RESUMEN
Alcaligenes faecalis (A. faecalis) is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped, oxidase(+) and catalase(+), obligate aerobe commonly found in soil or water. It has also been found in human intestinal microbiota and more rarely in hospital settings and is typically associated with opportunistic infections. Although it has intrinsic resistance to many commonly used antibiotics, it is increasingly found to have developed antibiotic resistance. We present a rare case of A. faecalis osteomyelitis in a patient with a chronic diabetic foot ulcer.
RESUMEN
Lactobacillus casei is a non-spore forming gram-positive rod considered to be normal flora of the oropharynx and gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, Lactobacillus spp. are commonly used as probiotics and other commercial products. Invasive infections are rarely encountered and have been associated with underlying immunosuppression or malignancy. Here, we present a case of prolonged Lactobacillus bacteremia and multiple intra-abdominal abscesses likely as a result of injuries associated with pet dogs.
RESUMEN
Sphingomonas paucimobilis is an aerobic, yellow-pigmented, glucose non-fermenting, gram negative bacillus that is a rare cause of human infection found mostly in the immunocompromised and also in intravenous (IV) drug users. We report a case of a 31-year-old female with current IV drug use, who presented with chest pain and was diagnosed with tricuspid valve endocarditis with S. paucimobilis bacteremia and pulmonary infarction of the right middle lobe. The patient initially presented with sharp right sided chest pain. She was treated with meropenem and levofloxacin based on the susceptibility profile. Our purpose is to highlight the treatment options and raise awareness of this uncommon organism. Even though Sphingomonas is considered to be of low-pathogenicity, it can be fatal if not treated properly and not diagnosed early.
RESUMEN
The reactivation of latent tuberculosis occurs when a patient living with Mycobacterium tuberculosis enters a state where the immune system is suppressed. Since early 2021, the standard of care has been to provide corticosteroids in patients with COVID-19 infection in hospitalized patients receiving supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation. The immunomodulatory effects of corticosteroids are potentially detrimental for patients with latent vs active tuberculosis, with concomitant SARS-CoV2 infection. We present one of the first few cases in the literature detailing a case of reactivation of latent tuberculosis vs. pleural tuberculosis as a consequence of COVID-19, and who underwent subsequent corticosteroid treatment.
RESUMEN
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness common in tropical and subtropical countries but very rare in the United States. Patients infected with dengue often present with thrombocytopenia. In the setting of dengue, platelet transfusions as a treatment for thrombocytopenia have no clear benefits in reduction of severe bleeding or improvement of the platelet count. Here, we present a case of a traveler infected with dengue virus and discuss the approach to treat thrombocytopenia.