Case report of a child with influenza and fatal community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus sepsis

Abstract In the present study, we report the incidence of septic shock syndrome associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a child who initially presented influenza-like illness and developed septic shock shortly after 48 h of hospitalization, and eventually died within a few hours of the onset of sepsis. S. aureus isolated from the blood culture was characterized as the community-associated strain carrying the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type IV element. Therefore, it is important to better understand the community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections and their potential association with influenza for early diagnosis and successful treatment of this fatal disease.

Diagnóstico e tratamento da síndrome do choque tóxico estreptocócico em unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica: relato de caso / Diagnosis and treatment of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome in the pediatric intensive care unit: a case report

RESUMO Dentre as infecções causadas por Streptococcus β hemolyticus do grupo A de Lancefield, talvez a síndrome do choque tóxico seja a mais grave, com alto índice de mortalidade. A semelhança clínica com outras formas de choque, principalmente séptico, pode, muitas vezes, confundir o avaliador e interferir na escolha da terapêutica mais adequada. Esse relato tem o objetivo de auxiliar seus leitores quanto à necessidade de adicionar tal síndrome como diagnóstico diferencial, frente a quadros de choque, principalmente aqueles que não apresentam manifestações clínicas bem definidas. Para isso, apresentamos o quadro de um lactente com sintomas gripais comuns, que evoluiu rapidamente com exantema, rebaixamento do nível de consciência, sinais clínicos e laboratoriais de choque, com necessidade de suporte intensivo. Além de culturas indicando o agente etiológico, o aparecimento de exantema e fasciíte necrosante levou ao diagnóstico, mas, em menos de 50% dos casos temos sinais clínicos clássicos dessa entidade. As penicilinas em terapia combinada com aminoglicosídeos ainda são a terapia de escolha e possuem alto nível de evidência. Apesar da gravidade a evolução foi satisfatória.

ABSTRACT Among the infections caused by Streptococcus β hemolyticus from the Lancefield serogroup A, toxic shock syndrome is perhaps the most severe, and its mortality rate is high. Its clinical similarity to other forms of shock, especially septic shock, can often confuse the evaluator and interfere with the selection of the most appropriate therapy. This report aims to inform readers of the need to add this syndrome as a differential diagnosis in cases of shock, especially those with no well-defined clinical manifestations. For this purpose, we present the case of an infant with common flu-like symptoms who progressed rapidly with a rash, a reduced level of consciousness and clinical and laboratory signs of shock that required intensive support. In addition to cultures indicating the etiological agent, the appearance of exanthema and necrotizing fasciitis led to the diagnosis. However, less than 50% of cases present classic clinical signs of this entity. Penicillins combined with aminoglycosides are still the therapy of choice and are supported by a high level of evidence. Despite the severity of this patient's presentation, the progression was satisfactory.

Toxic shock syndrome caused by Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis in a Mexican preschool patient / Síndrome de choque tóxico por Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis en un paciente preescolar mexicano

Abstract Background: Severe infections due to Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE) have been identified in adults and may cause toxic shock syndrome, although with a low frequency. Case report: A preschool-age female patient, who started with an upper respiratory tract infection developing a gradual deterioration in the following three days, is described. She was admitted to the hospital in severe conditions, with tachypnea, tachycardia (200/min), hypotension (blood pressure 68/40 mmHg), capillary refill of 7 s, and erythematous maculopapular rash in thorax, abdomen and lower extremities. She received intensive management with an inadequate response. Furthermore, she developed multiple organ failure and died 8 h after admission. The blood culture was positive for S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis. Conclusions: SDSE is a rare pathogen in children. In Mexico, cases of SDSE have not been reported probably due to an inaccurate identification. Mexican pediatricians should be alert to this situation.

