Inquire about the authenticity of this medical news article?
Dear Dr.
Lin,
A family friend recently passed away.
The elder had diabetes and felt symptoms of a urinary tract infection, so they took over-the-counter medication.
That night, they developed a fever, which subsided after taking the medication.
The next day, feeling very fatigued, they went to the emergency room.
The doctor said the symptoms of the urinary tract infection were manageable, but the concerning diagnosis was pyelonephritis, with very low blood pressure.
They experienced another fever and, after sweating it out, suddenly went into shock.
They were resuscitated and informed that this led to sepsis and a severe bacterial infection (E.
coli).
They were then placed on life support, but after a few days, they had not urinated and required dialysis.
During dialysis, their entire blood volume was cycled out, but it was ineffective.
Ultimately, they were on four machines for life support, but it still did not work, and resuscitation was discontinued.
Our friend recalled that there had been recent sightings of mice and mouse droppings in the home (suspected to be from house mice).
After reading a related news article, they wondered if the elder might have come into contact with mouse droppings, which could have triggered the bacterial infection and subsequently led to sepsis.
I would like to ask you if mouse droppings could potentially cause such effects, and I would also like to inquire about the authenticity of the following news article: "Contact with mouse droppings or being bitten by a mouse can trigger septicemia, which can be fatal." Thank you!
[Link to the news article]
Ms. Li, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/23
Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello, mice and mouse droppings naturally carry many pathogens, and contact with them can indeed lead to severe bacterial infections.
However, the progression of the condition you mentioned is not uncommon in diabetic patients and may not necessarily be related to mice.
It is important to identify the specific bacteria involved; for instance, if it is Escherichia coli, that is a common bacterium associated with urinary tract infections, which typically does not have a specific connection to mice.
Reply Date: 2023/10/23
More Info
Mouse droppings can indeed pose health risks, but the direct link between mouse droppings and severe infections such as sepsis is complex and not straightforward. Mouse droppings can harbor various pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, which can lead to infections if they come into contact with open wounds or mucous membranes. However, the specific scenario you described regarding your friend's elder relative involves a more intricate interplay of factors.
In the case of your friend's elder, who had diabetes and developed a urinary tract infection (UTI) that progressed to pyelonephritis (kidney infection) and subsequently sepsis, it is essential to consider the underlying health conditions. Diabetes can compromise the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. The presence of E. coli, a common bacterium responsible for UTIs, indicates that the infection likely originated from the urinary tract rather than from mouse droppings.
While mouse droppings can carry pathogens such as hantavirus, leptospirosis, and salmonella, these are typically associated with respiratory issues or gastrointestinal infections rather than urinary tract infections. The progression to sepsis in this case was likely due to the kidney infection and the body's inability to manage the overwhelming bacterial load, especially in a diabetic patient whose immune response may be impaired.
Regarding the news article you referenced, it is true that contact with mouse droppings can lead to serious health issues, but the specific claim that mouse droppings can directly cause sepsis is not well-supported by scientific evidence. Sepsis is a systemic response to infection, and while it can be triggered by various pathogens, the route of infection is crucial. Infections leading to sepsis are often due to bacteria entering the bloodstream from localized infections, such as UTIs or pneumonia, rather than from environmental sources like mouse droppings.
To summarize, while mouse droppings can be a source of various pathogens, the severe infection and sepsis experienced by your friend's elder relative were more likely due to the progression of a urinary tract infection exacerbated by underlying health issues such as diabetes. It is always advisable to maintain good hygiene and take precautions to minimize exposure to rodent droppings, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems. If there are concerns about potential exposure to mouse droppings and related health risks, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and potential testing.
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