Dr. Sara Maria Belga Monteiro Pereira – Infectious Disease Specialist | Vancouver, BC

Dr. Sara Maria Belga Monteiro Pereira is a dedicated Infectious Disease Specialist, committed to providing expert medical care for patients with infectious diseases. Practicing at an infectious disease clinic in Vancouver in Vancouver, BC, she is a trusted provider of specialized infectious disease care in the community. The clinic adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality and safe patient care. Her role focuses on accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and comprehensive management of various infectious conditions, supported by advanced diagnostic capabilities and adherence to current treatment protocols. The clinic provides a professional and discreet environment for specialized infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, fostering patient trust and comfort.

Located in Vancouver's vibrant Fairview neighbourhood, her practice is easily accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The clinic is equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, with accessible parking options nearby, including accessible spots for those with mobility needs. The facility offers a welcoming, confidential setting where patients can feel assured of expert infectious disease management.

Dr. Belga Monteiro Pereira holds a medical degree from Universidade de Lisboa (2007) and has completed residency training in Internal Medicine, followed by a fellowship in Infectious Diseases. She is a board-certified Infectious Disease Specialist with extensive postgraduate training in diagnosing and managing infectious diseases. Her certifications include Certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her professional philosophy emphasizes precise diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and patient education. She is committed to antimicrobial stewardship, the management of complex infections, and collaborative care with primary physicians, public health agencies, and other specialists to optimize patient and community health. Fluent in Portuguese and Spanish, she ensures clear communication with diverse patient populations, dedicated to improving health outcomes in Vancouver.

Dr. Sara Belga Monteiro Pereira provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of infectious diseases, including:

Common Bacterial Infections

Dr. Belga Monteiro Pereira 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).
• Pneumonia (Bacterial): Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
• Sepsis and Bacteremia (Bloodstream Infections): Requires rapid diagnosis and aggressive treatment with antibiotics and supportive care.

Infections in Immunocompromised Patients

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

• Infections in Cancer Patients (Oncology): Management of infections in patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, which can cause neutropenia and mucositis.
• Infections in Patients on Biologics or Immunomodulatory Drugs: Vigilance for opportunistic infections.
• Primary Immunodeficiency-Associated Infections: Coordination with immunologists.

Fungal and Parasitic Infections

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

• Giardiasis and Other Intestinal Parasitic Infections: Diagnosis via stool microscopy or antigen tests; treated with specific antiparasitic medications.
• Toxoplasmosis: Prevention advice for at-risk populations.
• 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. Sara Belga Monteiro Pereira is necessary.

• Travel Medicine and Tropical Diseases Consultation: Post-travel screening for individuals with relevant exposures or symptoms.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis and Management: Management of complex TB treatment regimens, including drug-resistant TB.
• Infections Related to Medical Devices and Implants: Management of infections associated with prosthetic joints, pacemakers, catheters, and other implanted medical devices.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Consultation: Guidance on outbreak management and implementation of IPC best practices.
• Bone and Joint Infections (Osteomyelitis, Septic Arthritis): Often requires a multidisciplinary approach with orthopedic surgeons.
• Management of Infections in Immunocompromised Hosts: Specialized care for patients with weakened immune systems due to conditions like organ transplantation, cancer chemotherapy, or immunodeficiency disorders.

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

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 associations such as AMMI Canada and PHAC. A referral from a primary care physician is generally required for consultation.

Dr. Belga Monteiro Pereira practices at an infectious disease clinic located in Vancouver's vibrant Fairview neighbourhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). The facility is well-equipped for infectious disease consultations and follow-up care, offering a professional, discreet environment for patients seeking expert infectious disease management. Parking is typically available nearby, including accessible spots, ensuring ease of access for all patients.

Are services from Dr. Belga Monteiro Pereira covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Belga Monteiro Pereira, such as consultations, diagnostic tests, and management of conditions like HIV or hepatitis, are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Medical Services Plan (MSP). Consultations with an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Belga Monteiro Pereira, as well as medically necessary diagnostic tests and treatments for infectious conditions, are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP). 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. Belga Monteiro Pereira's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).

What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Belga Monteiro Pereira?

As an Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Belga Monteiro Pereira 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. She specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide spectrum of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

What is Dr. Belga Monteiro Pereira's role in antibiotic stewardship?

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

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

An Infectious Disease (ID) Specialist like Dr. Belga Monteiro Pereira is a clinician who directly diagnoses and treats patients with infections. A Medical Microbiologist is primarily a laboratory-based specialist who oversees 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. Belga Monteiro Pereira, may be dually certified in both ID and Microbiology, bridging clinical care with laboratory diagnostics. As a Infectious Disease Specialist, she focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

When should I see an Infectious Disease Specialist like Dr. Belga Monteiro Pereira?

A consultation with Dr. Belga Monteiro Pereira is recommended for managing complex infections such as tuberculosis, bone and joint infections, or infections caused by resistant bacteria. Patients seeking pre-travel advice for complex itineraries or returning with unusual symptoms may also benefit. Your primary care physician will usually coordinate a referral.

an infectious disease clinic in Vancouver
2733 Heather St, Division of Infectious Diseases Room C328, Heather Pavilion East
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9

Office Phone: (604) 875-4588 | Office Fax: (604) 875-4013

Dr. Belga Monteiro Pereira is a licensed Infectious Disease Specialist 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. Belga Monteiro Pereira, particularly for services covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Verify Dr. Belga Monteiro Pereira's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/335572/Belga%20Monteiro%20Pereira%2CSara