Resumen Introducción: En adultos, se han identificado infecciones graves por Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis (SDSE), que pueden causar el síndrome de choque tóxico causado por SDSE, aunque es de baja frecuencia. Caso clínico: Paciente de sexo femenino en edad preescolar. Comenzó con una infección del tracto respiratorio superior, y desarrolló un deterioro gradual en los siguientes tres días. Ingresó en el hospital en condiciones graves, con taquipnea, taquicardia (200/min), hipotensión (tensión arterial, TA 68/40 mmHg), llenado capilar de 7 s y erupción maculopapular eritematosa en el tórax, abdomen y extremidades inferiores. Recibió manejo intensivo, sin una buena respuesta. Posteriormente, desarrolló datos de falla orgánica múltiple y murió 8 h después de su ingreso. El hemocultivo fue positivo para S. dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis. Conclusiones: El SDSE es un patógeno raro en los niños. En México, no se han reportado casos de SDSE probablemente debido a una identificación errónea. Los pediatras mexicanos deben estar atentos a esta situación.

Análisis clínico y microbiológico de la sepsis grave y el choque séptico por Escherichia coli en Medellín, Colombia / Severe sepsis and septic shock by Escherichia coli, clinical and microbiological analysis in Medellin, Colombia

Resumen Introducción: Escherichia coli es causa frecuente de un amplio espectro de infecciones, desde una infeccion urinaria no complicada hasta la sepsis grave y el choque septico, asociadas con desenlaces de alto impacto como ingreso a UCI y mortalidad. Objetivos: Determinar las diferencias en mortalidad. ingreso a UCI/UCE, presencia de cepas BLEE y tratamiento antimicrobiano en pacientes con sepsis grave y choque séptico por E. coli, con o sin bacteriemia, asi como su variabilidad dependiendo del foco infeccioso. Material y Métodos: Análisis secundario de estudio de cohorte prospective multicéntrico. Resultados: De 458 pacientes que tenian infeccion por E. coli, 123 tenian aislamiento solo en hemocultivo, 222 solo en urocultivo y 113 en ambas muestras. El aislamiento solo en hemocultivo se asocio mayor frecuencia de ingreso a UCI (n = 63; 5,2%). mayor necesidad de ventilacion mecánica (n = 19; 15,5%), mayor mortalidad y estancia hospitalaria (n = 22; 18%; mediana de 12 dias, RIQ= 7-17, respectivamente), pero con menor presencia de cepas productoras de BLEE en comparacion con urocultivos y hemocultivo, urocultivo (n = 20; 17,7% y n = 46; 20,7%, respectivamente). Recibieron tratamiento antimicrobiano en las primeras 24 h 424 pacientes (92,6%), con mas frecuencia piperacilina/ tazobactam (n = 256,60,3%). La proporcion de pacientes tratados empiricamente con carbapenemicos vs no carbapenemicos fue similar en los tres grupos. Discusión: El foco infeccioso. sumado a factores de nesgo para cepas productoras de BLEE, son herramientas utiles para definir pronostico y tratamiento en esta población, debido a la variabilidad clínica y microbiologica en los distintos aislados. Conclusión: Los pacientes con aislamiento de E. coli solo en hemocultivo presentan con mayor frecuencia desenlaces desfavorables en comparación con los pacientes con E. coli en urocultivo, con o sin bacteriemia. Llama la atencion en nuestro medio la menor cantidad de cepas productoras de BLEE en los pacientes con solo hemocultivo positivo.

Background: Escherichia coli is a common cause of a broad spectrum of infections, from non-complicated urinary tract infection, to severe sepsis and septic shock, that are associated to high impact outcomes, such as ICU admission and mortality. Aims: To establish differences in mortality, ICU admission, ESBL positive strains and antibiotic treatment, between patients with E. coli related severe sepsis and septic shock, with or without bacteremia and its variability based on the source of infection. Method: Secondary data analysis of a multicentric prospective cohort study. Results: From 458 patients with E. coli isolation, 123 had E. coli exclusively in blood culture, 222 solely in urine culture, and 113 in both samples. Escherichia coli isolation exclusively in blood culture was associated with higher frequency of ICU admission (n = 63; 51.2%), higher rate of mechanical ventilation requirement (n = 19; 15.5%), higher mortality and longer hospital stay (n = 22; 18%; median of 12 days, IQR= 7 - 17, respectively); but with a lower occurrence of ESBL strains, compared to patients with positive urine culture and positive blood/urine cultures (n = 20; 17.7% and n = 46; 20.7%, respectively). 424 patients (92.6%) received antibiotic treatment in the first 24 hours. The most commonly prescribed was piperacilin/tazobactam (n = 256;60.3%). The proportion of patients empirically treated with carbapenems vs non-carbapenems was similar in the three groups. Discussion: The source of infection, associated with ESBL strains risk factors, are useful tools to define prognosis and treatment in this population, because of their clinical and microbiological variability. Conclusion: Patients with E. coli isolation exclusively in the blood culture had higher frequency of non-favorable outcomes in comparison to patients with E. coli in urine culture with or without bacteremia. Additionally, in our population patients with E. coli solely in blood culture have lower prevalence of ESBL positive strains.

