Oring, Justin

Background/Objectives: Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) species are well-recognized causes of invasive infection in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), with a particular predilection for the musculoskeletal system. Although Salmonella osteomyelitis is well described in this population, septic arthritis is uncommon, especially involving the shoulder joint. We describe a case of NTS bacteremia complicated by native shoulder septic arthritis in a patient with SCD and review its clinical implications. Methods: We report the clinical course, diagnostic evaluation, microbiologic findings, imaging studies, and management of a 22-year-old man with homozygous SCD who presented with a vaso-occlusive pain crisis and subsequently developed severe sepsis with persistent Salmonella enterica bacteremia following ingestion of undercooked poultry. Persistent bacteremia prompted further evaluation for metastatic infection using advanced imaging and diagnostic arthrocentesis. Results: Whole-body imaging identified septic arthritis of the native right shoulder, which was confirmed by synovial fluid cultures growing Salmonella species. The patient underwent arthroscopic irrigation and debridement for source control. Antimicrobial therapy was narrowed to intravenous ceftriaxone based on susceptibility data and continued for six weeks. The patient demonstrated clinical improvement with resolution of bacteremia and was discharged to rehabilitation to complete therapy. Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of a careful exposure history, including foodborne sources, in patients with SCD presenting with invasive Salmonella infection. Persistent bacteremia should prompt early investigation for metastatic foci, and timely surgical source control combined with targeted antimicrobial therapy is essential for optimal outcomes in this population.

Daptomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (DRE) poses an increasing therapeutic challenge, particularly in immunocompromised patients and solid organ transplant recipients. Surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that approximately 6.5% of E. faecium isolates are daptomycin-resistant, underscoring the need for heightened clinical vigilance, particularly for prompt identification and treatment. In this case series, three patients with advanced liver disease, including two status post orthotopic liver transplantation, are described who developed DRE during treatment for bloodstream infection. These cases illustrate the dynamic nature of antimicrobial susceptibility under daptomycin exposure and highlight the contributions of persistent source control issues, intravascular infection, and altered host factors to treatment failure. All patients were successfully managed by escalating to combination therapy with high-dose daptomycin and ceftaroline, alongside appropriate source control. This series emphasizes the importance of periodic susceptibility reassessment during daptomycin therapy and cautions clinicians against assuming sustained susceptibility in patients with prolonged bacteremia or complex infections. Early recognition of evolving resistance and timely therapeutic adjustment may improve outcomes in this high-risk population.

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic saw a worrisome rise in mucormycosis cases in India, especially among those receiving corticosteroid therapy. While corticosteroids are essential for managing severe COVID-19 cases, their immunosuppressive action appears to augment infection risk. Clinically, prolonged steroid use may result in severe forms of mucormycosis; however, this requires rigorous systematic evaluation. Methods We conducted an exhaustive analysis of 327 mucormycosis cases and 596 COVID-19 controls, all of whom were treated during the second wave in India. Exposure to steroids was carefully categorized by duration into three groups: short-term (1-5 days), standard-term (5-10 days), and long-term ( > 10 days). Each case was biopsy-proven, with further radiographic confirmation of disease extent. Special emphasis was laid on intracranial extension as a marker of severity, along with tracking treatment outcomes and survival. Statistical modeling was used to correct for important confounders, including diabetes status, glycemic control, and concurrent use of other immunomodulators. Results The results were striking. Those receiving steroid treatment for more than ten days of duration had a nearly fourfold higher incidence of intracranial mucormycosis compared with short-term-treated patients (38.2% vs. 12.5%, p< 0.001). Each day of steroid use accounted for a 12% increase in associated risk. While mortality rates were equal, patients receiving prolonged treatment had a considerably increased number of surgical procedures (35.3% vs. 16.7%, p=0.02) as well as more complicated hospitalization. Those with diabetes were especially sensitive to such effects of prolonged treatment. Conclusion The study highlights the role of cautious use of corticosteroids in the management of COVID-19. Our work gives strong evidence for the importance of compliance with guideline-based recommendations for corticosteroid duration, especially for high-risk populations. This study empowers healthcare practitioners with unequivocal evidence to provide optimal COVID-19 treatments while avoiding the risk of severe fungal infection. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Cervicofacial actinomycosis is a well-recognized infectious disease caused by Actinomyces, a Gram-positive filamentous bacterium. In contrast, Nocardia, a morphologically similar, hyphae-forming organism, is an exceedingly rare cause of cervicofacial abscesses, and even more uncommon associated osteomyelitis of mandible. We present such a case involving a kidney transplant recipient who presented with opioid-induced constipation, along with left jaw pain and swelling. CT scan of the soft tissue in the neck revealed a complex cervicofacial abscess with enhancement of underlying mandible. Culture growth and RNA sequencing of USG-guided aspirate identified a Nocardia species closely related to N. beijingensis/exalbida. The patient initially received broad-spectrum antibiotics, including ceftriaxone, imipenem, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). Imipenem was later discontinued in view of new-onset unexplained encephalopathy and replaced with linezolid, which was subsequently switched to minocycline following thrombocytopenia development. Minocycline therapy was intended for a total of 12 months. TMP-SMX was avoided long-term due to avoid nephrotoxicity risk in kidney transplant patients. On six-month follow-up, the patient showed clinical and radiological improvement; minocycline was discontinued after additional six months. This case highlights the importance of considering Nocardia as a differential diagnosis in immunosuppressed patients presenting with cervicofacial symptoms, especially following orofacial surgery or trauma. Early recognition, prompt diagnosis, and appropriate antibiotic therapy with adequate bone penetration seem crucial for optimal management and may help avoid the need for surgical intervention.

