Work

Clostridium perfringens Bacteremia Secondary to Stercoral Colitis in a Patient With Advanced Parkinson’s Disease: A Rare Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Clostridium perfringens infections are often associated with high mortality and typically result from soft tissue infections. Stercoral colitis, a complication of fecal infection, is more frequently linked to gram-negative bacteremia. We present a rare case of C. perfringens bacteremia caused by stercoral colitis. A 62-year-old woman with advanced Parkinson's disease, dementia, and immobility presented with altered mental status. Stroke was ruled out. Blood cultures grew C. perfringens without signs of soft tissue infection. A CT of the abdomen showed stercoral colitis with fecal impaction. She was treated with a seven-day course of intravenous metronidazole and an aggressive bowel regimen. She remained hemodynamically stable and was discharged in stable condition for outpatient follow-up. This case highlights stercoral colitis as a potential source of C. perfringens bacteremia even without perforation or soft tissue involvement. Early antibiotics, bowel decompression, and nutritional support can improve outcomes in high-risk patients.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.103471

Authors: Nidhay Prakashkar, Jaskaran Singh, Shreya Muralidharan, Cheyenne Moffett, Sorabh Sharma

Institutions: B.J. Medical College, Government Medical College, University of Arizona

Language: English

Topic: Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens research

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7128719087