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Dulin M, Chevret S, Salmona M, Jacquier H, Bercot B, Molina JM, Lebeaux D, Munier AL. New Insights Into the Therapeutic Management of Varicella Zoster Virus Meningitis: A Series of 123 Polymerase Chain Reaction-Confirmed Cases. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae340. [PMID: 38957692 PMCID: PMC11218771 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Varicella zoster virus (VZV) can reactivate and cause meningitis, but few studies have distinguished it from meningoencephalitis regarding treatment recommendations.The objective of this study was to assess the outcomes of a large series of patients with VZV meningitis according to their therapeutic management. Methods We conducted a bicentric retrospective cohort study, in Paris, France, including all adult patients with a cerebrospinal fluid sample positive for VZV by polymerase chain reaction between April 2014 and June 2022. We distinguished meningitis from encephalitis according to the International Encephalitis Consortium criteria. Unfavorable outcome was defined as mortality or functional sequelae defined by a loss of 2 points on the modified Rankin Scale. Results We included 123 patients with meningitis. Among them, 14% received no antivirals, while 20% were treated with oral valacyclovir alone, 41% with a short course of intravenous (IV) acyclovir before switch to valacyclovir, and 25% with a long course of IV acyclovir. Outcomes were favorable regardless of antiviral regimen. In multivariate analysis, only age, underlying immunosuppression, and cranial radiculitis appear to be predictive factors for longer IV therapy, based on the Akaike information criterion. Conclusions In this study, patients with VZV meningitis had a good outcome, with no evidence of any impact of the treatment strategy. However, further studies are needed to support the possibility of milder treatment in immunocompetent patients, avoiding cost and side effects of IV acyclovir.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Dulin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Saint Louis-Lariboisière Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Sylvie Chevret
- Biostatistics Department, Saint Louis Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Maud Salmona
- Laboratory of Virology, Saint Louis-Lariboisière-Fernand-Widal Hospital Group, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Hervé Jacquier
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Saint Louis-Lariboisière-Fernand-Widal Hospital Group, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Béatrice Bercot
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Saint Louis-Lariboisière-Fernand-Widal Hospital Group, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Michel Molina
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Saint Louis-Lariboisière Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - David Lebeaux
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Saint Louis-Lariboisière Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Lise Munier
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Saint Louis-Lariboisière Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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Zhou X, Wu X, Chen Z, Cui X, Cai Y, Liu Y, Weng B, Zhan Q, Huang L. Risk factors and the value of microbiological examinations of COVID-19 associated pulmonary aspergillosis in critically ill patients in intensive care unit: the appropriate microbiological examinations are crucial for the timely diagnosis of CAPA. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1287496. [PMID: 38076456 PMCID: PMC10703051 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1287496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction During the Omicron pandemic in China, a significant proportion of patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) necessitated admission to intensive care unit (ICU) and experienced a high mortality. To explore the clinical risk factors and the application/indication of microbiological examinations of CAPA in ICU for timely diagnosis are very important. Methods This prospective study included patients with COVID-19 admitted to ICU between December 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. The clinical data of influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) patients from the past five consecutive influenza seasons (November 1, 2017, to March 31, 2022) were collected for comparison. The types of specimens and methods used for microbiological examinations were also recorded to explore the efficacy in early diagnosis. Results Among 123 COVID-19 patients, 36 (29.3%) were diagnosed with probable CAPA. CAPA patients were more immunosuppressed, in more serious condition, required more advanced respiratory support and had more other organ comorbidities. Solid organ transplantation, APACHEII score ≥20 points, 5 points ≤SOFA score <10 points were independent risk factors for CAPA. Qualified lower respiratory tract specimens were obtained from all patients, and 84/123 (68.3%) patients underwent bronchoscopy to obtain bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) specimens. All patients' lower respiratory tract specimens underwent fungal smear and culture; 79/123 (64.2%) and 69/123 (56.1%) patients underwent BALF galactomannan (GM) and serum GM detection, respectively; metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of the BALF was performed in 62/123 (50.4%) patients. BALF GM had the highest diagnostic sensitivity (84.9%), the area under the curve of the mNGS were the highest (0.812). Conclusion The incidence of CAPA was extremely high in patients admitted to the ICU. CAPA diagnosis mainly depends on microbiological evidence owing to non-specific clinical manifestations, routine laboratory examinations, and CT findings. The bronchoscopy should be performed and the BALF should be obtained as soon as possible. BALF GM are the most suitable microbiological examinations for the diagnosis of CAPA. Due to the timely and accuracy result of mNGS, it could assist in early diagnosis and might be an option in critically ill CAPA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Zhou
- Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojing Wu
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ziying Chen
- Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyang Cui
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Cai
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Youfang Liu
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Bejing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Bingbing Weng
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Bejing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qingyuan Zhan
- Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
- Bejing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Linna Huang
- National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Center of Respiratory Medicine, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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Xie S, Yang X, Xia H, Lai J, Liu Q, Lu Z, He D, Liu X. Clinical features of varicella-zoster virus caused neurological diseases detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230744. [PMID: 37465353 PMCID: PMC10350883 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical presentation of central nervous system (CNS) infections caused by varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is highly sophisticated, making identification challenging. We retrospectively reported 18 cases of VZV neurologic disease confirmed by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). The detection rate of mNGS was higher than that of PCR assay (100 vs 66.7%, p < 0.05) and serum IgM antibody (100 vs 68.8%, p < 0.05) measurement. Of the 18 cases, five patients were diagnosed with acute meningitis, three with acute meningitis combined with facial neuritis, three with acute meningitis combined with polycranial neuritis, and the remaining seven with various clinical diagnoses. Typical clinical symptoms included headache (15), fever (9), and rash (11). Cranial or spinal MRI showed abnormalities in 12 patients, and 17 patients had obvious neurological symptoms. The predominant genotype of VZV in this study was genotype J (100%, 10/10). All patients were treated with acyclovir/penciclovir and dexamethasone, 16 recovered and 2 died. Our study highlights the good performance of mNGS in diagnosing CNS infection caused by VZV. It could provide additional diagnostic evidence in patients with diverse clinical spectrum and variable manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Xie
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Xuying Yang
- Department of Scientific Affairs, Hugobiotech Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Han Xia
- Department of Scientific Affairs, Hugobiotech Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Jinxing Lai
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Zhijuan Lu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Dehai He
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Xianghong Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
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Elsberg syndrome in HSV-2 infection. IDCases 2023; 31:e01714. [PMID: 36875152 PMCID: PMC9978459 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2023.e01714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Elsberg syndrome (ES) is a neuroinflammatory disease that causes acute or subacute lumbosacral radiculitis, with or without myelitis which accounts for approximately 5-10% of cauda equina syndrome and myelitis. We herein present a case of a middle-aged female who recently returned from the Dominican Republic and presented to the emergency room with complaints of a 10-day history of progressive lower extremity sensory changes and weakness preceded by transient bilateral arm pain and neck and head pressure. Based on clinical, radiographic, and serological testing the patient was diagnosed with HSV2 lumbosacral radiculitis (ES). After 21 days of Acyclovir, 5 days of high dose IV methylprednisolone, and one month of inpatient rehab, our patient was discharged home walking with a cane. As ES is poorly defined and rarely reported, it can be unrecognized in patients with acute cauda equina syndrome (CES). Appropriate testing for viral infection in a timely manner facilitates reaching a definitive diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment, which is essential for resolution of symptoms.
