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Hawai'i Journal of Health & Social... Apr 2024Meningitis caused by subspecies (subsp.) is a rare complication with 14 cases reported in literature worldwide between 2003-2023, with the majority of the cases...
Meningitis caused by subspecies (subsp.) is a rare complication with 14 cases reported in literature worldwide between 2003-2023, with the majority of the cases occurring before 4 weeks of life and with preceding symptoms. This is a case report of an infection without any preceding symptoms. A previously healthy 7-week-old boy presented to the hospital with a fever for 1 day. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures ultimately grew subsp. . The magnetic resonance imaging was consistent with meningitis. The boy received 21 days of intravenous antibiotics before discharge. At subsequent visits, the boy had no neurological sequelae, normal hearing tests, and appeared to have met all developmental milestones. The older age of infant should not discount the differential diagnosis for meningitis, which may delay further work up such as a lumbar puncture. Group D streptococcus is an uncommon cause of infantile sepsis that can lead to several complications such as meningitis and bacteremia. In this case, the infant's subsequent post-meningitis clinical course has been unremarkable. The history of meningitis poses increased risk for abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome. This case study highlights the importance of keeping meningitis on the differential diagnosis for an infant with fever. If there is a concern for meningitis, further workup should be performed without delay.
Topics: Male; Infant; Humans; Streptococcus gallolyticus; Streptococcal Infections; Meningitis, Bacterial; Streptococcus
PubMed: 38585289
DOI: 10.62547/FBGK5653 -
Journal of Neonatal-perinatal Medicine 2024Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies pasteurianus is a subtype of Streptococcus bovis (S. bovis) that has become increasingly recognized as a sepsis-causing pathogen...
Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies pasteurianus is a subtype of Streptococcus bovis (S. bovis) that has become increasingly recognized as a sepsis-causing pathogen in neonates. It is well documented that S. bovis species have a predilection to both cardiac and gastrointestinal tissue, and in adult populations, isolating these organisms in the bloodstream often triggers further evaluation for co-morbid complications such as colon cancer or endocarditis. However, no such guidance currently exists in neonatal literature. We present a case of a preterm infant with S. gallolyticus subsp. pasteurianus bacteremia presenting as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) not previously described in the literature. Furthermore, through a complete diagnostic evaluation, including an echocardiogram, our patient was found to have the rare complication of endocarditis.
Topics: Humans; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing; Infant, Newborn; Streptococcal Infections; Infant, Premature; Arteritis; Streptococcus gallolyticus subspecies gallolyticus; Male; Bacteremia; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Female; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38669486
DOI: 10.3233/NPM-230089 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Staka is a traditional Greek sour cream made mostly from spontaneously fermented sheep milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk. At the industrial scale, cream...
Study of the Microbiome of the Cretan Sour Cream Staka Using Amplicon Sequencing and Shotgun Metagenomics and Isolation of Novel Strains with an Important Antimicrobial Potential.
Staka is a traditional Greek sour cream made mostly from spontaneously fermented sheep milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk. At the industrial scale, cream separators and starter cultures may also be used. Staka is sometimes cooked with flour to absorb most of the fat. In this study, we employed culture-based techniques, amplicon sequencing, and shotgun metagenomics to analyze the Staka microbiome for the first time. The samples were dominated by or spp. Most other bacteria were lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from the and genera or Gram-negative bacteria from the , , , -, and genera. , , or were the most prevalent genera in the samples, followed by other yeasts and molds like , , , , , or spp. Shotgun metagenomics allowed the species-level identification of , , , , , , , and . Binning of assembled shotgun reads followed by recruitment plot analysis of single reads could determine near-complete metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs). Culture-dependent and culture-independent analyses were in overall agreement with some distinct differences. For example, lactococci could not be isolated, presumably because they had entered a viable but not culturable (VBNC) state or because they were dead. Finally, several LAB, , and spp. isolates exhibited antimicrobial activities against oral or other pathogenic streptococci, and certain spoilage and pathogenic bacteria establishing their potential role in food bio-protection or new biomedical applications. Our study may pave the way for additional studies concerning artisanal sour creams to better understand the factors affecting their production and the quality.