Fatal septic shock caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis phylogenetic species S1 in a young immunocompetent patient: a case report

Abstract The authors report the first case of fatal septic shock, a rare clinical presentation of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis S1. We also provide an immunological evaluation of the patient. Severe clinical signs such as organ dysfunction and digital gangrene occurred in this case. The patient presented a remarkable cell activation profile and diminished percentage of peripheral blood T regulatory cells. A decrease in anti-inflammatory IL-1RA plasma level showed the potential for endothelium damage, probably contributing to a vasculitis process. Together with P. lutzii, P. brasiliensis appears to be involved in severe cases of PCM.

Shock séptico de origen ginecológico por Pasteurella multocida / Septic shock of gynecological origin by Pasteurella multocida

La Pasteurella multocida es una gammaproteobacteria oportunista que produce una zoonosis caracterizada clínicamente por desarrollar cuadros mayoritariamente respiratorios como neumonía y rinitis atrófica, aunque las manifestaciones clínicas pueden derivar de la colonización de tejidos vascularizados y partes blandas de casi cualquier órgano, produciendo hemorragias, dermonecrosis, celulitis, meningitis, abscesos, septicemia, osteomielitis o endocarditis, entre otras. Este microorganismo se transmite a los humanos a través de mordeduras, arañazos o lesiones producidas por animales domésticos (especialmente gatos y perros), pero también salvajes. El diagnóstico es eminentemente clínico, apoyándose también en una anamnesis pormenorizada, y confirmándose mediante el crecimiento bacteriano en medios de cultivo como el agar sangre o el agar chocolate, de las muestras obtenidas de los pacientes afectados por esta rara infección. La antibioterapia con B-lactámicos durante 2 o 3 semanas, es la base terapéutica de este cuadro, aunque existe un alto porcentaje de pacientes con resistencia a los mismos, pudiendo necesitar terapias basadas en otros antibióticos como carbapenem, fluoroquinolonas o tetraciclinas. Las líneas de investigación más actuales están dando una gran importancia a los procedimientos de inmunización en animales domésticos, ya que por una parte son los principales vectores de transmisión y, por otro lado, la vacunación en humanos ha demostrado no ser efectiva, debido a la baja prevalencia de esta enfermedad en las personas expuestas. A continuación, presentamos el caso de una paciente con antecedentes de miomas uterinos y convivencia con gatos domésticos, que sufre un shock séptico por Pasteurella multocida, que tiene como principal foco infeccioso su útero miomatoso.

Pasteurella multocida is an opportunistic gammaproteobacteria which produces a zoonosis characterized clinically by developing majority respiratory pneumonia and atrophic rhinitis, even the clinical manifestations can be derived from the colonization of vascularized tissue and soft tissue of almost any organ, causing bleeding, dermonecrosis, cellulitis, meningitis, abscesses, sepsis, osteomyelitis or endocarditis, among others. This organism is transmitted to humans through bites, scratches or injuries caused by pets (especially cats and dogs), but also animals wild. The diagnosis is clinical, also leaning on a detailed anamnesis, and confirming through the bacterial growth in culture medium such as blood agar or chocolate agar samples from patients affected by this rare infection. With B-lactam antibiotic therapy for 2 or 3 weeks, is therapeutic base, although there is a high percentage of patients with resistance to them, and may need therapies based on other antibiotics as carbapenem, fluoroquinolones or tetracyclines. The lines of research are giving great importance to immunization procedures in domestic animals, since on the one hand are the main vectors of transmission and, on the other hand, vaccination in humans has proven to be not effective, due to the low prevalence of this disease in exposed persons. Then, present the case of a patient with a history of uterine fibroids and coexistence with domestic cats, suffering septic shock by Pasteurella multocida, which has as its main infectious focus your fibroid uterus.

