Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 12, 2026
Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Atypical Empyema From a Typically Benign Bug
Ananya Narasimhan1, Ishani Deshpande1, Andrew Rofail2
1Western University of Health Sciences, USA.
Abstract:
Empyema is a complication of pneumonia, characterized by pus accumulation in the pleural space. It is more common in patients with comorbidities such as older age, diabetes, cancer, or immunocompromised states. Aspiration or oral cavity infections are more common in older adults with significant risk factors; therefore, the pathogen Streptococcus constellatus is usually rare. S. constellatus is mainly known for its ability to produce abscesses and pyogenic invasive infections, with most of the infections being found in the orofacial and gastrointestinal regions. The patient is a 58-year-old female who presented with weakness, fatigue, nausea, anorexia, diarrhea, and subjective fever for two weeks. Investigation revealed that there was left-sided empyema, and the pleural fluid grew S. constellatus on culture. The management included antibiotics, chest tube drainage, and finally decortication. The patient's recovery further demonstrates how rare and complex empyema caused by S. constellatus is in a healthy person.
Insights
This case study highlights a rare instance of empyema, a lung infection complication, caused by Streptococcus constellatus in an otherwise healthy individual. Treatment involved antibiotics, drainage, and surgery, leading to recovery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Empyema, a serious complication of pneumonia, involves pus accumulation in the pleural space.
- It typically affects individuals with comorbidities like diabetes, cancer, or weakened immune systems.
- Infections by Streptococcus constellatus are uncommon in empyema, especially in healthy patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of empyema caused by Streptococcus constellatus in a healthy 58-year-old female.
- To discuss the diagnostic and management challenges associated with this unusual pathogen in empyema.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive diagnostic workup was performed, including pleural fluid culture.
- The patient was treated with a multi-modal approach, including antibiotic therapy and chest tube drainage.
- Surgical intervention (decortication) was ultimately required for complete recovery.
Main Results:
- Pleural fluid culture confirmed the presence of Streptococcus constellatus.
- The patient experienced symptoms including weakness, fatigue, nausea, anorexia, diarrhea, and fever.
- Successful treatment led to the patient's recovery, underscoring the complexity of the case.
Conclusions:
- Empyema caused by Streptococcus constellatus is rare, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.
- This case highlights the importance of considering unusual pathogens in complex empyema presentations.
- A combination of medical and surgical interventions may be necessary for successful management.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:30Bacterial Phylum Actinobacteria
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
01:26Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment