Southern medical journal
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Southern medical journal · Apr 2004
Review Case ReportsLeukemoid reaction due to Clostridium dificile infection in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome: two case reports and a review of the literature.
The clinical presentation of colitis associated with Clostridium difficile infection in immunosuppressed patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has not been completely characterized. Previous reports suggest that these patients present with low blood leukocyte counts, consistent with the impaired myelopoiesis that can occur with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. ⋯ To the best of our knowledge, these are the first described cases of leukemoid reaction associated with C difficile or other bacterial infection in AIDS patients. We review the literature on C difficile colitis in patients infected with HIV and suggest that severe C difficile infection should be considered in such patients presenting with leukemoid reaction and diarrhea.