A Good Case of Recurrent Pneumonia.

• Authors: Ankit Bhargava, Emory University; Rachel Eisenstadt, Emory University; Jennifer Shih, Emory University; Viranuj Sueblinvong, Emory University
• Journal Title: Journal of Investigative Medicine High Impact Case Reports
• Volume: Volume 6
• Publisher: SAGE Publications (UK and US): Creative Commons Attribution | 2018-01, Pages 2324709618802869-2324709618802869
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1177/2324709618802869
• Subjects: Biology, Virology; Health Sciences, Immunology
• Keywords: Bordetella bronchiseptica; Good’s syndrome; Pneumocystis jirovecii; recurrent pneumonia

Abstract

Bordetella bronchiseptica infection is a common cause of pneumonia in animals but rarely causes disease in humans. Additionally, coinfection with Pneumocystis jirovecii is very uncommon and is occasionally seen in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We report a case of a 61-year-old HIV-negative man, who presented with hypoxic respiratory failure 2 days after completion of systemic intravenous antibiotic treatment for B bronchiseptica. His past medical history was significant for a benign thymoma. The patient was found to be coinfected with B bronchiseptica and P jirovecii. Laboratory results showed panhypogammaglobulinemia and low absolute B- and CD4 T-cells. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with Good's syndrome. However, despite treatment with intravenous antibiotics and intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient continued to deteriorate and expired. This patient demonstrates the importance of recognizing this rare immunodeficiency early in order to improve morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, this case highlights the importance of early immunoglobulin screening in the presence of asymptomatic thymoma.