A case report of Blastocystis infection and Steven Johnson’s syndrome

Abstract

Blastocystis species (spp.) is an emerging pathogen. There are several unsolved issues linked to this parasite ranging from its nomenclature, commensal status, standardization of laboratory diagnostic methods, genotypes and treatment. Recently, there has been an increase in reports of Blastocystis spp. from symptomatic cases which provide enough evidence of its pathogenic potential. A range of signs and symptoms, from gastro-intestinal to cutaneous manifestations have been attributed to Blastocystis infection. Few reports have established an association between intestinal infection with Blastocystis spp. and skin manifestations in form of urticaria, palmoplantar pruritus and allergy with complete resolution of cutaneous lesions with eradication of the parasite. In this report, we describe a case of Steven Johnson’s syndrome (SJS) in a 6 years old girl along with infection with Blastocystis spp. marked by diarrhea and abdominal pain. Stool examination revealed the presence of all forms of the parasite with subsequent decrease in parasite burden and diarrhea over a period of time. Interestingly, the clearance of Blastocystis spp. from stool was followed by recovery from skin lesions and other symptoms. In this case, the course of SJS was clearly associated with Blastocystis infection. Though skin manifestation with Blastocystis infection has been previously reported, this is the first report of its association with SJS. This report indicates newer insights of the parasite that are less well studied. © 2019, Malaysian Society for Parasitology. All rights reserved.