# A Rare Case of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Associated Diarrhea in a Cirrhotic Patient

## TL;DR

A cirrhotic patient without recent antibiotic use or immunosuppression developed rare Pseudomonas aeruginosa-related diarrhea, highlighting immune dysfunction in cirrhosis.

## Contribution

This case highlights that cirrhotic patients, despite being immunocompetent, are susceptible to rare infections like PsA due to immune system defects.

## Key findings

- A 29-year-old cirrhotic patient presented with bloody diarrhea and PsA in stool culture.
- The patient had no history of recent antibiotic use or immunosuppression.
- Cirrhosis-induced immune dysfunction likely predisposed the patient to PsA-associated diarrhea.

## Abstract

While rare, cases of community-acquired Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PsA) enterocolitis have been reported and are associated with recent antibiotic use and immunocompromised hosts. Here we present a 29-year-old immunocompetent female with newly diagnosed alcoholic cirrhosis that presents with bloody diarrhea and was found to have PsA in her stool culture. This case is unique as our patient does not have a history of recent antibiotic use or prior history of immunosuppression. However, immune dysfunction in cirrhosis results in defects in both innate and acquired immunity, thus predisposing our patient to PsA-associated diarrhea. Overall, this case showcases that, while considered immunocompetent, cirrhotic patients are predisposed to rare infections such as PsA in the community due to defects in their immune system.