Monday, October 1, 2007

Monday October 1, 2007

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



click to get larger image

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).