Severe Pneumonia due to Sphingomonas Paucimobilis and Pneumocystis Jiroveci in a 32-Year-Old Patient Hospitalized for Suspected SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia

The management of acute pneumonia is a real challenge for clinicians in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Pneumocystis jiroveci are opportunistic organisms whose clinical and radiological expression may be similar to the novel Coronavirus pneumonia (SARS-COV-2). We report the medical observation of a 32-year-old patient admitted to continuing care for the management of acute febrile dyspnea with suspected SARS-COV-2pneumonia. The initial clinical and biological evaluation ruled out coronavirus disease. The diagnosis of severe pneumonia due to Sphingomonas paucimobilis and Pneumocystis jiroveci was retained with a favorable outcome under antibiotic treatment. The CT scan showed resolution of the parenchymal lesions and ground glass images. However, residual cavity type complications have been identified, which may be responsible for fungal grafting. HIV testing and screening for opportunistic lung infections should be part of the algorithm for the management of patients with suspected SARS-COV-2disease in countries with high prevalence of HIV infection.