University of Pittsburgh Division of Infectious Diseases

🎙️ Breaking Down Barriers in HIV Prevention Season 3 of Microbe Matters concludes with a compelling discussion featuring Dr. Urvi Parikh. This episode dives into how PrEP is reshaping HIV prevention strategies, the urgent need to address global inequities in care access, and the game-changing innovations on the horizon—like long-acting injectables and multipurpose prevention technologies. Discover how research and advocacy are transforming the fight against HIV. 🎧 Tune in now wherever you listen to podcasts and join the conversation! #MicrobeMatters #HIVPrevention #PrEP #IDPittStop

Fungal infections are a silent but growing global health crisis. In a recent interview with Infection Control Today, Cornelius (Neil) Clancy, MD, of Pitt ID and VAPHS highlighted the rising threat of antifungal resistance and the urgent need for improved diagnostics, treatment strategies, and infection prevention efforts. From superficial skin infections to deadly invasive diseases, fungi are becoming harder to treat — especially as resistance spreads in hospitals and the environment. Pathogens like Candida auris and Aspergillus fumigatus pose serious risks, particularly for immunocompromised patients. Clancy warns that we need better surveillance, antifungal stewardship, and cross-sector collaboration to tackle this crisis. Read more:  https://lnkd.in/eUC9btEe #InfectiousDiseases #FungalInfections #AntifungalResistance #idpittstop

What were the most impactful infectious disease papers of 2024? Three members of Pitt’s MiGEL Lab — graduate students Nathalie Chen and Nathan Raabe, MPH Rabbe, and, Lee Harrison, MD — joined a panel of experts on a recent podcast episode to break down this year’s biggest research in antimicrobial resistance. From gram-positive and gram-negative resistance to mycobacterial and parasitic infections, they dive into the most significant findings shaping the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Plus, they discuss the high-level political declaration by the UN addressing the global AMR crisis. Check out the full discussion here:  https://lnkd.in/eUkSbCe3 #AntimicrobialResistance #IDResearch #AMR #InfectiousDiseases #idpittstop

We’re on BlueSky! 🌟 Follow us at @idpittstop.bsky.social for the latest in infectious diseases—cutting-edge research, faculty highlights, podcast updates, and more. Don’t miss out—join the conversation! #InfectiousDiseases #idpittstop #AMR #GlobalHealth

🚨 New Episode Alert! 🚨 What do a McDonald's diet, a Barnes & Noble cookbook section, and molecular clocks have in common? 🤔They’ve all played a role in groundbreaking HIV research! In this episode of Microbe Matters, Cristian Apetrei, MD, PhD, shares how studying non-human primates has reshaped our understanding of HIV—from its ancient evolutionary history to the surprising role of gut health in disease progression. He also discusses how chronic inflammation drives comorbidities, why simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) models are changing vaccine research, and the ethical challenges of animal studies. Don’t miss this fascinating deep dive into the science shaping the future of HIV treatment! 🎧 Now streaming on all major podcast platforms! #HIVResearch #MicrobeMatters #InfectiousDiseases #SciencePodcast #idpittstop

Norovirus, often called the "stomach bug," is making waves this season, and Graham Snyder, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and Medical Director of Infection Prevention ahd Hospital Epidemiology, is here to break it down. In his recent Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and City Paper interviews, Dr. Snyder explains what makes norovirus so contagious, how it spreads, and the best strategies for prevention. From proper hand hygiene to managing outbreaks, his expert advice is invaluable for staying healthy during peak season. 📖 Read the full articles to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eDtJwtcV https://lnkd.in/eCqqFNs8 Thank you, Dr. Snyder, for sharing your expertise and helping our community stay informed and healthy! #Norovirus #InfectiousDiseases #IDPittStop #PublicHealth

What’s behind the rising egg prices and empty shelves? The ongoing bird flu outbreak is causing egg shortages and price hikes across the country, including in Western Pennsylvania. In an interview with TribLIVE, Lee Harrison, MD, Associate Chief of Epidemiology and Microbial Genomics, Professor of Medicine, and Director of the Center for Genomic Epidemiology, sheds light on the situation. Dr. Harrison discusses how avian influenza outbreaks impact poultry populations, the challenges in controlling the spread, and what it all means for our food supply. His perspective provides a crucial understanding of the intersection between infectious diseases and everyday life. 📖 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gSsf9W79 #AvianFlu #PublicHealth #IDPittStop #GenomicEpidemiology

We’re pleased to share that Cristian Apetrei, MD has been honored with the prestigious Negruzzi Prize, a Romanian national honor of excellence recognizing exceptional contributions in the artistic, humanistic, and scientific fields. The Negruzzi Prize, established to celebrate Romania’s cultural heritage, has previously been awarded to notable figures such as Romanian writers, philosophers, and President Maia Sandu of the Republic of Moldova. This year’s recipients exemplify a rich diversity of talent and achievement. The award ceremony, held in Iași on Romania’s National Day, also included the extraordinary honor of Dr. Apetrei being named an Honorary Citizen of Iași for the second time! Congratulations to Dr. Apetrei and all of the awardees for their impactful contributions! Swipe through for photos capturing these moments: 📸 The recipients and their sponsors 📸 Dr. Apetrei receiving the honorary citizenship 📸 Dr. Apetrei with Mircea Lucescu #NegruzziPrize #CulturalExcellence #IDPittStop

📢 New Episode Alert! 🎙️ This week on Microbe Matters, we honor the 40th Anniversary of the Pitt Men’s Study—a groundbreaking HIV research initiative that has transformed science, care, and lives over four decades. Join us as we sit down with: Dr. Charles Rinaldo, one of the founding PIs, Nathaniel Soltesz, a dedicated study employee, and Jeffrey, a long-time study participant. Together, they reflect on the study’s impact on HIV research, its role in the fight against the epidemic, and how it has fostered resilience and support within the LGBT community. Don’t miss this powerful conversation on the legacy of science and community. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you tune in. #MicrobeMatters #PittMensStudy #HIVResearch #IDPittStop

We are very pleased to announce that four faculty members were named 2024 Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers. Highly Cited Researchers have demonstrated significant and broad influence in their fields of research. Each researcher selected has authored multiple Highly Cited Papers™ which rank in the top 1% by citations for their field(s) and publication year in the Web of Science™ over the past decade. However, citation activity is not the sole selection indicator. A preliminary list based on citation activity is then refined using qualitative analysis and expert judgment. Of the world’s population of scientists and social scientists, Highly Cited Researchers™ are 1 in 1,000. Congratulations to: Cornelius (Neil) Clancy, MD, Associate Chief of VA Pittsburgh Health System (VAPHS) and Opportunistic Pathogens, Professor of Medicine, Director of Mycology Program, and, Chief, Infectious Diseases Section VAPHS. Yohei Doi, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine, and, Co-Director, Center for Innovative Antimicrobial Therapy. Minh-Hong Nguyen, MD, Professor of Medicine, Director of Transplant Infectious Diseases, and, Director of Antimicrobial Management Program. Ryan K. Shields, PharmD, MS, Associate Professor of Medicine, Co-Director, Center for Innovative Antimicrobial Therapy, and, Co-Director of Antimicrobial Management Program. #IDPittStop