Descalonamento, adequação antimicrobiana e positividade de culturas em pacientes sépticos: estudo observacional / De-escalation, adequacy of antibiotic therapy and culture positivity in septic patients: an observational study

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de descalonamento antibiótico em pacientes com diagnóstico de sepse grave ou choque séptico em hospital acadêmico, público e terciário, além da adequação antibiótica e da positividade de culturas. Métodos: Foram analisadas prevalência de descalonamento, adequação antibiótica e positividade de culturas entre portadores de sepse grave e choque séptico, entre abril e dezembro de 2013, em uma unidade de terapia intensiva de um hospital universitário terciário. Resultados: Entre os 224 pacientes incluídos, o descalonamento era possível em 29,4% dos casos (66 pacientes), mas foi implementado em 19,6% deles (44 pacientes). Entre os pacientes que receberam descalonamento, metade foi por estreitamento de espectro antimicrobiano. A mortalidade foi de 56,3%, não havendo diferença entre pacientes com ou sem descalonamento (56,8% versus 56,1%; p = 0,999), assim como no tempo de internação. Terapia antimicrobiana empírica foi adequada em 89% dos casos. Houve isolamento de germe em 30% de todas as culturas e em 26,3% das hemoculturas. Conclusão: A taxa de adequação antibiótica empírica foi alta, refletindo ativa política institucional de monitorização do perfil epidemiológico e protocolos institucionais de uso de antimicrobianos. No entanto, o descalonamento antimicrobiano poderia ter sido maior do que o registrado. O descalonamento não impactou mortalidade.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of antibiotic de-escalation in patients diagnosed with severe sepsis or septic shock at a public academic tertiary hospital and to evaluate antibiotic adequacy and culture positivity. Methods: The prevalence of antibiotic de-escalation, the adequacy of antibiotic treatment and the rates of culture positivity were analyzed in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock between April and December 2013 at an intensive care unit in a tertiary university hospital. Results: Among the 224 patients included in the study, de-escalation was appropriate in 66 patients (29.4%) but was implemented in 44 patients (19.6%). Among the patients who underwent de-escalation, half experienced narrowing of the antimicrobial spectrum. The mortality rate was 56.3%, with no differences between the patients with or without de-escalation (56.8% versus 56.1%; p = 0.999) nor in the length of hospital stay. Empirical antibiotic therapy was appropriate in 89% of cases. Microorganisms were isolated from total cultures in 30% of cases and from blood cultures in 26.3% of cases. Conclusion: The adequacy rate of empirical antibiotic therapy was high, reflecting an active institutional policy of monitoring epidemiological profiles and institutional protocols on antimicrobial use. However, antibiotic de-escalation could have been implemented in a greater number of patients. De-escalation did not affect mortality rates.

Aborto séptico por Clostridium perfringens complicado con shock séptico / Septic abortion due to Clostridium perfringens complicated with septic shock

ANTECEDENTES: La sepsis por Clostridios es una entidad poco frecuente que conlleva una mortalidad del 8090% a pesar del tratamiento antibiótico y quirúrgico. A pesar de que la mayoría de los casos de septicemia secundaria a Clostridios se originan en el aparato genital femenino tras un aborto séptico, solo un pequeño porcentaje de abortos sépticos (1%) se siguen de septicemia. CASO CLÍNICO: Gestante de 15 semanas que acude a urgencias por rotura prematura de membranas pretérmino. Ante el deseo de la paciente se mantiene actitud conservadora con antibioterapia iv, produciéndose a las pocas horas el aborto de forma espontánea junto con aparición de signos de infección. Rápidamente la paciente evoluciona a sepsis grave, y ante la sospecha de aborto séptico se efectúa histerectomía. Tras la intervención ingresa en situación de shock séptico con insuficiencia renal, hepática y respiratoria. Durante el ingreso se confirma Clostridium perfringens como agente responsable del proceso séptico. Finalmente la paciente es dada de alta definitiva tras seis meses, una vez resueltas las alteraciones derivadas del proceso séptico.

