Human infection with Shewanella putrefaciens and S. algae: report of 16 cases in Martinique and review of the literature.

Shewanella spp. are saprophytic bacteria that are part of the marine microflora in warm climates and are rarely pathogenic. However, Shewanella spp. infections are being increasingly reported, and there has been no comprehensive review of the literature describing these infections. This article reports 16 cases of Shewanella spp. infections in Martinique since 1997 and reviews another 239 cases reported in the literature since 1973. Patients experienced soft tissue infections, ear infection, or abdominal and biliary tract infections. A skin or mucosal portal of entry was found for 53% of the patients and exposure to the marine environment was reported for 44%; 79% of patients had an underlying condition. Bacteriema were frequent (28%). Most (87%) patients recovered, although ear infections can become chronic. Death occurred in 13% of the patients. Most Shewanella spp. isolates are susceptible to cefotaxime (95%), piperacillin and tazobactam (98%), gentamicin (99%), and ciprofloxacin (94%).

Nodular lesions of self-healing juvenile cutaneous mucinosis: a pitfall!

Self-healing juvenile cutaneous mucinosis (SHJCM) is a rare disorder of unknown origin, which occurs in children in good health. It is characterized by the multiplication of transient cutaneous papules and nodules, mainly located on the head and periarticular areas that spontaneously resolve. Histological features of SHJCM have been well described; therefore, the diagnosis is usually made easily when papules are biopsied. We report a series of 3 new cases of SHJCM presenting mainly with nodular lesions. Histological examination of these nodules showed either lesions consistent with nodular or proliferative fasciitis or nonspecific panniculitis. Mucinous deposits were present but often inconspicuous, so could be disregarded. We wanted to emphasize this misleading presentation because a biopsy for histological examination is always mandatory in cases of proliferating nodules to rule out malignant tumors. Therefore, the diagnosis always requires discussion between pathologists and clinicians to rapidly reassure the parents and avoid inappropriate therapy.

A paternally transmitted complex chromosomal rearrangement (CCR) involving chromosomes 2, 6, and 18 includes eight breakpoints and five insertional translocations (ITs) through three generations.

Complex chromosomal rearrangements (CCRs) are uncommon and mainly occur de novo. We report here on a familial CCR involving chromosomes 2, 6, and 18. The propositus is a boy first referred because of growth delays, hypotonia, and facial anomalies, suggestive of deletion 18q syndrome. However, a cytogenetic family study disclosed a balanced CCR in three generations, which was detailed by FISH using BAC clones, and consisted of eight breakpoints with five insertional translocations (ITs). The propositus had a cryptic 18q deletion and a 6p duplication. Paternal transmission of this CCR was observed through three generations without meiotic recombination. Our investigation allowed us to provide porosities counseling and management of prenatal diagnosis for propositus cousin who carries this particular CCR.