Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 15, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Research on Candida albicans Biofilm-Associated Prosthetic Joint Infections
04:37

Author Spotlight: Advancing Research on Candida albicans Biofilm-Associated Prosthetic Joint Infections

Published on: February 2, 2024

1.4K

Amebic osteomyelitis in an immunocompromised patient

Matthew Breland1, Nicholas Beckmann1

  • 1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, University of Texas Health Science Center, 6431 Fannin St, 2130B, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Radiology Case Reports
|September 6, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Acanthamoeba protozoa can cause rare bone infections in immunocompromised individuals. This case highlights amebic osteomyelitis in a kidney transplant recipient with chronic immunosuppression.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Acanthamoeba species are opportunistic protozoan pathogens.
  • Infections typically occur in immunocompromised hosts, manifesting as skin lesions or granulomatous amebic encephalitis.
  • Disseminated Acanthamoeba infections are rare.

Observation:

  • A case of amebic osteomyelitis affecting the fibula is presented.
  • The patient had a history of kidney transplant rejection.
  • The patient was undergoing chronic immunosuppressive therapy.

Findings:

  • The study details a rare presentation of Acanthamoeba infection as osteomyelitis.
  • This highlights the potential for disseminated disease beyond typical cutaneous or neurological manifestations.
  • The case underscores the risk in chronically immunosuppressed populations.

Implications:

  • This case expands the spectrum of known Acanthamoeba infections.
  • It emphasizes the importance of considering unusual pathogens in immunocompromised patients with bone lesions.
  • Further research may be needed to understand Acanthamoeba's tropism for bone in specific host conditions.
Keywords:
AcanthamoebaAmebaAmoebaInfectionMRIOsteomyelitis

More Related Videos

Combined In vivo Optical and µCT Imaging to Monitor Infection, Inflammation, and Bone Anatomy in an Orthopaedic Implant Infection in Mice18:40

Combined In vivo Optical and µCT Imaging to Monitor Infection, Inflammation, and Bone Anatomy in an Orthopaedic Implant Infection in Mice

Published on: October 16, 2014

17.9K

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
1.2K
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
2.7K
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
1.2K
Fungal Phylum Microsporidia01:28

Fungal Phylum Microsporidia

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
677
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
594
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV01:26

Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV

Tuberculosis, more commonly referred to as TB, is an infectious disease stemming from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily impacts the lungs, TB can also affect other body areas. Given its severity and global impact, timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial for controlling its spread and improving patient outcomes.
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
612