BACKGROUND: Clostridial sepsis is a rare condition which carries a mortality of 80-90% despite antibiotic and surgical treatment. Although most cases of septicemia due to Clostridium are originated in female genital tract after septic abortion, only a small percentage of septic abortions (1%) are followed by septicemia. CLINICAL CASE: Our case is about a 15 weeks pregnant woman attended the emergency room for preterm premature rupture of membranes. Due to the desire of the patient we proceed conservative treatment with antibiotics iv, in the following few hours the abortion develops spontaneously along with signs of infection. Rapidly the patient progresses into a severe sepsis, due to suspected septic abortion, the patient is intervened urgently by hysterectomy. After the intervention she enters into septic shock state with respiratory, kidney and liver failure. During the admission Clostridium perfringens is confirmed as a causative agent for septic process. Finally the patient is discharge after six months once resolved all complications arising from septic process.

Septic pulmonary embolism caused by a Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess: clinical characteristics, imaging findings, and clinical courses

OBJECTIVES: Septic pulmonary embolism caused by a Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae liver abscess is rare but can cause considerable morbidity and mortality. However, clinical information regarding this condition is limited. This study was conducted to elucidate the full disease spectrum to improve its diagnosis and treatment. METHOD: We reviewed the clinical characteristics, imaging findings, and clinical courses of 14 patients diagnosed with septic pulmonary embolism caused by a K. pneumoniae liver abscess over a period of 9 years. RESULTS: The two most prevalent symptoms were fever and shortness of breath. Computed tomography findings included a feeding vessel sign (79%), nodules with or without cavities (79%), pleural effusions (71%), peripheral wedge-shaped opacities (64%), patchy ground-glass opacities (50%), air bronchograms within a nodule (36%), consolidations (21%), halo signs (14%), and lung abscesses (14%). Nine (64%) of the patients developed severe complications and required intensive care. According to follow-up chest radiography, the infiltrates and consolidations were resolved within two weeks, and the nodular opacities were resolved within one month. Two (14%) patients died of septic shock; one patient had metastatic meningitis, and the other had metastatic pericarditis. CONCLUSION: The clinical presentations ranged from insidious illness with fever and respiratory symptoms to respiratory failure and septic shock. A broad spectrum of imaging findings, ranging from nodules to multiple consolidations, was detected. Septic pulmonary embolism caused by a K. pneumoniae liver abscess combined with the metastatic infection of other vital organs confers a poor prognosis. .

A case of staphylococcus toxic shock syndrome presenting with multiple pneumatocoeles in the chest.

Staphylococcus toxic shock syndrome is a severe illness caused by infection with toxin producing Staphylococcus aureus and is associated with a poor outcome. We report a case of Staphylococcus TSS presenting with cough and expectoration along with multiple pneumatoceles visible on the chest radiograph that progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome with eventual foci in brain. The patient was aggressively managed and recovered completely.

Sífilis congénita: presentación como shock séptico después del período neonatal / Congenital syphilis: presenting as septic shock alter the neonatal period

Clinical spectrum of congenital syphilis ranges from asymptomatic infection to fulminant sepsis. Treponema pallidum is acquired crossing the placenta from the mother to the fetus during maternal spirochetemia or through direct contact of the child with an infected lesion at delivery. We report a 27 days-old previously healthy girl diagnosed with congenital syphilis. Her mother had an unremarkable previous history, adequate obstetric care and negative prenatal screening test for syphilis. The patient was brought to the ER due to development of skin lesions and fever in the last 24 h. She was admitted to pediatric ICU lethargic and poorly responsive, with hepa-tosplenomegaly and perioral, palmoplantar erythematous desquamative scaly lesions. Laboratory data revealed anemia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia and C-reactive protein of 183 mg/l. Soon after admission she developed septic shock with leukocytosis up to 45,800/mm3 and exacerbation of thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia and metabolic acidosis. Congenital syphilis was diagnosed at the second day of admission with VDRL titers of 1:128 in serum and 1:8 in cerebrospinal fluid. Maternal serum VDRL was positive with titers of 1:32. The patient was treated with penicillin for three weeks with adequate clinical and laboratory response. Congenital syphilis is a life threating infection, but cannot always be diagnosed at birth. Health care workers must be aware of the difficulties in obtaining a definitive diagnosis and must have a high index of suspicion, considering the possible errors of prenatal serology and the diverse possible clinical presentations, including neonatal sepsis during the first month of life.

