Infectious Disease Reports

618 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis due to Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Patient with Cirrhosis: The Potential Role for Daptomycin and Review of the Literature

by Marco Falcone, Alessandro Russo, Giovanni Pacini, Manuela Merli and Mario Venditti

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2015, 7(3), 6127; https://doi.org/10.4081/idr.2015.6127 - 29 Sep 2015

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 972

Abstract

Gram-positive cocci are emerging causes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), especially in patients with healthcare-associated infections. We report the case of a 68-year-old man with hepatitis C virus and alcohol-related cirrhosis who developed SBP due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus treated with daptomycin. We [...] Read more.

Gram-positive cocci are emerging causes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), especially in patients with healthcare-associated infections. We report the case of a 68-year-old man with hepatitis C virus and alcohol-related cirrhosis who developed SBP due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus treated with daptomycin. We discuss the potential role of daptomycin in this setting with a review of the literature about the use of daptomycin in primary or secondary bacterial peritonitis. Full article

515 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Importance of Coryneform Bacteria in Infective Endocarditis

by Alexander von Graevenitz

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2015, 7(3), 6103; https://doi.org/10.4081/idr.2015.6103 - 29 Sep 2015

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 354

Abstract

Coryneform bacteria have been defined as non-sporing Gram-positive rods with an irregular outline[...] Full article

731 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Gastrointestinal Mucormycosis Resulting in a Catastrophic Outcome in an Immunocompetent Patient

by Suresh J. Antony, Monisha S. Parikh, Ruben Ramirez, Bruce Applebaum, Glen Friedman and Jennifer Do

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2015, 7(3), 6031; https://doi.org/10.4081/idr.2015.6031 - 29 Sep 2015

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 464

Abstract

We present a case of a middle-aged female who was admitted to the hospital with a respiratory infection and subsequently developed an acute surgical abdomen secondary to a perforated viscous. She was found to have mucormycosis of the intestinal tract and eventually succumbed [...] Read more.

We present a case of a middle-aged female who was admitted to the hospital with a respiratory infection and subsequently developed an acute surgical abdomen secondary to a perforated viscous. She was found to have mucormycosis of the intestinal tract and eventually succumbed to the sequelae of the infection. Full article

735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels Are not Associated with Adverse Outcomes in Clostridium Difficile Infection

by Dejan Micic, Krishna Rao, Bruno Caetano Trindade, Seth T. Walk, Elizabeth Chenoweth, Ruchika Jain, Itishree Trivedi, Kavitha Santhosh, Vincent B. Young and David M. Aronoff

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2015, 7(3), 5979; https://doi.org/10.4081/idr.2015.5979 - 29 Sep 2015

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 481

Abstract

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a significant source of healthcare-associated morbidity and mortality. This study investigated whether serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with adverse outcomes from CDI. Patients with CDI were prospectively enrolled. Charts were reviewed and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured. The [...] Read more.

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a significant source of healthcare-associated morbidity and mortality. This study investigated whether serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with adverse outcomes from CDI. Patients with CDI were prospectively enrolled. Charts were reviewed and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was measured. The primary outcome was a composite definition of severe disease: fever (temperature >38°C), acute organ dysfunction, or serum white blood cell count >15,000 cells/μL within 24-48 hours of diagnosis; lack of response to therapy by day 5; and intensive care unit admission; colectomy; or death within 30 days. Sixty-seven patients were included in the final analysis. Mean (±SD) serum 25- hydroxyvitamin D was 26.1 (±18.54) ng/mL. Severe disease, which occurred in 26 (39%) participants, was not associated with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [odds ratio (OR) 1.00; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96-1.04]. In the adjusted model for severe disease only serum albumin (OR 0.12; 95%CI 0.02-0.64) and diagnosis by detection of stool toxin (OR 5.87; 95%CI 1.09-31.7) remained independent predictors. We conclude that serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is not associated with the development of severe disease in patients with CDI. Full article

748 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trends and Predictors of Mortality among HIV Positive Patients in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy in Uganda

by John Rubaihayo, Nazarius M. Tumwesigye, Joseph Konde-Lule, Fredrick Makumbi, Edith J. Nakku, Henry Wamani and Michael B. Etukoit

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2015, 7(3), 5967; https://doi.org/10.4081/idr.2015.5967 - 29 Sep 2015

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 789

Abstract

Knowledge of mortality trends and predictors among HIV-positive patients in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in resource poor settings is still limited. The aim of this study was to describe trends and predictors of mortality among HIV-positive patients in the [...] Read more.

