Empyema caused by Clostridium bifermentans: A case report
Safa Edagiz1, Phil Lagace-Wiens2, John Embil3
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba;
Summary
Clostridium bifermentans, a rare anaerobic bacterium, caused pneumonia and empyema in a patient. This case highlights the organism
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Clostridium bifermentans is an anaerobic, spore-forming, Gram-positive bacillus.
- Historically considered nonpathogenic, recent literature indicates its role in diverse human infections.
Observation:
- A case of pneumonia with associated empyema is presented.
- The empyema was caused by Clostridium bifermentans.
Findings:
- This is the third reported case of empyema due to C. bifermentans.
- The case expands the known spectrum of clinical manifestations associated with C. bifermentans infections.
Implications:
- Clostridium bifermentans should be considered in the differential diagnosis of severe respiratory infections, particularly empyema.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenicity and clinical significance of C. bifermentans in humans.
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