A child with Erysipelothrix arthritis-beware of the little known

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is an established animal pathogen while the zoonotic infections in humans are rarely reported. Infections occur after exposure to animals or animal products that are mostly occupational in adults. Here we report in a child for the first time septic arthritis and osteomyelitis without an identifiable risk factor. A 5-year-old male child was admitted with pain in the left hip joint and inability to bear weight on the limb. Clinical examination followed by radiological and magnetic resonance imaging was suggestive of septic arthritis. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae grew from peroperative joint specimen. The infection was resolved following arthrotomy, joint lavage and antibiotic therapy.

Multiple cutaneous swellings in an immunocompetent host: cryptococcosis overlooked

Recently, there has been an increase in the incidence of cryptococcosis even among immunocompetent patients. We present a case of multiple subcutaneous swellings later developing into a non-healing ulcer caused by Cryptococcus in a 60 year-old immunocompetent male along with a brief review of clinical presentations of cutaneous cryptococcosis in immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. A high index of suspicion is desired in view of possible dissemination and variable non-specific clinical presentations.