Treatment-Resistant Fulminant Septic Shock: A Case of Multidrug-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae Bacteremia in an Unvaccinated Intravenous Drug User
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.
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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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