Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2025
Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice
Published on: March 17, 2014
Empyema Caused by Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus and Complicated by Secondary Pulmonary Infection from Acinetobacter
Min Chai1, Patajiang Yusufu2, Yixin Chen1
1Department of Emergency Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus is a gram-positive anaerobic coccus that can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals. P. asaccharolyticus causing empyema has not been reported earlier. Here, we present a novel case of empyema caused by P. asaccharolyticus. A 72-year-old male had a constant fever with difficulty breathing. A chest computed tomography scan revealed infiltration in the right lower lobe and pleural effusion. Following hospital admission, pleural fluid drainage was conducted, and the culture isolated P. asaccharolyticus. Initially treated with piperacillin/tazobactam, the patient experienced excessive thick sputum production, prompting a tracheostomy. Subsequent sputum cultures identified Acinetobacter baumannii. After transitioning to cefoperazone/sulbactam for antibiotic treatment and continued pleural effusion drainage, recovery was achieved. Empyema can be caused by P. asaccharolyticus and further complicated by a secondary infection with A. baumannii. Management should include appropriate antibiotic therapy, pleural drainage, vigilant monitoring, and supportive care. We aim to raise clinicians' awareness of the potential for P. asaccharolyticus to cause empyema in immunocompromised patients and to provide early treatments, thereby improving morbidity and mortality.
Insights
Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus, a gram-positive anaerobic coccus, can cause empyema, a rare pleural infection. This case highlights the need for awareness and prompt management of this infection in immunocompromised patients.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Peptoniphilus asaccharolyticus is a gram-positive anaerobic coccus known to cause infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
- Empyema, a serious infection of the pleural space, is typically associated with other pathogens.
- Previous reports have not documented empyema caused by P. asaccharolyticus.
Observation:
- A 72-year-old male presented with fever and dyspnea, indicative of a lower respiratory tract infection.
- Chest CT revealed right lower lobe infiltration and pleural effusion.
- Pleural fluid culture isolated P. asaccharolyticus, leading to initial treatment with piperacillin/tazobactam.
Findings:
- The patient developed thick sputum and required a tracheostomy, with subsequent cultures identifying Acinetobacter baumannii.
- Treatment was switched to cefoperazone/sulbactam, alongside continued pleural drainage, resulting in patient recovery.
- This case demonstrates a novel instance of empyema caused by P. asaccharolyticus, complicated by a secondary A. baumannii infection.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider P. asaccharolyticus as a potential causative agent of empyema, especially in immunocompromised patients.
- Effective management involves appropriate antibiotic selection, pleural fluid drainage, and supportive care.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with P. asaccharolyticus empyema.
More Related Videos
11:32Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
07:27Methods for Detecting Cytotoxic Amyloids Following Infection of Pulmonary Endothelial Cells by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Published on: July 12, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
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...
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...