Infectious Diseases
For infants, children, and adolescents with acute and chronic infectious diseases, The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital is home to the state’s only dedicated pediatric infectious disease program – providing an exceptional level of comprehensive care for young patients with illnesses caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites. Through our Travel Clinic, our team also advises children and families who plan to travel outside the U.S. on country-specific immunizations, preventive medications for such conditions as malaria, and food-safety measures.
Our dedicated physicians remain on the leading edge through their involvement in teaching the next generation of physicians and in innovative research.
Our physicians diagnose and treat the full range of infections affecting all major organ systems, including infections involving multiple body systems. Among the conditions that are managed include:
- Blood stream infection (Sepsis)
- Bone and joint infections
- Clostridium difficile colitis (‘C diff’)
- Pneumonias
- Encephalitis
- Food-borne diseases such as salmonella
- Hepatitis B and C
- HIV/AIDS
- Influenza, including the H1N1 virus
- Lyme disease
- Malaria and other travel-related diseases
- Meningitis
- MRSA
- Mononucleosis
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Tuberculosis (TB)
Diagnosis
BBCH is affiliated with NorDx, part of the MaineHealth system. As a result, we have the capabilities to perform a full range of diagnostic testing for timely, accurate diagnosis, enabling appropriate treatment to begin as soon as possible.
Treatment
We provide the most effective medications that are currently available and, careful monitoring, along with coordination of any appropriate home care and/or supportive services a child or family may need. Additional treatments we offer include:
- Antibiotic therapy
- Antiviral therapy
- Antifungal therapy