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Challenges of Diagnosing Severe Ehrlichiosis in Orthotopic Liver Transplant Recipients. Case Rep Transplant 2021; 2021:8285326. [PMID: 34840851 PMCID: PMC8612778 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8285326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent solid organ transplant recipients, acute febrile illness is usually a source of grave concern and a diagnostic dilemma, especially if no response is noted after initiation of broad antimicrobial therapy. Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis (HME) is a tick-borne illness caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis and is not considered an opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients such as solid organ transplant patients. Ehrlichiosis in immunocompromised patients can be life-threatening, and a strong index of suspicion is needed, especially in patients who live in endemic areas, for proper treatment initiation with doxycycline. We report a case of a 40-year-old male who received an orthotopic liver transplant six months earlier secondary to primary sclerosing cholangitis, on chronic immunosuppressive medication, who presented with complaints of sudden onset fever associated with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Initial extensive infectious workup was negative and no response to empiric antimicrobials. There was suspicion for ehrlichiosis prompting empiric doxycycline use. Subsequently, E. chaffeensis polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was positive, and the antibiotic regimen was de-escalated to only doxycycline with complete resolution of his symptoms and progressive improvement in previously abnormal biochemical indices.
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Mowla SJ, Drexler NA, Cherry CC, Annambholta PD, Kracalik IT, Basavaraju SV. Ehrlichiosis and Anaplasmosis among Transfusion and Transplant Recipients in the United States. Emerg Infect Dis 2021; 27:2768-2775. [PMID: 34670661 PMCID: PMC8544963 DOI: 10.3201/eid2711.211127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Physicians should be aware that these infections are rare but can have severe outcomes. Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis are emerging tickborne diseases that can also be transmitted through blood transfusions or organ transplants. Since 2000, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis cases in the United States have increased substantially, resulting in potential risk to transplant and transfusion recipients. We reviewed ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis cases among blood transfusion and solid organ transplant recipients in the United States from peer-reviewed literature and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigations. We identified 132 cases during 1997–2020, 12 transfusion-associated cases and 120 cases in transplant recipients; 8 cases were donor-derived, and in 13 cases illness occurred <1 year after transplant. Disease in the remaining 99 cases occurred ≥1 year after transplant, suggesting donor-derived disease was unlikely. Severe illness or death were reported among 15 transfusion and transplant recipients. Clinicians should be alert for these possible infections among transfusion and transplant recipients to prevent severe complications or death by quickly treating them.
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Mrzljak A, Novak R, Pandak N, Tabain I, Franusic L, Barbic L, Bogdanic M, Savic V, Mikulic D, Pavicic-Saric J, Stevanovic V, Vilibic-Cavlek T. Emerging and neglected zoonoses in transplant population. World J Transplant 2020; 10:47-63. [PMID: 32257849 PMCID: PMC7109593 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v10.i3.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoonoses represent a problem of rising importance in the transplant population. A close relationship and changes between human, animal and environmental health ("One Health" concept) significantly influence the transmission and distribution of zoonotic diseases. The aim of this manuscript is to perform a narrative review of the published literature on emerging and neglected zoonoses in the transplant population. Many reports on donor-derived or naturally acquired (re-)emerging arboviral infections such as dengue, chikungunya, West Nile, tick-borne encephalitis and Zika virus infection have demonstrated atypical or more complicated clinical course in immunocompromised hosts. Hepatitis E virus has emerged as a serious problem after solid organ transplantation (SOT), leading to diverse extrahepatic manifestations and chronic hepatitis with unfavorable outcomes. Some neglected pathogens such as lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus can cause severe infection with multi-organ failure and high mortality. In addition, ehrlichiosis may be more severe with higher case-fatality rates in SOT recipients. Some unusual or severe presentations of borreliosis, anaplasmosis and rickettsioses were also reported among transplant patients. Moreover, toxoplasmosis as infectious complication is a well-recognized zoonosis in this population. Although rabies transmission through SOT transplantation has rarely been reported, it has become a notable problem in some countries. Since the spreading trends of zoonoses are likely to continue, the awareness, recognition and treatment of zoonotic infections among transplant professionals should be imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mrzljak
- Department of Medicine, Merkur University Hospital, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Rafaela Novak
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Nenad Pandak
- Depatment of Medicine, The Royal Hospital Muscat, Muscat 111, Oman
| | - Irena Tabain
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | | | - Ljubo Barbic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Maja Bogdanic
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Savic
- Poultry Center, Croatian Veterinary Institute, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Danko Mikulic
- Department of Abdominal and Transplant Surgery, Merkur University Hospital, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Jadranka Pavicic-Saric
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Medicine, Merkur University Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Stevanovic
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases with Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
