Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Deciphering and Imaging Pathogenesis and Cording of Mycobacterium abscessus in Zebrafish Embryos
10:38

Deciphering and Imaging Pathogenesis and Cording of Mycobacterium abscessus in Zebrafish Embryos

Published on: September 9, 2015

Mycobacterium abscessus complex lung infection in a toddler with a tracheostomy

Kensho Iwanaga1, Edward R Carter

  • 1Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington; Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|March 6, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Mycobacterium abscessus complex lung infections are rare in children with tracheostomies. A young girl with a tracheostomy experienced significant recovery after long-term anti-mycobacterial treatment for this infection.

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Non-tuberculous mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium abscessus complex, are uncommon respiratory pathogens.
  • Patients with tracheostomies, particularly those with underlying conditions like bronchopulmonary dysplasia and laryngeal stenosis, may be at risk.
  • Respiratory infections in this population require careful diagnosis and management.

Observation:

  • A 4-year-old girl with a history of tracheostomy since infancy presented with a lung infection.
  • The infection was confirmed as Mycobacterium abscessus complex, showing parenchymal involvement beyond simple colonization.
  • The patient had severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and laryngeal stenosis contributing to her respiratory vulnerability.

Findings:

  • The patient received prolonged anti-mycobacterial therapy tailored to the identified pathogen.
  • Significant clinical improvement was observed, including resolution of symptoms and signs of infection.
  • Laboratory markers and radiographic findings also demonstrated a dramatic positive response to treatment.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the importance of considering Mycobacterium abscessus complex in pediatric tracheostomy patients with respiratory symptoms.
  • Prolonged and appropriate anti-mycobacterial therapy can lead to successful outcomes in these challenging infections.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis and optimal treatment strategies for non-tuberculous mycobacterial lung disease in vulnerable pediatric populations is warranted.

Keywords:
childnon-tuberculous mycobacteriatracheostomy

More Related Videos

Preparation of Agar Bead Embedded Mycobacterium abscessus to Inoculate Immunocompetent Mice Intratracheally05:40

Preparation of Agar Bead Embedded Mycobacterium abscessus to Inoculate Immunocompetent Mice Intratracheally

Published on: April 25, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes01:28

Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening into the trachea, typically at the second or third cartilaginous ring level. This opening allows the insertion of a tracheostomy tube, which can replace an endotracheal tube, provide mechanical ventilation, bypass an upper airway obstruction, or remove accumulated tracheobronchial secretions.
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...