FATA "NEISSERIA-(BRANHAMELLA)-CATARRHALIS PNEUMONIA IN AN IMMUNODEFICIENT HOST

Abstract

A 64 yr old man with far-advanced IgA [immunoglobulin A] multiple myeloma presented with fulminant and rapidly fatal bronchopneumonia. Gram stains of expectorated sputum and of transtracheal aspirate revealed gram-negative intracellular and extracellular diplococci. Cultures of these specimens yielded N. catarrhalis. Subsequent histologic examination of the lung confirmed the presence of numerous gram-negative diplococci in the alveolar spaces. The pathogenic potential of this nasopharyngeal commensal is discussed in the normal and the immunosuppressed host.