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Severe pneumonia caused by Chlamydia psittaci and Aspergillus terreus: a case report
1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing Jiangbei Hospital, Nanjing, China.
Abstract:
Chlamydia psittaci is a known cause of severe pneumonia and may be associated with invasive fungal co-infections; however, its complication by Aspergillus terreus is exceptionally rare. We report a case of a previously healthy 58-year-old woman with poultry exposure who presented with fever and dyspnea that rapidly progressed to respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. After initial empirical antibiotics failed, targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid concurrently identified Chlamydia psittaci and Aspergillus terreus, guiding successful targeted therapy with doxycycline and voriconazole, which led to full recovery. This case highlights the utility of tNGS in enabling rapid, simultaneous pathogen identification and guiding targeted therapy in severe pneumonia.
Insights
A rare case of severe pneumonia caused by co-infection with Chlamydia psittaci and Aspergillus terreus was successfully treated. Targeted next-generation sequencing rapidly identified both pathogens, guiding effective therapy and full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Mycology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Chlamydia psittaci can cause severe pneumonia.
- Invasive fungal co-infections, particularly with Aspergillus terreus, are rare complications.
- Poultry exposure is a risk factor for Chlamydia psittaci infection.
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