Case report: fatal anaerobic pulmonary infection due to Bifidobacterium eriksonii

This case illustrates progressive anaerobic pleuropulmonary infection caused by Bifidobacterium eriksonii that eventually was fatal. Aspiration pneumonia, lung abscess, empyema, and finally necrotizing pneumonia characterized the clinical course. The organism is difficult to recover, but there is reason to suspect that it may be of greater etiologic importance than heretofore recognized in debilitated patients with pleuropulmonary infections. This patient was a 52-year-old alcoholic with periodontal disease. Both conditions are well-known factors underlying anaerobic pleuropulmonary infection. Alcoholism probably predisposed the patient to aspiration of oral secretions, the likely source of the infection.