Neumonía atípica por Lophomonas blattarum en un paciente inmunocomprometido: reporte de un caso

Abstract

Respiratory infection by Lophomonas Blattarum is a rare opportunistic pathology, however, immunocompromised individuals are susceptible to contract this infection. The following is a case of Lophomonas Blattarum pneumonia in a 44-year-old patient with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), who was admitted to the Regional Military Hospital of Puebla with respiratory distress, non-productive cough, chest pain and fever; during his initial approach a presumptive positive HIV 1-2 Ac. test was detected. Imaging studies showed findings characteristic of pneumonia caused by atypical microorganisms, so empirical treatment with cephalosporin, macrolide, triazoles and sulfonamide was decided. The bronchial secretion culture revealed a multiflagellate protozoan parasite (L. Blattarum), so pharmacological management was started with metronidazole with an impregnation dose of 1500 milligrams, continuing with 500 milligrams every 8 hours for 2 weeks, which resulted in improvement of symptoms and respiratory function. She concluded her stay at the Regional Hospital of Puebla, for follow-up and confirmation of HIV at the third level of care. Finally, despite antibiotic treatment, immunosuppressed patients, together with any opportunistic infection, mortality is present in more than 80%.