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Khatri A, Lloji A, Doobay R, Wang G, Knoll B, Dhand A, Nog R. Anaplasma phagocytophilum presenting with orchitis in a renal transplant recipient. Transpl Infect Dis 2019; 21:e13129. [PMID: 31215144 DOI: 10.1111/tid.13129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA), caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, is an emerging tick-borne disease. It is spread by the black-legged deer tick Ixodes scapularis that serves as the vector for six human pathogens. HGA is still rarely reported in solid organ transplant recipients. In solid organ transplant recipients, orchitis has been reported secondary to chickenpox, tuberculosis and infections due to Listeria monocytogenes and Nocardia asteroides. Orchitis as a presenting feature of HGA infection has only been reported in animals. We present a unique case of a renal transplant recipient with HGA that presented as orchitis. We also compare the clinical presentation and laboratory findings of our patient with other cases of HGA in transplant recipients. To the best of our knowledge, our patient is one of the first cases of A phagocytophilum mono-infection causing a classical presentation of orchitis in a transplant patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Khatri
- Department of Internal Medicine, New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York
| | - Amanda Lloji
- Department of Internal Medicine, New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York
| | - Richard Doobay
- Department of Internal Medicine, New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York
| | - Guiqing Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Virology & Molecular Diagnostics, New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York
| | - Bettina Knoll
- Department of Transplant Infectious Diseases, New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York
| | - Abhay Dhand
- Department of Transplant Infectious Diseases, New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York
| | - Rajat Nog
- Department of Transplant Infectious Diseases, New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York
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Phatharodom P, Limsrichamrern S, Kaewwinud J, Chayakulkeeree M. Murine typhus in a liver transplant recipient: report of a first case. Transpl Infect Dis 2015; 17:574-8. [PMID: 25867285 DOI: 10.1111/tid.12394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Zoonoses, especially rickettsial diseases, are rarely reported in solid organ transplant recipients. We report here a case of murine typhus in a 69-year-old liver transplant recipient, who presented with acute febrile illness 5 years post transplantation. Although receiving treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics, he was still febrile and developed progressive dyspnea. Laboratory results showed elevated transaminases and his chest radiograph revealed bilateral interstitial infiltration. The diagnosis of murine typhus was made by a 4-fold rise in specific Rickettsia typhi antibody, using indirect immunofluorescent assay. He dramatically improved after treatment with doxycycline for 7 days. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of murine typhus in a liver transplant recipient.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Phatharodom
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - S Limsrichamrern
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - J Kaewwinud
- Division of Respiratory Disease and Tuberculosis, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - M Chayakulkeeree
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Lawrence KL, Morrell MR, Storch GA, Hachem RR, Trulock EP. Clinical outcomes of solid organ transplant recipients with ehrlichiosis. Transpl Infect Dis 2009; 11:203-10. [PMID: 19228344 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2009.00373.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Because of our experience with severe Ehrlichia infections in lung transplant recipients, we reviewed all cases of ehrlichiosis in solid organ transplant recipients at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Between 1996 and 2007, 25 cases of ehrlichiosis were identified. We retrospectively collected demographic, clinical, laboratory, and outcomes data, and we compared the 5 cases in lung transplant recipients with 20 cases in other solid organ transplant recipients (heart, 2; kidney, 13; liver, 5). The presenting symptoms in the majority of both groups consisted of fever and headache. Clinical outcomes were worse in the lung transplant group and included a greater need for intensive care unit treatment (80% vs. 20%, P=0.02), longer length of hospital stay (21 vs. 5 days, P=0.02), and propensity to develop acute lung injury or acute respiratory distress syndrome (60% vs. 10%, P=0.04). No mortalities occurred in either group of patients. In an endemic area, ehrlichiosis is not unusual in solid organ transplant recipients, and lung transplant recipients tend to have a more severe illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Lawrence
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
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Kotton CN. Zoonoses in Solid-Organ and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients. Clin Infect Dis 2007; 44:857-66. [PMID: 17304461 DOI: 10.1086/511859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2006] [Accepted: 11/25/2006] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous reports exist of the transmission of zoonoses to humans during and after solid-organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Donor-derived infections of numerous etiologies, including West Nile virus infection, Chagas disease, toxoplasmosis, rabies, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus infection, and infection due to Brucella species have been reported. Most zoonoses occur as a primary infection after transplantation, and immunocompromised patients are more likely to experience significant morbidity and mortality from these infections. Risks of zoonotic infection in the posttransplantation period could be reduced by patient education. Increased recognition of the risks of zoonoses, as well as the advent of molecular biology-based testing, will potentially augment diagnostic aptitude. Documented zoonotic infection as it affects transplantation will be the primary focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille N Kotton
- Transplant and Immunocompromised Host Section, Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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