Scenario: A patient was transferred to Critical Care Unit in septic shock. 4 out of 4 blood cultures were positive for Staphylococcus epidermidis and E. coli. Patient moved from Mexico to United States approximately six months ago for the treatment of HTLV-1 associated Lymphoma and has been on chemotherapy. What is the most likely cause of sepsis?
Diagnosis: Strongyloidiasis.
Strongyloides stercoralis is endemic in many areas of the world and is associated with HTLV-1. There is increased risk of disseminated strongyloides in immunocompromised individuals, and can result in pllymicrobial bacteremia.
Read very precise review article at emedicine.com: Strongyloides Stercoralis
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Reference: click to get abstract/article
1. A Canadian immigrant with coinfection of Strongyloides stercoralis and human T-lymphotropic virus 1 - CMAJ • August 28, 2007; 177 (5).
2. Complicated and fatal Strongyloides infection in Canadians: risk factors, diagnosis and management - CMAJ • August 31, 2004; 171 (5).
