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Purpura fulminans (PF) is associated with acute infections such as meningococcal, staphylococcal, streptococcal, and rickettsial infections. However, there are only a few reports of association of PF with rickettsial fever from India. In this case series of seven adults with PF, four were definitive cases of spotted fever as the ompA real-time polymerase chain reaction was positive. The other three adults were probable cases of spotted fever, as they were positive by immunoglobulin M enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and their fever subsided within 72 h of rickettsia-specific therapy. Three of the seven patients had peripheral gangrene. These patients, despite presenting with severe spotted fever, had a favorable outcome. This is attributed to the high index of suspicion and early treatment supported by diagnostic assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) has been used as an imaging modality in workup of fever of unknown origin (FUO). The aim of our study is to evaluate the diagnostic utility of PET-CT in FUO workup in a resource-limited setting. We also looked at laboratory parameters as predictors of contributory PET-CT scans and propose an algorithm for evaluation of FUO in resource-limited tropical regions. This retrospective observational study included patients admitted for FUO workup under general medicine in a teaching hospital in South India from June 2013 to May 2016. PET-CT was done when the patient remained undiagnosed after a detailed clinical assessment and first- and second-tier investigations. Among 43 patients included in our study, a definite diagnosis was established in 74% (32). Noninfectious inflammatory diseases, infections, malignancies, and miscellaneous diseases were diagnosed in 37.2% (16/43), 23.3% (10/43), 9.3% (4/43), and 4.7% (2/43), respectively. Tuberculosis was the single most common disease seen in 20.9% (9/43). PET-CT scans were contributory toward establishment of final diagnosis in 90.7% (39/43). High C-reactive protein (CRP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were associated with contributory PET-CT scans (P = 0.006 and 0.011, respectively). PET-CT delineating organ/tissue for diagnostic biopsy was associated with final diagnosis of infectious disease (P = 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of PET-CT scans were 76.9% (20/26), 33.3% (2/6), 83% (20/24), and 25% (2/8), respectively. High CRP and AST were predictors of contributory PET-CT scans. PET-CT scans have high sensitivity and positive predictive value when used in evaluation of FUO. Although it is a useful tool in FUO workup, especially in the diagnosis of tropical infections, PET-CT should be done after a comprehensive clinical assessment and basic investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scrub typhus and other rickettsial infections contribute to 25 - 50% of acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses in endemic regions. Delayed recognition and therapy increase the morbidity and mortality. The constellation of fever with eschar or rash and multisystem involvement should facilitate the diagnosis and initiation of appropriate therapy. The pathological hallmark of rickettsial infections is endothelial infection and inflammation causing vasculitis. Endothelial inflammation results in microvascular dysfunction and increased vascular permeability. Immune and endothelial activation may worsen microvascular dysfunction, predisposing to multi-organ failure. Serology is the mainstay of diagnosis, although false negatives occur early in the disease. Point-of-care rapid diagnostic tests and molecular techniques, such as quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), can hasten diagnostic processes. Intravenous doxycycline with a loading dose is the most widely used antibiotic in critically ill patients, with azithromycin as a suitable alternative. Early appropriate treatment and organ support can decrease the duration of illness and be life-saving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) secondary to infectious aetiology has become rare in the antibiotic era, but is still encountered in clinical practice occasionally. In this study, we describe the clinical profile, diagnosis, and management of patients with CVT secondary to an infectious aetiology. Methods: This retrospective study included all adult patients over 15 years (1 January 2002 to 1 January 2017). Adult patients with a diagnosis of infective CVT secondary to bacterial infections were included in the study. Results: Totally, 22 patients were identified with CVT complicating bacterial infections. The focus of infection in 12 (54.54%) patients was pyogenic meningitis, 9 (40.9%) patients had a parameningeal focus and one patient developed CVT secondary to bacterial sepsis from a remote focus. Fever was the most common symptom seen in 77.3% followed by headache and depressed sensorium in 72.7% and 63.6%, respectively. The most common organism in the meningitis group was Streptococcus species, and in the parameningeal group was Staphylococcus aureus. At presentation MRI identified CVT in all 7 patients as compared to CT brain with contrast in 2/3 (66.6%). Transverse sinus was the most commonly involved sinus in meningitis. All patients were treated with appropriate antibiotics and anticoagulation was used in 50% of the patients. The in hospital, mortaility was 9%. Conclusion: Septic CVT, though rare can be a complication of bacterial meningitis and facial infections. Clinical symptoms that suggest a co-existing CVT should be identified and diagnosed at the earliest. The mainstay of treatment is antibiotics; the role of anticoagulation is controversial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]