El espectro clínico de la sífilis congénita varía desde la infección asintomática a una sepsis fulminante. Comunicamos el caso de un recién nacido de sexo femenino, de 27 días de edad, sano, sin antecedentes maternos, con adecuado control obstétrico y screening prenatal negativo. Consultó por fiebre y lesiones cutáneas de 24 h de evolución. Ingresó a unidad de cuidados intensivos con compromiso sensorial, hiporeactividad, con lesiones descamativas eritematosas peribucales, palmo-plantares y hepato-esplenomegalia. En los exámenes de laboratorio destacó la presencia de anemia, leucocitosis, trombo-citopenia y PCR elevada. Evolucionó con shock séptico, hipoalbuminemia y acidosis metabólica. Se diagnosticó sífilis congénita por VDRL con títulos 1:128 y VDRL en LCR con títulos 1:8; el VDRL materno fue 1:32. Completó terapia con penicilina G i.v. por tres semanas con adecuada respuesta clínica y de laboratorio. La sífilis congénita puede no ser diagnosticada al momento del nacimiento, por ende se debe tener un alto índice de sospecha, considerando los posibles errores en la serología prenatal y las variadas formas de presentación clínica, incluida la sepsis neonatal, durante el primer mes de vida.

Sepsis por Pseudomonas aeruginosa en un lactante previamente sano / Sepsis due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a previously healthy infant

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is an opportunistic organism widely distributed in both environmental and nosocomial settings. Invasive infections typically occur in immunocompromised patients, but this agent can also produce sepsis in the immunocompetent host. We report the case of an 8 months old infant, previous healthy, who presented septic shock by P. aeruginosa. Lesions of ecthyma gangrenosum in his limbs required surgical debridement. The patient presented transitory neutropenia and reduced C4 levels but subsequent study of immune defects was normal.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa es un microorganismo oportunista de amplia distribución ambiental y nosocomial. Las infecciones invasoras se producen generalmente en pacientes inmunocomprometidos; sin embargo, este agente ocasionalmente puede ser causa de sepsis en pacientes inmunocompetentes. Presentamos el caso de un lactante de 8 meses de edad, sin antecedentes médicos, que cursó con un shock séptico por P. aeruginosa. Durante su evolución presentó lesiones de ectima gangrenoso en sus cuatro extremidades, que requirieron múltiples desbridamientos quirúrgicos. En el período agudo presentó neutropenia y complemento C4 bajo, que normalizó posteriormente. El estudio de inmunidad para descartar inmunodeficiencia fue normal.

Fatal Brazilian spotless fever caused by Rickettsia rickettsii in a dark-skinned patient / Febre maculosa brasileira sem exantema causada por Rickettsia rickettsii em um paciente de cor negra

Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is the most important and frequent rickettsial disease in Brazil. A fatal case of BSF is reported in a 32-year-old black man, who died of irreversible shock after five days of fever, severe headache and abdominal pain with no rash. Spleen, kidney and heart samples collected at autopsy were positive for Rickettsia rickettsii by PCR and sequencing. The authors emphasize the need for a high index of diagnostic suspicion for spotted fever in black patients. Absence of a skin rash should not dissuade clinicians from considering the possibility of BSF and initiating empirical therapy.

Febre maculosa brasileira (FMB) é a mais importante e frequente doença rickettsial no Brasil. Relatamos um caso fatal de FMB em um homem negro de 32 anos de idade que morreu de choque irreversível após cinco dias de febre, cefaléia intensa, dor abdominal, e sem evidência de exantema. Amostras de baço, rim e coração coletadas na necropsia foram positivas para Rickettsia rickettsii por PCR e sequenciamento. Os autores ressaltam a necessidade de um alto índice de suspeita diagnóstica para febre maculosa em pacientes negros. Ausência de exantema não deve dissuadir os clínicos de considerar a possibilidade de FMB e iniciar a terapêutica empírica.

