JOPIC
Journal of Pulmonology and Intensive Care

The JoPIC is an independent-unbiased, peer-reviewed, and open-access journal of current national and international issues and reviews for original clinical and experimental research, interesting case reports, surgical techniques, differential diagnoses, editorial opinions, letters to the editor, and educational papers in pulmonology, thoracic surgery, occupational diseases, allergology, and intensive care medicine.

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Case Report
Pandoraea spp. infection in the course of post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis: a rare case report
Abstract
Pandoraea species are rare, Gram-negative, aerobic bacilli classified in the Burkholderiaceae family. They are increasingly recognized as pathogens in both cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF patients, frequently associated with chronic pulmonary infections and multidrug resistance. These organisms can cause significant inflammatory responses and exacerbate pre-existing structural lung diseases. Case: A 32-year-old female with a history of allergic asthma presented with had worsening cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue following a COVID-19 infection. Chest computed tomography revealed bilateral fibrotic changes and cystic bronchiectasis, in addition to nodular lesions predominantly in the upper lobes. Bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were performed. In BAL culture, Pandoraea spp. exhibiting sensitivity to amikacin, cefepime, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, piperacillin, aztreonam, and imipenem were identified. The patient was treated with ciprofloxacin for a month, resulting in significant clinical and radiological improvement and a reduction in inflammatory markers. Post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis can facilitate the proliferation of opportunistic bacterial infections. Pandoraea species can exacerbate chronic lung damage and inflammation thru biofilm formation and the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8). This case highlights the importance of considering Pandoraea spp. as a potential cause of unresolved pulmonary infections, particularly in patients with pre-existing viral lung damage or bronchiectasis. Although rare, Pandoraea infections can complicate post-COVID pulmonary pathology and mimic chronic infection processes. Early microbiological identification and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are crucial for optimal patient outcomes.

Keywords : Bronchiectasis, opportunistic infection, Pandoraea species

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Article available in :
Volume 4, Issue 2, 2026
Page : 27-29
https://doi.org/10.51271/JOPIC-0081
Article Information
Received : 09 Ara 2025
Accepted : 07 Nis 2026
Published : 21 May 2026
Corresponding Author :

Ahmet Yurttaş: Department of Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Antalya, Turkiye

[email protected]
Citation : Yurttaş A, Sevimler Fİ, Çelik D, Lakadamyalı H, Yetkin Ö. Pandoraea spp. infection in the course of post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis: a rare case report. J Pulmonol Intens Care. 2026;4(2):57-59. doi:10.51271/JOPIC-0081

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