Cystic echinococcosis: An attraction for fungal and bacterial pulmonary infections

Abstract

Abstract Lung hydatidosis can remain latent for a long time, and symptoms may occur when the cysts grow to a certain size or when symptoms arise secondary to complications such as rupture or superinfection with bacterial organisms or fungi. A variety of signs denoting different appearances of complicated and/or uncomplicated pulmonary hydatid cysts have been described on chest radiographs and computed tomography scans. Aspergillosis is one of the most common fungal infections associated with pre-existing pulmonary cavities. The coexistence of aspergillosis and hydatid cyst is rare. Citrobacter infections usually occur in patients with underlying co-morbidities or immunosuppression. We presented a case of pulmonary echinococcosis with multiple bilateral cysts in which several consecutive episodes of cysts rupture and concomitant Aspergillus and Citrobacter pulmonary infections have been documented.