Childhood diarrhea in low-resource settings has been variably linked to linear growth shortfalls. However, the association between etiology-specific diarrhea and growth has not been comprehensively evaluated. We tested diarrheal stools collected from the Performance of Rotavirus and Oral Polio Vaccines in Developing Countries study from 2011 to 2013 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, by quantitative polymerase chain reaction for a broad range of enteropathogens to characterize diarrhea etiology and examine the association between etiology-specific diarrhea and linear growth and systemic inflammation. Pathogen-specific burdens of diarrhea were determined using attributable fractions. Linear regression was used to examine associations of pathogen-specific diarrhea with length-for-age z scores (LAZ) and serum C-reactive protein. There was no relationship between all-cause diarrhea and length at 12 months (change in 12-month LAZ per episode, −0.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.06, 0.03). However, Cryptosporidium (change in 12-month LAZ per attributable episode, −0.23, 95% CI: −0.50, 0.03), Campylobacter jejuni/coli (change of −0.16, 95% CI: −0.32, −0.01), and Shigella/enteroinvasive Escherichia coli diarrhea (change of −0.12, 95% CI: −0.26, 0.03) were associated with linear growth deficits. Diarrhea attributable to C. jejuni/coli and Shigella/enteroinvasive E. coli were associated with elevated C-reactive protein. The association between diarrhea and linear growth appears to be pathogen-specific, reinforcing the need for pathogen-specific interventions.

Purpose of review Campylobacter jejuni is recognized as one of the most common causes of food-borne gastrointestinal illness worldwide, resulting in a self-limiting dysentery in developed countries. However, it is increasingly gaining attention due to its association with postinfectious complications such as Guillain–Barré Syndrome and recently recognized importance in early childhood diarrhea in developing countries. We hypothesize that the inflammation mediated by C. jejuni infection causes environmental enteric dysfunction, and with contribution from diet and the host, microbiome may be responsible for growth faltering in children and developmental disability. Recent findings Diet plays a major role in the impact of C. jejuni infection, both by availability of micronutrients for the bacteria and host as well as shaping the microbiome that affords resistance. Early childhood repeated exposure to the bacterium results in inflammation that affords long-term immunity but, in the short term, can lead to malabsorption, oral vaccine failure, cognitive delay and increased under-5 mortality. Summary As interest in C. jejuni increases, our understanding of its virulence mechanisms has improved. However, much work remains to be done to fully understand the implications of immune-mediated inflammation and its potential role in diseases such as environmental enteric dysfunction.

Bartonella endocarditis is often an elusive diagnosis, usually derived from evaluating multiple laboratory tests and assessment of presenting symptoms. Herein we describe a case of Bartonella henselae native mitral valve endocarditis with an initial presentation of volume overload and renal failure. The Bartonella organism is tedious to isolate from culture medium, causing most diagnoses to be delayed. Due to the destructive nature of B. henselae endocarditis, the need for rapid identification remains prudent. This therefore creates an opportunity for Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to be used. We further summarize the varied presentations that may be associated with B. henselae endocarditis, and hope that this will heighten the clinicians’ awareness of this entity when presented with acute onset renal failure and culture negative vegetations.

Background Dalbavancin is a semisynthetic antibiotic used as an alternative to vancomycin for skin infections and osteomyelitis. Its long half-life decreases length of hospitalizations. This study analyzes the effectiveness of Dalbavancin for bacteremia and infective endocarditis. Methods The authors performed a retrospective chart analysis on patients who received Dalbavancin due to being poor candidates for PICC placement, poor candidates for prolonged hospitalization, or who were leaving against medical advice. Their hospitalizations were analyzed and results were compiled using descriptive statistics. Results Our cohort had 22 patients treated with Dalbavancin for bacteremia and 1 for endocarditis. They were treated with IV antibiotics, typically a regimen of at least vancomycin and a cephalosporin, for a median of 6.5 days prior to receiving Dalbavancin. 20 received one dose, while three received two doses. 22 had confirmed culture clearance and one denied repeat culture. There were no reported side effects from the medication, no readmissions for worsened infection, and no deaths from the infection. 15 patients had follow-up visits within 90 days. Conclusions Overall, patients responded well. The lack of readmission to the hospital indicates possible outpatient treatment. This would help decrease cost and comorbidities of long-term hospital stays. These positive results are limited by small sample size and treatment of other antibiotics prior to receiving Dalbavancin. Further research is required to accurately estimate the efficacy of Dalbavancin on bloodstream infections and endocarditis, but these results are promising especially for patients who are not candidates for long term hospitalization or outpatient IV access.

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