Primary Thoracic Empyema Caused by Clostridium Sporogenes

Abstract
A case of a primary thoracic empyema caused by Clostridium sporogenes is reported. The patient was a very tall 25-year-old man who had previously been well. For psychological reasons a 5 cm long segment of the right femur was excised. The patient had intubation narcosis. Following the operation the patient's temperature slowly rose to about 39°C. His sputa were blood-tinged. Thoracocentesis yielded a small amount of thin brown red haemolysed fluid. Bacteriological cultivation showed heavy growth of Clostridium sporogenes. The patient was cured by treatment with penicillin and streptomycin. The probable route for the infection is discussed.

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