Purulent Hydroaeric Pleural Effusion Due to Infection with <i>Gemella morbillorum</i>: A Case Report

Abstract

Gemella morbillorum (G. morbillorum) is an opportunistic bacterium, which can sometimes cause severe infections especially in immunocompromised subjects. Respiratory infections due to this germ are rare, but are described. We reported a new observation of 34-year-old female patient, admitted for unusual location and clinical presentation of respiratory infection with G. morbillorum; she was presented a left pleuritic pain, a productive cough associated with purulent and foul sputum and dyspnea with onset one month earlier. The clinical examination was objectified a polypnea at 32 cycles/minutes, intercostal indrawing and mixed pleural effusion syndrome. She had also many dental caries and bad oral health status. Chest radiography showed an air-fluid image in the left chest and the thoracocentesis had revealed purulent fluid. The culture of this fluid had isolated a G. morbillorum. The diagnosis of mixed pleural effusion due to G. morbillorum in an immunosuppressed diabetic patient was made. The patient was put on antibiotics, thoracic drainage and Chest physiotherapy with good improvement.