At the SLMA Infectious Disease Clinic, we are committed to delivering exceptional care for a diverse spectrum of infectious diseases. Our team of healthcare professionals specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing various infectious conditions, ranging from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and respiratory infections to more complex diseases such as HIV and viral hepatitis.
With two convenient locations in Houma – one at the SLMA Comprehensive Health Clinic at 605 Enterprise Drive, Suite B, and the other at the Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center, we provide advanced treatment options. To schedule your appointment at the SLMA Comprehensive Health Clinic, please call 985-262-1639.
Conditions
Respiratory Infections
Tuberculosis (TB)
- Description: A mycobacterial infection affecting the lungs.
- Causes: Spread through the air from person to person when someone with TB coughs.
- Symptoms: Coughing that lasts three or more weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood.
- Diagnosis: Skin test, blood tests, chest X-ray.
- Treatment: Long-term treatment with antibiotics.
Non-tuberculous Mycobacterial Infections
- Description: A mycobacterial infection affecting the lungs
- Causes: Exposure to certain environmental sources
- Symptoms: Chronic cough, shortness of breath
- Diagnosis: lung imaging, bronchoscopy
- Treatment: Long-term antibiotics
Chronic Fungal Infections
- Description: Chronic infection of the lungs from fungi
- Causes: Exposure to certain environmental sources
- Symptoms: Chronic cough, shortness of breath
- Diagnosis: lung imaging, bronchoscopy, blood tests
- Treatment: long-term antifungal therapy
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Gonorrhea
- Description: A bacterial infection transmitted through sexual contact.
- Causes: Unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
- Symptoms: Painful urination, abnormal discharge, but can also be asymptomatic.
- Diagnosis: Urine test or swab of the affected area.
- Treatment: Antibiotics, typically a shot of ceftriaxone.
Chlamydia
- Description: A common STI that may not produce symptoms.
- Causes: Sexual contact with an infected person.
- Symptoms: Often asymptomatic, possible genital pain, and discharge.
- Diagnosis: Urine tests or swabs.
- Treatment: Antibiotics, usually doxycycline.
Trichomoniasis
- Description: A sexually transmitted infection caused by the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis.
- Causes: Sexual contact with an infected person.
- Symptoms: Itching, burning, redness, and discharge, but can sometimes be asymptomatic
- Diagnosis: vaginal swab or urine testing
- Treatment: Metronidazole
HIV
- Description: Human Immunodeficiency Virus affects the immune system.
- Causes: Sexual contact, blood transfusion, sharing needles.
- Symptoms: Often initially asymptomatic. Early infection can present with flu-like symptoms. Chronic infection can present with opportunistic infections.
- Diagnosis: Blood tests
- Treatment: Managed with antiretroviral therapy.
Hepatitis B and C
- Description: Viral infections causing liver inflammation.
- Causes: Hepatitis B and C are spread through blood and bodily fluids.
- Symptoms: Mostly asymptomatic, but can sometimes cause jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain
- Diagnosis: Blood tests
- Treatment: Antiviral medications.
Other Conditions
Osteomyelitis
- Description: Infection of the bone.
- Causes: Typically caused by bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, entering the bone through the bloodstream or from nearby tissue infection.
- Symptoms: Fever, pain in the infected bone, swelling, and redness over the affected area.
- Diagnosis: Blood tests, imaging studies like X-rays or MRI, and sometimes a bone biopsy.
- Treatment: Requires a prolonged course of antibiotics, and in some cases, surgical intervention to remove infected bone tissue.
Surgical Intra-abdominal Infections
- Description: Infections within the abdomen following surgery, such as mesh infection, or abscesses.
- Causes: Often a rare complication of abdominal surgeries.
- Symptoms: Abdominal pain, tenderness, fever, and in severe cases, shock.
- Diagnosis: Imaging studies like CT scans and blood tests to assess for signs of infection.
- Treatment: Managed with antibiotics and sometimes requires surgical intervention for source control.
Wound Infections
- Description: Occurs when bacteria enter a wound, leading to an inflammatory response.
- Causes: Contamination of a wound during an injury or surgery.
- Symptoms: Increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth around the wound site, and possibly drainage of pus. It can also present as a non-healing wound.
- Diagnosis: Clinical assessment of the wound and sometimes culturing of wound fluid or tissue.
- Treatment: Treated with antibiotics specific to the identified pathogens and proper wound care to promote healing.
Prosthetic Joint Infections
- Description: Prosthetic joint infections occur when bacteria or fungi infect an artificial joint (e.g., hip or knee replacement).
- Causes: Can result from contamination during joint replacement surgery or from an infection elsewhere in the body spreading to the joint.
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, warmth over the joint, and decreased range of motion.
- Diagnosis: Imaging studies like X-rays or MRI and joint fluid analysis to identify the causative pathogen.
- Treatment: Managed with a combination of antibiotics specific to the identified pathogen and sometimes requires surgical removal of the infected prosthetic joint.
Our Providers
Dr. Allison Cormier
Based at the SLMA Comprehensive Health Clinic, Dr. Allison Cormier is a dedicated infectious disease specialist with a focus on providing individualized care to her patients. Her holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment, combined with her compassionate bedside manner, ensures that each patient receives the highest standard of care tailored to their unique needs.
Dr. Mary Eschete
Located at Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center, Dr. Mary Eschete is a highly regarded infectious disease specialist known for her expertise in diagnosing and treating a diverse range of infectious conditions. Her compassionate nature and commitment to delivering personalized care make her a trusted partner in her patients’ healthcare journeys.
Dr. James Crowe
As an esteemed infectious disease specialist located at Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center, Dr. James Crowe is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and staying at the forefront of medical advancements in the field of infectious diseases. His patient-centered approach and focus on evidence-based medicine make him a trusted partner in his patients’ healthcare journeys.
Locations
Houma Location:
- Address: 605 Enterprise Drive, Suite B, Houma, LA 70360
- Phone: 985-262-1639
- Hours: Mon – Thurs: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Fri: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Chabert Medical Center Location:
- Address: 1990 Industrial Blvd, Houma, Louisiana 70363
- Phone: 985-873-1234
For more information or to schedule an appointment, individuals can contact the respective locations using the provided phone numbers.