When your child faces a recurring, serious or hard-to-diagnose infection, our team is here to provide the answers, support and treatment your family needs.

From common illnesses that linger to rare conditions requiring specialized care, we work closely with your family and any other members of your child’s care team to help your child heal and stay healthy.

Infectious Disease Care Designed for Kids

At MU Health Care, we care for children of all ages, from newborns to young adults, and treat the full range of pediatric infectious diseases. Whether your child needs hospital-based or outpatient care, we work closely with experts across different specialties to create the most effective treatment plan.

Our team brings advanced tools and deep expertise to your child’s care, including:

• Fast molecular testing to quickly identify infections
• Fully equipped diagnostic labs
• Active research that keeps MU Health Care at the forefront of pediatric infectious disease care

Effective Antibiotics in Pediatric Care

In our Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, one of the most recognized programs in the state, we ensure your child gets the right antibiotic, at the correct dose, for the right amount of time.

Our team closely tracks how antibiotics are prescribed, monitors resistance patterns and trains every care team member how to avoid overuse and reliance.

We also work with providers across the medical community to help prevent infections, slow the spread of antibiotic resistance and keep our patients — and our community — safe and healthy.

Pediatric Infectious Diseases We Treat

At MU Health Care, your child’s infectious disease care may include a team of pediatric specialists working together to find answers and provide expert treatment.

We diagnose and manage a wide range of infectious diseases in children, including:

• Bacterial infections of the brain, bones, joints, lungs, lymph nodes, skin or other areas
• Fever of unknown origin, recurrent infections or rashes with no clear cause
• Immunodeficiency concerns or suspected immune system issues
• Infections acquired in other countries
• HIV infection
• Kawasaki disease
• Measles
• Opportunistic infections in children with weakened immune systems due to congenital or acquired conditions, transplant or other medical needs
• Periodic fever syndromes
• Tick-borne or other vector-borne diseases
• Rare or unusual infections, including those caused by fungi, mycobacteria or drug-resistant organisms

How We Diagnose Infectious Diseases in Children

At MU Health Care, we start with carefully examining your child’s symptoms and health history, followed by a complete physical exam.

We may use any of the following advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause of your child’s infection:

• Blood tests check for infection and evaluate how your child’s immune system is functioning.
• Biopsies help gather more information from a small tissue sample.
• Cultures help determine which bacteria, virus or fungus may be causing the illness.
• Imaging studies like X-rays or MRIs look for signs of infection in the bones, joints or other areas.
• Pre- and post-travel evaluations check for any abnormalities that may have occurred during travel.
• Skin tests check for allergies or specific infections.

How We Treat Infectious Diseases in Children

Every child is different, and so is every infection. Once we have a diagnosis, our pediatric infection specialists work closely with your family to create a personalized treatment plan focused on your child’s comfort, recovery and long-term health.

Depending on your child’s needs, treatment may include:

• Antibiotics or antivirals to target the specific infection.
• Immunotherapy if your child experiences immune system challenges or ongoing infections.
• Supportive care like fluids, good nutrition and plenty of rest to help the body heal.
• Vaccines to prevent future infections and keep your child protected.
• Hospital care, when needed, to provide close monitoring and treatment in more serious cases

Why Choose MU Health Care for Pediatric Infectious Diseases

• Trusted pediatric infectious disease experts: Our team cares for children of all ages, from newborns through young adults and treat the full range of pediatric infectious diseases.
• One of the most recognized programs in the state: Our Antimicrobial Stewardship Program helps prevent infections, slow the spread of antibiotic resistance and protect our patients and the community.
• Advanced diagnostic tools: With leading-edge lab testing, rapid molecular diagnostics, imaging and more, we can quickly identify infections and build effective, targeted treatment plans.