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Unique Case of Disseminated Plague With Multifocal Osteomyelitis
Leidy Tovar Padua1, Amanda Kamali2,3, Hannah Kim4
1Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases.
Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
|April 6, 2017
Abstract:
Plague is a disease caused by Yersinia pestis. Septicemic and pneumonic plague have a high mortality rate if untreated. Here we describe the challenges of accurately diagnosing a nonfatal pediatric case of septicemic plague with involvement of multiple organs; to our knowledge, the first documented case of multifocal plague osteomyelitis.
Insights
Plague, a serious infection caused by Yersinia pestis, can be fatal if untreated. This report details a unique pediatric case of septicemic plague, highlighting diagnostic challenges and the first known instance of multifocal osteomyelitis.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Medicine
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Plague is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.
- Septicemic and pneumonic plague present significant mortality risks without prompt treatment.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for managing plague infections.
Observation:
- A nonfatal pediatric case of septicemic plague was observed.
- The patient presented with multi-organ involvement, complicating diagnosis.
- This case represents the first documented instance of multifocal plague osteomyelitis.
Findings:
- Accurate diagnosis of pediatric septicemic plague poses considerable challenges.
- Multifocal osteomyelitis is a rare manifestation of Yersinia pestis infection.
- Successful management of a complex pediatric plague case was achieved.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare presentations of plague in pediatric patients.
- Improved diagnostic strategies may be needed for complex Yersinia pestis infections.
- Understanding multifocal osteomyelitis in plague can inform treatment protocols and patient outcomes.