treat…including taxonomy, epidemiology, and disease prevalence and distribution, as well as treatment practices. Dr. Toney looks at the role of bile acids in C. difficile, as well as virulence mechanisms. Next, he describes the growing recognition for the need for two step testing to screen for true c. diff associated diarrhea. He then describes antimicrobial management, divided into first episode and subsequent recurrences. Also discussed are emerging biotherapeutic options for treatment and whether a C. difficile vaccine will ever be possible.

Dr. Cilia Nazef, Infectious Diseases Fellow at the USF Morsani College Medicine, presents a talk on Histoplasmosis, an endemic fungal mycosis, in a case based format. Leading off with an in detail discussion of a fascinating patient, Dr. Nazef continues to discuss the clinical manifestations, diagnostic testing, and treatment of this fungal syndrome. She closes the presentation with information on late/long term complications and histoplasmosis in stem cell transplant patients.

Dr. Patimavirujh, A PGY-2 resident at the USF Morsani College of Medicine, reviews the use of steroid medication in the management of infectious diseases syndromes. Following an introduction on the history of steroids in medicine, the speaker compares and contrasts steroid agents with mineralcorticoid and glucocorticoid activity. Next, the pharmacokinetics of steroids are discussed, as well as dose equivalencies for the different steroid molecules. Next, the use of steroids for various infectious diseases are discussed, including for pneumonia (including Pneumocystis infection), bacterial meningitis, TB meningitis, and cryptococcal meningitis.

Dr. John Toney, Professor of Medicine at the USF Morsani College of Medicine, presents an update on the management of Sepsis. Dr. Toney begins by discussing the pathophysiology regarding sepsis and septic shock. He then shares the most recent sepsis guidelines. Next, he presents the stages of sepsis and covers the qSofa score. Next, Dr. Toney covers the management of sepsis, including resuscitation, antibiotics, and therapies that were once recommended which have either gone by the wayside or have been modified in the modern era.

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.

Dr. Patrick Danaher, Infectious Diseases Clinician at the USF Morsani College of Medicine, discusses the various dermatologic manifestations of HIV in this recorded session. Among the topics discussed includes genital herpes disease, Zoster, Mpox infections, MRSA skin lesions, and Kaposi sarcoma. The lecture is presented in a case-based format.

Dr. Richard L. Oehler, Professor of Medicine at the Division of Infectious Diseases, Morsani College of Medicine, reviews two important clinical syndromes caused by Spirochetes. Dr Oehler begins by presenting an actual clinical case of Leptospirosis in a returning traveller from the Caribbean. He then discusses the epidemiology of Leptospira, a widespread zoonotic pathogen that favors temperate and topical climates worldwide. He then relates the life cycle, means of transmission, microbiology, clinical manifestations, and most relevant diagnostic studies. He concludes the leptospirosis section by discussing treatment and prevention. The second case he discusses is a febrile illness in a returning traveler from Jordan. Dr. Oehler goes on to discuss the epidemiology and classification system for relapsing fever (RF), and its broad categorization into tick-borne (endemic) and louse-borne (epidemic) forms. He further describes the characteristics of the soft-shelled Ornithodoros ticks and the Human Body Louse, and differentiates the Hard Tick Relapsing Fevers such as Borellia miyamotoi and B. lonestarii. He then reviews the clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options for each form of RF. Lastly, Dr, Oehler breaks down treatment and prevention strategies for each form of relapsing fever.

Dr. Kitan Amin, Infectious Diseases Fellow at the USF Morsani College of Medicine, presents this talk on the current state of syphilis in the U.S. Dr. Amin begins by discussing the epidemiology and classification of Treponemial organisms. The history of Syphilis is then reviewed, including the origins of the disease in the new world and the unfortunate history of the Tuskegee trials. Next, the clinical manifestations of Syphilis are detailed, including primary, secondary, late latent, and neurosyphilis. The unique effects of Syphilis in HIV are also covered. Lastly, syphilis testing and treatment are reviewed, including the effects of the recent Benzathine penicillin shortage and alternatives to Penicillin for treatment.

