A Sarcina bacterium linked to lethal disease in sanctuary chimpanzees in Sierra Leone.

Human and animal infections with bacteria of the genus Sarcina (family Clostridiaceae) are associated with gastric dilation and emphysematous gastritis. However, the potential roles of sarcinae as commensals or pathogens remain unclear. Here, we investigate a lethal disease of unknown etiology that affects sanctuary chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) in Sierra Leone. The disease, which we have named "epizootic neurologic and gastroenteric syndrome" (ENGS), is characterized by neurologic and gastrointestinal signs and results in death of the animals, even after medical treatment. Using a case-control study design, we show that ENGS is strongly associated with Sarcina infection. The microorganism is distinct from Sarcina ventriculi and other known members of its genus, based on bacterial morphology and growth characteristics. Whole-genome sequencing confirms this distinction and reveals the presence of genetic features that may account for the unusual virulence of the bacterium. Therefore, we propose that this organism be considered the representative of a new species, named "Candidatus Sarcina troglodytae". Our results suggest that a heretofore unrecognized complex of related sarcinae likely exists, some of which may be highly virulent. However, the potential role of "Ca. S. troglodytae" in the etiology of ENGS, alone or in combination with other factors, remains a topic for future research.

Gas Where It Shouldn't Be! Imaging Spectrum of Emphysematous Infections in the Abdomen and Pelvis.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to review the spectrum, etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, imaging features, differential diagnoses, and management of emphysematous infections of the abdomen and pelvis. CONCLUSION. Emphysematous infections are associated with high morbidity and mortality and thus need urgent medical and surgical interventions. CT is the most sensitive modality to detect gas; CT provides definitive diagnosis in most cases and can depict the extent of involvement.

A rare case of emphysematous pyelonephritis caused by Candida parapsilosis and Finegoldia magna complicated by medical care avoidance.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a necrotizing gas producing infection of the renal parenchyma that commonly occurs in patients with diabetes. EPN requires early diagnosis and treatment due to the possible life-threatening septic complications. We report a rare case of EPN caused by an unfavorable mixed infection of Candida parapsilosis and Finegoldia magna. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of EPN caused by Finegoldia magna. A 62-year-old male with diabetes mellitus (DM) presented with abdominal pain, shortness of breath, and nausea in which a diagnosis of septic shock was made due to EPN. Our patient first noticed abdominal pain 3 weeks prior to hospital presentation; however, he avoided getting treatment due to a fear of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This patient exhibited deterioration and expired after surgical intervention despite uneventful nephrectomy. This case suggests that medical care avoidance behaviors among patients could potentially complicate their clinical course.

Fecal microbial transplantation and a high fiber diet attenuates emphysema development by suppressing inflammation and apoptosis.

Recent work has suggested a microbial dysbiosis association between the lung and gut in respiratory diseases. Here, we demonstrated that gut microbiome modulation attenuated emphysema development. To modulate the gut microbiome, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and diet modification were adopted in mice exposed to smoking and poly I:C for the emphysema model. We analyzed the severity of emphysema by the mean linear intercept (MLI) and apoptosis by the fluorescent TUNEL assay. Microbiome analysis was also performed in feces and fecal extracellular vesicles (EVs). The MLI was significantly increased with smoking exposure. FMT or a high-fiber diet (HFD) attenuated the increase. Weight loss, combined with smoking exposure, was not noted in mice with FMT. HFD significantly decreased macrophages and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Furthermore, IL-6 and IFN-γ were decreased in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum. The TUNEL score was significantly lower in mice with FMT or HFD, suggesting decreased cell apoptosis. In the microbiome analysis, Bacteroidaceae and Lachnospiraceae, which are alleged to metabolize fiber into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), increased at the family level with FMT and HFD. FMT and HFD attenuated emphysema development via local and systemic inhibition of inflammation and changes in gut microbiota composition, which could provide a new paradigm in COPD treatment.

Simultaneous Diagnosis of Emphysematous Osteomyelitis and Emphysematous Pyelonephritis in a Diabetic Patient.

BACKGROUND Emphysematous osteomyelitis of the spine is characterized by intravertebral or intraosseous air. Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EP) is the infection of the renal parenchyma and perirenal tissues caused by gas forming microorganisms and thus is characterized by gas formation. Prompt diagnosis and initiation of necessary treatment is crucial, as both entities are associated with high mortality rates. CASE REPORT A 57-year-old female with uncontrolled hyperglycemia presented to the emergency department with history of sudden onset of weakness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea for 3 days and with a fall on the same level the previous day. Laboratory examinations revealed leukocytosis, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, deteriorated renal function, and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar non-ketotic state. She was placed on aggressive intravenous hydration and insulin infusion pump. Due to the deterioration of her medical condition, she underwent abdominal and pelvic CT scanning that revealed emphysematous osteomyelitis of the spine and emphysematous pyelonephritis. Despite vigorous fluid resuscitation and systemic broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, the patient's condition deteriorated further and eventually led to death within 48 h. CONCLUSIONS This case of fatal emphysematous osteomyelitis of the spine and EP serves as a significant reminder of those rare life-threatening entities, which affect patients with comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus and other etiologies causing immunosuppression. The aim of the present case report is to highlight the importance and contribution of computed tomography in diagnosing these conditions and to emphasize the rare coexistence of these 2 emphysematous entities.

