z-logo
open-access-imgOpen Access
Unusual presentations of a severe type 2 leprosy reaction mimicking sepsis induced by helminth infection
Author(s) -
Sri Linuwih Menaldi,
Anastasia Asylia Dinakrisma,
Hok Bing Thio,
Iris Rengganis,
Salma Oktaria
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos neglected tropical diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.99
H-Index - 135
eISSN - 1935-2735
pISSN - 1935-2727
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009453
Subject(s) - septic shock , medicine , leprosy , regimen , immunology , sepsis , intensive care medicine
We describe an unusual case of type 2 leprosy reaction (T2R) with septic shock–like features induced by helminth infection in a 31-year-old Moluccan male patient with a history of completed treatment of WHO multidrug therapy (MDT)–multibacillary (MB) regimen 2 years before admission. During the course of illness, the patient had numerous complications, including septic shock, anemia, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Nevertheless, antibiotic therapies failed to give significant results, and the source of infection could not be identified. Helminth infection was subsequently revealed by endoscopic examination followed by parasitological culture. Resolution of symptoms and normal level of organ function–specific markers were resolved within 3 days following anthelmintic treatment. This report demonstrated the challenge in the diagnosis and treatment of severe T2R. Given that helminth infections may trigger severe T2R that mimics septic shock, health professionals need to be aware of this clinical presentation, especially in endemic regions of both diseases.

The content you want is available to Zendy users.

Already have an account? Click here to sign in.
Having issues? You can contact us here