Invasive Staphylococcus aureus infection in an African adolescent : Case report

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus remains an important cause of mortality, in the community and health care set-ups. S. aureus strains with  genes encoding lethal toxins and culture negative sepsis augment the diagnostic challenge in resource limited settings. With a growing rate of resistance to the causative bacteria and atypical clinical presentations, a high index of suspicion, appropriate knowledge of the intricate pathogenetic mechanisms and use of optimal and suitable anti-microbials with adjunctive therapies
becomes of crucial significance in apposite management, to reduce and prevent the high rates of morbidity and mortality. Herein, an atypical presentation of an adolescent with multi-organ involvement is shown; rationalising the need for earlier recognition,
appropriate use of anti-biotic and adjunctive therapies.