Sepsis tuberculosa gravissima: Una presentación infrecuente en paciente con tratamiento inmunosupresor / Severe disseminated tuberculosis in a patient on immunosuppressive treatment: Report of one case

Patients on immunosuppressive therapy are at increased risk of developing tuberculosis. We report a 39-year-old female with an ulcerative colitis receiving prednisone, azathioprine and azulfidine that was admitted to hospital due to fever, anemia, diarrhea and hematochezia. A chest CT scan showed multiple miliary micronodular images diffusely distributed and mediastinal enlarged lymph nodes with central necrosis, suggestive of disseminated tuberculosis. Antituberculous treatment was started but discontinued and the patient was treated as a bronchiolitis obliterans with methylprednisolone pulses and discharged. She was readmitted in shock one week later and died. After her death cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis were informed as positive. The clinical picture of the patient is known as sepsis tuberculosa gravissima.

Different Clinical Characteristics Among Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas veronii biovar sobria and Aeromonas caviae Monomicrobial Bacteremia

This study aimed to compare the clinical presentations of Aeromonas hydrophila, A. veronii biovar sobria and A. caviae monomicrobial bacteremia by a retrospective method at three hospitals in Taiwan during an 8-yr period. There were 87 patients with A. hydrophila bacteremia, 45 with A. veronii biovar sobria bacteremia and 22 with A. caviae bacteremia. Compared with A. hydrophila and A. veronii biovar sobria bacteremia, A. caviae bacteremia was more healthcare-associated (45 vs 30 and 16%; P = 0.031). The patients with A. caviae bacteremias were less likely to have liver cirrhosis (27 vs 62 and 64%; P = 0.007) and severe complications such as shock (9 vs 40 and 47%; P = 0.009) and thrombocytopenia (45 vs 67 and 87%; P = 0.002). The APACHE II score was the most important risk factor of Aeromonas bacteremia-associated mortalities. The APACHE II scores of A. caviae bacteremias were lower than A. hydrophila bacteremia and A. veronii biovar sobria bacteremia (7 vs 14 and 16 points; P = 0.002). In conclusion, the clinical presentation of A. caviae bacteremia was much different from A. hydrophila and A. veronii biovar sobria bacteremia. The severity and mortality of A. caviae bacteremia were lower than A. hydrophila or A. veronii biovar sobria bacteremia.

Sepse, sepse grave e choque séptico: aspectos clínicos, epidemiológicos e prognóstico em pacientes de Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de um Hospital Universitário / Sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock: clinical, epidemiological and prognostic characteristics of patients in an intensive care unit in a university hospital

INTRODUÇÃO: Sepse é considerada doença grave com alta mortalidade. O objetivo desse estudo foi determinar a incidência e evolução da sepse em pacientes críticos. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada vigilância prospectiva de sepse na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva de Adultos, de abril-dezembro de 2007. RESULTADOS: A frequência de pacientes/dia foi 442. Setenta e cinco (18,6 por cento) pacientes tinham sepse; destes, 72 por cento hospitalar. As taxas de sepse grave e choque séptico por paciente/dia foram 5,0 e 3,1, respectivamente. A mortalidade total foi 34,6 por cento. Sessenta e um por cento dos casos tinham diagnóstico microbiológico. CONCLUSÕES: A sepse apresentou-se numa frequência maior, do que a usualmente descrita na literatura.

INTRODUCTION: Sepsis is considered to be a severe disease with high mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and evolution of sepsis among critically ill patients. METHODS: Prospective surveillance of sepsis was performed in the adult intensive care unit, between April and December 2007. RESULTS: The patient frequency/day was 442. Seventy-five patients (18.6 percent) had sepsis and 72 percent of these cases were hospital-acquired. The rates of severe sepsis and septic shock per patient/day were 5.0 and 3.1, respectively. The total mortality was 34.6 percent and 61 percent of the cases had microbiological diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: Sepsis presented with higher frequency than is usually described in the literature.

