Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2025

Design of Cecal Ligation and Puncture and Intranasal Infection Dual Model of Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression
Published on: June 15, 2019
Treatment-Resistant Fulminant Septic Shock: A Case of Multidrug-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae Bacteremia in an
Elene Saribekovi1, Elene Pachkoria2, Tamar Didbaridze3
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, GEO.
Abstract:
This case report presents Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia in a 60-year-old male with a history of intravenous drug use (IDU), presenting with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The patient experienced fever, malaise and myalgia for about a week. Chest imaging revealed diffuse bilateral infiltrates, and laboratory tests showed elevated inflammatory markers. His condition deteriorated abruptly, rapidly progressing to respiratory failure, shock, and ultimately death. Both sputum and blood cultures confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae infection and revealed resistance to commonly used antibiotics, including ceftriaxone, azithromycin, and levofloxacin. Despite appropriate antibiotic therapy, the infection could not be controlled, and the patient's condition deteriorated rapidly; he died on the fifth day of hospitalization due to multi-organ failure. The case underscores the challenges of managing sepsis and ARDS in IDU patients. Additionally, it emphasizes the growing issue of antibiotic resistance and importance of primary prevention, including vaccination, as a key strategy to reduce the incidence and severity of infections in IDUs.
Insights
A case of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteremia complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in an intravenous drug user (IDU) highlights severe infection challenges. This case underscores the critical need for antibiotic stewardship and preventative measures like vaccination in vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Intravenous drug use (IDU) is associated with increased risk of severe infections.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause life-threatening conditions like bacteremia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
- Antibiotic resistance poses a significant challenge in treating bacterial infections, particularly in immunocompromised or vulnerable patient groups.
More Related Videos
08:25Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
Published on: April 7, 2015
09:17A Robust Pneumonia Model in Immunocompetent Rodents to Evaluate Antibacterial Efficacy against S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii
Published on: January 2, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...