Tamponade due to Rhodococcus equi in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Infection with Rhodococcus equi has been described as a cause of cavitary pneumonia in AIDS patients. We report such a case, complicated by bacteremia, tamponade, and possible brain and liver abscesses. Medical treatment was successful with pericardiocentesis and antibiotherapy with teicoplanin, gentamicin, clarithromycin, rifampicin, supplemented by empirical treatment of cerebral toxoplasmosis. Antibiotherapy was terminated after 6 months, without relapse 2 months later.