Meningoencephalitis caused by a zygomycete fungus (Basidiobolus) associated with septic shock in an immunocompetent patient: 1-year follow-up after treatment

Zygomycosis is an infection caused by opportunistic fungi of the Zygomycetes class, specifically those from the Mucorales and Entomophthorales orders. It is an uncommon disease, mainly restricted to immunocompromised patients. We report a case of a 73-year-old male patient with a history of fever (39°C) lasting for 1 day, accompanied by shivering, trembling, and intense asthenia. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit with complex partial seizures, and submitted to orotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation under sedation with midazolam. The electroencephalogram showed evidence of non-convulsive status epilepticus. There is no fast specific laboratory test that permits confirmation of invasive fungal disease. Unless the physician suspects this condition, the disease may progress rapidly while the patient is treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Differential diagnosis between fungal and bacterial infection is often difficult. The clinical presentation is sometimes atypical, and etiological investigation is not always successful. In the present case, the histopathological examination of the biopsy obtained from the right temporal lobe indicated the presence of irregular, round, thick-walled fungi forming papillae and elongated structures of irregular diameter, with no septa, indicative of zygomycete (Basidiobolus). Treatment with liposomal amphotericin B and fluconazole was initiated after diagnosis of meningoencephalitis by zygomycete, with a successful outcome.

Fascitis necrosante palpebral y shock tóxico por Streptococcus pyogenes / Necrotizing fasciitis of the eyelids and toxic shock syndrome due to Streptococcus pyogenes

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a serious infection that compromises subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and adipose tissue, with high mortality rate and sequelae. Extremities, trunk and pelvis are the most common body sites affected. Periorbital celullitis with necrotizing fasciitis of the eyelid is rare. We report the case of a three years old child with bilateral NF of the eyelids and toxic shock syndrome secondary to Streptococcus pyogenes infection ocurring after a minor skin trauma. Early recognition leading to intensive care treatment and prompt surgical debridement were critical in the favourable outcome of the child.

La fascitis necrosante (FN) es una infección grave de los tejidos subcutáneos, localizada más frecuentemente en extremidades, tronco y pelvis. El compromiso de la cara y la región palpebral es inusual. Reportamos el curso clínico de un niño de tres años, previamente sano, que presentó una FN palpebral bilateral asociado a shock tóxico por Streptococcus pyogenes, secundaria a un trauma localizado. El paciente requirió tratamiento en cuidado intensivo con resucitación enérgica, antimicrobianos, inmunoglobulina intravenosa y desbridamiento quirúrgico precoz, lo que permitió su evolución favorable.

Choque séptico puerperal por Streptococcus β-hemolítico e síndrome de Waterhouse-Friderichsen / Puerperal septic shock due to β-hemolytic Streptococcus and Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome

É relatado caso excepcional de puérpera de 15 anos com choque séptico pelo Streptococcus beta-hemolítico do grupo A e síndrome de Waterhouse-Friderichsen, observado à necropsia. São revistos aspectos do diagnóstico, patogênese e evolução da infecção (sepse) puerperal associada à hemorragia e insuficiência das supra-renais.

An exceptional case of a 15-year-old puerpera with septic shock caused by Group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus and Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome is reported. The findings were observed at the necropsy. The characteristics of the diagnosis, pathogenesis and evolution of this puerperal infection (sepsis), associated with adrenal hemorrhage and insufficiency are reviewed in this paper.

Neumonía grave por Streptococcus pyogenes: reporte de un caso / Community-acquired pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pyogenes: report of one case

During the past two decades there has been a resurgence ofinvasive group A streptococcal (GAS) infection, specially pneumonia and bacteremia. We report a 35 year-old female previously subjected to a thyroidectomy for a thyroid cáncer, that five days after operation, presented with a severe community-acquired pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Lancefield Group A Streptococcus) that was complicated by acute respiratory failure and septic shock. She was treated with a combination of 3 g/day of cefotaxime and 1.8 g/day of clindamycin with a good clinical response and discharged from the hospital in good conditions. Although this microorganism is an uncommon cause of community-acquired pneumonia, previously healthy individuals may be infected and the clinical course may be fulminant. Patients with invasive GAS infection admitted to ICU have a high mortality rate. Treatment of choice of Group A streptococcal infection is penicillin. However, clindamycin should be added in severe infections.