An Opportunistic Infection With<i>Corynebacterium pyogenes</i>Producing Empyema

Abstract

This is a report of a documented case of empyema caused by Corynebacterium pyogenes, successfully treated with penicillin, in a patient presenting with widespread carcinoma of the breast. Also included are a review of the biochemical and cultural characteristics of the organism and a survey of the world's literature on the subject of human infection caused by this bacterium.