Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
08:01
Detection of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Haematological Malignancy Patients by using Lateral-flow Technology
Published on: March 22, 2012
Kytococcus schroeteri pneumonia in two patients with a hematological malignancy
C J Hodiamont1, C Huisman, L Spanjaard
1Dept. of Medical Microbiology, Room L1-245, Center for Infection and Immunity Amsterdam (CINIMA), Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. c.j.hodiamont@amc.uva.nl
Infection
|March 10, 2010
Summary
Neutropenic patients can develop severe infections from common skin bacteria. Kytococcus schroeteri, a skin saprophyte, caused severe pneumonia in two hematological patients, highlighting the need for specific antimicrobial therapy.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Neutropenic patients exhibit increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
- Infections caused by commensal microorganisms pose a significant risk in immunocompromised individuals.
Observation:
- Two cases of severe pneumonia occurred in hematological patients.
- The causative agent identified was Kytococcus schroeteri, a skin saprophyte.
Findings:
- Kytococcus species can cause severe pneumonia in neutropenic patients.
- Kytococcus species often display resistance to penicillin.
- Micrococcus-like colonies in cultures may indicate Kytococcus species.
Implications:
- Diagnostic consideration of Kytococcus species is crucial when encountering micrococcus-like colonies in clinical specimens.
- Antimicrobial therapy must be adjusted to account for potential penicillin resistance in Kytococcus infections.
- This highlights the importance of identifying specific pathogens in neutropenic patients to guide effective treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...