6 things to know about physician who solved infection mystery

Ankit Bharat, MD, of Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, promised the sister of his patient who had died from a rare infection called sarcoidosis after lung transplant surgery that he would "get to the bottom" of it.

Now, Dr. Bharat determined the possible cause which can likely save lives in the future.

Here are six things to know:

  • The infection caused an abnormal buildup of ammonia in the patient's body.
  • Although rare, it is almost always fatal, according to Dr. Bharat.
  • This infection occurs in about 4 percent of all lung transplant recipients.
  • Dr. Bharat dedicated himself to research and found bacteria caused the condition, and he could treat it with antibiotics.
  • The findings were published in Science Translational Medicine.
  • Dr. Bharat says further studies need to be done but his discovery has saved other patients.

More on infection control & quality:
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Physician office injection leads to hep. C: 4 things to know
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