A Case of Massive Empyema Caused byStreptococcus constellatusand Anaerobic Bacteria for Mental Retardation

Abstract

The Streptococcus milleri group, which also includes S. anginosus, S. intermedius and S. constellatus, is found in the oropharynx, upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and urogenital tract mucosa. Bacteria in the Streptococcus milleri group are associated with bacteremia and abscess formation. Most of the reports of of Streptococcus milleri group (SMG) infection occur in patients with underlying medical conditions. Predisposing factors that have been associated with S. milleri group empyema include mucosal disturbances (sinusitis, periodontal disease, enteric disease), preceding to pneumonia, thoracic surgery, malignancy, neurological disease, alcohol abuse, and also diabetes mellitus. We report on a 42-year-old man with mental retardation. He who suffered from dyspnea and a fever that he had developed for over 14 days. S. constellatus and anaerobic bacterias (Prevotella buccae and Micromonas micros) were cultured. The patient was treated with the drainage of pleural effusion and clindamycin and levofloxacin.