Final answer:
The two most common microbial causes of osteomyelitis in sickle cell patients are Salmonella species and Staphylococcus aureus. These pathogens can lead to severe infections within the bones, and are often treated with antibacterial drugs or surgery in serious cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
Osteomyelitis is a serious condition in which bone tissues become inflamed due to an infection. For patients with Sickle Cell Disease, this is particularly concerning as their altered blood flow can lead to an increased risk of bone infections. The two most common microbial causes of osteomyelitis in sickle cell patients are Salmonella species and Staphylococcus aureus, with the latter being the most common cause of osteomyelitis generally.
Patients with Sickle Cell Disease often have infarcted areas in their bones due to periodic blood vessel blockages. These areas are predisposed to infection, especially by Salmonella species, as they can effectively hide from the body's immune system within these necrotic bone areas. Staphylococcus aureus, while the most common cause of osteomyelitis in the general population, is slightly less likely to be the cause in those with Sickle Cell Disease, but still presents a significant threat.
Osteomyelitis in these patients is usually diagnosed through various methods such as radiography, imaging, and the identification of bacteria from blood cultures, or bone cultures if blood cultures are negative. Broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs are typically prescribed to treat this condition, and in some severe cases, surgery may be required.