Clinical Microbiology
Overview
The Clinical Microbiology section is part of the Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine within the Department of Pathology & Immunology at Washington University School of Medicine. Current faculty within the section include Melanie Yarbrough (Section Head), Rebekah Dumm, Allison Eberly, and Bijal Parikh.
In 2001, the division established a postdoctoral fellowship in medical and public health microbiology. Since its inception, the program has graduated over 20 fellows, all of whom have achieved board certification and worked in various sectors, including academic, private hospital, reference laboratories, industry, and public health. Further information about application and accreditation may be found here.
Since 2017, the Clinical Microbiology and Molecular Infectious Disease laboratories have operated within state-of-the-art facilities in the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Institute of Health. The labs are equipped with advanced technologies such as total laboratory automation, molecular diagnostics platforms, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory. Over the past decade, the BJH Microbiology laboratory has expanded services to include BJH, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and multiple other BJC facilities.
The laboratory provides comprehensive diagnostic services, including pathogen detection and identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and molecular diagnostics. The clinical microbiology section plays a vital role in patient care by providing accurate, timely, and clinically relevant diagnostic information that guides the management of infectious diseases. Our impact is amplified through close collaboration with multidisciplinary care teams, contributing to antimicrobial stewardship and the interpretation of complex or emerging pathogens. We serve as key partners in epidemiologic surveillance and the detection and control of hospital-acquired infections, helping to prevent outbreaks and improve patient safety. Our expertise ensures that laboratory results are not only technically sound but also actionable, directly influencing treatment decisions and overall public health.
Clinicians
The talented team behind groundbreaking discoveries in this subspecialty.
Highlights
In addition to overseeing the quality and performance of the BJH microbiology laboratory, the clinical microbiology section is actively engaged in education and research activities that advance the field of infectious diseases diagnostics and management. We routinely participate in studies focused on development and impact of novel diagnostic technologies and methods for monitoring antimicrobial resistance. We collaborate with clinicians, epidemiologists, and basic scientists to translate bench discoveries into diagnostic tools that enhance patient care. Through participation in clinical trials, translational studies, and public health initiatives, we contribute to the scientific foundation that drives evidence-based practices in infectious disease management.