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Mycobacterium terrae tenosynovitis
K T Karthigasu1, D V Spagnolo, B L Gow
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, Western Australia.
Pathology
|April 1, 1990
Summary
This case report details a rare instance of tenosynovitis caused by Mycobacterium terrae, also known as the radish bacillus. This finding is significant as it
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Atypical mycobacteria are known causes of extrapulmonary infections in humans.
- Mycobacterium marinum and Mycobacterium terrae are specifically associated with joint and tendon sheath infections.
- Extrapulmonary mycobacterial infections present with diverse clinical manifestations including ulcers, abscesses, and lymphadenitis.
Observation:
- This report focuses on Mycobacterium terrae, a non-chromogenic atypical mycobacterium.
- Mycobacterium terrae has been previously associated with tenosynovitis.
- This is the first reported case of Mycobacterium terrae-associated synovitis in Australia.
Findings:
- A culture-proven case of tenosynovitis caused by Mycobacterium terrae is described.
- The case highlights the potential for Mycobacterium terrae to cause synovitis.
- This finding expands the known spectrum of clinical presentations for Mycobacterium terrae infections.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering atypical mycobacteria in the differential diagnosis of synovitis, especially in specific geographic regions.
- Accurate identification of the causative Mycobacterium species is crucial for appropriate treatment and management of tenosynovitis.
- Further surveillance and reporting are needed to understand the epidemiology of Mycobacterium terrae infections globally.