The Lancet infectious diseases
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We present the case of a woman with diabetes mellitus who developed symptoms and signs consistent with gastroenteritis. After admission for hydration, the patient rapidly became critically ill and an abdominal catastrophe was suspected as the cause of her deterioration. Computed tomography of her abdomen was done and revealed gas in the lumen of the gallbladder consistent with emphysematous cholecystitis. ⋯ Emphysematous cholecystitis, thought to be a variant of acute cholecystitis, is a medical and surgical emergency. Diagnosis relies heavily on imaging findings by ultrasound or computed tomography since the clinical presentation is often non-specific. Cholecystectomy remains the treatment of choice in addition to broad spectrum antibiotics and other supportive measures.
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The global burden of disease caused by group A streptococcus (GAS) is not known. We review recent population-based data to estimate the burden of GAS diseases and highlight deficiencies in the available data. We estimate that there are at least 517,000 deaths each year due to severe GAS diseases (eg, acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, and invasive infections). ⋯ Epidemiological data from developing countries for most diseases is poor. On a global scale, GAS is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. These data emphasise the need to reinforce current control strategies, develop new primary prevention strategies, and collect better data from developing countries.
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Enteric fever--a more inclusive term for typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever--is a systemic infection caused by Salmonella enterica, including S enterica serotype Typhi (S typhi) and serotype Paratyphi (S paratyphi). In developed countries there have been two major changes in the pattern of the disease: a marked decline in its incidence and its characterisation as a predominantly travel-associated disease. The risk to travellers appears to vary by geographic region visited, with travel to the Indian subcontinent accounting for the greatest travel risk. ⋯ Currently, the recommendation for first-line therapy is ceftriaxone and, where isolates have been found to be quinolone sensitive, fluoroquinolones can still be given. Preventive measures are educating travellers about hygiene precautions and vaccination. With an increase in multidrug-resistant strains, a more effective vaccine for S typhi and S paratyphi is urgently needed.