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Urinary Escherichia coli infection presenting with jaundice
L Emody1, L Molnár, M Kellermayer
1Department of Microbiology, University Medical School, Pécs, Hungary.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Alpha-hemolytic Escherichia coli caused a severe hemolytic crisis in a lupus patient. Antibiotic treatment of the urinary tract infection resolved the crisis, suggesting alpha-hemolysin
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Hematology
Background:
- Lupus erythematosus (LE) and associated steroid therapy can predispose patients to infections.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli) can produce alpha-hemolysin, a toxin.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old man with lupus experienced an acute hemolytic crisis.
- Alpha-hemolytic E. coli were identified in his urine and feces.
- High levels of anti-alpha-hemolytic antibodies were detected in his serum.
Findings:
- Specific antibiotic treatment targeting the urinary tract infection successfully controlled the hemolytic crisis.
- This suggests a causal link between alpha-hemolytic E. coli infection and hemolysis in this patient.
- Erythrocytes were likely exposed to significant alpha-hemolysin before treatment.
Implications:
- Alpha-hemolysin may contribute to severe hemolysis in humans, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Carriage of alpha-hemolytic E. coli poses a potential risk for immunocompromised hosts.
- This case highlights the importance of identifying and treating specific bacterial infections in immunocompromised patients.