South African medical journal = Suid-Afrikaanse tydskrif vir geneeskunde
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Case Reports
Case report: First reported case of spondylodiscitis caused by Gemella morbillorum in South Africa.
Pyogenic spondylodiscitis is an uncommon but important clinical condition that often requires medical and/or surgical management. We report a case of spondylodiscitis caused by a rare pathogen, Gemella morbillorum. To date, worldwide, only six such cases of confirmed spondylodiscitis infection with this rare pathogen have been documented, and this is the first reported case in South Africa. ⋯ Tissue cultures from a biopsy identified G. morbillorum species infection, and she was treated successfully with antibiotics for 6 weeks. It is important to have a high index of suspicion when a patient has a history of dental work, and to rule out associated infection such as endocarditis. Treatment with culture-driven antibiotics yields good results.
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While a large number of cases in an HIV setting may be attributed to infections, there has also been a rise in HIV- associated malignancies such as Kaposi sarcoma and aggressive B-cell lymphoma. ⋯ Expedited histopathological assessment of bowel resection in HIV-infected patients could improve clinical outcomes with early treatment.
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Golf club-related traumatic brain injuries are an uncommon occurrence in adults, and the use of golf clubs as a weapon of interpersonal assault resulting in compound skull fractures is rare. ⋯ This study highlights the potential dangers of golf clubs as a weapon of interpersonal assault, and the need for prompt and appropriate management of compound skull fractures to reduce the risk of complications.
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Case Reports
Case report: First reported case of spondylodiscitis caused by Gemella morbillorum in South Africa.
Pyogenic spondylodiscitis is an uncommon but important clinical condition that often requires medical and/or surgical management. We report a case of spondylodiscitis caused by a rare pathogen, Gemella morbillorum. To date, worldwide, only six such cases of confirmed spondylodiscitis infection with this rare pathogen have been documented, and this is the first reported case in South Africa. ⋯ Tissue cultures from a biopsy identified G. morbillorum species infection, and she was treated successfully with antibiotics for 6 weeks. It is important to have a high index of suspicion when a patient has a history of dental work, and to rule out associated infection such as endocarditis. Treatment with culture-driven antibiotics yields good results.