Has trench fever returned?
Article Abstract:
Trench fever, which is not known to occur in the U.S., was detected in a 1993 outbreak in Seattle. Ten homeless, alcoholic men were diagnosed with Bartonella quintana, the agent of trench fever, using new blood culture techniques. Three of the 10 men in Seattle had endocarditis, with vegetative clots on the lining and valves of the heart, caused by infection with B. quintana. The reemergence of B. quintana may be due to several factors. One may be the increased virulence of the microorganism. The new association of B. quintana with endocarditis may be the result of an interaction of B. quintana with another microorganism. B. quintana has been known to be transmitted by the human body louse, but other insects such as mites and fleas may possibly transmit it as well, thus increasing the number of cases. Poor sanitary conditions, poor hygiene, and malnutrition are host factors known to promote the transmission of B. quintana. Immunocompetence, alcoholism, and nonwhite race may be additional host factors related to the transmission of B. quintana.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1995
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Brief report: uveitis caused by Tropheryma whippelii (Whipple's bacillus)
Article Abstract:
The case of a elderly woman diagnosed with an eye infection caused by the bacterium that causes Whipple's disease illustrates that the bacterium can infect certain organs without causing visible damage. She was admitted to a hospital in 1989 for symptoms of an eye inflammation called uveitis. Despite treatment with corticosteroids and other drugs, her vision continued to worsen over the years. In 1993, researchers used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to analyse fluid taken from her eye. It revealed the presence of the Whipple's disease bacterium. PCR also identified the bacterium in a gastrointestinal biopsy sample. Although she had experienced weight loss and diarrhea, three upper GIs and repeat biopsies had failed to detect any anatomical abnormality. Her case is also unusual because it appears to be the first report of Whipple's disease of the eye without serious gastrointestinal abnormalities. She was successfully treated with antibiotics.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1995
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Shedding light on microbial detection
Article Abstract:
Some scientists are developing diagnostic tests for infections that use natural components of the immune system to detect the microorganism causing the infection. For example, one test uses B cells, which are the cells that produce antibodies. The antibody is linked to a protein that emits light when the antibody detects the microorganism. This response can occur within minutes, and can be detected in tissue samples.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 2003
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