Rhodococcus equi lung infection in an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipient

Transpl Infect Dis. 2008 Feb;10(1):48-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2007.00274.x. Epub 2007 Aug 21.

Abstract

In this report, we describe a case of Rhodococcus equi lung infection diagnosed in an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant with oral graft-versus-host disease 3 months after stem cell infusion. The lung lesion persisted despite an approximate 3 months of vancomycin therapy, but then responded favorably to a combination of intravenous ertapenem at 1 g daily and oral rifampin at 600 mg daily for 1 month. An overview of Rhodococcus infection in transplant recipients is presented. This case and the discussed literature suggest that combination antibiotic therapy is warranted in patients with decreased humoral and cellular immunity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycetales Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Actinomycetales Infections / microbiology*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Ertapenem
  • Graft vs Host Disease / complications*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Diseases / microbiology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Rhodococcus equi / isolation & purification*
  • Rifampin / therapeutic use
  • Transplantation, Homologous / adverse effects
  • beta-Lactams / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • beta-Lactams
  • Ertapenem
  • Rifampin