ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical features of Legionella-associated cavitary pneumonia, and to explore the diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical management of patients.MethodsThe data of a patient with severe Legionella-associated cavitary pneumonia were collected and analyzed. Databases including PubMed, Ovid, Wanfang, VIP and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched for pertinent literatures, using the keyword "Legionella, lung abscess or cavitary pneumonia" in Chinese and English from Jan. 1990 to Jun. 2019. The related literature was reviewed.ResultsA 60-year-old male patient was admitted to hospital because of fever, cough, and expectoration for five days. On presentation, his temperature was 38.3 °C, and pulmonary auscultation revealed rales on the left side of the lungs. Culture of lower airway secretions obtained by bronchoscopy revealed Legionella pneumophila infection, and serotype 6. Chest computerized tomography showed a consolidation in the left lung and an abscess in the left upper lobe. The patient was discharged from the hospital after three months of anti-Legionella treatment (Mosfloxacin, Azithromycin, etc.). Fifteen manuscripts, including 18 cases, were retrieved from databases. With the addition of our case, a total of 19 cases were analyzed in detail. There were 15 males and four females, aged from 4 months to 73 years old. Most of them (14/19, 73.7%) were accompanied by multiple underlying diseases. Initial empiric antimicrobial therapy failed in 15 (78.9%) cases, and 7 (36.8%) patients required combination therapy. The courses of antimicrobial treatment were from 3 to 49 weeks. All except one patient were fully recovered and discharged from hospital.ConclusionsLegionella pneumonia with pulmonary abscess or cavity is rare and often presents with fever. Pulmonary imaging shows infiltration in the initial, but can be free of cavities or abscesses. Most patients have basic diseases. Severe patients often need to be treated in combination with antibiotics for long periods of time.
ObjectiveTo examine the characteristics of Rhodococcus equi (R. equi) infection for better awareness of this disease.MethodsThe clinical data of a patient with pulmonary abscess caused by R. equi after renal transplantation were reported. We also reviewed the reports of infections caused by R. equi.ResultsThe clinical manifestations and laboratory examination of the patient were consistent with the characteristics of R. equi infection. The growth of R. equi was found in sputum and blood culture. The follow-up data showed that the treatment was effective. Literature search identified 23 similar patients. In all the 24 patients (containing this one), the time of infection after renal transplantation ranged from 4 months to 11 years. There were 21 patients with cumulative pulmonary infection, and 10 patients had a clear epidemiological history of direct or indirect contact with horses. Eighteen patients improved after regular antibacterial treatment or surgical treatment.ConclusionsOpportunistic infections caused by R. equi mainly affect transplant recipients and other patients with lower immunity. Infections caused by R. equi may affect many organ systems with various manifestations. The optimal therapy is not established due to the rarity of this infection. Clinicians should select antibiotic agents rationally based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing and treatment response of patients.