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Chronic pericarditis due to a streptomyces species
American Journal of Clinical Pathology
|July 1, 1979
Summary
A rare Streptomyces species infection caused chronic effusoconstrictive pericarditis in an otherwise healthy individual. This finding highlights the potential pathogenicity of these typically saprophytic actinomycetes.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Streptomyces species are aerobic actinomycetes commonly found in soil and are generally regarded as saprophytes.
- Their role in human pathogenesis is infrequently reported, typically associated with specific conditions like nocardiosis or actinomycetoma.
Observation:
- A previously healthy patient presented with effusoconstrictive pericarditis of mixed etiology.
- Diagnostic investigations revealed the causative agent of the chronic pericarditis to be a Streptomyces species.
Findings:
- The study identifies a Streptomyces species as the etiological agent responsible for chronic effusoconstrictive pericarditis.
- This case demonstrates a rare instance of invasive Streptomyces infection leading to significant cardiac pathology.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of clinical manifestations associated with Streptomyces infections.
- It underscores the importance of considering uncommon pathogens, including Streptomyces, in the differential diagnosis of chronic pericarditis, especially in immunocompetent individuals.
- Further research may elucidate the specific mechanisms by which certain Streptomyces species can cause invasive disease.