Dr. Mel Krajden – Infectious Disease Specialist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Mel Krajden is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus), committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at an infectious disease clinic in Vancouver in Vancouver, BC, he is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). 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 adherence to current treatment guidelines.

He graduated with an MD and CM (Master of Surgery) from McGill University in 1980. Following medical school, he completed residency training in Internal Medicine and subsequently specialized in Infectious Diseases, earning certification in Medical Microbiology. Dr. Krajden holds key certifications including Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. His extensive postgraduate training in infectious diseases and microbiology ensures a comprehensive understanding of complex infectious conditions and their management.

Dr. Krajden is committed to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases using evidence-based medicine. He emphasizes patient education about their conditions and infection prevention strategies. Promoting antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance is a core aspect of his practice. He focuses on the care of vulnerable populations and manages complex infections with a collaborative approach involving primary care physicians, public health, and other specialists. All communication and patient care are delivered in English, with a dedication to improving individual and community health outcomes in Vancouver.

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

Infections in Immunocompromised Patients

Dr. Krajden manages specialized care for individuals with weakened immune systems who are at higher risk for severe or unusual infections.

• Infections in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) Recipients: Prevention and treatment of bacterial, fungal (e.g., Aspergillus), and viral (e.g., CMV, adenovirus) infections.
• Infections in Patients on Biologics or Immunomodulatory Drugs: Includes screening for latent TB and hepatitis B before starting therapy.
• Primary Immunodeficiency-Associated Infections: Diagnosis and management of recurrent or unusual infections in individuals with inherited defects in their immune system.

Fungal and Parasitic Infections

Dr. Krajden manages treatment involves specific antifungal or antiparasitic medications, often guided by an infectious disease specialist.

• Malaria: Diagnosis requires blood smear examination or rapid diagnostic tests.
• Giardiasis and Other Intestinal Parasitic Infections: Symptoms often include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and bloating.
• Endemic Mycoses (e.g., Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis - region dependent): Diagnosis and treatment based on travel history, exposure, and clinical presentation.

Viral Infections and Syndromes

Dr. Krajden manages management may involve antiviral medications for specific viruses, supportive care, and prevention through vaccination.

• Herpesvirus Infections (HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV): Counseling on transmission and recurrence.
• Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Guidance on antiviral treatment and prevention (vaccination).
• Viral Hepatitis (Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E): Focus on chronic Hepatitis B and C, utilizing modern antiviral therapies to achieve viral suppression or cure.

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

• Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Management of complex TB treatment regimens, including drug-resistant TB.
• Clinical Microbiology Consultation and Interpretation: Integration of laboratory findings with clinical presentation for accurate diagnosis.
• Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Consultation for prevention of device-related infections.
• Antimicrobial Stewardship and Management: Consultation on complex antimicrobial regimens and management of side effects.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Education for healthcare providers and patients on infection prevention strategies.
• Comprehensive Infectious Disease Consultation: Consultation for fevers of unknown origin, recurrent infections, or infections in immunocompromised patients.

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

All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada (AMMI Canada), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and relevant provincial guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Krajden practices primarily at an infectious disease clinic located in Vancouver's Fairview neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Granville Island, accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines, Bus, SeaBus, West Coast Express - Waterfront). The facility is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, providing a professional and discreet environment for patients seeking specialized infectious disease services. On-site or nearby public parking is generally available for patients.

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

Infectious Disease Specialists like Dr. Krajden play a crucial role in antibiotic stewardship, which is the effort to optimize the use of antibiotics to improve patient outcomes and reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This involves ensuring patients receive the right antibiotic, at the right dose, for the right duration, and only when necessary. Dr. Krajden may provide consultations on complex antibiotic choices and help develop guidelines for appropriate antibiotic use.

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

Dr. Krajden is an Infectious Disease Specialist, a physician expert in the intricate world of infections. He provides comprehensive care for various infectious conditions, from common illnesses to rare tropical diseases, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and infections requiring specialized antimicrobial therapy. Combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Krajden?

As an Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Krajden manages numerous types of infections. These frequently include severe skin and soft tissue infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, sexually transmitted infections, travel-related illnesses, and infections requiring long-term or complex antibiotic therapy. Combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

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

A consultation with Dr. Krajden is recommended for specialized management of infections such as tuberculosis, bone and joint infections, or infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Patients needing pre-travel advice for complex itineraries or those returning from travel with unusual symptoms may also benefit from their expertise. Your primary care physician will usually coordinate a referral.

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Krajden?

Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist (e.g., an internist, surgeon, or pediatrician if applicable) is generally required to see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Krajden for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Medical Services Plan (MSP)). This ensures that Dr. Krajden receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. The clinic's fax number for referrals is typically (604) 707-2420.

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

Most specialized medical care for infectious diseases provided by Dr. Krajden under Medical Services Plan (MSP) is covered. This typically includes hospital and outpatient consultations for complex infections. For specific services like certain travel vaccinations, it's best to confirm coverage with the clinic or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

an infectious disease clinic in Vancouver
655 12 Ave W, BC Centre for Disease Control, Public Health Laboratory
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4

Office Phone: (604) 786-2643 | Office Fax: (604) 707-2420

Dr. Krajden is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in British Columbia. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Krajden, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Verify Dr. Krajden's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/323984/Krajden%2CMel