Pyopneumothorax from coinfection by Trichomonas tenax and Geotrichum capitatum in a child from China: a case report

BACKGROUND: Trichomonas tenax may appear in the oral cavity of humans due to poor dentition or oral hygiene. Pyopneumothorax is a serious complication of lower respiratory tract infections that very rarely can be caused by a trichomonad species in predisposed individuals. We report a rare case of pleurisy due to T. tenax with coinfection by a fungus. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a 16-year-old patient with cerebral palsy who presented with severe pyopneumothorax. T. tenax was identified by microscopic examination of the pleural effusion and next-generation sequencing. We also identified Geotrichum capitatum in the pleural effusion and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cultures. Treatment with voriconazole and metronidazole successfully eliminated these pathogens and relieved the clinical symptoms. A literature review indicated this is the first reported case of pleurisy due to T. tenax with coinfection by a fungus. CONCLUSION: The rarity of pyopneumothorax caused by T. tenax coinfection with a fungus should not be overlooked in the clinic. These patients should be and treated in a timely manner.