# A Case Report Describing Hemophilus parainfluenza Recovered From Pleural Effusion

**Authors:** Kinnera S Urlapu, Shekhar S Bhatta, Maryam Soliman, Trupti Vakde

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53004 · 2024-01-26

## TL;DR

A rare case of Hemophilus parainfluenza causing pleural effusion is reported, showing the bacteria can lead to this condition without typical symptoms.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the limited documentation of Hemophilus parainfluenza's role in pleural effusions.

## Key findings

- Hemophilus parainfluenza was isolated from pleural fluid in a patient without pneumonia.
- Antibiotic treatment successfully resolved the effusion, indicating bacterial causation.

## Abstract

Hemophilus parainfluenza, a less common pathogen typically found in the oropharyngeal flora, has been associated with various clinical conditions. However, its role in pleural effusions remains scarcely documented. We present a unique case of a 42-year-old female with a history of asthma, hypertension, and obesity who presented with epigastric pain and a moderate right-sided pleural effusion. Hemophilus parainfluenza was isolated from the pleural fluid despite an atypical, asymptomatic presentation without pneumonia. Antibiotic treatment led to a positive response, highlighting the importance of recognizing Hemophilus parainfluenza as a potential causative agent in pleural effusion cases.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** asthma (MONDO:0004979), obesity (MONDO:0011122)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** epigastric pain (MESH:D010146), obesity (MESH:D009765), Pleural Effusion (MESH:D010996), hypertension (MESH:D006973), Hemophilus parainfluenza (MESH:D018184), pneumonia (MESH:D011014), asthma (MESH:D001249)

## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10894673/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC10894673