Supportative Flexor Tenosynovitis After Accidental Self-Inoculation with Streptococcus Pneumoniae. Type 1

摘要

This report describes the accidental self-inoculation with a strain of Streptococcus type I that resulted in a serious hand infection. During a routine subcutaneous inoculation of rats with S pneumoniae type I, A5 strain a healthy, 36-year-old, male research scientist accidentally inoculated the fifth metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of his left hand with a 1.0-mL tuberculin syringe with a 26-gaugex 1.3-cm needle. This case illustrates the potential pathogenicity of a strain of S pneumoniae thought to be attenuated. Accidental self-inoculation resulted in a serious hand infection since the effects of an inoculation can quickly overwhelm the defense mechanism of the host. Prompt diagnosis and treatment resulted in quick recovery. Our report further substantiates that researchers must be aware that attenuated strains must be continually monitored to ensure their pathogenic state, and even when attenuated organisms are employed in research, caution must be exercised.