Abstract Osteomyelitis pubis, a rare form of osteomyelitis affecting the pubic bone and symphysis, is an often-misdiagnosed condition accounting for less than 1% of all osteomyelitis cases. We present the case of a 41-year-old-male diabetic patient on sodium-glucose-co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, specifically dapagliflozin, who developed osteomyelitis pubis and associated septic arthritis and pyomyositis. Despite a well-controlled diabetes profile and the absence of typical risk factors, the patient's condition progressed rapidly leading to severe pain and functional impairment. Imaging studies revealed extensive infection, and culture results identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa , necessitating a complex, multistage antibiotic regimen. The patient responded positively to treatment but experienced complications, including drug-induced agranulocytosis. This case underscores the potential link between SGLT2 inhibitors and osteomyelitis, highlighting the need for increased clinical vigilance and the careful assessment of risks when prescribing these medications to diabetic patients. Further research is warranted to better understand the association between SGLT2 inhibitors and osteomyelitis pubis.

Abstract The publication rate of abstracts presented at a conference can provide some insight into its academic quality, although it is hardly the sole metric. We evaluated 351 SHEA Spring Conference abstracts; 49.9% were published. Findings demonstrate the strong academic output of SHEA conferences.

Candida krusei empyema is a rare but serious manifestation of invasive candidiasis, characterized by intrinsic resistance to fluconazole, biofilm formation, and high mortality, with limited case-level data to inform management. This review aims to systematically identify and synthesize all reported English-language cases of Candida krusei empyema from January 2005 to June 2025 using PubMed, ScienceDirect, OVID MEDLINE, and Gale OneFile and perform descriptive analysis on them. Screening, data extraction, and eligibility assessment were performed, and those articles not clearly meeting eligibility criteria were reviewed by additional reviewers with consensus resolution. Seven publications (six individual cases and two cohorts) were included. We additionally describe the clinical course, management, and outcome of a 70-year-old bilateral lung transplant patient who developed persistent C. krusei empyema despite optimized antifungal therapy. Patients ranged from 11 to 74 years of age (median 62.5 years). Predisposing factors included esophageal perforation (n = 4), post-transplant hemorrhage (n = 1), community-acquired empyema (n = 1), and thoracic surgery (n = 1). Empiric fluconazole was switched to caspofungin (3/4), with others receiving amphotericin B, voriconazole, or combination therapy. Source control varied: chest tube drainage (n = 3), percutaneous catheter (n = 3), and surgical decortication (n = 2). Mortality was 14.3% (1/7). In the absence of clear guidelines and robust literature, the management approach remains heterogeneous. Optimal care requires early recognition, aggressive multimodal antifungal therapy, and effective source control tailored to patient risk. Standardized antifungal protocols and larger case series are needed to guide clinicians in managing this challenging infection.