Severe pneumonia with Leptotrichia sp. detected predominantly in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid by use of 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis

Abstract

We present the first case of severe pneumonia possibly caused by Leptotrichia species with oral bacteria. This was found in a healthy but elderly subject whose bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis. The combination of this method and microscopic observation provided useful information for diagnosis and treatment. Copyright © 2009, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.