PYOPNEUMOTHORAX CAUSED BY PREVOTELLA INTERMEDIATA: AN INTERESTING CASE REPORT

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Prevotella species are commensal bacteria in the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract.
• While typically associated with periodontal infections in immunocompetent individuals, Prevotella can cause invasive infections in immunocompromised patients.

Observation:

• A 35-year-old immunocompetent male presented with fever and pleuritic chest pain.
• Clinical examination revealed signs of right-sided pneumonia and loculated pyopneumothorax.
• Imaging confirmed peripheral opacifications with an air-fluid level in the right lower lung zone.

Findings:

• Aspiration of loculated pyopneumothorax yielded foul-smelling pus with Prevotella intermedia.
• Culture identified anaerobic gram-negative rods, specifically Prevotella intermedia.
• The isolate was sensitive to amoxicillin-clavulanate and metronidazole.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare presentation of pyopneumothorax caused by Prevotella intermedia in an immunocompetent host.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are crucial for successful management.
• Further research may elucidate the mechanisms by which commensal Prevotella species can cause invasive thoracic infections.