Gas in the kidney in asymptomatic Escherichia coli urinary tract infections in a patient with severe vesicoureteral reflex.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common disease in Oman as in rest of Gulf Cooperation Council where metabolic syndrome is of high prevalence. DM is a foremost risk factor for urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is also linked to more complicated infections such as emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN), emphysematous pyelitis (EP), renal/perirenal abscess, emphysematous cystitis, xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, and renal papillary necrosis. The diagnosis of these cases is frequently delayed because the clinical manifestations are generic and not different from the typical triad of upper UTI, which include fever, flank pain, and pyuria. A middle-aged female with DM and chronic kidney disease stage IV was admitted with recurrent UTI with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli. At presentation, she was afebrile, clinically stable, had no flank pain and there was no leukocytosis. Laboratory test for C- reactive protein done twice and was only mildly elevated at 7 and 11 mg/dL. A computed tomography scan of kidney-ureter-bladder (CT-KUB) was recommended and reported as "no KUB stone but small atrophic left kidney with dilatation of the pelvicalycial system and ureter and the presence of air in the collecting system suggestive of EP." Thus, commonly associated with DM, especially in females, debilitated immune-deficient individuals, and patients harboring obstructed urinary system with infective nidus. Air in the kidney is not always due to EPN. UTI with a gas-producing organism can ascend to the kidney in the presence of vesicoureteral reflux.

Intramedullary Antibiotic Delivery for Emphysematous Osteomyelitis of the Femur.

The authors present a case of bilateral femoral emphysematous osteomyelitis caused by Escherichia coli in a 60-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who was receiving long-term prednisone therapy. The infection in both femoral shafts was eradicated with surgical debridement, followed by insertion of intramedullary rods composed of culture-specific antibiotic cement into the femoral canals in conjunction with 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics. The rods were subsequently removed, and no signs of further osteomyelitis were recognized at follow-up. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of its kind reported in the orthopedic literature. Emphysematous osteomyelitis, a rare and dangerous entity, can be successfully managed by intramedullary antibiotic delivery in the subacute setting. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(1):e128-e130.].

A case of bilateral emphysematous pyelonephritis caused by Candida albicans.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a life-threatening renal infection characterized by the formation of gas within the renal parenchyma and collecting duct system, as well as perinephric tissues. We herein report a case of bilateral EPN accompanied by the urinary tract infection caused by spherical growth of Candida albicans in a patient with underlying diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer. The diagnosis was assisted by computed tomography, urography, and gram staining. Despite immediate percutaneous catheter drainage and a 4-week course of antifungal treatment, the C. albicans infection was refractory, as indicated by continuous isolation from the urine, and the patient eventually died. A local autopsy of urinary organs revealed C. albicans in the renal tissue. EPN caused by Candida species frequently occurs in men, and almost all cases have underlying poorly controlled diabetes. This condition is subject to delayed diagnosis, which may lead to extended disease and high mortality. Candida species should be considered as causative microorganism for refractory EPN in patients with poorly controlled diabetes who are receiving antibiotic treatment. Gram staining may contribute to an early diagnosis of EPN caused by Candida species, which may require long-term antifungal therapy.

Emphysematous pyelonephritis and cystitis: A case report and literature review.

This present case report describes a 64-year-old female patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus who also had emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) and emphysematous cystitis (EC). Computed tomography revealed well defined emphysematous pyelonephritis and cystitis. Broad-spectrum antibiotic and percutaneous drainage of the right kidney were used as part of a conservative management regimen. The patient achieved clinical recovery and was discharged 12 days after admission. Furthermore, 13 other cases of EPC and EC that were reported between 1962 and 2017 were reviewed and discussed. The overall mortality was 15.4% (two of 13 patients), compared with 25% for EPN alone or 7.4% for EC alone as reported in the literature. The primary pathogen identified in the 13 patients was Escherichia coli (53.8%). All 13 patients were treated with antibiotics.

[Emphysematous cystitis: Report of one case]. / La cystite emphysémateuse : à propos d'un cas.

INTRODUCTION: Emphysematous cystitis is a rare urinary tract infection characterized by gas in the bladder wall and lumen. CASE REPORT: We report a 92-year-old women admitted with confusion and abdominal pain without fever. Her past medical history included diabetes, urinary incontinence, high blood pressure and mild cognitive impairment. A computed tomography scan (CT scan) revealed emphysematous cystitis. The patient completely recovered within ten days. The main characteristics and the treatment of this uncommon disorder are presented. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should be aware of this diagnosis: early management is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality.