Dariusz (Darek) Hareza, MD, MHS
ARLG Fellow
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
About my role
As an infectious diseases fellow, I am conducting research investigating the molecular epidemiology and clinical outcomes of patients infected with non-CTX-M extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E). I recently completed a Master of Health Sciences degree to formalize my training in biostatistics, epidemiology, and grant writing to ensure that the studies I conduct are properly designed and analyzed using robust methodologies.
About my research
I aim to investigate the significance of identifying non-CTX-M extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) in enhancing patient outcomes. More specifically, I am studying whether there are particular antibiotics that can optimize the clinical outcomes of patients with non-CTX-M ESBL-E bloodstream infections utilizing whole genome sequencing of a cohort of 500 hospitalized patients with ceftriaxone-resistant Enterobacterales bloodstream infections. I am excited to report that the findings of this work have been recently accepted in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Why is this research important?
This research aligns with ARLG’s mission to identify ways to optimize treatment for gram-negative bacterial infections. While rates of most other multidrug-resistant organisms have remained stable in the United States, ESBL-E infections have been rising over the past decade, and clinical outcomes of patients infected with these organisms are poor. There are multiple families of ESBLs – the most common and most studied being CTX-M. Our knowledge about the epidemiology of and optimal treatments for patients infected with non-CTX-M ESBLs is deficient, partly due to the lack of commercially available tests to detect these organisms.
Impact of the ARLG mentoring and funding on my career
ARLG has provided me with outstanding mentorship opportunities and training so that I can advance my academic career in improving the diagnosis and treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections. My assigned mentor, Anthony Harris, MD, MPH, and I regularly check in to discuss approaches to position myself for a successful career in academic medicine studying gram-negative resistance, design and execution of meaningful research studies, and applying for future funding opportunities. It has been invaluable to be able to brainstorm ways to get the most out of the support I receive from ARLG, to be given opportunities to present my research at national conferences, and to ensure I meet experts in the field such as Dr. Harris, Pranita D. Tamma, MD, MHS, and Sara Cosgrove, MD.
ARLG has been instrumental in helping me become a clinical researcher, and I encourage all trainees interested in antimicrobial resistance to become involved with ARLG!