Massive empyema due to Citrobacter diversus

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Citrobacter diversus is a gram-negative rod belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family.
• This bacterium is increasingly recognized as a human pathogen.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of empyema caused by Citrobacter diversus.
• To highlight the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolated organism.
• To emphasize the importance of distinguishing Citrobacter diversus from similar bacterial species.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of the organism in pure culture from empyema fluid.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Main Results:

• Citrobacter diversus was isolated twice in pure culture from a patient's empyema fluid.
• The isolates were resistant to ampicillin and carbenicillin.
• The isolates were sensitive to cephalothin.

Conclusions:

• Citrobacter diversus can cause empyema.
• Accurate identification and differentiation from closely related species like Citrobacter freundii are crucial.
• Understanding antimicrobial resistance patterns is essential for effective treatment of Citrobacter diversus infections.