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Recurring febrile illness in a slaughterhouse worker
K N Ganeshram1, A Ross, R P Cowell
1Department of Geriatrics/Medicine, Wrexham Maelor Hospital, Croesnewydd Road, Wrexham LL13 7TD, UK.
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|November 21, 2000
Summary
A rare Campylobacter fetus infection caused a serious heart and lung infection in a slaughterhouse worker. DNA sequencing was crucial for diagnosis, highlighting its importance in identifying unusual pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Genomics
Background:
- Campylobacter fetus subspecies fetus is an uncommon cause of infection, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.
- Pleuropericardial effusions can arise from various infectious and non-infectious causes.
Observation:
- A slaughterhouse worker presented with symptoms of fever and pleuropericardial effusion.
- Standard microbiological methods were unsuccessful in identifying the causative agent.
Findings:
- DNA sequencing identified Campylobacter fetus ssp fetus as the pathogen responsible for the effusion.
- This identification was critical as conventional methods failed.
Implications:
- Highlights the utility of advanced molecular techniques like DNA sequencing in diagnosing rare infectious diseases.
- Suggests occupational exposure as a potential risk factor for Campylobacter fetus infections.
- Emphasizes the need for prolonged antimicrobial therapy for successful eradication of this pathogen.