Fusobacterium/Peptostreptococcus - A Case Report of Communityacquired Empyema Resulting in Surgical Decortication with Prolonged Antibiotic Therapy: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Division

Central and West Texas

Hospital

Las Palmas Medical Center

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

1-3-2024

Keywords

Fusobacterium, peptostreptococcus, parapneumonic effusion, anaerobic bacteria, case, empyema, surgical

Disciplines

Bacterial Infections and Mycoses | Internal Medicine | Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Infections caused by anaerobic bacteria occur frequently and can be serious and life-threatening. Anaerobes are a rare cause of community-acquired pneumonia with Streptococcus pneumonia and respiratory viruses being the most frequently detected pathogens. We, herein, report a case of Fusobacterium/Peptostreptococcus parapneumonic effusion with empyema in a patient without risk factors for aspiration pneumonia. This case presents an opportunity to discuss an unusual case of community-acquired empyema secondary to anaerobic infection in a patient without the common risk factors for aspiration.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 59-year-old male patient without significant past medical history apart from a twenty-five-year history of smoking presented due to left flank pain and shortness of breath. Findings of a complicated parapneumonic effusion were found on imaging, resulting in surgical decortication and prolonged antibiotic therapy.

DISCUSSION: Parapneumonic effusions and empyema are relatively common complications of pneumonia. It is important to note that the incidence of anaerobic empyema has been on the rise due to more modern culturing techniques.

CONCLUSION: This case highlights an unusual presentation of community-acquired empyema secondary to anaerobes without any risk factors for aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, clinicians should consider the possibility of anaerobic coverage in the treatment of community-acquired empyema in the appropriate setting.

Publisher or Conference

Infectious Disorders - Drug Targets

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