Transient bacteraemia secondary to imiquimod use as a treatment for cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions – A case report

Imiquimod is an immunomodulating cream used in the treatment of cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (cHSIL). Side-effects are common and mostly well tolerated, but can be severe. A woman using imiquimod for recurrent cHSIL presented with signs of a distributive shock nearly three weeks after the start of imiquimod treatment, for which she was admitted to a medium care unit. No infectious source was identified. The woman recovered well with conservative treatment. This case demonstrates the importance of monitoring patients for side-effects during imiquimod treatment. Side-effects, including the possibility of severe side-effects, should be discussed during patient counselling on therapy options for cHSIL treatment.