Pediatric community-acquired bloodstream infections (CA-BSIs) in sub Saharan African humanitarian contexts are rarely documented. Effective treatment of these infections is additionally complicated by increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance. We describe the findings from epidemiological and microbiological surveillance implemented in pediatric patients with suspected CA-BSIs presenting for care at a secondary hospital in the conflict affected area of Zamfara state, Nigeria. Any child (> 2 months of age) presenting to Anka General Hospital from November 2018 to August 2020 with clinical severe sepsis at admission had clinical and epidemiological information and a blood culture collected at admission. Bacterial isolates were tested for antibiotic susceptibility. We calculated frequencies of epidemiological, microbiological and clinical parameters. We explored risk factors for death amongst severe sepsis cases using univariable and multivariable Poisson regression, adjusting for time between admission and hospital exit. We included 234 severe sepsis patients with 195 blood culture results. There were 39 positive blood cultures. Of the bacterial isolates, 14 were Gram positive and 18 were Gram negative; 5 were resistant to empiric antibiotics: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; n = 2) and Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase positive enterobacterales (n = 3). We identified no significant association between sex, age-group, ward, CA-BSI, appropriate intravenous antibiotic, malaria positivity at admission, suspected focus of sepsis, clinical severity and death in the multivariable regression. There is an urgent need for access to good clinical microbiological services, including point of care methods, and awareness and practice around rational antibiotic in healthcare staff in humanitarian settings to reduce morbidity and mortality from sepsis in children.

Synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis (SAPHO) is an uncommon adulthood disorder that presents as focal swellings and pain accompanied by abnormal changes in bone and surrounding soft tissues. X-rays of the involved region are usually insignificant; however, CT and MRI show excellent visualization of the affected structures. Typical radiological images show cortical thickening leading to decreased marrow cavity, bony erosion, and ligament ossifications. Other associated findings are synovitis and joint effusions. It is usually diagnosed on the basis of clinical as well as radiological findings. The treatment initially relies on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Patients showing poor response are started on corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). We report two patients who presented with joint swellings. Their workup unmasked the underlying SAPHO, which was managed well with NSAIDs.

Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is an inflammatory disorder of bones first reported by Giedion et al. in 1972. It is a disease of childhood, comparable to SAPHO (synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis) in adults. CRMO presents with pain and swelling overlying the involved bones. Inflammatory markers are usually raised and X-rays usually show sclerotic lesions. MRI demonstrates the extent of the lesions accurately and associated soft tissue changes. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids are the mainstays of the management. We report three patients who presented with bone pains. Extensive workup and radiological modalities along with clinical findings supported the diagnosis of CRMO. This article highlights important clinical presentations, radiological findings, and various management options.

The outbreaks of aspergillosis in broiler chicks (4-15 days old) were observed from January to July, 2011 in five broiler farms. The disease was detected on the basis of clinical signs, gross, histopathological and cultural findings. Infected chicks showed signs of ruffled feathers, green watery diarrhea, anorexia, gasping and dyspnea. On examination, numerous small white yellowish nodules were seen in the lungs, air sacs, kidneys, thoracic wall and abdominal serosa. Microscopically the lungs revealed granulomas with central areas of caseation surrounded by heterophils and giant cells. Aspergillus fumigatus could be isolated in Sabouraud’s dextrose agar from the lesions. Higher morbidity (76 to 100%) and mortality (62.5 to 100%) rates were recorded in the five farms. This is the first record on the occurrence of acute aspergillosis in broiler chicks from Sulaimania/ Iraq.

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