PubMed: 38611432
DOI: 10.3390/foods13071129 -
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Jun 2024Colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment using time-saving and cost-effective targeted therapies with high selectivity and low toxicity drugs, is a great challenge. In primary...
BACKGROUND
Colorectal cancer (CRC) treatment using time-saving and cost-effective targeted therapies with high selectivity and low toxicity drugs, is a great challenge. In primary investigations on Gallocin, as a most proposed factor in CRC pathogenesis caused by Streptococcus gallolyticus, it was surprisingly found that this bacteriocin has four α-helix structures and some anti- cancer sequences.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the ability of Gallocin-based anticancer peptides (ACPs) against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular epidermal growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and the evaluation of their pharmacokinetics properties using bioinformatics approaches.
METHODS
Support vector machine algorithm web-based tools were used for predicting ACPs. The physicochemical characteristics and the potential of anti-cancer activity of Gallocin-derived ACPs were determined by in silico tools. The 3D structure of predicted ACPs was modeled using modeling tools. The interactions between predicted ACPs and targets were investigated by molecular docking exercises. Then, the stability of ligand-receptor interactions was determined by molecular dynamic simulation. Finally, ADMET analysis was carried out to check the pharmacokinetic properties and toxicity of ACP.
RESULTS
Four amino acid sequences with anti-cancer potential were selected. Through molecular docking, Pep2, and Pep3 gained the best scores, more binding affinity, and strong attachments by the formation of reasonable H-bonds with both EGFR and VEGFR. Molecular simulation confirmed the stability of Pep3- EGFR. According to pharmacokinetic analysis, the ACPs were safe and truthful.
CONCLUSION
Designed peptides can be nominated as drugs for CRC treatment. However, different in-vitro and in-vivo assessments are required to approve this claim.
PubMed: 38840394
DOI: 10.2174/0115680266295587240522050712 -
Cureus Feb 2024Neutropenic enterocolitis (NEC), also referred to as typhlitis, is a condition associated with a high mortality risk and primarily manifests in immunocompromised...
Neutropenic enterocolitis (NEC), also referred to as typhlitis, is a condition associated with a high mortality risk and primarily manifests in immunocompromised patients. It is characterized by ulceration, edema, and hemorrhage affecting the bowel wall. The underlying cause of NEC is postulated as an immunocompromised condition that facilitates bacterial infiltration through compromised bowel mucosa. The high mortality rate is attributable to bowel necrosis, culminating in perforation and sepsis. This report describes a case involving a patient with metastatic seminoma who exhibited seizure-like activity, fever, bacteremia, and NEC. The patient underwent treatment involving broad-spectrum antibiotics and filgrastim. The patient's neutropenia resolved leading to discharge on oral antibiotics. The case reported is unique, as it links NEC to and seminoma. has not been previously associated with NEC.
PubMed: 38481902
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54077 -
Cureus Apr 2024Right-sided infective endocarditis is less common than left-sided endocarditis and can be a difficult clinical diagnosis. The presence of intracardiac devices is...
Right-sided infective endocarditis is less common than left-sided endocarditis and can be a difficult clinical diagnosis. The presence of intracardiac devices is a major risk factor. The presentation is less clear than left-sided forms because of the presence of respiratory symptoms and the absence of systemic embolization. Pylephlebitis, or septic thrombosis of the portal vein, is a serious infectious condition that often delays diagnosis. It is a complication of intraabdominal or pelvic infections. Streptococcus gallolyticus (S. gallolyticus) can cause infective endocarditis and is associated with colon neoplasia and hepatobiliary disease. In this case report, we describe the case of a 76-year-old male with a history of rectal adenocarcinoma who presented with different episodes of fever of unknown origin (FUO), one of which occurred after pacemaker implantation. Ultimately, he was diagnosed with S. gallolyticus-mediated tricuspid valve endocarditis with underlying pylephlebitis. Investigations did not show evidence of pacemaker lead endocarditis.
