Serendipitous Diagnosis of B. pertussis-Associated Empyema in Adult with HIV: A Case Report and Literature Review

Sriharsha K*, Maldonaldo J, Muldrow B, Alissa KC, Akram S, Rai A, Bellam C and Baloch S
 

St Francis Emory Medical Center, Columbus GA, USA
Piedmont Medical Center, Columbus GA, USA

^*Correspondance to: [email protected] 

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Abstract:

The following report describes an extremely rare case of severe Bordetella pertussis pneumonia complicated by empyema and septic shock in a profoundly immunocompromised patient. Briefly, this was a 33-year-old male with a past medical history of advanced HIV/AIDS (CD4 count 15 cells/μL), disseminated MAC infection, and cryptococcal meningitis who presented with tachycardia, tachypnea, hypotension requiring norepinephrine infusion, and lactic acidosis. A CT scan demonstrated near-complete opacification of the left hemithorax secondary to a large pleural effusion with compressive atelectasis and infiltrate. A respiratory multiplex panel was positive for B. Pertussis and parainfluenza virus. Bedside thoracentesis yielded purulent fluid, consistent with empyema. Subsequently patient was treated with azithromycin for pertussis, intravenous ceftriaxone for empyema, pleural drainage for source control, vasopressor support, and supplemental oxygen. Antiretroviral therapy, and treatment for opportunistic infection prophylaxis were resumed.

Keywords:

Serendipitous diagnosis; Lactic acidosis; Prophylaxis

Cite the Article:

Sriharsha K, Maldonaldo J, Muldrow B, Alissa KC, Akram S, Rai A, et al. Serendipitous Diagnosis of B. pertussis- Associated Empyema in Adult with HIV: A Case Report and Literature Review. Clin Case Rep Int. 2026; 10: 1788.