Melioidosis in travelers: An analysis of Dutch melioidosis registry data 1985–2018

Background: Melioidosis, caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, is an opportunistic infection across the tropics. Here, we provide a systematic overview of imported human cases in a non-endemic country over a 25-year period. Methods: All 5

Canine Staphylococcus argenteus: Case Report from The Netherlands

Staphylococcus argenteus has been reported worldwide in humans, while reported non-human cases are sparse. Its complete epidemiology, alongside its infectivity and pathogenicity in humans and non-humans, remain to be clarified. Here, we describe the first reported canine Staphylococcus argenteus, causing a deep wound infection in a Labrador retriever after orthopedic surgery. The closed genome is reported, with phylogenic and genetic analyses, as well as extensive phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing for human and veterinary antibiotics. No genetic explanation could be found for its interaction with a canine host, underscoring the intrinsic multispecies pathogenicity and potential (anthropo-)zoonotic spread of Staphylococcus argenteus

Canine Staphylococcus argenteus: Case Report from The Netherlands

Staphylococcus argenteus has been reported worldwide in humans, while reported non-human cases are sparse. Its complete epidemiology, alongside its infectivity and pathogenicity in humans and non-humans, remain to be clarified. Here, we describe the first reported canine Staphylococcus argenteus, causing a deep wound infection in a Labrador retriever after orthopedic surgery. The closed genome is reported, with phylogenic and genetic analyses, as well as extensive phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing for human and veterinary antibiotics. No genetic explanation could be found for its interaction with a canine host, underscoring the intrinsic multispecies pathogenicity and potential (anthropo-)zoonotic spread of Staphylococcus argenteus

Increase in Invasive Group a Streptococcal Infections in Children in the Netherlands, A Survey Among 7 Hospitals in 2022

Following an increase in notifiable invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections in the Netherlands, we conducted a survey among 7 hospitals. Pediatric iGAS case numbers were 2-fold higher between July 2021 and June 2022 versus pre-COVID-19. A sharp increase occurred early 2022, most pronounced in <5 years old and for diagnoses empyema and necrotizing fasciitis. This recent pediatric iGAS surge warrants investigation and vigilance

Increase in Invasive Group a Streptococcal Infections in Children in the Netherlands, a Survey Among 7 Hospitals in 2022

Following an increase in notifiable invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections in the Netherlands, we conducted a survey among 7 hospitals. Pediatric iGAS case numbers were 2-fold higher between July 2021 and June 2022 versus pre-COVID-19. A sharp increase occurred early 2022, most pronounced in <5 years old and for diagnoses empyema and necrotizing fasciitis. This recent pediatric iGAS surge warrants investigation and vigilance

Melioidosis in travelers: An analysis of Dutch melioidosis registry data 1985–2018

Background: Melioidosis, caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, is an opportunistic infection across the tropics. Here, we provide a systematic overview of imported human cases in a non-endemic country over a 25-year period. Methods: All 55 Dutch microbiology laboratories were contacted in order to identify all B. pseudomallei positive cultures from 1990 to 2018. A response rate of 100% was achieved. Additionally, a systematic literature search was performed, medical-charts reviewed, and tissue/autopsy specimens were re-assessed. Results: Thirty-three travelers with melioidosis were identified: 70% male with a median-age of 54 years. Risk factors were present in most patients (n = 23, 70%), most notably diabetes (n = 8, 24%) and cystic fibrosis (n = 3, 9%). Countries of acquisition included Thailand, Brazil, Indonesia, Panama, and The Gambia. Disease manifestations included pneumonia, intra-abdominal abscesses, otitis externa, genitourinary, skin-, CNS-, and thyroid gland infections. Twelve (36%) patients developed sepsis and/or septic shock. Repeat episodes of active infection were observed in five (15%) and mortality in four (12%) patients. Post-mortem analysis showed extensive metastatic (micro)abscesses amongst other sites in the adrenal gland and bone marrow. Conclusions: The number of imported melioidosis is likely to increase, given rising numbers of (immunocompromised) travelers, and increased vigilance of the condition. This first systematic retrospective surveillance study in a non-endemic melioidosis country shows that imported cases can serve as sentinels to provide information about disease activity in areas visited and inform pre-travel advice and post-travel clinical management