A Case of Bacillus licheniformis Bacteremia Associated with Bronchoscopy

Address for correspondence : Won Yeon Lee, M.D. Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea 162, Ilsan-dong Wonju, Kangwon-do Phone : 033-741-0506 Fax : 033-731-5884 E-mail : Wylee@wonju.yonsei.ac.kr Received : Aug. 18. 2004. Accepted : Oct. 21. 2004. Bacillus species are aerobic, gram-positive, spore forming rods, and they are usually found in the surrounding environment. If they are isolated in the clinical specimen, they are generally considered as contaminants rather than a true pathogen. Infection with Bacillus licheniformis is usually associated with the immunocompromised state, trauma, an indwelling intravenous catheter or an intravenous drug abuser. This infection is easily controlled by removal of the catheter and surgical debridement of the local infected tissue as well as an appropriate antimicrobial therapy. We reported here on a case of Bacillus licheniformis bacteremia associated with a bronchoscopic procedure in an immune competent patient. (Tuberc Respir Dis 2004; 57:553-556)