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We diagnosed a patient with dengue fever who developed acute onset of sensorimotor quadriparesis with bladder involvement, and facial nerve involvement. Despite initial negative results in routine investigations and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, spinal MRI confirmed longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. The aetiological workup was negative, prompting an investigation into the presence of dengue in the cerebrospinal fluid, which returned positive. This case underscores the importance of considering rare neurological complications in dengue, the value of advanced diagnostic techniques and the potential effectiveness of tailored interventions in challenging cases.

Primary tropical pyomyositis, commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, is characterised by suppuration in skeletal muscles, which manifests as single or multiple abscesses. Another rare causative organism is Mycobacterium tuberculosis in endemic areas. Here, we report a case of primary tuberculous pyomyositis presenting as septic arthritis of the right knee and multiple site pyomyositis of the right thigh and chest wall. A tuberculous aetiology was overlooked at first, which resulted in a diagnostic delay. The patient was initially diagnosed, using ultrasonography, MRI and an absence of systemic symptoms of tuberculosis, with bacterial pyomyositis and treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. However, further investigations performed on knee joint aspirate yielded negative cultures and a positive cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test, which, along with a non-resolution of his symptoms, suggested a primary tuberculous pyomyositis. He was successfully managed with incision and drainage of the lesions and completion of anti-tubercular therapy.

Pythiosis is caused due to a filamentous eukaryotic micro-organism called Pythium insidiosum and the disease occurs commonly in horses and cattle. Subcutaneous pythiosis infection in humans is rare with no clear clinical guidelines for treatment. We present a case of a man in his 20s with non-resolving ulcers noted over lower extremity after exposure to swamp water draining animal remains. The patient received several courses of oral antibiotics with no improvement in symptoms before getting admitted to our institution. A diagnosis of subcutaneous pythiosis was made after deep wound culture following debridement detected P. insidiosum by use of PCR. Due to the rare incidence of such infection in humans and no clear guidelines available for treatment, the case was discussed with infectious disease specialists outside our institution and with veterinary physicians. An emergent approval for use of immunotherapy in conjunction with surgical debridement and antimicrobials was obtained from Food and Drug administration. The patient underwent successful treatment of infection and skin graft following treatment.

Chromoblastomycosis is an implantation mycosis of the skin caused by certain species of melanised fungi. A man in his 50s, born in Kerala but living in England for 14 years, presented with a nodular lesion on his left buttock, which had been present for 20 years. Biopsy revealed muriform cells and fungal culture isolated Fonsecaea spp, consistent with a diagnosis of chromoblastomycosis. Treatment with oral terbinafine was initiated and changed to itraconazole based on results of antifungal susceptibility. Drug intolerance and low drug levels of itraconazole necessitated change to voriconazole and topical terbinafine. Despite long-term combined therapy, the lesions worsened, and the patient opted for surgical excision abroad. Recurrence was evident at surgical sites and combined therapy continues. Chromoblastomycosis is an insidious and burdensome neglected tropical disease. Within non-endemic countries, diagnosis remains challenging. A travel history and appropriate fungal investigations are vital.

We present a rare case of recurrent leishmaniasis infection in a female in her 80s who re-presented with a pleural effusion. The patient was initially investigated as an outpatient for cytopenia and underwent a bone marrow biopsy which subsequently diagnosed visceral leishmaniasis. Following full treatment, and apparent recovery, she re-presented with pleural effusion, hypoalbuminaemia and cytopenia. Leishmania was eventually isolated in a pleural fluid sample obtained on therapeutic drainage, and she was treated for a recurrence at a tertiary infectious disease unit. This interesting and challenging case demonstrates the importance of suspecting leishmaniasis recurrence in previously treated cases and the diagnostic benefit of pleural fluid analysis in the context of suspected leishmaniasis.

We present an uncommon case of endocarditis caused by Mycobacterium abscessus in an immunocompetent patient following a caesarean section. We discuss her turbulent admission course leading to her diagnosis following persistent M. abscessus bacteraemia, medical and surgical management, including a splenectomy and valve resection and repair, and subsequent prolonged course of combination antimicrobials for 24 months post valve surgery. The patient is alive 9 months after completing her treatment and 36 months after her valve surgery. We emphasise the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach in the management of such a complex case.

Eumycetoma, a subcutaneous infection caused by various fungi with pathognomonic discharging grain, is rarely reported in Malaysia. This case concerns a eumycetoma infection in an immunocompetent man who presented with progressive left foot swelling complicated with pustules, sinuses and pale grain discharge for the past year after recurrent thorn pricks. Histological findings of the grain and tissue showed foci of septate fungal hyphae. Tissue culture yielded no growth. Amplification and sequencing of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), ITS4 and large subunit regions of the tissue identified the causative agent as Fusarium falciforme, highlighting the role of molecular diagnostic method in identifying fungal species in eumycetoma. The patient was treated with surgical excision and oral itraconazole with excellent improvement. However, he presented again with recurrence after defaulting therapy. F. falciforme has been implicated in causing diseases in crops and sea turtles. Therefore, the One Health approach should be adopted to manage this emerging species.

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Vertical transmission of the dengue virus is rare and infrequently reported in the literature. We report the case of a term newborn presented with high-grade fever, generalised petechial rash and hepatomegaly at the age of 5 days, with a history of dengue fever in the mother at 3 days before delivery. The diagnosis was nearly missed because the infant\'s dengue NS1 antigen test was initially negative and subsequently positive. After the convalescent phase, the infant developed a new-onset fever with lethargy and drowsiness. Dengue encephalitis was diagnosed with support from a positive dengue reverse-transcriptase PCR in the cerebrospinal fluid. This report has shown the importance of clinical awareness. Early recognition of congenital dengue and vigilant monitoring will contribute to appropriate early management and decrease neonatal morbidity and mortality.