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Using a Bacterial Pathogen to Probe for Cellular and Organismic-level Host Responses
Published on: February 22, 2019
Infection caused by Francisella philomiragia (formerly Yersinia philomiragia). A newly recognized human pathogen
J D Wenger1, D G Hollis, R E Weaver
1Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia.
Abstract:
We evaluated the clinical characteristics of patients with Francisella philomiragia (formerly Yersinia philomiragia) isolated from normally sterile sites. Isolates from 14 patients were received by the Centers for Disease Control between 1975 and 1987: 9 were from blood; 2 from lung biopsies; and 1 each from pleural, peritoneal, and cerebrospinal fluid. Underlying problems included chronic granulomatous disease in 5 patients, near-drowning in 5, and a myeloproliferative disease in 2. All 13 patients for whom records were available had a febrile syndrome compatible with bacterial infection. Pneumonia and fever-bacteremia were the commonest clinical syndromes reported. In 7 cases, F. philomiragia was the only sterile-site isolate, and the clinical syndrome did not resolve without appropriate antibiotics. Familiarity with this organism is important because of its ability to cause serious disease in chronic granulomatous disease and near-drowning patients. Further study may yield new insights into pathogenic and host defense mechanisms.
Insights
Francisella philomiragia infections can cause severe illness, particularly in patients with chronic granulomatous disease or after near-drowning incidents. Prompt antibiotic treatment is crucial for recovery from these serious bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Bacteriology
Background:
- Francisella philomiragia, previously known as Yersinia philomiragia, is an emerging pathogen.
- Infections typically arise from exposure to contaminated water or animal bites.
- This study examines clinical data from sterile-site isolates.
Observation:
- 14 sterile-site isolates of F. philomiragia were analyzed between 1975 and 1987.
- Common sources included blood, lung biopsies, and cerebrospinal fluid.
- Patients often had underlying conditions such as chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) or near-drowning events.
Findings:
- Febrile syndrome was present in all evaluated patients.
- Pneumonia and bacteremia were the most frequent clinical manifestations.
- F. philomiragia was the sole pathogen in 7 cases, requiring specific antibiotic therapy for resolution.
Implications:
- F. philomiragia poses a significant risk to immunocompromised individuals, especially those with CGD.
- Understanding its pathogenesis is vital for developing targeted treatments.
- Clinical awareness is necessary for prompt diagnosis and management of severe F. philomiragia infections.
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