Disseminated Mycobacterium abscessus with endocarditis.

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.

Raoultella planticola Pneumonia: A Rare Causative Organism.

We present a case of Raoultella planticola (R. planticola) infection that resulted in community-acquired pneumonia in an immunocompetent patient with an eight-week history of productive cough. This gram-negative bacterium is typically found in the environment and has the potential to infect humans. Raoultella planticola infections in humans have been recorded in several case reports from throughout the world in recent years, usually affecting immunocompromised patients. Although R. planticola is sensitive to most antibiotic groups, recent studies have revealed an increase in the infrequent acquisition of resistance genes in R. planticola, such as carbapenem resistance, making this pathogen a potential emergent threat. Our patient acquired R. planticola pneumonia in the absence of any underlying risk factors, making this the first case in the UK of R. planticola causing community-acquired pneumonia in an immunocompetent person.

Contact tracing strategies in household and congregate environments to identify cases of tuberculosis in low- and moderate-incidence populations.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is an infectious bacterial disease that is spread via respiratory droplets from infected individuals to susceptible contacts. To eliminate this disease from low- and medium-incidence settings, people who are most likely to be infected (contacts) must be identified. Recently, study authors have examined alternate approaches to contact tracing methods that demonstrate improved detection and prioritization of contacts. The comparative benefit of these methods has not been established. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of novel methods of contact tracing versus current standard of care to identify latent and active cases in low- to moderate-incidence settings. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS, Web of Science, and CINAHL up to 15 July 2019. We also searched for clinical trials and examined reference lists and conference proceedings. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-RCTs of contact tracing strategies that included alternate approaches (other than standard practice). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently assessed identified articles for eligibility and quality using prespecified criteria. MAIN RESULTS: No trials met the inclusion criteria of this review. Several study authors described an alternate method for examining contacts and performing social network analysis but did not compare this with the current contact tracing approach. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This Cochrane Review highlights the lack of research in support of the current contact tracing method and the need for RCTs to compare new methods such as social network analysis to improve contact tracing processes.

Pyrexia of unknown origin: inferior vena cava agenesis.

A 26-year-old woman presented with a 5-day history of fever after returning from Bali. She denied sexual contact abroad. On examination, there was suprapubic tenderness and a widespread maculopapular rash. Malaria serology was negative and blood tests were normal except for an elevated C reactive protein. Treatment was initially with ceftriaxone, metronidazole and doxycycline, but her symptoms failed to improve. A CT pelvis suggested a possible tubo-ovarian abscess, a suspected inferior vena cava (IVC) anomaly and left internal iliac/femoral venous thrombosis. A gynaecology review demonstrated left tubo-ovarian tenderness and fullness. An MRI suggested pelvic inflammatory disease and thrombophlebitis affecting the pelvic veins; deep vein thrombosis (DVT) treatment was commenced. Further family history revealed thrombosis throughout multiple generations. Further imaging analysis demonstrated agenesis of the IVC with compensatory dilation of pelvic collaterals and an acute DVT of the deep pelvic venous system. The patient was discharged with direct oral anticoagulant therapy.

Mycobacterium shimoidei: an uncommon non-tuberculous infection in a UK patient.

We present the case of a 69-year-old man with significant respiratory comorbidities who presented with slow growing pulmonary nodules which cavitated. Subsequent sputum sampling grew Mycobacterium shimoidei, a non-tuberculous mycobacterium species and an uncommon cause of infection in the UK. We describe the diagnostic process and subsequent treatment regimen.

Chinese green tea and acute hepatitis: a rare yet recurring theme.

A previously healthy 16-year-old girl presented with signs of acute hepatitis. On initial enquiry, she had not taken any prescribed or 'over-the-counter' medications, and there was no recent travel history. Further investigations revealed no viral, autoimmune or metabolic cause of hepatitis. Only following specific questioning did she reveal that she had, in the preceding 3 months, regularly consumed internet ordered Chinese green tea, which contained Camellia sinensis. After ceasing green tea consumption, there was a rapid and sustained recovery of her hepatitis. The authors discuss the probable cause of herbal tea in this case of acute hepatitis, and the importance of awareness of this rare yet recurring theme for patients and clinicians alike.