Rhodococcus equi infection during treatment of a c-ANCA positive vasculitis: a case report

Rhodococcus equi is a rare form of opportunistic infection in humans, more common in the immunocompromised. We present a case of pulmonary infection and subsequent cerebral abscess secondary to R. equi in a patient receiving immunosuppression for a c-ANCA positive vasculitis. Heightened awareness of R. equi infection is important when considering immunocompromised patients presenting with sepsis, especially those with cavitating pulmonary lesions and normal respiratory commensals on culture. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can cause increased patient morbidity and mortality.