Woman Hospitalized After Cleaning Fish Tank: Diagnostic Dilemma
A 56-year-old woman in Maryland found herself in a medical mystery after cleaning one of her home aquariums. What started as a routine task turned into a serious infection that landed her in the hospital, raising questions about the source of the illness and the treatment needed to combat it.
The Symptoms and Diagnosis
The woman experienced fever, cough, and chest pain for two days before seeking medical attention. Scans of her chest revealed signs of pneumonia, while lab results showed an elevated number of immune cells in her blood. Doctors suspected an infection and tested her blood, discovering Burkholderia pseudomallei, a bacteria typically found in tropical and subtropical regions like Australia and Southeast Asia.
The Treatment and Recovery
The patient was treated with antibiotics that initially resolved her symptoms and immune cell count. However, her fever returned a few weeks later, leading to a more intensive antibiotic regimen and a prolonged course of treatment. Despite being discharged multiple times, she had to remain on antibiotics for months to fully clear the infection.
The Unique Case and Future Concerns
What makes this case stand out is that the woman had never traveled internationally, a common factor in previous melioidosis cases in the U.S. Instead, she likely contracted the infection from her fish tank, making it the first documented case of melioidosis linked to aquarium supplies. With the presence of B. pseudomallei in soil and water samples from the Gulf Coast and neighboring states, there’s a possibility of more local cases in the future.
As we navigate the complexities of bacterial infections and their sources, it’s essential to stay informed and cautious, especially when dealing with aquatic environments like fish tanks. This case serves as a reminder of the unexpected ways in which infections can arise, urging us to take preventive measures and seek prompt medical attention when symptoms arise. Stay safe and vigilant in protecting your health and well-being.
