Disseminated Rhodococcus rhodochrous infection in an immunocompromised patient

Introduction: Genus Rhodococcus is a rare cause of infection in human. Rhodococcus equi has been reported as a cause of majority of these infections. However, Rhodococcus rhodochrous has never been reported as an etiologic agent in human diseases. case report: A 45-year- old female was admitted with cough with yellowish sputum production, fever, chills and shortness of breath for three days. Patient had significantly decline in her functional capacity. Over past three months, patients had recurrent admissions for pneumonia and developed increasing numbers of skin nodules. blood cultures sent from previous admissions were reported as Corynebacterium species. Lung and skin biopsy showed Rhodococcus rhodochrous species confirmed by high performance liquid chromatography. Later in the course of disease, patient developed brain abscesses. conclusion: Corynebacterium species in blood should be carefully reviewed in an immunocompromised patient and Rhodococcus rhodochrous species infection should beconsidered as one of the differential diagnosis.