Infection of a shunt by Mycobacterium fortuitum: case report

Mycobacterium fortuitum is a rare cause of central nervous system infection; however, shunt infection caused by this organism has not been reported. We report a case of shunt infection subsequent to insertion of a ventriculoatrial shunt for obstructive hydrocephalus caused by a cerebellar hematoma. The shunt infection was controlled by removal of the shunt and a combination of systemic and intraventricular administration of amikacin, and oral administration of ofloxacin. The case is discussed and the pertinent literature reviewed.