Dr Cilia Nazef, Infectious diseases Fellow at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, explores how Pneumocystis jirovecii, a fungal infection typically affecting immunocompromised patients, can also affect patients suffering from hypercortisolism. Dr. Nazef begins by examining different cases of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia (PJP) in patients with Cushings disease. Next, she further explains the immunologic basis behind how the hypercortisol state induces immunosuppression. Dr. Nazef closes by examining the basis for PJP prophylaxis in Cushings disease patients, and the shortcomings of the current literature in advocating prophylaxis options.

Dr. Todd Wills, Professor of Medicine with the Morsani College of Medicine at the University of South Florida, reviews the unique complications and issues that can occur in the elderly HIV patient. Dr. Wills begins by reviewing the epidemiology of HIV by age group, including the fact that the HIV positive population is growing older with time. Dr. Wills also discusses issues regarding polypharmacy and medication tolerability in the older patient. Next, the speaker relates how the high prevalence of chronic diseases affect the HIV positive patient’s prognosis. HIV positive elderly patients can suffer not just from frailty, but from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer. Dementia can also affect an elderly HIV paitent’s overall wellness and compliance with antiviral therapy. Dr. Wills also covers the assessment of bone density in elderly HIV positive patients. Lastly, Dr. Wills discusses HIV positive patient life expectancy in the modern age of antiretroviral therapy. The lecture is updated for 2024.

Dr. Sung Soo Kim, ID clinical pharmacist, presents a talk on the spectrum of HIV therapy and ART (Antiretroviral Therapy)-related adverse drug interactions. Dr. Kim begins by describing the mechanisms by which HIV therapy-related adverse drug interactions occur. Next, he discusses the various classes of antiretrovirals and their specific drug interactions, including integrate inhibitors, NNRTIs, NRTIS, and Protease Inhibitors. Dr. Kim closes by discussing the consequences of unmanaged drug-drug interactions in patients on ARTs as well as the available drug-drug interaction resources available to the clinician.

Dr. Olga Klinkova covers essential information regarding the management of infectious complications of hematologic malignancies. Topics covered include the initial evaluation of patients, neutropenic fever, neutropenic enterocolitis, and antimicrobial prophylaxis. Next, Dr. Baluch discusses ID management of stem cell transplants, CAR-T therapy, and when it is necessary to administer antimicrobial prophylaxis in these patients. The lecture is updated as of 2024.

Dr. Richard Oehler, Professor of Medicine at the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, presents a review of bacteremia. Dr. Oehler begins by reviewing the epidemiology, personal and institutional costs of bacteremia. He then discusses blood culture collection and how false positive blood cultures occur. With the recent blood culture bottle shortage of 2024, he emphasizes the new concept of “blood culture stewardship”–when it is most appropriate to order a blood culture versus when it may be unnecessary. Next, Dr. Oehler reviews automated blood culture systems and other related identification technology, with a focus on new methods of blood culture isolate identification such as multiplex PCR and Maldi-TOF. The speaker then contrasts gram positive and gram negative bacteremia in general and by organism. The management of a positive blood culture with regard to treatment and source control is discussed. Lastly, ways to reduce the incidence of bacteremia are shared.

Dr. Jackie Sherbuk, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the USF Morsani College of Medicine, presents this case-based review of the opportunistic infectious syndromes associated with HIV-AIDS. The speaker covers PJP prophylaxis and treatment, HIV pulmonary disease, and cryptococcal meningitis. Dr. Sherbuk also discusses IRIS (Immune Response Inflammatory Syndrome) and its effect on the AIDS patient when antiretrovirals are started. Lastly, Dr. Sherbuk covers HIV esophageal disorders, Histoplasmosis, Coccidioidomycosis, and Mycobacterium avian-complex-related syndromes.

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.

Dr. Jamie Morano, Infectious Diseases and HIV Specialist with the University of South Florida College of medicine, presents an overview of the diagnosis and management of HIV infection. Part of USF ID’s Basics of HIV Management Review Series.

Pharmacotherapy specialist Kristin Zeitler, PharmD, from Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, FL, presents this talk on the basics of antimicrobial therapy management for hospital patients. Dr. Zeitler begins by emphasizing the important of the ID clinical pharmacist. She then compares and contrasts Pharmacokinetics (PK) , the way drugs move through the body, with Pharmacodynamics (PD), the relationship between serum drug concentration and the therapeutic/toxic effects of the drug. PK/PD effects of antimicrobials are then further explored. Dr. Zeitler goes on to discuss Vancomycin dosing strategies, the effects of serum albumin on serum antimicrobial drug levels, drug penetration into the site of interest, drug dosing strategies for patients with renal insufficiency, and the effects of obesity and critical illness on antimicrobial dosing strategies.

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.

Dr. Arun Sunny, Infectious Diseases Senior Fellow at the University of South Florida Division of Infectious Diseases, presents a second overview of the current infectious diseases literature focusing on studies that may influence your medical practice. Dr. Sunny focuses on the areas of climate change, prophylaxis, antimicrobial stewardship, and the use of AI (Artificial Intelligence) in medicine. From a talk originally presented in February, 2024.

Dr. John Sia, Infectious Diseases Fellow at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, looks at the field of Infectious Diseases Medicine, and its prospects for continued success in recruitment and the economics of practice. Dr. Sia looks at some of the challenges for the infectious Diseases clinician, what ID needs to do to continue to attract some of the brightest and most talented medical professionals to the field, and how ID continues to be one of the most satisfying and rewarding of all the medical subspecialties. Dr. Sia also shares some of the reasons he chose Infectious Diseases as part of his own personal journey.

Dr. Diaz Vera, Infectious Diseases Fellow at the University of South Florida Division of Infectious Diseases, presents a companion lecture to his original talk on bacteriophage therapy. Because of the rising tide of antimicrobial resistance, many experts believe that we are entering the post-antibiotic era in medicine. As a result, researchers are exploring phage-antimicrobial synergy in an attempt to make our antibiotic armamentarium go farther. Dr. Diaz elaborates on the application of phage-antimicrobial synergy and provides examples of phage therapy utilized in the clinical setting. For Dr. Diaz’s original talk, please click here: Intro to Bacteriophage therapy

In the second of his two part series, Dr. John Toney reviews additional infectious syndromes involving the eye. For Part 2, Dr. Toney begins by discussing uveitis, and then covers preseptal and postseptal orbital cellulitis. Next he shares information on endogenous endophthalmitis and dacrocystitis. Finally, in a lightning round, trachoma, Parinaud’s oculoglandular syndrome, and Herpes Zoster ophthalmicus are presented. For Part I of this talk, please see the previous week’s posted presentation.

In a two part series, Dr. John Toney, Professor of Medicine at the University of South Florida Division of Infectious Diseases, reviews various infectious syndromes involving the eye. For Part One, Dr. Toney initially reviews the anatomy of the eye. Next, he reviews blepharitis, conjunctivitis, and diseases of the cornea. Dr. Toney concludes the lecture by discussing microbial keratitis, HSV keratitis, and acanthamoeba keratitis. For part II, please refer to the upcoming presentation posting next week.

Dr. Guy Handley, Assistant Professor at the USF Morsani Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, presents a talk on Fungal pneumonias in immunocompromised patients. Dr. Handley begins by discussing the differential diagnosis of pneumonia, and then an overview of the most common types of mold pneumonias by pathogen. He then shares a case presentation of a mold pneumonia and discusses options in a question and answer format utilizing PollEv. Next, Dr. Handley focuses on Aspergillosis , then Zygomycosis, and compares and contrasts the two. Diagnostic and treatment options are explored for the invasive molds. Lastly, future directions in mold therapy are mentioned, including Fosmanogepix, ibrexafungerp, Rezafungin, and others.

Dr. Richard Oehler, Professor of Medicine at the Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine at USF, presents this overview of Nocardia and Actinomyces, two closely-related gram positive filamentous rods which have distinct differences. In his presentation, Dr. Oehler initially covers Nocardiosis, followed by Actinomycosis, and compares and contrasts both and how they produce human infection. Topics covered for both infections include their taxonomy, epidemiology, types of patients infected, infectious syndromes, potential complications, recommended therapies, and duration of treatment. At the end of the talk both Nocardiosis and Actinomycosis are directly compared to help summarize the important learning points presented.

