The association between Salmonella spp. and osteoarticular infections in pediatric patients with major sickle hemoglobinopathies has been well established. However, the contemporary microbiology of these infections in such patients is unknown. We conducted a retrospective review of medical records at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston from 2000 to 2018 to investigate this question. Fifty cases were identified. In 23 (46%) cases, a pathogen was identified. Salmonella was the most common pathogen isolated, accounting for 61% of culture-positive cases followed by Staphylococcus aureus (21.7%).

Background Prostatic abscesses are rare and have been most commonly associated with gram-negative bacteria; however, Staphylococcus aureus has emerged as a leading cause, particularly in persons who are immunocompromised. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of all patients discharged from Ben Taub Hospital with a diagnosis of prostatic abscess during January 2011–January 2019. Demographic, clinical, microbiologic, and radiographic data were abstracted from the patients’ charts and analyzed for comorbidities, causative organisms, clinical course, and outcomes. Results We identified 32 patients with a prostatic abscess during the study period. S. aureus was the most common causative organism (18/32, 56%). Most patients (24/32, 75%) were admitted to a general medicine service, and the median length of stay was 9 days. Twenty-one patients (66%) were treated with a combination of surgical drainage and antibiotic therapy; 11 (34%) were treated with antibiotics alone. All patients treated with antibiotics alone had full clinical recovery. Two patients (6.3%) died, both of whom had septic shock secondary to disseminated S. aureus infection. Conclusions Prostatic abscesses are rare and can be difficult to diagnose, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. S. aureus is a frequent causative organism especially in persons with diabetes mellitus or other immunocompromising conditions. Hematogenous spread of S. aureus infection to the prostate appears common. Prostatic abscesses can serve as the nidus of disseminated S. aureus infection.

Purpose This paper aims to conduct a qualitative needs assessment to explore the effectiveness of Houston’s refugee resettlement efforts in the areas of employment, health care and education. Design/methodology/approach Using referral sampling, the authors identified refugee community leaders and staff members at the five refugee resettlement agencies in Houston. The authors conducted 29 qualitative interviews with these contacts from February–August 2017. Findings Recently resettled refugees may struggle to find and maintain employment in Houston due to difficulty accessing public transportation. Refugees seeking medical care in Houston often have difficulty navigating the complexities of the health-care system and communicating with their physicians due to language barriers. Finally, refugee children may have trouble adapting to Houston public schools, sometimes because they have limited experience with formal education. This study provided insights into the challenges Houston refugees face during resettlement and these barriers can be mitigated with policies designed specifically to address them. Practical implications The authors recommend decreasing public transportation fees for refugees, supporting programs that donate used vehicles to refugees, expanding access to English as a Second Language classes for refugee children and adults and giving refugees designated time to learn English upon arrival. Originality/value Houston welcomes more resettled refugees than any other American city. However, few studies have explored the barriers refugees face during the resettlement process.