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Citrobacter freundii empyema in a patient with occult pulmonary histoplasmosis

A W Chuang1, J B Lewis, E B Golden

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Tennessee, and Baptist Memorial Hospital, Memphis, USA.

The American Journal of the Medical Sciences
|May 20, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Citrobacter freundii rarely causes human infections, often in immunocompromised individuals. This case highlights Citrobacter freundii empyema in a patient with underlying occult pulmonary histoplasmosis.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Citrobacter species are infrequently implicated in human infections.
  • Pathogenic Citrobacter infections typically manifest as respiratory, urinary, skin, soft tissue, central nervous system infections, or neonatal sepsis.
  • These infections often occur in patients with significant underlying illnesses or following antibiotic treatment.

Observation:

  • The authors present a rare case of empyema caused by Citrobacter freundii.
  • The patient had an undiagnosed, occult pulmonary histoplasmosis.

Findings:

  • Citrobacter freundii can cause empyema, a serious infection of the space between the lungs and chest wall.
  • The co-occurrence of Citrobacter freundii empyema and occult pulmonary histoplasmosis is unusual.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering unusual pathogens in complex infections.
  • Recognizing the association between Citrobacter infections and underlying conditions like histoplasmosis is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
  • Further research may elucidate the interplay between fungal and bacterial infections in specific patient populations.

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