MYCOPLASMA-HOMINIS EMPYEMA FOLLOWING PLEU ROPNEUMONIA IN LATE PREGNANCY

Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis) frequently colonizes the genital tract , but is rarely isolated from the respiratory tract. Dissemination of M. hominis has been documented in women with a febrile illness after d elivery. Spontaneous recovery is the rule. A 32-year-old woman in the 29th week of pregnancy was hospitalized for pneumonia. She had to be v entilated for respiratory insufficiency and thoracic empyema. The chil d was delivered by sectio due to signs of stress in cardiotocometry. I n the ensuing days the mother's condition worsened, with fever, weight loss and persistent pleural effusion. Even after decortication and tr eatment with ceftriaxone fever and pleural effusion persisted, M. homi nis was found in pleural fluid cultures. Treatment with doxycycline le d to rapid defervescence and an improvement of the patient's condition .