Group Milleri Streptococci in perianal infections.

BACKGROUND: Anal abscesses are commonly associated with fistulas-in-ano and are usually polymicrobial in nature, with gram-negative rods and anaerobes being the most prevalent isolates. Group Milleri Streptococci (GMS) comprise a heterogeneous group of cocci, which are capable of causing severe purulent infection with a high recurrence rate. METHOD: All anorectal infections caused by GMS, which were identified at our centre during a 4-year period were retrospectively analysed. The 18 patients with GMS-positive anorectal abscesses were matched with 36 GMS-negative anorectal abscesses to identify outcome characteristics of this clinical entity. RESULTS: During the study period, 358 patients underwent surgical treatment for anal infections; GMS were isolated in 46 individuals (13%) including 18 perianal abscesses, 11 pilonidal sinuses, eight fistulae in and nine miscellaneous infections. Seventy-two per cent of perianal GMS infections were polymicrobial with E. coli and Bacteroides fragilis being the predominant second bacteria. Nine patients (20%) developed recurrent abscesses and fistulae-in-ano and underwent additional surgical interventions with resolution at follow-up. Additional antibiotic treatment was administered in 10 patients with complex anal infections. Matched pair analysis revealed that GMS-positive perianal abscesses were more commonly polymicrobial, and that the recurrence rate was higher (55.6% GMS-positive and 22.2% GMS-negative patients, P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm the propensity of GMS to form deep and recurrent abscesses with a higher recurrence rate than non-GMS infections. First-line treatment includes surgical drainage, and antibiotic treatment may be useful in selected patients.

Laparoscopic gastric banding in a kidney-pancreas transplant recipient with new onset type II diabetes mellitus associated with morbid obesity.

Combined kidney-pancreas transplantation is the treatment of choice for end-stage diabetic nephropathy. Post-transplant weight gain increases the risk for post-transplant complications and death owing to cardiovascular events. Gastric banding is an established treatment for moderate morbid obesity. We report on a patient who experienced significant weight gain and developed type II diabetes mellitus following successful kidney-pancreas transplantation. He underwent laparoscopic gastric banding and initially had good weight loss. However, lack of compliance with dietary guidelines led to transient failure of weight loss therapy. With further adjustment of the gastric band good weight loss was achieved.

Rotavirus enteritis in solid organ transplant recipients: an underestimated problem?

BACKGROUND: Diarrhea in solid organ transplantation can be a complication with a high morbidity and mortality. Rotavirus (RV) infection normally occurs in children up to 3 years of age and often presents with severe diarrhea; however, it can also affect adults. We investigated the prevalence and outcome of RV infections in both adult and pediatric patients after solid organ transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of RV-related enteritis in solid organ transplant recipients with a minimum of a 1-year follow-up from a single center between 2000 and 2004. RESULTS: Within our cohort of 1303 solid organ transplants, RV infection was observed in 19 patients (1.5%); 14 of these were liver recipients. Infection was most prevalent among pediatric liver recipients, with 52% (11/21) of the children affected. Five adults acquired the infection during their initial hospitalization. Two adult patients had to be readmitted following late-onset RV infection. In all cases, infection was self-limiting, but led to prolonged hospitalization because of significant loss of fluids and electrolytes. CONCLUSIONS: RV enteritis is a common infection in pediatric solid organ recipients but may also affect adult patients.