Cocktail of Infections in a Lupus Patient

Infections have complex interactions with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). They can complicate clinical course of lupus at any point of time. Inefficient immune system increases risk of infections in lupus patients in addition to immunosuppressive agents. Uncommon fungi, viruses, parasites and bacteria must be kept in mind while treating lupus patients. This case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) had multiple infections. Amongst them, systemic mucormycosis was the most unusual one while CMV infection was another one. H1N1 influenza, pseudomonas, and E.coli were other co-existing infections which had contributed in mortality of this patient. Systemic mucormycosis can involve different organs depending upon underlying disease and immune status of patient lungs, gastrointestinal tract, paranasal sinuses etc. More than one infection can co-exist in same patient of SLE due to multiple breaks in defence mechanisms of innate and adaptive immune system. Infections and lupus is a dreadful combination and increases morbidity and mortality significantly.

Author(s): Jeet Patel*, Lalit Duggal, Neeraj Jain, Shashi Dhawan, Surbhi Kansal and Gurbir Bhandari

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