Rhodococcus bacteremia in an immunocompetent patient

Rhodococcus species are uncommon opportunistic pathogens in humans; they ar e most commonly isolated from immunocompromised patients presenting with se vere cavitating: pulmonary infections. We present a case of Rhodococcus bac teremia in an immunocompetent patient. Although Rhodococcus species have di stinctive colony morphology and Gram stain characteristics, they may be und er-recognized or misinterpreted as normal flora in the clinical microbiolog y laboratory Presumptive identification of these organisms is important to ensure appropriate empiric antimicrobial therapy.