Knowledge of mortality trends and predictors among HIV-positive patients in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in resource poor settings is still limited. The aim of this study was to describe trends and predictors of mortality among HIV-positive patients in the era of HAART in Uganda. Data from 2004 to 2013 for adult HIV-positive patients (≥15 years) obtaining care and treatment from the AIDS Support Organization in Uganda were reviewed for mortality. Descriptive statistics were analyzed by frequencies and cross tabulations. Calendar period was used as a proxy measure for HAART exposure and a time plot of the proportion of HIV-positive patients reporting dead per year was used to describe the trends. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of mortality at bivariate and multivariate levels, respectively. We included in the analysis 95,857 HIV positive patients; 64% were female with median age of 33 years (interquartile range 27-40). Of these 36,133 (38%) were initiated on ART and a total of 4279 (4.5%) died; 19.5% (835/4279) of those who died had an opportunistic infection. Overall, mortality first increased between 2004 and 2006 and thereafter substantially declined (X2trend=211.9, P<0.001). Mortality was relatively higher in Eastern Uganda compared to other geographical areas. Male gender, older age (>45 years), being from Eastern or Northern Uganda, having none or primary education, being unemployed, advanced immunodeficiency (CD4 count <100 cell/μL or WHO stage III or IV) and underweight (<45 kg weight) at HAART initiation and calendar period 2004-2008 were significant predictors of mortality (P<0.001). Overall, the expanding coverage of HAART is associated with a declining trend in mortality among HIV positive patients in Uganda. However, mortality trends differed significantly by geographical area and men remain potentially at higher risk of death probably because of delayed initiation on ART. There is urgent need for men targeted interventions for improved ART performance. Full article

607 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Vibrio Vulnificus Necrotizing Fasciitis Associated with Acupuncture

by Yael Kotton, Soboh Soboh and Naiel Bisharat

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2015, 7(3), 5901; https://doi.org/10.4081/idr.2015.5901 - 29 Sep 2015

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 749

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe life-threatening infection of the deep subcutaneous tissues and fascia. Infection with Vibrio vulnificus, a halophilic Gram-negative bacillus found worldwide in warm coastal waters, can lead to severe complications, particularly among patients with chronic liver diseases. We herein [...] Read more.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a severe life-threatening infection of the deep subcutaneous tissues and fascia. Infection with Vibrio vulnificus, a halophilic Gram-negative bacillus found worldwide in warm coastal waters, can lead to severe complications, particularly among patients with chronic liver diseases. We herein present an unusual case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by V. vulnificus triggered by acupuncture needle insertion. The patient, who suffered from diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and worked at a fish hatchery, denied any injury prior to acupuncture. This is the first ever reported case of V. vulnificus infection triggered by acupuncture needle insertion, clearly emphasizing the potential hazards of the prolonged survival of V. vulnificus on the skin. The potential infectious complications of acupuncture needle insertion are discussed. Full article

613 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Corynebacterium CDC Group G Native and Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis

by Adil Sattar, Siegfried Yu and Janak Koirala

Infect. Dis. Rep. 2015, 7(3), 5881; https://doi.org/10.4081/idr.2015.5881 - 11 Aug 2015

Viewed by 554

Abstract

We report the first case of native and recurrent prosthetic valve endocarditis with Corynebacterium CDC group G, a rarely reported cause of infective endocarditis (IE). Previously, there have been only two cases reported for prosthetic valve IE caused by these organisms. A 69-year-old [...] Read more.

We report the first case of native and recurrent prosthetic valve endocarditis with Corynebacterium CDC group G, a rarely reported cause of infective endocarditis (IE). Previously, there have been only two cases reported for prosthetic valve IE caused by these organisms. A 69-year-old female with a known history of mitral valve regurgitation presented with a 3-day history of high-grade fever, pleuritic chest pain and cough. Echocardiography confirmed findings of mitral valve thickening consistent with endocarditis, which subsequently progressed to become large and mobile vegetations. Both sets of blood cultures taken on admission were positive for Corynebacterium CDC group G. Despite removal of a long-term venous access port, the patient’s presumed source of line associated bacteremia, mitral valve replacement, and aggressive antibiotic therapy, the patient had recurrence of vegetations on the prosthetic valve. She underwent replacement of her prosthetic mitral valve in the subsequent 2 weeks, before she progressed to disseminated intravascular coagulation and expired. Although they are typically considered contaminants, corynebacteria, in the appropriate clinical setting, should be recognized, identified, and treated as potentially life-threatening infections, particularly in the case of line-associated bacteremias, and native and prosthetic valve endocarditis. Full article

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Infect. Dis. Rep., Volume 7, Issue 3 (August 2015) – 7 articles

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