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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
08:22
A Preclinical Model of Exertional Heat Stroke in Mice
Published on: July 1, 2021
Bacterial translocation in heat stroke
Paula Ramírez1, Verónica Martí, Alberto Márquez de la Plata
1Intensive Care Unit, Hospital Universitario Fe, 46009 Valencia, Spain. ramirez_pau@gva.es
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|November 26, 2009
Summary
Heat stroke can lead to bacterial translocation, where gut bacteria enter the bloodstream. This case suggests antibiotics may be crucial for treating heat stroke patients.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Heat-related illness and heat stroke are significant public health concerns.
- Current guidelines emphasize the intestine's role in heat stroke pathophysiology.
- Endotoxinemia is a recognized factor, but bacterial translocation is often overlooked.
Observation:
- A patient with heat stroke presented with coma and multiorgan failure.
- Blood cultures revealed Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli without a clear infection source.
- The patient recovered after antibiotic treatment.
Findings:
- This case highlights the potential for bacterial translocation in heat stroke.
- Gut-derived bacteria may contribute to the systemic inflammatory response in heat stroke.
Implications:
- Bacterial translocation should be considered in the pathophysiology of heat stroke.
- Antibiotic therapy warrants evaluation in heat stroke management.
- Further research is needed to confirm the role of bacterial translocation and guide antibiotic use.
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