RESUMO
We report a rare case of latent melioidosis activation in a patient with a distant travel history to an endemic region. Melioidosis is an infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei which is highly endemic in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. The patient exhibited common clinical risk factors, presenting with urinary tract infection and bacteremia. The treatment course was complicated by the adverse effect of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. This case underscores the importance of early detection and appropriate treatment of melioidosis, particularly given its expanding global distribution.
RESUMO
Diagnosing Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) can be complex, particularly in cases of significant respiratory failure. The 1,3-ß-D-glucan (BDG) serum assay has emerged as a promising non-invasive diagnostic tool for detecting fungal infections, including PJP. However, factors that can confound the interpretation of BDG levels by causing elevation in serum levels have been documented. Here, we present the case of 51-year-old woman with underlying autoimmune disorder, hematologic malignancy, and chronic steroid use, who was admitted for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Obtaining the BDG assay after the administration of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) posed a diagnostic challenge, as the patient was unable to undergo bronchoscopy. This circumstance led to a debate regarding the possibility of a false-positive BDG due to IVIG use or the presence of PJP. Ultimately, the patient was empirically treated for PJP. This case underscores the importance of comprehending factors that may contaminate BDG results, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.