Ewingella americana: an emerging true pathogen

Syed Hassan1, Syed Amer, Chetan Mittal

  • 1Division of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.

Insights

Ewingella americana infections are rare, usually affecting immunocompromised individuals. This case highlights E. americana causing severe bone and joint infection in an intravenous drug user.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

  • Ewingella americana is a rare bacterial pathogen.
  • Infections are infrequently documented, primarily in immunocompromised hosts.
  • Osteomyelitis and septic arthritis are serious joint and bone infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of Ewingella americana infection.
  • To describe the clinical presentation in an immunocompromised patient.
  • To highlight the identification of the pathogen.

Main Methods:

  • Case report.
  • Analysis of synovial fluid.
  • Bacterial culture and identification.

Main Results:

  • Ewingella americana was identified as the causative agent.
  • The infection manifested as osteomyelitis and septic arthritis of the shoulder.
  • The patient had a history of intravenous drug abuse.

Conclusions:

  • Ewingella americana can cause severe osteomyelitis and septic arthritis.
  • Intravenous drug abuse may be a risk factor for E. americana infection.
  • Prompt pathogen identification is crucial for treatment.

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