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Multiple lung abscesses due to acinetobacter infection: a case report

Ioannis Kokkonouzis1, Ioannis Christou, Ioannis Athanasopoulos

  • 1Department of Respiratory medicine, Hellenic Air Force General Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Cases Journal
|January 12, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Acinetobacter pneumonia, typically hospital-acquired, can cause severe community-acquired infections. This case highlights a rare instance of community-acquired Acinetobacter pneumonia leading to multiple lung abscesses in an adolescent.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Acinetobacter species are recognized pathogens primarily causing hospital-acquired infections.
  • Emerging evidence suggests Acinetobacter's increasing role in community-acquired infections.
  • Lung abscesses are an extremely rare manifestation of Acinetobacter infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report an unusual case of community-acquired Acinetobacter pneumonia with multiple lung abscesses.
  • To emphasize the potential for Acinetobacter to cause severe community-acquired respiratory infections.
  • To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations for such rare presentations.

Main Methods:

  • Clinical case presentation of a 16-year-old female with symptoms of pneumonia.
  • Radiographic examination revealing lung consolidation and multiple abscesses.
  • Diagnostic work-up including microbiological identification of Acinetobacter species and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Main Results:

  • Diagnosis of community-acquired Acinetobacter pneumonia with multiple lung abscesses.
  • Acinetobacter isolate demonstrated susceptibility to multiple antimicrobial agents.
  • Rapid clinical improvement and full recovery confirmed by follow-up imaging.

Conclusions:

  • Acinetobacter pneumonia can present with severe manifestations like multiple lung abscesses, even in the community setting.
  • This case underscores the evolving spectrum of Acinetobacter infections, including their potential in community-acquired diseases.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are crucial for favorable outcomes in rare Acinetobacter pneumonia cases.

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