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Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Intradermal Inoculation of Mycobacterium avium in the Mouse Ear
09:20

Intradermal Inoculation of Mycobacterium avium in the Mouse Ear

Published on: July 3, 2025

[Otomastoiditis caused by Mycobacterium avium: a case report]

F Ticca1, D Comparcola, M C Graziani

  • 1I Divisione Malattie Infettive, Reparto ORL, Ospedale Bambino Gesu, IRCCS, Roma.

Le Infezioni in Medicina
|January 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

This case study details a rare otomastoiditis infection caused by Mycobacterium avium in an immunocompetent child. Early diagnosis and combined surgical and medical treatment are crucial for managing this unusual non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Context:

  • Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections typically affect immunocompromised individuals.
  • Cervical adenitis is the most common NTM manifestation in immunocompetent children.
  • Otomastoiditis caused by NTM is exceptionally rare.

Purpose:

  • To report a unique case of otomastoiditis caused by Mycobacterium avium in an immunocompetent child.
  • To highlight the diagnostic challenges and treatment strategies for this rare condition.
  • To emphasize the importance of microbiological investigations in suspected NTM infections.

Summary:

  • A 15-month-old, immunologically normal child presented with persistent otitis unresponsive to standard treatment.
  • Imaging revealed soft tissue infiltration and erosion of the tegmen tympani.
  • Culture identified Mycobacterium avium, leading to a treatment regimen including timpanomastoidectomy, antituberculous drugs, steroids, Clarithromycin, and Rifabutin.

Impact:

  • This case underscores the need for considering NTM in refractory ear infections, even in immunocompetent children.
  • It highlights the successful management of a rare otomastoiditis caused by Mycobacterium avium.
  • The findings advocate for collaborative efforts between surgeons and infectious disease specialists to optimize treatment for unusual NTM diseases.

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