Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2007 | Case report
Purulent pericarditis due to co-infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Mycobacterium tuberculosisin a patient with features of advanced HIV infection
Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases | Issue 1/2007
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Background
Both Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Streptococcus pneumoniae are common pathogens in patients with HIV infection.
Case Presentation
We present an unusual case of purulent pericarditis resulting in cardiac tamponade due to infection with both organisms. We highlight the re-emergence of pneumococcal pericarditis in the HIV era and describe the pitfalls and challenges in the diagnosis of this condition.
Conclusion
Clinicians working in HIV endemic areas need to consider dual infection with these organisms in patients who respond inadequately to either antibiotics or anti-tuberculous therapy alone.