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Transmission of Lactobacillus pneumonia by a transplanted lung
S D Jones1, D A Fullerton, M R Zamora
1Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|September 1, 1994
Abstract:
Herein we report Lactobacillus pneumonia in a lung transplant recipient. The organism may have been normal flora in the donor but was a pathogen in the immunosuppressed recipient. Antibiotic therapy should include penicillin or clindamycin.
Insights
Lactobacillus pneumonia can cause serious lung infections in immunocompromised patients, such as lung transplant recipients. Penicillin or clindamycin are recommended treatments for this opportunistic infection.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Transplant Surgery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Lung transplant recipients are highly susceptible to opportunistic infections due to long-term immunosuppression.
- The role of commensal bacteria as potential pathogens in immunocompromised hosts is an ongoing area of research.
Observation:
- A case of Lactobacillus pneumonia was identified in a lung transplant recipient.
- Lactobacillus species, typically considered normal flora, can act as pathogens in specific clinical contexts.
Findings:
- The identified Lactobacillus strain caused pneumonia in the immunosuppressed lung transplant recipient.
- The organism may have been present as normal flora in the donor lung.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential pathogenicity of Lactobacillus in immunocompromised individuals.
- Antibiotic therapy for Lactobacillus pneumonia should include penicillin or clindamycin, targeting the specific pathogen.
- Clinicians should consider opportunistic infections from commensal organisms in post-transplant patients.