Rhodococcus equi: an emerging pathogen

Abstract

More than 100 cases of Rhodococcus equi infection have been reported since the first description of human disease caused by this organism. The vast majority of patients infected with R. equi are immunocompromised, and two-thirds have human immunodeficiency virus infection. The clinical manifestations of R. equi infection are diverse, although 80% of patients have some pulmonary involvement. The organism is easily cultured from specimens of infected tissue or body fluid, but it may be misdiagnosed as a contaminant. Treatment is often prolonged, and relapses at distant sites are common. This article summarizes the history, diagnosis, clinical features, and treatment of infection with this emerging pathogen.