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.