The role of gut microbiota and the gut-lung axis in sepsis: A case study of a pregnant woman with severe rickettsial pneumonia and septic shock complicated by MODS.

KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE: In this case report, we describe the successful management of severe scrub typhus with pneumonia, sepsis, and multiple organ dysfunction in a pregnant woman. Despite initial challenges, the patient responded favorably to fecal microbiota transplantation and oral fecal microbiota capsule therapy.

ABSTRACT: Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, can lead to severe multiorgan dysfunction and carries a mortality rate of up to 70% if not treated properly. In this report, we present the case of a 27-year-old pregnant woman at 18 + 6 weeks gestation whose symptoms worsened 15 days after onset and progressed to severe pneumonia with sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. After the pathogen was confirmed by next-generation sequencing analysis of bronchoalveolar-lavage fluid and blood samples, the patient's treatment was switched to antiinfective chloramphenicol. The patient also underwent uterine evacuation due to a miscarriage. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was discontinued once the pulmonary infection significantly improved. Subsequently, the patient had recurrent diarrhea, abdominal distension, and difficulty eating. The antibiotic regimen was adjusted according to the drug sensitivity, but the diarrhea and abdominal distension still did not improve. Following a comprehensive multidisciplinary risk assessment, we initiated fecal microbiota transplantation and oral fecal microbiota capsule therapy. As a result, the patient's condition was effectively managed, and they were gradually discharged. Fecal microbiota transplantation may be a safe and effective treatment for severe pneumonia and shock in pregnant women. This has significant implications for maternal health. However, further clinical cases are required to observe its long-term effectiveness.