Fatal relapse of a purulent pleurisy caused by Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Campylobacter fetus is known to cause invasive infections, including bacteremia.
• Other Campylobacter species like C. coli and C. jejuni are frequent causes of bacterial gastroenteritis.
• Pleurisy, an inflammation of the lung lining, is an uncommon manifestation of Campylobacter infections.

Observation:

• This case study documents the recurrent isolation of a specific strain, Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus.
• The bacterium was identified during two separate episodes of pleural effusion in the same patient.
• Both episodes of pleural effusion were associated with a fatal outcome.

Findings:

• Recurrent isolation of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus from pleural fluid.
• Association of this specific subspecies with severe, invasive pleurisy.
• Demonstration of a fatal outcome in a case of Campylobacter fetus-associated pleurisy.

Implications:

• Campylobacter fetus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe pleurisy, especially in recurrent cases.
• This case underscores the potential for Campylobacter fetus to cause rare but severe invasive diseases beyond bacteremia.
• Further research may be warranted to understand the pathogenic mechanisms of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus in pleurisy.