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Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery May 2024This case series describes six cases involving seven cats naturally infected with in Indiana, USA. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed and all available...
CASE SERIES SUMMARY
This case series describes six cases involving seven cats naturally infected with in Indiana, USA. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed and all available information on signalment, history, clinical and diagnostic findings, treatment, outcome and pathology was reported. Cats infected with were domestic shorthairs, were aged between 2 and 9 years and all but one of the cats were male. The seven infected cats originated from five counties in southwestern Indiana. Six of seven cats were found to have acute cytauxzoonosis based on clinical signs, gross pathologic lesions, observation of in tissues and/or detection of DNA. One cat was identified as a subclinical survivor cat with no known clinical history of cytauxzoonosis.
RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION
The reported cases are the first confirmed reports of acute and chronic cytauxzoonosis in cats from Indiana and document an expansion in the range of . Veterinary practitioners in Indiana should consider infection with as a differential diagnosis for cats that present with fever, inappetence, lethargy, depression, dehydration, dyspnea, hemolytic crisis, anorexia or icterus. Administration of approved acaricides to cats currently offers the best protection and control against infection.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Female; Male; Cat Diseases; Indiana; Piroplasmida; Protozoan Infections, Animal; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38695724
DOI: 10.1177/1098612X231224139 -
IDCases 2024This article describes a case of polymicrobial pharyngitis and sinusitis complicated by intracranial complications and reviews similar cases in the literature.
OBJECTIVE
This article describes a case of polymicrobial pharyngitis and sinusitis complicated by intracranial complications and reviews similar cases in the literature.
CASE SUMMARY
A 21-year-old immunocompetent male presented with symptoms of sore throat, rhinorrhoea, lethargy, headache, and rash. Imaging demonstrated sinusitis, pre-septal sinusitis, peritonsillar abscess formation, subdural empyema and cerebritis. He was managed with endoscopic sinus surgery, craniotomy for evacuation of subdural empyema and antibiotics. Microbiological samples demonstrated growth of , , and . He subsequently developed a cerebral abscess requiring stereotactic needle drainage. After a prolonged course of antibiotics, the patient was discharge and made a good recovery.
DISCUSSION
is an uncommon cause of non-streptococcal pharyngitis that may occur alongside other microorganisms and is rarely associated with severe intracranial complications. This organism and its antibiotic susceptibility patterns should be considered in complicated upper respiratory tract infections in immunocompetent hosts. Penicillins and macrolide antibiotics form the mainstay of therapy for .
PubMed: 38690576
DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2024.e01960 -
BMC Public Health Apr 2024Social restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have altered children's movement behaviours and impacted their mental health. However, the influence of social...
School-aged children's movement behaviours and subjective health complaints in Japan: a cross-sectional study during COVID-19 pandemic-related school closures and after school reopenings.
BACKGROUND
Social restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic have altered children's movement behaviours and impacted their mental health. However, the influence of social restrictions on subjective health complaints remains inadequately understood. This study compared adherence to 24-hour movement behaviour guidelines and the prevalence of subjective health complaints during school closure and one year after reopening. We also examined how combinations of adherence to movement behaviour recommendations relate to subjective health complaints.
METHODS
A repeated cross-sectional survey was conducted at two points. The first survey in May 2020 included 1535 (766 boys and 769 girls) participants during school closures, while the second survey from May to July 2021 involved 1125 (583 boys and 542 girls) participants one year after school reopening. The questionnaire covered socio-demographics, physical activity, screen time, sleep, and subjective health complaints. Differences between periods were analysed using chi-square tests. Logistic regression models assessed the association between adherence to guidelines and subjective health complaints.
RESULTS
During school closure, children were more likely to meet 'only sleep' recommendations and have irritability and lethargy symptoms. Irrespective of sex, those adhering to two or all three recommendations (excluding physical activity and screen time) had a lower risk of symptoms related to physical and mental pain, fatigue, irritability, and lethargy as compared to those who met none of the recommendations.
CONCLUSIONS
Children should meet at least one physical activity or screen time recommendation in addition to sleep recommendations for subjective health. Strategies considering the priority of each movement behaviour are crucial, even during abnormal situations, such as pandemic-related social restrictions. This study offers insightful findings concerning children's mental health issues during unprecedented and massive disasters or crises.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Male; Female; Japan; Child; Schools; Exercise; Screen Time; Pandemics; Sleep; Adolescent; Surveys and Questionnaires; Child Behavior; Diagnostic Self Evaluation
PubMed: 38689272
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18712-6 -
BJPsych Open Apr 2024Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterised by psychomotor changes that can affect individuals across the lifespan. Although features of catatonia have been...
