David Levine, PhD, DPT, MPH, FAPTA

David Levine, PhD, DPT, MPH, FAPTA, is a professor and the Walter M. Cline Chair of Excellence in Physical Therapy at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. His research includes public health epidemiology, control of clinical infectious disease, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. He has more than 120 publications and has presented at more than 100 conferences.

Articles

Toxic and Tenacious: Disinfection Dilemmas With Candida auris

October 16, 2025

Article

Candida auris is the pathogen that won’t take a hint—clinging to surfaces, nesting in biofilms, and outlasting rushed wipe-downs. Yet the chemistries potent enough to kill it can be punishing to people, devices, and environments. This piece tackles the tightrope: how to choose, use, and verify C auris effective disinfection without trading one risk for another.

Mosquito-Borne Pathogens and Climate Change: The Case of West Nile Virus

October 09, 2023

Article

The article discusses the increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile Virus (WNV), in the US due to climate change. It explores the transmission, clinical aspects, and prevention measures of WNV, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and action in mitigating the impact of these diseases.

Special Report on Candida auris: An Emerging Drug-Resistant Fungal Threat

June 14, 2023

Article

The recent increase in drug-resistant strains of Candida auris, causing mortality at rates as high as 60%, raises questions regarding the spread of this pathogen as a health care-associated infection, cleaning/disinfecting protocol, and treatment via antifungal drugs.

Reducing CLABSI and CAUTI: What Is an Infection Preventionist’s Role?

April 12, 2023

Article

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) or catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) have been increasing since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. What is the IP's role in preventing them and the mortalities that sometimes accompany them?

Inpatient and Outpatient Clinics Must Monitor Fomites as Part of IPC Protocols

September 28, 2022

Article

Thorough cleaning and disinfection reduce the role fomites play in the spread of disease.

Infection Prevention Is Key in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

August 25, 2022

Article

The smallest hospital patients need extra care to be protected from infectious disease. This article series examines the NICU from both a physician and infection preventionist perspective.