Synergistic effect of carbapenem-teicoplanin combination during severe Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in a kidney transplant recipient

Transpl Infect Dis. 2009 Aug;11(4):359-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2009.00405.x. Epub 2009 Jun 2.

Abstract

Rhodococcus equi is a bacterial pathogen of domestic animals that can infect immunocompromised patients, especially those with impaired cellular immunity, such as transplant recipients. No standard treatment has been established, but therapy must be prolonged, as relapses are common and can occur at the initial site or distant locations. Here we report a case of R. equi-associated pulmonary abscess in a renal transplant recipient successfully treated with a combination of carbapenem and teicoplanin. This combination was shown to be synergistic. It has minimal side effects in transplant recipients and appears to be an effective initial treatment for this severe infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycetales Infections / drug therapy*
  • Actinomycetales Infections / microbiology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Carbapenems / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Synergism
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Lung Abscess / drug therapy
  • Lung Abscess / microbiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / drug therapy*
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / microbiology
  • Pneumonia, Bacterial / physiopathology
  • Rhodococcus equi / drug effects*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Teicoplanin / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Carbapenems
  • Teicoplanin