BACKGROUND
Catatonia is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterised by psychomotor changes that can affect individuals across the lifespan. Although features of catatonia have been described in adults, the most common clinical symptoms among paediatric patients with catatonia are not well characterised.
AIMS
The goal of this study was to characterise the symptoms of catatonia demonstrated by paediatric patients, and to explore demographic and diagnostic factors associated with greater catatonia severity.
METHOD
We conducted a multicentre retrospective cohort study, from 1 January 2018 to 6 January 2023, of patients aged 18 and younger with a clinical diagnosis of catatonia and symptom assessment using the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS).
RESULTS
A total of 143 patients met inclusion criteria. The median age was 15 (interquartile range: 13-16) years and 66 (46.2%) patients were female. Neurodevelopmental disabilities were present in 55 (38.5%) patients. Patients demonstrated a mean of 6.0 ± 2.1 signs of catatonia on the Bush Francis Catatonia Screening Item, with a mean BFCRS score of 15.0 ± 5.9. Among the 23 items of the BFCRS, six were present in >50% of patients (staring, mutism, immobility/stupor, withdrawal, posturing/catalepsy, rigidity), and four were present in <20% of cases (waxy flexibility, mitgehen, gegenhalten, grasp reflex). In an adjusted model, patients with neurodevelopmental disorders demonstrated greater BFCRS severity than those with other diagnoses.
CONCLUSIONS
Catatonia was diagnosed in a range of mental health conditions. Further research is needed to define optimal diagnostic criteria for catatonia in paediatric patients, and clarify the clinical course of the disorder.
PubMed: 38686558
DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2024.61 -
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine Apr 2024An adult American Quarter Horse mare presented for pigmenturia and lethargy of 12 hours' duration and was diagnosed with silver maple leaf toxicity. The mare had...
An adult American Quarter Horse mare presented for pigmenturia and lethargy of 12 hours' duration and was diagnosed with silver maple leaf toxicity. The mare had intravascular hemolysis and azotemia. The mare was treated with a transfusion of whole blood, fluids administered IV, antibiotics, oxygen insufflation, and supportive care. The azotemia persisted despite conventional medical management and hemodialysis was elected. After 2 intermittent hemodialysis treatments over 3 days, the azotemia almost resolved, clinical signs improved, and the mare was discharged. The blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and electrolyte concentrations remained normal 6 months later after examination by the referring veterinarian. Hemodialysis treatment can be feasible in horses if equipment and expertise are available and should be considered as a treatment option if indicated.
PubMed: 38682859
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17094 -
Revista de Neurologia May 2024We present a narcolepsy type 1 patient that develop an autoimmune encephalitis post vaccine and/or a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
INTRODUCTION
We present a narcolepsy type 1 patient that develop an autoimmune encephalitis post vaccine and/or a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
CASE REPORT
At 23 years old, the patient was referred to the emergency room with difficult speaking, headache and tremor followed by changes in behavior, autonomic dysfunction, right focal motor seizure and lethargy. He has received seven weeks before mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccine followed by a SARS-CoV-2 infection four weeks after vaccination (positive antigen test).
RESULTS
The neurological examination was normal (visual fields, cranial nerves, motor, sensory and reflexes). Nasopharyngeal swab polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for COVID-19 was negative. Cerebrospinalfluid (CSF) had highly elevated protein and lymphocytic pleocytosis. CSF bacterial and fungal cultures for viral infections were negative. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed no abnormality on the non-enhanced sequences but the diffusion weighted imaging showed restricted diffusion with high signal on the left hemisphere mainly in the cerebral cortex with a gyro morphology, patched distribution with involvement of the temporal and frontal lobes. Chest, abdomen and pelvis computed tomography; pelvic and scrotum ultrasound, showed no malignancy. Onconeural antibodies were negative. The patient was treated with plasmapheresis and corticosteroids with a good clinical outcome and near complete resolution of the MRI abnormalities.
CONCLUSION
The patient fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for autoimmune encephalitis with subacute onset. COVID-19 infection and vaccination could constitute a risk in a patient with narcolepsy as in this case and, could help to provide better understanding of the implication of immune-mediated processes in the pathophysiology of the diseases.
Topics: Humans; Male; COVID-19; Encephalitis; Narcolepsy; Hashimoto Disease; Young Adult; 2019-nCoV Vaccine mRNA-1273; COVID-19 Vaccines; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 38682764
DOI: 10.33588/rn.7809.2023306 -
JPRAS Open Jun 2024We present a case of Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) affecting left thigh in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) with an aim to raise awareness about this...
