Actinomyces turicensis: a peculiar case of empyema after COVID-19 in a patient with ulcerative colitis

Published: 9 May 2024
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Actinomyces species are recognized as common mucosal bacteria in humans and as a newly discovered source of infection. Since its discovery in 1995, the subspecies Actinomyces turicensis has been reported as the causative pathogen of numerous infections. Only two instances of A. turicensis-related empyema, however, have been documented in the literature as of late. We report a unique case of polymicrobial empyema caused by A. turicensis shortly after a COVID-19 without any clear risk factors for anaerobic aspiration, along with a brief review of the literature. Tetracycline was successfully used for the first time to treat A. turicensis empyema, following chest drainage.

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How to Cite

Marzi, F., D’Errico, A., Alessandri, M., De Crescenzo, V., & Manini, M. (2024). <i>Actinomyces turicensis</i>: a peculiar case of empyema after COVID-19 in a patient with ulcerative colitis. Italian Journal of Medicine, 18(2). https://doi.org/10.4081/itjm.2024.1708