Vertebral osteomyelitis: retrospective review of 11 years of experience.

INTRODUCTION: Infectious vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is a significant source of morbidity that can lead to chronic sequelae. The objectives of this study were to describe the clinical presentations and assess the outcomes of VO. METHODS: A retrospective review of cases of VO admitted to an inpatient service between 1 January 2000 and 31 March 2012 was carried out. Cases had evidence of VO by clinical syndrome, imaging, histopathology, and/or microbiology. Outcomes assessed were implantation of prosthetic material for stabilization, hospital readmission for management of VO, repeat surgical intervention, and additional or prolonged courses of antibiotics. RESULTS: Of 117 VO cases, a causative organism was identified in the majority (88.0%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated, followed by Streptococcus species. The most common infection site was the lumbar spine (55.5%). Surgical intervention was required in 81.2% of cases. Infections involving the lumbar vertebrae were associated with a higher risk of all 4 outcomes. Individuals with methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection were more likely to require a readmission for management of VO (odds ratio (OR) 3.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-12.42). Individuals with lumbar infections were more likely to require additional antibiotics (OR 4.08, 95% CI 1.34-12.40) and more likely to require readmission (OR 8.29, 95% CI 1.84-37.33) for management of VO. An early infectious disease consultation was associated with a decreased risk for additional antibiotics (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11-0.83). CONCLUSIONS: VO was frequently caused by S. aureus or Streptococcus species. Most cases required surgical intervention. An early infectious disease consult ensured a more appropriate antibiotic course.

Management of Cryptococcus gattii meningoencephalitis.

Cryptococcosis is a fungal disease caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. By inhalation and subsequent pulmonary infection, it may disseminate to the CNS and cause meningitis or meningoencephalitis. Most cases occur in immunosuppressed hosts, including patients with HIV/AIDS, patients receiving immunosuppressing drugs, and solid organ transplant recipients. However, cryptococcosis also occurs in individuals with apparently healthy immune systems. A growing number of cases are caused by C gattii, with infections occurring in both immunosuppressed and immunocompetent individuals. In the majority of documented cases, treatment of C gattii infection of the CNS requires aggressive management of raised intracranial pressure along with standard antifungal therapy. Early cerebrospinal fluid evacuation is often needed through placement of a percutaneous lumbar drain or ventriculostomy. Furthermore, pharmacological immunosuppression with a high dose of dexamethasone is sometimes needed to ameliorate a persistently increased inflammatory response and to reduce intracranial pressure. In this Grand Round, we present the case of an otherwise healthy adolescent female patient, who, despite aggressive management, succumbed to C gattii meningoencephalitis. We also present a review of the existing literature and discuss optimum clinical management of meningoencephalitis caused by C gattii.

Pseudozyma spp catheter-associated blood stream infection, an emerging pathogen and brief literature review.

Pseudozyma spp are amorphic yeasts. They are commonly plant pathogens, but rarely cause invasive fungal disease in humans. Only three cases of central venous catheter (CVC)-associated blood stream infections due to this organism have been reported in the literature. Main underlying risk factors for Pseudozyma spp infection are bowel surgery, CVC and total parenteral nutrition. We present a rare case of Pseudozyma spp catheter-associated blood stream infection that was successfully treated with antifungal therapy and removal of CVC. It is important to recognise and differentiate this species from other yeasts as it may require the use of amphotericin B or voriconazole instead of fluconazole, to which the organism is variably resistant.