Case Report: Refractory Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Supported by Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation due to Coinfection with Chlamydia pneumoniae and Leptospirosis in Reunion Island

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2021 Jan 4;104(3):866-867. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-1186.

Abstract

Infection with Leptospira spp. is common in Réunion, a tropical island in the Indian Ocean. However, respiratory coinfections between strains of Leptospira spp. and other microorganisms are rarely described. Here, we describe the first reported case of coinfection between Leptospira spp. and Chlamydia pneumoniae, responsible for refractory acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation with a favorable outcome. In a case of leptospirosis with severe respiratory illness, testing for respiratory coinfection, especially with atypical pathogens, could explain the seriousness of the clinical condition and lead to specific treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Chlamydophila Infections / complications*
  • Chlamydophila pneumoniae / isolation & purification
  • Coinfection*
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
  • Humans
  • Leptospira / isolation & purification
  • Leptospirosis / complications*
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / drug therapy*
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / etiology
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome / therapy*
  • Reunion
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents