Isolated Rhodococcal Empyema: A Case Report

Rhodococcus equi infection is an opportunistic infection in the immunocompromised host. Pulmonary infection is the most common presentation of this pathogen. This pathogen was not uncommon in pre-HAART era, but nowadays this pathogen has become rare opportunistic infection although pleural involvement may be seen in about 15% of patient with pulmonary Rhodococcal infection, Empyema is considered as a rare complication. In our review of the literature, all cases of Rhodococcal Empyema thoracis have been associated with extensive pulmonary parenchymal involvement. We report a case of an HIV-infected patient presenting with isolated Rhodococcal empyema and discuss the medical management of this case.