Lung abscess secondary to lung cancer with Eikenella corrodens and Streptococcus anginosus: a case report

• Main Authors: Leihao Hu, Jietao Lin, Jing Li, Yang Cao, Lizhu Lin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2020-05-01
• Series: BMC Infectious Diseases
• Subjects: Eikenella corrodens; Streptococcus anginosus; Lung abscess; Lung cancer; Case report
• Online Access: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12879-020-05054-y

Abstract Background Eikenella corrodens and Streptococcus anginosus, which are primary colonization bacteria of the normal flora of the oropharynx, are infrequent bacteria, especially the former. Here, we report a case of lung abscess with a coinfection of Eikenella corrodens and Streptococcus anginosus in a lung cancer patient. Case presentation A 66-year-old Chinese man with lung cancer was admitted to the hospital, complaining of a cough and expectoration for five months and fever for two months. After a series of inspections to differentiate a cancer-related fever from an infectious fever, he was diagnosed with lung abscess. Draining pus culture demonstrated Eikenella corrodens and Streptococcus anginosus. After more than 1 month of antibiotic therapy and draining in total, he gradually recovered to fight against lung cancer. Conclusion This report highlights the increased pathogenicity of Eikenella corrodens and Streptococcus anginosus in an immunocompromised cancer patient, especially after a few invasive operations. Additionally, even though a patient has been diagnosed with cancerous fever, strong vigilance is needed in case an infection arises.