What rare infection can cause multiple organ failure?

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Last updated: May 11, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Rare Infection Causing Multiple Organ Failure

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Sepsis: This is the most likely diagnosis as it is a common cause of multiple organ failure, especially in the context of a rare infection. Sepsis occurs when the body's response to an infection becomes uncontrolled and causes widespread inflammation, leading to organ damage.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Meningococcemia: This is a severe infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, which can lead to multiple organ failure if not treated promptly. It is characterized by the rapid onset of fever, rash, and shock.
    • Toxic Shock Syndrome: This is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacterial toxins, often produced by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It can cause multiple organ failure and has a high mortality rate if not treated promptly.
  • Do Not Miss diagnoses
    • Rabies: Although rare, rabies is almost always fatal if not treated promptly after exposure. It can cause multiple organ failure, including encephalitis, and has a high mortality rate.
    • Hantavirus: This virus can cause Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), both of which can lead to multiple organ failure and have high mortality rates.
    • Lassa Fever: This is a viral hemorrhagic fever that can cause multiple organ failure and has a high mortality rate if not treated promptly.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Ebola: This is a rare but highly deadly viral infection that can cause multiple organ failure and has a high mortality rate.
    • Marburg Virus: Similar to Ebola, this is a rare but highly deadly viral infection that can cause multiple organ failure and has a high mortality rate.
    • Leptospirosis: This is a rare bacterial infection that can cause multiple organ failure, including kidney and liver failure, and has a high mortality rate if not treated promptly.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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