Infectious diseases form the group of most prevalent diseases both in our country and around the world; moreover, signs and symptoms of infectious diseases may vary substantially, diseases may vary because there are a lot of causative agents and also said diseases are related to all of the organs. The Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Department at the VKV American Hospital successfully diagnoses, treats and follows up all infectious diseases. Our department carries out diagnostic and therapeutic processes for infectious diseases, such as febrile illness, common cold, influenza, acute/chronic Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, AIDS (HIV), and other viral diseases, Lyme disease, opportunistic infections in cancer patients, typhoid fever, brucellosis, diarrhea, food poisoning, exanthematous viral infections, infections of the bone, joints, skin and soft tissue, travel diseases (Dengue Fever, Chikungunya fever, Zika Virus infection etc.), tropical diseases, parasitic diseases, systemic fungal infections as well as contagious disease such as tuberculosis and meningitis.

Advancements in patient care and treatment based on the introduction of modern medicine, contemporary critical care options, advancements in anti-cancer treatments and improvements in surgical interventions extend the human life span and increase the quality of life. However, all these improvements are also associated with certain unfavorable bi-products; suppression of the immune system due to both underlying diseases and actual implemented treatments lead to a substantial increase in infections, which are especially caused by opportunistic and resistant microorganisms. Besides, hospital infections that create one of the most profound problems of our age have become a clear indicator of service quality for inpatient healthcare organizations. Hospital (nosocomial) infections have increased mortality, morbidity and treatment costs and require the use of infection control strategies. Infection control programs, if performed well, can decrease the risk of nosocomial infections, the associated relevant costs and can shorten hospital stays.

Therefore, the Infection Control Committee (ICC) that is affiliated with the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Department initiates control of antibiotic use from other hospital departments along with all infection control activity. The Infection Control Committee holds regular monthly meetings and is restructured according to Infection Control Guidelines for Healthcare Settings and scientific procedures (Center Disease Control and Prevention – CDC). In addition 2 infectious disease and clinical microbiology doctors and 2 infection control nurses work at the clinic in a full-time capacity. 
C BLOK C BLOK
2nd.Kat 2ndFloor
08:00 - 17:00 08:00 - 17:00
Monday - Friday Monday - Friday

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Fever is the most important reliable indicator of the presence of infectious diseases and it can be defined as “body temperature equal to or above 38 °C Celsius Degrees”. Signs and symptoms may vary according to the infected organ or tissue. For example, urinary tract infections are manifested by dysuria and frequent urination while respiratory tract infections display symptoms such as cough, sore throat, fatigue, and arthralgia.
 

  • Urinary tract infection
  • Pneumonia
  • Infective endocarditis (infection in the heart valves)
  • Meningitis

Viral Infections
  • Influenza
  • Other respiratory tract infections
  • HIV infection (AIDS)
  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Hepatitis C.
  • Dengue Fever, Chikungunya Fever
  • Zika virus, Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes simplex virus
  • Immunization before travel (vaccination and medications to prevent the diseases)
  • Diagnosis and treatment of infection after travel (Zika, Chikungunya fever, Dengue Fever, Malaria, etc.)
  • Diagnosis and treatment of febrile diseases
  • Diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of Hepatitis A, B and C, and HIV that may progress into chronic manifestations
  • Diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease
  • Diagnosis and treatment of meningitis, brucellosis, heart valves infections, urinary tract, and kidney infections
  • Rational use of antibiotics
  • Prevention of nosocomial infections: We are among an extremely limited number of healthcare centers globally in terms of practicing prevention of nosocomial infections, thanks to cutting edge equipment for isolation measures, sterilization/disinfection conditions and sterile procedures, trained personnel and the Infection Control Team that closely follows all infection control processes.
  • Tropical diseases: We successfully diagnose and treat tropical infections that vary according to the origin and rarity.
  • Travel Health: Our department offers Travel Medicine services not only with prevention measures before and during travel, but also with treatment services after travel, vaccines for infectious diseases and counseling services for other prevention issues.
  • Vaccination of Adults: Vaccination is required throughout everyone’s lifespan. Our hospital informs patients about the vaccines that should be administered during adulthood.