AIM
We present a case of Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) affecting left thigh in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) with an aim to raise awareness about this condition.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 7-year-old female child who presented with lethargy, pallor and lumps to inner lip was diagnosed with B-cell precursor ALL. She was started on treatment as per UKALL 2011 guidelines Regime B. On day 28, she developed neutropenic sepsis along with a new lesion in her left thigh. She was started on intravenous Meropenum, Gentamicin and Caspofungin. The clinical diagnosis of EG was made based on lesion progression, positive blood and wound swab & tissue cultures for and patient's immunocompromised status. The wound healed with secondary intention following debridement. We present a series of photographs to demonstrate her remarkable improvement.
DISCUSSION
EG occurs in 1-30% of cases of Pseudomonas sepsis; other bacteria and fungi can be associated with this condition. It is identified more in oncology patients as seen in our patient. A multidisciplinary team approach should be provided in 3 stages with empirical antibiotics, followed by targeted antibiotics or antifungals & surgical debridement. Our patient was treated in similar fashion and made a good recovery.
CONCLUSION
It is a rare skin condition associated with a high mortality. We suggest all clinicians to be vigilant about this condition to be able to provide accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment to improve the overall prognosis.
PubMed: 38681531
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpra.2024.02.010 -
Cureus Mar 2024Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is an uncommon yet severe neurological disorder characterized by a combination of clinical and radiological features....
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is an uncommon yet severe neurological disorder characterized by a combination of clinical and radiological features. Common clinical presentations of PRES include headaches, seizures, altered mental status ranging from lethargy to coma, visual disturbances, and behavior changes. This case report outlines the occurrence of hemorrhagic PRES in an 11-year-old girl with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) relapse. Hospitalized for ALL relapse, the patient underwent reinduction chemotherapy. On the ninth day of admission, she had a generalized tonic-clonic seizure with a blood pressure peak of 170/120 mmHg. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a seizure episode suggested PRES. Initially, after the first tonic-clonic seizure, the neurological examination was normal, but after the second seizure, the meningeal symptoms were negative, and gaze palsy and right-sided homonymous hemianopsia were observed; muscle strength was symmetrically reduced in the upper and lower extremities and reflexes were symmetrical and diminished. A bilateral Babinski reflex was observed at the time of examination; the patient had mild motor aphasia, and she opened her eyes only in response to tactile stimulation. A follow-up MRI four days after the second seizure episode showed extensive PRES damage with hemorrhagic changes. Over two weeks, the patient's neurological status and blood pressure gradually improved, with persistent changes in the visual field. Subsequent MRI revealed a significant reduction in PRES lesions, but residual hemorrhage measuring 6x4 cm remained evident.
PubMed: 38681433
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57158 -
Viruses Apr 2024In this paper, we report the characterization of a genetically modified live-attenuated African swine fever virus (ASFV) field strain isolated from Vietnam. The isolate,...
In this paper, we report the characterization of a genetically modified live-attenuated African swine fever virus (ASFV) field strain isolated from Vietnam. The isolate, ASFV-GUS-Vietnam, belongs to p72 genotype II, has six multi-gene family (MGF) genes deleted, and an GusA gene (GUS) inserted. When six 6-8-week-old pigs were inoculated with ASFV-GUS-Vietnam oro-nasally (2 × 10 TCID/pig), they developed viremia, mild fever, lethargy, and inappetence, and shed the virus in their oral and nasal secretions and feces. One of the pigs developed severe clinical signs and was euthanized 12 days post-infection, while the remaining five pigs recovered. When ASFV-GUS-Vietnam was inoculated intramuscularly (2 × 10 TCID/pig) into four 6-8 weeks old pigs, they also developed viremia, mild fever, lethargy, inappetence, and shed the virus in their oral and nasal secretions and feces. Two contact pigs housed together with the four intramuscularly inoculated pigs, started to develop fever, viremia, loss of appetite, and lethargy 12 days post-contact, confirming horizontal transmission of ASFV-GUS-Vietnam. One of the contact pigs died of ASF on day 23 post-contact, while the other one recovered. The pigs that survived the exposure to ASFV-GUS-Vietnam via the mucosal or parenteral route were fully protected against the highly virulent ASFV Georgia 2007/1 challenge. This study showed that ASFV-GUS-Vietnam field isolate is able to induce complete protection in the majority of the pigs against highly virulent homologous ASFV challenge, but has the potential for horizontal transmission, and can be fatal in some animals. This study highlights the need for proper monitoring and surveillance when ASFV live-attenuated virus-based vaccines are used in the field for ASF control in endemic countries.
Topics: Animals; African Swine Fever Virus; African Swine Fever; Swine; Vietnam; Viremia; Genome, Viral; Genotype; Sequence Deletion; Virus Shedding; Phylogeny
PubMed: 38675912
DOI: 10.3390/v16040571