[Case report: subcutaneous abscess and thoracic empyema caused by Alcaligenes xylosoxidans].
Alcaligenes xylosoxidans is a glucose-nonfermentative gram-negative rod which usually exists in the environment. This organism while causing pneumonia, sepsis, meningitis and urinary tract infection in the compromised host, rarely causes thoracic empyema. We report a case of thoracic empyema and subcutaneous abscess due to A. xylosoxidans. A 74-year-old male, who had undergone right total pneumonectomy for chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis a year ago, was admitted to our hospital because of fever. CT scans of the chest revealed a subcutaneous abscess and empyema. Empyema and subcutaneous pus were aspirated. Culture of materials produced A. xylosoxidans. There was no significant change on symptoms and examinations despite therapy with PIPC 4 g/day and thoracic drainage. Finally, surgical treatment was required and the patient was cured.
Second Department of Internal Medicine, Oita Medical University.
S
S
Mizunoe
T
T
Yamasaki
K
K
Hirai
E
E
Yamagata
K
K
Hiramatsu
Y
Y
Yamakami
H
H
Nagai
M
M
Nasu
D000038:Abscess / Q000382:microbiology*; D000368:Aged; D000421:Alcaligenes / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013896:Thoracic Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*