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Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Fusobacterium necrophorum liver abscess: a case report
Jow-Jyh Hwang1, Yeu-Jun Lau, Bor-Shen Hu
1Department of Internal Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, ROC. venice@ms17.hinet.net
Abstract:
Liver abscess is a potentially life-threatening disease. The clinical features of pyogenic liver abscess are variable and probably correlate with a variety of pathogenic microorganisms and underlying diseases that may be involved. The most common pathogen of liver abscess in Taiwan is Klebsiella pneumoniae. Diabetes mellitus and hepatobiliary calculus are major diseases associated with liver abscess. Haemophilus parainfluenzae is a commensal of the upper respiratory tract, but is an uncommon isolate in liver abscess. We describe a 44-year-old man with liver abscess caused by mixed H. parainfluenzae and Fusobacterium necrophorum infection. He received percutaneous liver abscess drainage and intravenous antibiotic therapy for 3 weeks and fully recovered. No recurrence occurred during the follow-up period of 4 months.
Insights
Pyogenic liver abscess can be caused by uncommon bacteria like Haemophilus parainfluenzae. This case highlights successful treatment of a mixed infection with percutaneous drainage and antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hepatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pyogenic liver abscess is a serious condition with varied clinical presentations.
- Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most common pathogen in Taiwan, often associated with diabetes mellitus and hepatobiliary calculus.
- Haemophilus parainfluenzae, typically a commensal, is an infrequent cause of liver abscess.
Observation:
- A case study of a 44-year-old male patient presenting with liver abscess.
- The patient had a mixed infection involving Haemophilus parainfluenzae and Fusobacterium necrophorum.
- Clinical presentation details and patient history were documented.
Findings:
- Successful treatment achieved through percutaneous liver abscess drainage.
- Intravenous antibiotic therapy administered for three weeks.
- The patient experienced a full recovery with no recurrence over a four-month follow-up period.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of causative agents in liver abscess.
- It demonstrates the efficacy of standard treatment protocols for rare polymicrobial liver abscesses.
- Highlights the importance of considering diverse pathogens in liver abscess diagnosis and management.