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Morsli M, Lavigne JP, Drancourt M. Direct Metagenomic Diagnosis of Community-Acquired Meningitis: State of the Art. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:926240. [PMID: 35865915 PMCID: PMC9294516 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.926240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Current routine diagnosis of community-acquired meningitis (CAM) by multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is limited in the number of tested pathogens and their full characterisation, requiring additional in vitro investigations to disclose genotype and antimicrobial susceptibility. We reviewed 51 studies published through December 2021 reporting metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) directly applied to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This approach, potentially circumventing the above-mentioned limitations, indicated 1,248 investigated patients, and 617 patients dually investigated by routine diagnosis and mNGS, in whom 116 microbes were detected, including 50 by mNGS only, nine by routine methods only, and 57 by both routine methods and mNGS. Of 217 discordant CSF findings, 103 CSF samples were documented by mNGS only, 87 CSF samples by routine methods only, and 27 CSF samples in which the pathogen identified by mNGS was different than that found using routine methods. Overall, mNGS allowed for diagnosis and genomic surveillance of CAM causative pathogens in real-time, with a cost which is competitive with current routine multiplex RT-PCR. mNGS could be implemented at point-of-care (POC) laboratories as a part of routine investigations to improve the diagnosis and molecular epidemiology of CAM, particularly in the event of failure of routine assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madjid Morsli
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Jean Philippe Lavigne
- VBIC, INSERM U1047, Université de Montpellier, Service de Microbiologie et Hygiène Hospitalière, CHU Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - Michel Drancourt
- IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille Université, IRD, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
- *Correspondence: Michel Drancourt,
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Ma N, Chen M, Ding J, Wang F, Jin J, Fan S, Chen J. Recurrent Pneumonia With Tuberculosis and Candida Co-infection Diagnosed by Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing: A Case Report and Literature Review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:755308. [PMID: 35462994 PMCID: PMC9026854 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.755308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
An 82-year-old male patient was hospitalized in the Respiratory Department for “repeated cough and shortness of breath for 10 years, recurrence worsened for 1 month.” Later, he was transferred for further diagnosis and treatment, to the Infectious Disease Department for further hospitalization. Previously, the patient had repeatedly undergone tuberculosis-related examinations including bronchoscopy examinations. However, no evidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection was found. Early anti-infection treatments failed. Due to repeated symptoms, we performed bronchoscopy again and sent alveolar lavage fluid for the metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) test. Subsequently, MTB and Candida albicans were detected by mNGS. After antituberculosis and antifungal treatments, the symptoms were significantly relieved, and the chest CT showed resolution of the lung lesions. Therefore, we successfully diagnosed and treated a case of recurrent pneumonia with tuberculosis and Candida co-infection diagnosed by mNGS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Mei Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Jingyi Ding
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Hospital-Acquired Infection Control, Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Jingbo Jin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Sitong Fan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Beilun District People’s Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jiajia Chen,
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Voytenkov VB, Vilnitz AA, Skripchenko NV, Ekusheva EV, Savelyeva NA, Klimkin AV, Marchenko NV, Bedova MA. Quantitative Electroencephalography Indicators in Children with Acute Purulent Meningitis. NEUROSCIENCE AND BEHAVIORAL PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 52:315-318. [PMID: 35340775 PMCID: PMC8941361 DOI: 10.1007/s11055-022-01239-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present work was to assess the state of brain bioelectrical activity in children during the acute period of bacterial purulent meningitis, with quantitative mathematical analysis of the changes found. The studies included 31 children on days 1 and 6 from onset of illness: 16 children (8.9 ± 2.4 years) admitted to the Pediatric Scientific Clinical Center for Infectious Diseases with laboratory confirmation of diagnoses of purulent meningitis (due to Neisseria meningitidis) (n = 11) or Streptomyces pneumoniae (n = 2) or unidentified pathogen (n = 3)), along with 15 healthy children. Electroencephalogram (EEG) traces were recorded from all these children in the state of calm waking using a Neuron-Spectrum 4/VP 16-channel electroencephalograph. Clinical assessment of the EEG included analysis of background rhythms, zonal differences, and detection of pathological types of activity. Quantitative analysis consisted of the mean power (μV2) and amplitude (μV) of the α, θ, and δ rhythms, along with mean power ratios – α/θ and α/δ. Visual analysis of the EEG in 100% of children in the acute period of purulent meningitis showed diffuse slowing with detection of δ and θ waves. Focal changes in the form of sharp waves were seen in 18.8% of cases (three patients). No cases displayed periodic activity. Meningitis patients showed significant reductions in the α/δ (p = 0.001) and α/θ (p = 0.048) spectral ratios. ROC analysis showed that the α/θ value was <0.18 and the α/δ value was <0.02 (sensitivity 100% and specificity 80%, AUROC 0.9), which may be evidence of the likely development of cerebral edema. Thus, pediatric patients with acute purulent meningitis showed significant impairments to the normal α/θ and α/δ rhythm power ratios on the EEG, which is presumptively explained by suppression of the functional activity of the thalamus and thalamocortical pathways, as well as the reticular formation of the brain.
