title: Fatal Neisseria (Branhamella) catarrhalis pneumonia in an immunodeficient host.
abstract: A 64-year-old man with far-advanced IgA multiple myeloma presented with fulminant and rapidly fatal bronchopneumonia. Gram stains of expectorated sputum and of transtracheal aspirate revealed gram-negative intracellular and extracellular diplococci. Cultures of these specimens yielded Neisseria catarrhalis. Subsequent histologic examination of the lung confirmed the presence of numerous gram-negative diplococci in the alveolar spaces. The pathogenic potential of this nasopharyngeal commensal is discussed in both the normal and the immunosuppressed host.
mesh_terms: D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D001996:Bronchopneumonia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology / Q000401:mortality*; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000150:complications*; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D009343:Neisseria / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D011859:Radiography; D014774:Virulence
chemical_list: D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G