SUMMARY
The research interests of Elie F. Berbari, M.D., are deeply rooted in preventing, diagnosing and treating orthopedic infections. He focuses on conditions such as prosthetic joint infections and vertebral osteomyelitis. He also focuses on the prevention of surgical site infections. A hallmark of his approach involves developing and leading national guidelines to standardize care across these complex conditions. Dr. Berbari addresses infections caused by challenging pathogens including fastidious bacteria and fungi. He advocates for an evidence-based, multidisciplinary approach, integrating clinical microbiology, surgery and infectious disease specialties to optimize patient outcomes. Through extensive research published in reputable journals and active participation in creating clinical guidelines, he aims to enhance the quality of patient care and influence healthcare practices nationally.
Focus areas
- Joint arthroplasty and dental procedures. Dr. Berbari researched dental procedures in people with joint arthroplasty. He found no link between dental procedures and prosthetic joint infections. This finding led to revised American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgery guidelines that reduce unnecessary antibiotic use before dental work in people with joint replacements.
- Optimal management of individuals with prosthetic joint infections. His research on rifampin-based treatments for prosthetic joint infections shows that rifampin significantly improves patient outcomes. This research influenced the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) to adopt rifampin treatment into their guidelines for treating prosthetic joint infections.
- Diagnosis of vertebral osteomyelitis. Dr. Berbari improved vertebral osteomyelitis diagnosis through the innovative use of cell counts in disk space fluid and studying the impact of prior antibiotics use on diagnostic test accuracy. His work led to updates in IDSA guidelines.
- Redefining prosthetic joint infection. As president of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society, Dr. Berbari led a team that revised the definition of "prosthetic joint infection." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Healthcare Safety Network have recognized this new consensus definition. This new definition created a national standard for healthcare organizations to report infection rates after hip and knee replacement surgeries.
Significance to patient care
Hip surgery and knee replacement surgery are among the most common surgeries done today in the United States. Approximately 40,000,000 individuals in the United States are living with hip or knee arthroplasty. Dr. Berbari's research paves the way for better healthcare by improving prevention and treatment of infections in people who have undergone joint replacement surgery. His studies improve the diagnostic methods for spinal infections such as vertebral osteomyelitis. He found that adding a specific antibiotic, rifampin, can greatly benefit individuals with joint infections. This discovery is a game changer, making recovery more effective.
Dr. Berbari refines diagnostic techniques by exploring new ways to analyze fluid in the spine disk space. He studies the impact of prior antibiotic use on test results, ensuring accurate diagnoses and timely treatments. Dr. Berbari's recommendations extend to people with joint replacements needing dental care. His research shows that preventive antibiotics, before dental procedures, might not be necessary for all. Less use of unnecessary antibiotics may result in safer patient care. Collectively, Dr. Berbari's contributions are instrumental in advancing patient care by ensuring treatments are effective, are safe and address unmet medical needs with precision.
Professional highlights
- Chair, Public Health, Infectious Diseases, and Occupational Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 2022-present.
- Chair, Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic, 2017-2022.
- Editor-in-chief, Journal of Bone and Joint Infection, 2018-2020.
- Excellence in Teaching Award, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020.
- Infectious Disease Society of America:
- Chair, Vertebral Osteomyelitis Guidelines Panel Development, 2010-2015.
- Chair and co-chair, Prosthetic Joint Infection Guidelines Committee, 2003-2012.
- President, Musculoskeletal Infection Society, 2010-2011.
- Foundation grant, Dental and Other Invasive Procedures and the Risk of Prosthetic Joint Infection: A Hospital Based Control Study, Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation, 2004-2006.