Condition Management

Infectious Disease Services

We provide compassionate, expert care for a broad range of infectious diseases, including HIV, tuberculosis (TB), other mycobacterial infections, and post-operative infections. Dr Botha also provides specialised infectious disease care for bone marrow transplant patients at Haemalife, Netcare Kuils River.

All other patients are seen at Mediclinic Cape Gate, either as outpatients or inpatients, depending on clinical needs. We understand that infectious disease diagnoses can be stressful, and our aim is to provide supportive, patient-centred care that helps you navigate your health journey with confidence.

Our Approach Across All Services

  • Safe, evidence-based, and specialised care
  • Integrated care with multidisciplinary teams
  • Patient-focused care, with education, guidance, and emotional support

Our goal is prevention, early detection, and effective management of infections—supporting both physical health and peace of mind. Clear explanations and collaborative care planning are prioritised.

HIV Care and Management

Initial Consultation

  • Confirmation of HIV test results and review of medical history
  • Baseline blood tests: CD4 count, viral load, liver and kidney function
  • Explanation of HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART)
  • Initiation of ART where indicated
  • Planning of follow-up appointments

Follow-Up Care

  • Monitoring of viral load and CD4 count
  • Assessment of medication side effects and interactions
  • Screening for co-infections (TB, hepatitis) when indicated
  • Vaccinations and general health guidance
  • Ongoing support for adherence, lifestyle, and emotional wellbeing
  • Follow-up monitoring blood tests

Patient Support

  • Reassurance, education, and guidance following diagnosis
  • Practical strategies to maintain adherence and manage side effects
  • Emotional support and lifestyle guidance to help patients live well with HIV
  • Our goal is to empower patients to manage their health confidently

FAQs

When should treatment start?

Treatment should begin as soon as possible after diagnosis. Early ART protects the immune system, prevents complications, and significantly reduces the risk of HIV transmission.

Is treatment lifelong?

Yes. HIV treatment is lifelong, even when viral load becomes undetectable. Stopping treatment allows the virus to rebound and damage the immune system.

How private is my information?

All care is strictly confidential. Medical information is protected by law and professional ethics and shared only with consent and involved healthcare providers.

How does this affect my sexual partners?

With effective ART and an undetectable viral load, HIV cannot be transmitted sexually (“U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable”). We provide tailored guidance on disclosure, relationships, and family planning.

How does the affect family planning?

With appropriate treatment, pregnancy and parenthood are safe. We provide guidance on timing, ART adherence, and reducing transmission risks.

What happens if a miss a dose?

Occasional missed doses are usually not harmful, but frequent missed doses can reduce treatment effectiveness. Practical adherence support is provided.

Tuberculosis (TB) & Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infections (NTMS)

  1. PULMONARY TB

Initial Consultation

  • Review of symptoms (cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss)
  • Physical examination and risk assessment
  • Investigations: chest X-ray or CT, sputum tests
  • Guidance on infection control and mask use
  • Discussion of the treatment plan

Follow-Up Care

  • Monitoring of symptoms and treatment response
  • Repeat sputum testing and imaging as indicated
  • Blood tests to monitor medication safety
  • Guidance for household and community protection

Patient Support

  • Clear education, reassurance, and practical guidance, particularly during isolation periods.

2. EXTRAPULMONARY TB

  • Assessment of organ-specific symptoms
  • Imaging, biopsies, or fluid sampling
  • Individualised treatment plans
  • Ongoing monitoring and coordination with other specialists

3. NONTUBERCULOUS MYCOBACTERIAL INFECTIONS (NTMS)

  • Detailed review of medical history and underlying lung conditions
  • Advanced investigations and long-term antibiotic planning
  • Close monitoring, medication adjustment, and multidisciplinary coordination

Post-Operative & Device-Related Infections

We manage infections related to surgery or medical devices, including:

  • Prosthetic joints and implants
  • Vascular or urinary catheters
  • Pacemakers and defibrillators
  • Surgical wound infections
  • Multi-drug-resistant infections

Role of the Infectious Disease Specialist

  • Coordination of care with surgeons and other specialists
  • Individualised antibiotic regimens
  • Monitoring via blood tests (such as ESR, CRP, and PCT), imaging, and clinical review

What is CRP? CRP is a marker of inflammation or infection:

  • High CRP: infection or inflammation present
  • Falling CRP: treatment response
  • Normal CRP: infection resolving

Infections in Immuno-compromised & Travel-Exposed Patients

Immuno-compromised Patients

  • Advanced HIV
  • Chemotherapy
  • Post-transplant immunosuppression

    Common infections include fungal, viral, parasitic, and bacterial infections. We provide close monitoring, early intervention, and clear preventive guidance.

Travel-Associated Infections

  • Fever of unknown origin
  • Traveller’s diarrhoea
  • Tropical skin infections
  • Malaria, tick-borne, or parasitic diseases

Infectious Disease Care in Bone Marrow & Stem Cell Transplantation

Specialised inpatient care is provided at Haemalife, Netcare Kuils River.

Role of the Infectious Disease Specialist:

    • Pre- and post-transplant infection risk assessment
    • Preventive antimicrobial strategies
    • Monitoring and rapid intervention
    • Guidance for patients and families on hygiene and isolation
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