Anaphylactic-like reaction from trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in a patient with AIDS

Int J STD AIDS. 2016 Jun;27(7):595-7. doi: 10.1177/0956462415587442. Epub 2015 May 20.

Abstract

We report a patient with AIDS who had an anaphylactic-like reaction from trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Clinical suspicion of anaphylaxis should be considered in patients presenting with fever, hypotension, eosinophilia, rash, flushing or pulmonary infiltrates after initial exposure and re-exposure to the medication. This case highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be reminded of the association between this unusual antibiotic reaction resembling sepsis and HIV disease.

Keywords: AIDS; HIV; Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole; adverse drug reaction; anaphylaxis; sepsis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / prevention & control*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications*
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Adult
  • Anaphylaxis*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Hypersensitivity
  • Female
  • Fever / etiology
  • Humans
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / drug therapy
  • Pneumonia, Pneumocystis / prevention & control*
  • Transgender Persons
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / administration & dosage*
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination