RHODOCOCCUS-EQUI INFECTIONS IN AIDS - 3 OBSERVATIONS

We report three cases of infection due to Rhodococcus equi in HIV infected patients. Two of them had a fatal outcome despite antibiotic treatment. Although its frequency is probably underestimated infection due to R. equi, usually presenting as a cavitary pneumonia, is increasing, especially in HIV infected patients. Recurrences are common. The prognosis remains poor. Optimal therapy still needs to be defined. But a treatment using a bactericidal and long combination of antibiotics which have a good concentration in the cells seems to be necessary.