A literature survey reveals that both lipid lowering drugs - statins and fibrates--and hypothyroidism are documented causes of muscle disorders including rhabdomyolysis leading to acute renal failure. We describe a case of fenofibrate monotherapy (Lipicard) induced dialysis dependent acute renal failure in an undiagnosed hypothyroid patient which is the first case to be reported from Sri Lanka. We strongly recommend that all patients who are receiving statins and/or fibrates should be screened for occult hypothyroidism which seems to aggravate the muscle damage due to the above drugs, with or without other risk factors.

Emergence of cephalosporin-resistant strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi is a cause of concern in the management of enteric fever. Cephalosporin resistance in Salmonella species is mainly due to the production of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). The majority of ESBLs in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi are derivatives of the TEM, SHV, and CTX-M β-lactamase families. Of these, CTX-M appears to be predominant. This paper discusses the detection and molecular characterization of an ESBL-producing Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi strain isolated from a patient who was admitted to a private hospital in Sri Lanka. The three main types of β-lactamases such as TEM, SHV, and CTX-M were identified in this isolate. This case report from Sri Lanka contributes to the knowledge of the increasingly reported cases of typhoid fever due to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi resistant to β-lactamase by ESBL production.

Streptococcus bovis is found as a commensal organism in human gut and may become opportunistically pathogenic. Infective endocarditis is one of the commonest modes of presentation of this infection. The association between Streptococcus bovis endocarditis and colorectal cancer is well recognized. We report a case of Streptococcus bovis endocarditis along with a refractory iron deficiency anaemia associated with concomitant carcinoma of ascending colon in a 63-year-old male. Cooccurrence of these two conditions may cause a challenge in the management. Considering the strong association of colon cancer with Streptococcus bovis endocarditis, a detailed screening colonoscopy is mandatory following the diagnosis of the latter.

Background: Melioidosis is an infectious disease caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei. It is most prevalent in South-East Asia, northern Australia, and the Indian subcontinent. Septic arthritis is a rare manifestation of melioidosis. Melioidosis is usually found in patients with diabetes, heavy alcohol use, or chronic lung disease. Case: We report a case of melioidosis in an otherwise healthy 44-year-old male, who presented with acute painful left knee swelling, high-grade fever associated with chills, rigors and night sweats, and a productive cough. Examination revealed active synovitis with effusion involving his left knee, ankle and elbow joints and scattered crackles over both lung fields. Chest X-ray showed diffuse pulmonary consolidation. Abdominal ultrasound showed splenic micro-abscesses. The diagnosis was made based on a positive blood culture for Burkholderia pseudomallei. He was started on appropriate antibiotics and responded well, becoming afebrile after 48 hours, while his joint effusions disappeared after one week. Conclusion: Septic arthritis only occurs in 4% of patients with melioidosis. When there is diffuse pulmonary involvement, melioidosis may mimic disseminated tuberculosis, sepsis syndromes, and systemic vasculitis syndromes. This case is relevant for medical literature as melioidosis is emerging and is expanding its territories worldwide. It should be considered early in the differential diagnoses in endemic areas so that treatment can be started early to reduce its high mortality and morbidity.