PubMed: 38817467
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59372 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Mar 2024Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed forms of cancer, and it is associated with several common symptoms and signs such as rectal bleeding, altered... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed forms of cancer, and it is associated with several common symptoms and signs such as rectal bleeding, altered bowel habits, abdominal pain, anemia, and unintentional weight loss. Sciatica, a debilitating condition in which the patient experiences paresthesia and pain in the dermatome of associated lumbosacral nerve roots or sciatic nerve distribution, is not considered one of these. Here we present a case of colorectal cancer manifesting symptoms of sciatica alone.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 68-year-old male presented with progressive lower back pain radiating to his left thigh and calf over L5/S1 dermatome. Sciatica was suspected and initially underwent conservative treatment with analgesics. However, the symptoms progressed and MRI revealed an epidural abscess surprisingly. Surgical debridement was performed and pus culture isolated Streptococcus gallolyticus. Based on the strong association of S. gallolyticus with colorectal cancer, the presence of this pathogen prompted further tumor evaluation, even in the absence of the typical symptoms and signs. This investigation ultimately leads to the diagnosis of sigmoid adenocarcinoma.
CONCLUSIONS
Although rare, sciatica caused by S. gallolyticus infection of the spinal epidural space may serve as the initial presentation of colorectal cancer. Physicians should be aware of the strong association between S. gallolyticus and colorectal cancer. Based on what we currently know about the condition; a thorough systematic assessment of occult neoplasia for patients with S. gallolyticus infection is recommended.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; Sciatica; Epidural Abscess; Colonic Neoplasms; Abdominal Pain; Awareness
PubMed: 38448866
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09159-6 -
Infection Oct 2023Streptococcal bloodstream infections (BSIs) are common, yet prognostic factors are poorly investigated. We aimed to investigate the mortality according to streptococcal...
PURPOSE
Streptococcal bloodstream infections (BSIs) are common, yet prognostic factors are poorly investigated. We aimed to investigate the mortality according to streptococcal species and seasonal variation.
METHODS
Patients with streptococcal BSIs from 2008 to 2017 in the Capital Region of Denmark were investigated, and data were crosslinked with nationwide registers for the identification of comorbidities. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess mortality according to streptococcal species and season of infection.
RESULTS
Among 6095 patients with a streptococcal BSI (mean age 68.1 years), the 30-day mortality was 16.1% and the one-year mortality was 31.5%. With S. pneumoniae as a reference, S. vestibularis was associated with a higher adjusted mortality both within 30 days (odds ratio (OR) 2.89 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20-6.95]) and one year (OR 4.09 [95% CI 1.70-9.48]). One-year mortality was also higher in S. thermophilus, S. constellatus, S. parasanguinis, S. salivarius, S. anginosus, and S. mitis/oralis. However, S. mutans was associated with a lower one-year mortality OR 0.44 [95% CI 0.20-0.97], while S. gallolyticus was associated with both a lower 30-day (OR 0.42 [95% CI 0.26-0.67]) and one-year mortality (OR 0.66 [95% CI 0.48-0.93]). Furthermore, with infection in the summer as a reference, patients infected in the winter and autumn had a higher association with 30-day mortality.
CONCLUSIONS
The mortality in patients with streptococcal BSI was associated with streptococcal species. Further, patients with streptococcal BSIs infected in the autumn and winter had a higher risk of death within 30 days, compared with patients infected in the summer.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Prognosis; Streptococcus; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Sepsis; Bacteremia
PubMed: 36959526
DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02025-8 -
Revista Espanola de Quimioterapia :... Aug 2024
Review
Topics: Adult; Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Meningitis, Bacterial; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus gallolyticus
PubMed: 38896776
DOI: 10.37201/req/139.2023 -
ACG Case Reports Journal Jun 2024Stricture formation is common in Crohn's disease, and endoscopic intervention plays an increasingly important role in managing these strictures. A 61-year-old man with...
Stricture formation is common in Crohn's disease, and endoscopic intervention plays an increasingly important role in managing these strictures. A 61-year-old man with biological aortic prosthesis and a 30-year history of ileocolonic stricturing Crohn's disease, managed with azathioprine and infliximab, presented with marked occlusive symptoms. Colonoscopy revealed a descending colon stricture, prompting endoscopic balloon dilation. At the time of the procedure, no prophylactic antibiotic was given. Subsequently, he developed Streptococcus gallolyticus endocarditis, necessitating aortic valve replacement. The authors present a case of late endocarditis associated with endoscopic balloon dilation of a Crohn-related colonic stricture.
PubMed: 38903449
DOI: 10.14309/crj.0000000000001377