Sepsis and septic shock caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis: a case report
Abstract
Background: Porphyromonas gingivalis is a predominant pathogen in periodontitis and is closely associated with the progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Objective: This case report aims to describe a case of sepsis caused by P. gingivalis in a patient with COPD and a history of dental pain, highlighting the diagnostic challenges and clinical implications.
Design: This single case report was based on clinical data collected from medical records, with the pathogen identified from blood cultures by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). A comparative analysis was performed between the present case and previously reported cases of P. gingivalis bacteremia or sepsis based on a literature review. The patient was discharged after his general condition improved as a result of the potentially effective antimicrobial agents and anti-infective treatments through literature review.
Results: A 73-year-old man with COPD and a prolonged history of dental pain presented with a 30-year history of recurrent cough, expectoration, and dyspnoea, with symptoms exacerbating over the past 3 d and the recent onset of high fever for 1 d. Clinical evaluation revealed sepsis with rapid progression to septic shock. Blood cultures confirmed the presence of P. gingivalis.
Conclusions: This case highlights the need to consider anaerobes like P. gingivalis in septic patients with poor oral health, especially for patients with…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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