To report a case of chronic lung abscess caused by red complex bacteria and review existing literature on the topic, highlighting the connection between oral health and respiratory infections.
Approach:
Case Presentation: A 63-year-old male with chronic cough and hemoptysis underwent diagnostic imaging and biopsy, leading to the identification of Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis via metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS).
Literature Review: A literature search was conducted to gather existing case reports and series related to lung abscesses caused by red complex bacteria.
Key Findings:
Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis were identified as causative agents of a culture-negative lung abscess, emphasizing the link between oral health and respiratory infections.
mNGS proved effective in diagnosing fastidious anaerobes in lung infections.
The patient had a history of severe periodontitis.
Interpretation:
This case illustrates the role of oral red complex bacteria in lung abscesses and the utility of mNGS in their identification.
Limitations:
The study is based on a single case report, which limits the generalizability of the findings.
Further research is needed to establish broader clinical implications and treatment protocols.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the role of oral pathogens in lung abscess diagnoses in patients with periodontitis.
