Group A Escherichia coli-related purpura fulminans: an unusual manifestation due to an unusual strain?

J Clin Microbiol. 2014 Dec;52(12):4404-6. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01362-14. Epub 2014 Sep 17.

Abstract

We describe an exceptional case of life-threatening group A Escherichia coli-induced purpura fulminans. Genotyping of common polymorphisms in genes involved in innate immunity or coagulation did not reveal known susceptibility to such a manifestation. Genetic analysis of the strain revealed an unusual conserved virulence plasmidic region, pointing out its potential virulence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • Escherichia coli / classification*
  • Escherichia coli / growth & development
  • Escherichia coli / isolation & purification*
  • Escherichia coli Infections / complications*
  • Escherichia coli Infections / microbiology*
  • Escherichia coli Infections / pathology
  • Female
  • Genotype
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Humans
  • Microscopy
  • Middle Aged
  • Plasmids
  • Purpura Fulminans / diagnosis*
  • Purpura Fulminans / microbiology*
  • Purpura Fulminans / pathology
  • Virulence
  • Virulence Factors / genetics

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial
  • Virulence Factors