Community-acquired Burkholderia cepacia: A Case of Encysted Pleural Effusion in an Immunocompetent Patient

Burkholderia cepacia commonly causes lung infection in patients with cystic fibrosis and chronic granulomatous disease, rarely found in immunocompetent patients. Here, we describe a case report of community-acquired B. cepacia in an immunocompetent patient. A 63-year-old male presented with complaints of dry cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Imaging revealed right encysted pleural effusion. 10 ml thick purulent fluid was aspirated, and B. cepacia was isolated in pyogenic cultures. The patient was treated with sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim. Gradually, the patient improved clinically, and imaging showed complete resolution after 8 weeks of antimicrobial therapy.