Cavitated pulmonary condensation by Rhodococcus equi, in an HIV seropositive individual.

The first clinical case described in Portugal of a human infection by Rhodococcus equi in a 35 year-old HIV1 seropositive i.v. drug user is presented. The patient was admitted to hospital due to clinical and radiological suspicion of tuberculosis. While in hospital, a Rhodococcus equi cavitated lung infection was diagnosed. By applying a triple antibiotic therapy with erythromycin, rifampin and teicoplanin along with surgical excision of the lower lobe of the right lung, we were able to clinically resolve the pulmonary infection. A brief review of Rhodococcus equi infections, especially those associated to HIV1 infected individuals is also presented with particular emphasis on the therapeutic approach.