Dr. Drew Wilson, ID Pharmacy Resident, discusses the new options for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV infection. Options discussed include oral PrEP (Truvada, Descovy), cabotegravir, and a newer option, lenacapravir. A prescribing algorithm is also presented, and the topic of developing resistance is also covered. Lastly, Dr. Wilson touches upon other novel agents for PrEP, as well as DoxyPEP for the prevention of bacterial STIs.
Parker Kaleo, PharmD, Pgy2 ID Pharmacy Resident, presents a review of several recent controversies in infectious diseases. He addresses the optimal therapy for refractory MSSA bacteremia, the use of “cidal” versus “bacteriostatic” antimicrobials for severe infections, oral cephalosporins as step down therapy for severe infections, the penetration of cefazolin for CNS infections, and the use of isuvaconazole for Candida albicans infections. The presentation is given in a “confirmed,” “plausible,” or “busted ” format.
Dr. Richard L. Oehler, MD, Professor of Medicine at the USF Morsani College of Medicine, presents this update on Diabetic Foot Infections (DFIs) in 2026. Focusing on recent guidelines and scientific literature, Dr. Oeher discusses DFI epidemiology, pathophysiology, and Diabetic foot exam basics. He then goes on to review diabetic vascular disease and its role in the progression of diabetic foot complications. Dr. Oehler then reviews the workup of diabetic foot infections including imaging and physical examination findings. Lastly, the management of diabetic foot osteomyelitis is discussed including treatment strategies and prevention.
Dr. Cordero-Baez, MD, Infectious Diseases Fellow at the Morsani USF College of Medicine, presents a lighthearted (and Bad Bunny-inspired) look at travel medicine recommendations for Puerto Rico, a popular travel destination (and his home country) in the Caribbean. Dr. Cordero starts by taking a close look at Dengue, for which cases experienced a surge on the island as recently as in 2024. He then discusses Zika virus, including the viruses epidemiology, transmission vectors, clinical manifestations, and complications. Chikungunya virus is also briefly discussed. He closes by discussing ciguatera poisoning and several other transmissible syndromes.
Dr. Mel O’Neal, Infectious Diseases pharmacist at Tampa General Hospital, presents part 2 of her series on Gram Negative Resistance, focusing on therapeutics for treatment of these resistant pathogens. Dr. O’Neal begins by identifying the main resistance mechanisms, including membrane porins, efflux pumps, drug binding site mutations, and degrading enzymes (e.g., beta-lactamases.) She then systematically covers the major agents used for treating resistant gram negative rods, including the newer beta-lactamase inhibitors, cefiderocol, and third-generation tetracyclines. Cases are also presented to emphasize the topics covered.
Dr. Richard Oehler, Professor of Medicine at the Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine at USF, presents this updated overview of Nocardia and Actinomyces, two closely-related gram positive filamentous rods which have distinct differences. In his presentation, Dr. Oehler initially covers Nocardiosis, followed by Actinomycosis, and compares and contrasts both and how they produce human infection. Topics covered for both infections include their taxonomy, epidemiology, types of patients infected, infectious syndromes, potential complications, recommended therapies, and duration of treatment. At the end of the talk both Nocardiosis and Actinomycosis are directly compared to help summarize the important learning points presented.
Dr. Vivian Vega, Infectious Diseases clinician with the USF Morsani College of Medicine, presents a focused look at how to interpret HIV resistance patterns in clinical practice. Among the topics discussed include what constitutes a drug mutation, the specifics of having a high resistance barrier, when to obtain a genotype, and when to add an integrate inhibitor genotype. Lastly, specific classic mutations to memorize are discussed.
Dr. Lauren Rybolt, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the USF Morsani College of Medicine, presents a talk on how to to tailor strategies for Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or “PREP,” to the individual patient. Dr. Rybolt begins by discussing USPSTF recommendations. She then moves on to compare and contrast the currently available options for PREP therapy, including TDF/FTC versus TAF/FTC, Cabotegravir, and Lenacapavir. Dr. Rybolt then discusses laboratory monitoring while on the drugs and modifications of PREP therapy in a patient who also has chronic hepatitis B. She closes with her final points regarding the individualization of PREP treatment and the need to continuously assess the patient’s ongoing risk factors.
