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Pleural empyema caused by Leuconostoc spp
1Infectious Diseases Institute, Soroka Medical Centre, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Abstract:
A rare case of pleural empyema caused by Leuconostoc spp. is reported. The patient was treated successfully with clindamycin. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of pleural empyema caused by Leuconostoc spp. In a patient with characteristic predisposing factors, such as a serious underlying disease, previous vancomycin therapy and thoracic access device. Our case illustrates that Leuconostoc spp. can cause pleural infection as further evidence of its human pathogenicity.
Insights
This report details a rare pleural empyema case caused by Leuconostoc spp., successfully treated with clindamycin. It highlights Leuconostoc as a pathogen in patients with predisposing factors, demonstrating its role in human infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Pleural empyema is a serious infection of the pleural space.
- Leuconostoc species are typically considered commensal organisms.
- Predisposing factors for infection include serious underlying disease, vancomycin therapy, and thoracic access devices.
Observation:
- A rare case of pleural empyema caused by Leuconostoc spp. is presented.
- The patient had predisposing factors including a serious underlying disease, prior vancomycin treatment, and a thoracic access device.
Findings:
- Successful treatment of Leuconostoc spp. pleural empyema was achieved with clindamycin.
- This is the first reported case of pleural empyema caused by Leuconostoc species.
Implications:
- Leuconostoc species should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pleural infections, especially in immunocompromised patients or those with predisposing factors.
- This case contributes to the understanding of Leuconostoc pathogenicity in humans.
- Effective antibiotic therapy, such as clindamycin, can be used for treatment.