Dr. Anthony Cannella, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of South Florida Division of Infectious Diseases, presents this update on nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections. Dr. Cannella begins by discussing the taxonomy of nontuberculous mycobacteria. Next, he reviews epidemiology including the common methods of transmission of the infection. He then describes the immunological factors that confer increased susceptibility for certain individuals. Laboratory growth characteristics are also reviewed. Dr. Cannella then reviews the most significant species of NTM producing disease in humans. He begins by describing Mycobacterium avium complex, and then discusses M. kansasii, M. xenopii, M. haemophilum, S. szulgai, and M. marinum. Clinical cases are presented throughout the talk to help with information retention and provide specific clinical examples.

Dr. Shuchi Pandya, infectious diseases clinician with the ID Associates of Tampa Bay, presents an update in the use of antimicrobials for surgical prophylaxis. Dr Pandyla begins by clarifying the definition of a surgical site infection. She then differentiates the categories of surgical procedures in terms of clean, clean contaminated, contaminated, and dirty procedures and their typical microbial characteristics. She then discusses other aspects of antimicrobial prophylaxis, including timing, duration, and surgery-specific variations. Specific recommendations for GI Surgery, OB-Gyn, orthopedic, breast, and spinal surgery are also discussed in a fast paced presentation.

Dr. Aliyah Baluch, Program Lead for Bone Marrow Transplant Infectious Diseases at Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, reviews Important opportunistic fungal pathogens of relevance to the stem cell transplant and immunocompromised patient. Dr. Baluch beings by discussing the pharmacologic options for aspergillus treatment and their individual mechanisms of action. Next, through a case-based format, she reviews specific scenarios related to fungal infections with Aspergillus, Mucor, and Sporothrix. Lastly, new agents in the antifungal pipeline are discussed, and a robust question and answer session closes the presentation.

Dr. Jackie Sherbuk, Assistant Professor at the Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, reviews the most important protozoal infections affecting humans. Dr. Sherbuk begins by discussing Entomaeba histolytica, the agent of amoebic colitis, amoebic liver abscess, and dysentery. Next, Dr. Sherbuk elaborates on Leishmaniasis, differentiates visceral, mucosal, and cutaneous disease and and discusses diagnosis and treatment. Next, the speaker discusses Trypanosoma Cruzei (Chagas disease), including epidemiology, geographc distribution, life cycle, clinical manifestations, and the differences seen in immunocompromised persons. She closes by covering old and new world trypanosomiasis. Several case studies are also presented to help test the learner’s retention of the presented information.

Dr. Richard L. Oehler, MD, Professor of Medicine at the USF Morsani College of Medicine, presents this update on Diabetic Foot Infections (DFIs). Focusing on recent guidelines updates from 2023, Dr. Oeher discusses DFI epidemiology, pathophysiology, and Diabetic foot exam basics. He then goes on to review diabetic vascular disease and its role in the progression of diabetic foot complications. Dr. Oehler then reviews the workup of diabetic foot infections including imaging and physical examination findings. Lastly, the management of diabetic foot osteomyelitis is discussed including treatment strategies and prevention.

Dr. John Greene, Professor of Medicine and Chief of Infectious Diseases at Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, presents a review of Pneumonia in this podcast. He differentiates the different pneumonia types by lung pattern, distinguishing the likely etiologies in the categories of ground glass pnuemonia, consolidative infiltrates, small and large nodular pneumonia, and cavitary disease. The lecture is presented in a case-based format to facilitate retention of the information and for ease in learning. Noninfectious etiologies of lung infiltrates are also presented.

Dr. Rod Quilitz, Lead Pharmacist and Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Coordinator at Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, presents a comprehensive talk on the use of antifungal agents and antivirals in the Malignancy patient. Dr Quilitz begins by reviewing the mechanisms of action of different antifungal drug classes. He next discusses Polyene antifungals, azoles, echinocandins in order and includes information on their structure, indications, spectrum of action, dosing information, and toxicities. Lastly, Dr Quilitz discusses antivirals used in the treatment of Herpesvirus family infections, including acyclovir, ganciclovir, foscarnet, cidofovir, and others.