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Enterococcus cecorum empyema thoracis successfully treated with cefotaxime.
Patrick C Y Woo1, Dorothy M W Tam, Susanna K P Lau
1Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, University Pathology Building, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|February 10, 2004
Summary
This study details the first reported case of Enterococcus cecorum infection in a patient with cirrhosis, leading to empyema thoracis and peritonitis. The patient successfully recovered with antibiotic treatment and pleural fluid drainage.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Cirrhosis increases susceptibility to infections.
- Enterococcus cecorum is an uncommon pathogen, particularly in serious infections.
- Empyema thoracis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis are severe complications.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old male patient with cirrhosis presented with empyema thoracis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.
- The infection was caused by Enterococcus cecorum.
- The patient's clinical condition improved following cefotaxime treatment and pleural drainage.
Findings:
- Enterococcus cecorum was identified as the causative agent.
- The isolate showed susceptibility to cefotaxime (MIC, 0.25 microg/ml).
- Phylogenetic analysis suggested E. cecorum may possess penicillin-binding proteins similar to Streptococcus species, explaining its susceptibility to cephalosporins.
Implications:
- This case expands the spectrum of clinical manifestations of Enterococcus cecorum infections.
- It highlights the potential efficacy of expanded-spectrum cephalosporins in treating E. cecorum infections.
- Understanding the unique penicillin-binding proteins of E. cecorum may guide future therapeutic strategies.