Clostridium tertium Empyema after a Hemi-Colectomy and Repair of Incarcerated Hernia

Background:Clostridium tertium is a spore-forming, anaerobic gram-positive bacilli. It is found in soil as well as in human oral and intestinal flora. Unlike other clostridia, Clostridium tertium is aerotolerant, non-toxin–producing, and has been described only rarely as a human pathogen. Most case series involve bacteremia possibly originating from mucosal translocation. Other reports have described skin, soft tissue, bone, and central nervous system infection. Its involvement in the lung has been limited to only a few cases. Case Presentation: We report a case of empyema caused by Clostridium tertium that occurred shortly after a hemi-colectomy and repair of an incarcerated umbilical hernia. We describe its successful treatment with chest tube drainage and antimicrobial therapy.