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Bhagat YV, Yunasan E, Alzedaneen Y, Muttana S, Michael MB. Treatment of Elsberg Syndrome Causes Fever of Unknown Origin Attributable to Drug Reaction. Cureus 2021; 13:e18510. [PMID: 34754670 PMCID: PMC8568196 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A 56-year-old male with a history of non-adherence to HIV anti-retroviral therapy (ART) presented with Elsberg syndrome - varicella reactivation causing fever, painful dermatomal rash, weakness of bilateral lower extremities, and urinary and bowel dysfunction. On the third day of hospitalization, the patient developed altered mental status. An investigation for encephalitis and myelitis revealed a CD4 count of 150 cells/uL, viral load of about 150,000 copies/mL, and MRI of the lumbar spine demonstrating thickening of the cauda equina. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from lumbar puncture confirmed the presence of varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Treatment with acyclovir for 21 days was initiated. However, the patient developed a persistent fever. Evaluation for the source of the fever resulted in identification of anti-viral therapy as the cause. In conclusion, the present report provides a unique example of acyclovir-induced fever developed on treatment of Elsberg syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yash V Bhagat
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Midtown Campus, Baltimore, USA.,College of Medicine, American University of Antigua, Saint Johns, ATG
| | - Elvina Yunasan
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Midtown Campus, Baltimore, USA
| | - Yazan Alzedaneen
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Midtown Campus, Baltimore, USA
| | - Swathi Muttana
- Internal Medicine, American University of Antigua, New York, USA
| | - Miriam B Michael
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland Midtown Campus, Baltimore, USA.,Internal Medicine, Howard University, Washington DC, USA
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James S, Thozhuthumparambil KP. Bilateral optic disc swelling resulting from lymphocytic meningitis and posterior uveitis secondary to syphilis. BMJ Case Rep 2021; 14:14/5/e239813. [PMID: 34011659 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-239813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is being diagnosed more often in the UK due to the rise in obesity. In fact, patients who present with bilateral optic disc swelling are habitually put on the papilloedema pathway, often without consideration of other diagnoses. We report the case of a middle-aged woman diagnosed with papilloedema and managed as IIH, until, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed evidence of lymphocytic meningitis secondary to syphilis. The patient was treated successfully with intravenous antibiotics. Syphilis is the great masquerader and should be a diagnosis to consider in patients who have CSF findings incongruent with their clinical presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil James
- Acute Medical Unit, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, Birmingham, UK
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Li N, Cai Q, Miao Q, Song Z, Fang Y, Hu B. High-Throughput Metagenomics for Identification of Pathogens in the Clinical Settings. SMALL METHODS 2021; 5:2000792. [PMID: 33614906 PMCID: PMC7883231 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202000792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The application of sequencing technology is shifting from research to clinical laboratories owing to rapid technological developments and substantially reduced costs. However, although thousands of microorganisms are known to infect humans, identification of the etiological agents for many diseases remains challenging as only a small proportion of pathogens are identifiable by the current diagnostic methods. These challenges are compounded by the emergence of new pathogens. Hence, metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), an agnostic, unbiased, and comprehensive method for detection, and taxonomic characterization of microorganisms, has become an attractive strategy. Although many studies, and cases reports, have confirmed the success of mNGS in improving the diagnosis, treatment, and tracking of infectious diseases, several hurdles must still be overcome. It is, therefore, imperative that practitioners and clinicians understand both the benefits and limitations of mNGS when applying it to clinical practice. Interestingly, the emerging third-generation sequencing technologies may partially offset the disadvantages of mNGS. In this review, mainly: a) the history of sequencing technology; b) various NGS technologies, common platforms, and workflows for clinical applications; c) the application of NGS in pathogen identification; d) the global expert consensus on NGS-related methods in clinical applications; and e) challenges associated with diagnostic metagenomics are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Department of Infectious DiseasesZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Qingqing Cai
- Genoxor Medical Science and Technology Inc.Zhejiang317317China
| | - Qing Miao
- Department of Infectious DiseasesZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
| | - Zeshi Song
- Genoxor Medical Science and Technology Inc.Zhejiang317317China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Genoxor Medical Science and Technology Inc.Zhejiang317317China
| | - Bijie Hu
- Department of Infectious DiseasesZhongshan HospitalFudan UniversityShanghai200032China
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