Dr. Prenilla Naidu – Infectious Disease Specialist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Prenilla Naidu 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 Edmonton, Alberta, she is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care within the community. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care. Dr. Naidu's role involves combining clinical infectious disease expertise with specialized knowledge in laboratory diagnostics of microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. She also specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. 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.

Dr. Naidu earned her medical degree (MB ChB) in South Africa. Following medical school, she completed residency training in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or related fields, and subsequently pursued a specialized fellowship in Infectious Diseases. She may also hold qualifications in Medical Microbiology, reflecting her extensive postgraduate training in infectious diseases. With her comprehensive education and certifications, she is well-equipped to provide expert infectious disease care in Alberta.

Her professional philosophy emphasizes a commitment to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infectious diseases using evidence-based medicine. She is dedicated to educating her patients about their conditions and infection prevention strategies, promoting antimicrobial stewardship to combat antibiotic resistance, and focusing on vulnerable populations and complex infection management. Dr. Naidu values collaborative care, working closely with primary care physicians, public health authorities, and other specialists to ensure optimal patient and community health. She is also proficient in Afrikaans and Zulu, facilitating clear communication with diverse patient populations in Edmonton.

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

Infections in Immunocompromised Patients

Dr. Naidu manages focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, and aggressive management of infections.

• Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Management of infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can cause neutropenia and mucositis.
• Infections in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: Includes prophylactic strategies and treatment of viral (CMV, EBV), fungal, and bacterial 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.

Viral Infections and Syndromes

Dr. Naidu manages complex or severe viral illnesses.

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection / AIDS: Includes PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) services.
• Herpesvirus Infections (HSV, VZV, CMV, EBV): Counseling on transmission and recurrence.
• 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.

Fungal and Parasitic Infections

Dr. Naidu 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): Serious fungal infections that can affect internal organs, often occurring in immunocompromised individuals.
• Endemic Mycoses (e.g., Histoplasmosis, Blastomycosis - region dependent): Relevant in areas where these fungi are prevalent.

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

• Clinical Microbiology Consultation and Interpretation: Integration of laboratory findings with clinical presentation for accurate diagnosis.
• Management of Common and Uncommon Infections: Expertise in selecting targeted therapies to optimize outcomes and minimize resistance.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Collaboration with public health authorities for contact tracing and control.
• Outbreak Investigation and Management Support: Support for public health and institutional outbreak investigations using microbiological data.
• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Often requires a multidisciplinary approach with orthopedic surgeons.
• Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases Consultation: Post-travel screening for individuals with relevant exposures or symptoms.

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

All infectious disease services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) 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. Naidu practices primarily at an accessible infectious disease clinic situated in Edmonton's Downtown Core neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Neon Sign Museum, easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) including LRT and bus routes. It is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, providing a professional and discreet environment for patients seeking specialized infectious disease services. Parking is typically available nearby, with accessible spots for those with mobility needs.

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

Dr. Naidu is an Infectious Disease Specialist, a physician expert in the intricate world of infections. She 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.

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

You should see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Naidu 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.

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

Infectious Disease Specialists like Dr. Naidu 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. Naidu may provide consultations on complex antibiotic choices and help develop guidelines for appropriate antibiotic use.

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

Most specialized medical care for infectious diseases provided by Dr. Naidu under Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Naidu?

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. Naidu for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)). This ensures that Dr. Naidu receives important medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your condition. Please have your referring doctor's office contact Dr. Naidu's clinic for referral instructions.

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

An Infectious Disease (ID) Specialist like Dr. Naidu 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. Naidu 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.

an infectious disease clinic in Edmonton
200-10150 102 St NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 5E2

Office Phone: (780) 451-3702

Dr. Naidu is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist (Medical Microbiology Co-Focus) regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in Alberta. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Naidu, particularly for services covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Naidu's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=4a2776de-5a11-4a94-8b3b-449fca2783f1&i=1038