Dr. Abdelbaset Belhaj – Infectious Disease Specialist | Scarborough, ON

Dr. Abdelbaset Belhaj is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at the Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Scarborough, ON, he is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. His practice is supported by adherence to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, patient-centred care. As an Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), he combines clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The clinic provides expert consultation and management for a broad range of infectious diseases, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and current treatment guidelines, fostering a professional and discreet environment for his patients.

He earned his Medical Degree from the University of Tripoli Faculty of Medicine in Libya. Following medical school, he completed residency training—typically in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics—and subsequently pursued a specialized fellowship in Infectious Diseases. He may also hold qualifications in Medical Microbiology, reflecting his dual focus. With over 15 years of experience practicing as an Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) since 2009, he is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His extensive training and certifications ensure a comprehensive approach to infectious disease management.

Dr. Belhaj’s professional philosophy emphasizes accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases using evidence-based medicine. He is dedicated to educating patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies, promoting antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance, and focusing on vulnerable populations and complex infection cases. His collaborative approach involves working closely with primary care physicians, public health entities, and other specialists to optimize patient outcomes and community health. Fluent in Arabic, he ensures clear communication with all patients, reinforcing his commitment to accessible, compassionate care in Scarborough.

Dr. Abdelbaset Belhaj provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:

Fungal and Parasitic Infections

Dr. Belhaj manages diseases caused by fungi (mycoses) or parasites, which can range from superficial skin infections to life-threatening systemic illnesses.

• Toxoplasmosis: Prevention advice for at-risk populations.
• Systemic Fungal Infections (e.g., Candidiasis, Aspergillosis): Examples include invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis.
• Giardiasis and Other Intestinal Parasitic Infections: Diagnosis via stool microscopy or antigen tests; treated with specific antiparasitic medications.

Common Bacterial Infections

Dr. Belhaj manages diagnosis involves identifying the specific bacteria and its susceptibility to antibiotics.

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) - Complicated or Recurrent: Specialist consultation for complicated cases, recurrent infections, or those involving the kidneys (pyelonephritis).
• Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (e.g., Cellulitis, Abscesses): Infections of the skin layers and underlying soft tissues, often causing redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.
• Pneumonia (Bacterial): Treatment depends on the causative bacteria and severity.

Infections in Immunocompromised Patients

Dr. Belhaj manages includes patients with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, cancer patients on chemotherapy, and those on immunosuppressive medications.

• Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Management of infections that occur post-transplantation due to immunosuppressive therapy.
• Infections in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients: Management of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) related infections.
• Primary Immunodeficiency-Associated Infections: Coordination with immunologists.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Abdelbaset Belhaj is necessary.

• Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Consultation for prevention of device-related infections.
• Clinical Microbiology Consultation and Interpretation: Integration of laboratory findings with clinical presentation for accurate diagnosis.
• Comprehensive Infectious Disease Consultation: Guidance on appropriate antimicrobial therapy and diagnostic testing.
• Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Expertise in managing complex drug interactions and atypical presentations.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Diagnosis of latent TB infection and active TB disease.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Guidance on outbreak management and implementation of IPC best practices.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Belhaj.

All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant associations such as AMMI Canada, PHAC, and provincial guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.

Clinic and hospital affiliation details can be obtained by contacting the physician's office or your referring doctor.

Are services from Dr. Belhaj covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Belhaj, such as consultations, diagnostic tests, and management of conditions like HIV or hepatitis, are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Consultations with an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Belhaj, as well as medically necessary diagnostic tests and treatments for infectious conditions, are generally covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). This includes management of chronic infections like HIV or viral hepatitis. Some travel medicine services or specific vaccinations for travel may not be covered and could be an out-of-pocket expense or covered by private insurance. It's advisable to confirm coverage for any non-urgent or preventative services with Dr. Belhaj's office or Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

What is the difference between an Infectious Disease Specialist and a Medical Microbiologist?

An Infectious Disease (ID) Specialist like Dr. Belhaj is a clinician who directly diagnoses and treats patients with infections. A Medical Microbiologist is primarily a laboratory-based specialist who oversees the lab testing for bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites; they interpret lab results and advise clinicians on diagnostics and antimicrobial susceptibility. While their roles are distinct, they work very closely. Some physicians, like Dr. Belhaj may be dually certified in both ID and Medical Microbiology, bridging clinical patient care with laboratory diagnostics. a Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. They also specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

What is Dr. Belhaj's role in antibiotic stewardship?

Dr. Belhaj contributes to antibiotic stewardship by promoting judicious antibiotic prescribing. This helps combat the growing problem of drug-resistant bacteria. He advises on appropriate antibiotic selection and duration for complex infections, and may be involved in hospital or community programs to improve antibiotic use.

What does an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Belhaj specialize in?

An Infectious Disease Specialist, such as Dr. Belhaj, is a medical doctor (MD) with advanced training in diagnosing and treating illnesses caused by microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They manage a wide range of complex infections, including those that are difficult to diagnose, are severe, or occur in patients with weakened immune systems. a Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. They also specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Belhaj?

You should see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Belhaj if you have an infection that is severe, persistent, recurrent, difficult to diagnose, or not responding to standard treatments. This includes conditions like fevers of unknown origin, complex infections after surgery or travel, HIV, viral hepatitis, or if you are immunocompromised and develop an infection. A referral from your family doctor or another specialist is typically required.

Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario
Room 5109 C 5th Floor West, 2867 Ellesmere Road, Div of Endocrinology & Metabolism
Scarborough, ON M1E 4B9

Office Phone: (416) 284-8131 | Office Fax: (416) 281-7384

Dr. Belhaj is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in Ontario. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Belhaj, particularly for services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP).

Verify Dr. Belhaj's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Belhaj-Abdelbaset/0213867-80931