Spontaneous resolution of rhodococcal pulmonary infection in a liver transplant recipient.
Pulmonary infection by Rhodococcus equi is characterized by indolent infection in an immunocompromised host with a propensity to form cavitary lesions. Mortality can be greater than 50%; treatment involves prolonged therapy with multiple antibiotics and, occasionally, surgical resection. Recurrence is common. We report a case of a liver transplant patient with a pulmonary nodule caused by R equi; the nodule followed a benign clinical course and resolved spontaneously. This case illustrates that the spectrum of disease caused by R equi is not fully appreciated and that significant pitfalls complicate the diagnosis and management of infection by this unusual and probably underrecognized pathogen.
Schilz
R J
RJ
Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio 44195, USA.
Kavuru
M S
MS
Hall
G
G
Winkelman
E
E
D000193:Actinomycetales Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016929:Rhodococcus equi