Ruth Mullowney-Agra, MD

Rhodococcus equi is an emerging human pathogen. It is mostfrequently associated with pulmonary infections; however,manifestations may be protean. It can be easily mistaken fora diptheroid-like contaminant or a mycobacterium. Therefore,a high suspicion of R equi infection and specialized testing areencouraged. Vancomycin-based therapy is recommended.Because human infection with this organism is uncommon,thorough reporting will help identify further characteristicsof infection and will help in devising treatment guidelines.[Infect Med. 2008;25:391-393