Frequency and Geographic Distribution of Borrelia miyamotoi, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Babesia microti Infections in New England Residents.

BACKGROUND: Borrelia miyamotoi is a relapsing fever spirochete that relatively recently has been reported to infect humans. It causes an acute undifferentiated febrile illness that can include meningoencephalitis and relapsing fever. Like Borrelia burgdorferi, it is transmitted by Ixodes scapularis ticks in the northeastern United States and by Ixodes pacificus ticks in the western United States. Despite reports of clinical cases from North America, Europe, and Asia, the prevalence, geographic range, and pattern of expansion of human B. miyamotoi infection are uncertain. To better understand these characteristics of B. miyamotoi in relation to other tickborne infections, we carried out a cross-sectional seroprevalence study across New England that surveyed B. miyamotoi, B. burgdorferi, and Babesia microti infections. METHODS: We measured specific antibodies against B. miyamotoi, B. burgdorferi, and B. microti among individuals living in 5 New England states in 2018. RESULTS: Analysis of 1153 serum samples collected at 11 catchment sites showed that the average seroprevalence for B. miyamotoi was 2.8% (range, 0.6%-5.2%), which was less than that of B. burgdorferi (11.0%; range, 6.8%-15.6%) and B. microti (10.0%; range, 6.5%-13.6%). Antibody screening within county residence in New England showed varying levels of seroprevalence for these pathogens but did not reveal a vectoral geographical pattern of distribution. CONCLUSIONS: Human infections caused by B. miyamotoi, B. burgdorferi, and B. microti are widespread with varying prevalence throughout New England.

Cryptococcal Meningitis in an Apparent Immunocompetent Host.

Cryptococcal meningitis is a severe fungal infection that primarily affects individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapies after organ transplantation. In rare cases, immunocompetent individuals may also be affected by this life-threatening condition. We present the case of a 64-year-old male patient with no known underlying immune deficiency diagnosed with cryptococcal meningitis, who presented with persistent headaches and subjective fevers. Due to the absence of apparent immunosuppressive conditions or identifiable risk factors during evaluation, our suspicion for fungal meningitis was low. However, the diagnosis was confirmed through CSF fluid analysis, leading to the immediate initiation of guideline-directed treatment with amphotericin and fluconazole. This case highlights the importance of considering cryptococcal meningitis in the differential diagnosis of persistent headaches, even in patients without known immune compromise. Early recognition and appropriate management are essential to preventing complications and delays in management and guaranteeing optimal outcomes for all our patients.

Double-Valve Heart Disease and Glomerulonephritis Consequent to Abiotrophia defectiva Endocarditis.

Abiotrophia defectiva, a nutritionally deficient streptococcus, is a rare cause of infective endocarditis. It has been associated with hemophagocytic syndrome. We present the first case of A. defectiva infective endocarditis that led to antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated glomerulonephritis. The patient was a 55-year-old man whose endocarditis affected the mitral and aortic valves. His course was complicated by atrial fibrillation, stroke, and glomerulonephritis. He was successfully treated with antibiotics and dual valve replacement.

Austrian syndrome: The deadly triad.

Austrian syndrome is a rare triad of endocarditis, meningitis, and pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumonia described by Robert Austrian in 1956. The incidence has reduced since the introduction of beta-lactam therapy in the early 1940s. Additionally, the introduction of the pneumococcal vaccination in 1977 further decreased the incidence of infection. Streptococcal endocarditis could potentially be very aggressive and life threatening despite appropriate therapy. It has a high mortality rate nearing 30 % even after proper antibiotics and surgical intervention. Therefore, an early recognition is crucial for early intervention and mortality reduction. We present a patient with Austrian syndrome who had a poor outcome despite proper management that is attributed to late presentation and delayed treatment.

Use of real-time polymerase chain reaction for identification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus directly from positive blood culture bottles.

The utility of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing for detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) directly from positive blood culture bottles was evaluated. One hundred forty-two blood cultures showing Gram-positive cocci in clusters were detected. Each blood culture sample was tested for the presence of MRSA by PCR analysis (SmartCycler) via detection of the mecA and orfX genes. In parallel, they were plated on standard media for identification and characterization. PCR analysis directly from the blood culture bottle required a total time of 120 min (45 min for preparation and 75 min for the reaction). By comparison, conventional laboratory procedures required between 48 and 72 h. The overall test accuracy was 97% with a high positive likelihood ratio and a low negative likelihood ratio.

Spontaneous splenic rupture due to Babesia microti infection: Case report and review of the literature.

This article describes the case of spontaneous splenic rupture as a rare complication of infection with Babesia species. We will discuss the symptomatology that this disease could present along with both surgical and non-surgical management approaches. Babesia infection often presents with mild to moderate symptoms, but can rapidly progress to significant injury including splenic rupture. The first case reported in a medical journal was in 2007. Treatment usually involves a two-drug regimen; clindamycin plus quinine, or atovaquone plus azithromycin (as in our patient). If hemodynamic stability is present, a primary non-surgical treatment may be especially beneficial since splenectomy may worsen optimal immunologic function and the infection itself.