Fulminant Escherichia coli Bacteremia Detected via Peripheral Blood Smear

Clin Lab. 2019 Mar 1;65(3). doi: 10.7754/Clin.Lab.2018.180821.

Abstract

Background: Detection of bacteremia via a peripheral blood smear is not a routine diagnostic test and is not widely used.

Methods: A 66-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency room owing to a head injury. Basic examinations and peripheral blood smear were performed.

Results: We detected bacteria via a routine Wright-Giemsa stained peripheral blood smear. Gram-negative bacilli were confirmed by Gram staining. Blood cultures showed positive results for Escherichia coli. Despite intensive medical treatment, the patient's condition deteriorated rapidly and he died 4 days after admission.

Conclusions: Detection of bacteremia via a peripheral blood smear is a rapid and simple method that can provide a preliminary diagnosis of septicemia before culture results are available, thereby enabling clinicians to administer specific empirical antimicrobial treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bacteremia / diagnosis*
  • Bacteremia / microbiology
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / complications*
  • Escherichia coli / isolation & purification*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male