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[Pulmonary infection caused by Mycobacterium gordonae]
N Yanagisawa1, D Miyamoto, Y Ichinose
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Medical College.
Summary
Mycobacterium gordonae, typically considered non-pathogenic, caused pulmonary infection in an immunocompromised patient. Prompt treatment with antibiotics led to recovery, suggesting M. gordonae as an opportunistic pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Colon cancer surgery and chemotherapy can lead to immunocompromise.
- Pulmonary infections are a concern in immunocompromised individuals.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old woman presented with cough and chest X-ray abnormalities post-chemotherapy.
- Acid-fast bacilli identified as Mycobacterium gordonae were isolated from sputum.
Findings:
- Mycobacterium gordonae infection was diagnosed.
- Treatment with rifampicin and clarithromycin resulted in negative sputum cultures and reduced chest X-ray infiltration.
Implications:
- This case suggests Mycobacterium gordonae can cause pulmonary infections.
- M. gordonae should be considered an opportunistic pathogen in susceptible patients.