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Related Experiment Videos

Nosocomial empyema caused by Clostridium difficile

A J Simpson1, S S Das, S Tabaqchali

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, St Bartholomew's Hospital Medical College, London.

Journal of Clinical Pathology
|February 1, 1996
PubMed
Summary

Clostridium difficile can cause rare pleural infections, leading to empyema after chest procedures. This case highlights the need to recognize C difficile

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Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Pleural infections, such as empyema, are typically caused by common bacterial pathogens.
  • Clostridium difficile is primarily known for causing antibiotic-associated colitis.

Observation:

  • A 46-year-old male developed a rare nosocomial empyema.
  • The empyema occurred following the insertion of a chest drain.

Findings:

  • Clostridium difficile was identified as the causative agent of the pleural infection.
  • This represents an extremely rare instance of C difficile-induced empyema.

Implications:

  • The findings suggest that Clostridium difficile has a greater potential for causing extra-intestinal infections than previously recognized.
  • Clinicians should consider C difficile in the differential diagnosis of pleural infections, even in the absence of typical gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Isolation of C difficile from sites other than stool warrants further investigation for potential deep-seated infections.

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