Necrotizing pneumonia and septic shock caused by Burkholderia cepacia in an immunocompetent adult

Hurtado-Alegre J.L.; Crispin-Ayala J.M.; Mananita-Terrones D.R.; Quispe-Pari J.F. · IDCases (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2025.e02470

Resumen

We report the case of an immunocompetent adult presenting with acute febrile illness during a dengue outbreak in the Peruvian Amazon. The patient developed rapidly progressive respiratory compromise and hemodynamic instability, requiring admission to the intensive care unit for management of septic shock, necrotizing pneumonia, and multiorgan dysfunction. Despite full supportive care, he experienced refractory cardiorespiratory failure and died within 24 h of admission. Blood cultures later identified Burkholderia cepacia, and the association of bacteremia with necrotizing pulmonary involvement was consistent with cepacia syndrome. This case highlights a severe and uncommon presentation of B. cepacia infection in an immunocompetent host within a complex tropical epidemiological context.

Instituciones: Universidad Continental; Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú