[Bilateral bronchopneumonia due to Rothia mucilaginosa]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Rothia mucilaginosa (formerly Stomatococcus mucilaginosus) is a Gram-positive coccus, typically part of the normal oropharyngeal flora.
• It is rarely pathogenic in immunocompetent individuals but can cause severe infections, including bacteremia, endocarditis, and respiratory infections like pneumonia.

Observation:

• A 74-year-old male presented with worsening pneumonia unresponsive to initial antibiotics.
• Rothia mucilaginosa was isolated from sputum and bronchial suction cultures.

Findings:

• The patient received Linezolid, leading to clinical improvement and radiological normalization.
• Subsequent cultures confirmed the eradication of Rothia mucilaginosa.

Implications:

• This case underscores Rothia mucilaginosa as a potential pathogen in severe pneumonia.
• It suggests Linezolid as an effective treatment option for such infections.