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[Streptococcus bovis as an opportunistic pathogen during advanced HIV disease]
R. Manfredi1, M. Tadolini, L. Calza
1Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica Specialistica e Sperimentale, Sezione di Malattie Infettive, Universita di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Le Infezioni in Medicina
|May 9, 2003
Summary
Rare cases of Streptococcus bovis bacteremia in patients with HIV are presented. This infection is linked to severe immune deficiency, low white blood cell counts, and liver cirrhosis, with potential for recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Streptococcus bovis bacteremia is an uncommon infection.
- HIV infection is associated with a compromised immune system.
- Bacteremia in immunocompromised individuals can lead to severe complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report rare cases of Streptococcus bovis bacteremia in HIV-infected patients.
- To review the literature on this specific association.
- To identify risk factors and clinical characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Case report analysis.
- Literature review of Streptococcus bovis bacteremia in HIV patients.
- Clinical data compilation and analysis.
Main Results:
- Three cases of Streptococcus bovis bacteremia in HIV patients were identified.
- Patients presented with advanced immunodeficiency and leukopenia-neutropenia.
- Liver cirrhosis was a common comorbidity.
- Multiple recurrences of bacteremia were observed.
- No apparent gastrointestinal lesions were found in these cases.
Conclusions:
- HIV-related Streptococcus bovis bacteremia is rare but associated with severe immunodeficiency.
- Leukopenia-neutropenia and liver cirrhosis are significant risk factors.
- The potential for recurrent infections should be considered.
- Absence of gastrointestinal lesions does not rule out risk in this population.