A Case of Severe Mpox Complicated with Streptococcus pyogenes Sepsis in a Patient with HIV Infection

Abstract

Since May 2022, a global outbreak of human Mpox has rapidly spread in non-endemic countries. We report a case of a 34-year-old man admitted to hospital for a six-day history of fever associated with vesiculo-pustular rash involving the face, limbs, trunk and perianal region, lymphadenopathy and severe proctitis and pharyngitis. He was HIV-positive and virologically suppressed by stable antiretroviral therapy. On admission, Mpox virus-specific RT-PCR was positive from multiple samples. Additionally, blood cultures yielded Streptococcus pyogenes, prompting a 14-day-course of penicillin G and clindamycin. Due to the worsening of proctitis along with right ocular mucosa involvement, tecovirimat treatment was started with a rapid improvement in both skin and mucosal involvement. The patient was discharged after 21 days of hospitalization and the complete clinical resolution occurred 38 days after symptom onset. This is a case of Mpox with extensive multi-mucosal (ocular, pharyngeal and rectal) and cutaneous extension and S. pyogenes bacteraemia probably related to bacterial translocation from the skin or oral cavity that was eased by Mpox lesions/inflammation. The HIVinfection, although well controlled by antiretroviral therapy, could have played a role in the severe course of Mpox, suggesting the importance of a prompt antiviral treatment in HIV-positive patients.