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Intradermal Inoculation of Mycobacterium avium in the Mouse Ear
Published on: July 3, 2025
Endobronchial avium mycobacteria infection in an immunocompetent child
Caroline Perisson1, Nadia Nathan, Briac Thierry
1Pediatric Pulmonology-INSERM UMR S-938, AP-HP Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Paris, France.
Insights
A rare Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) endobronchial granuloma caused airway obstruction in an infant. Prompt diagnosis and multidrug therapy led to a full recovery, highlighting the importance of recognizing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Microbiology
Background:
- Respiratory infections in children require accurate diagnosis.
- Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is an opportunistic pathogen.
- Endobronchial granulomas can cause significant airway obstruction.
Observation:
- A 12-month-old boy presented with dyspnea and wheezing.
- Chest imaging revealed subcarinal adenopathy and a right principal bronchus (RB) nodule.
- Bronchoscopy identified RB obstruction by granulomas.
Findings:
- Histopathology confirmed necrotizing granulomatous inflammation.
- Culture identified Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC).
- Tests for tuberculosis and immunodeficiency were negative, indicating an immunocompetent host.
Implications:
- This case highlights MAC endobronchial granuloma as a rare cause of airway obstruction in immunocompetent children.
- Multidrug therapy (clarithromycin, rifampin, ethambutol) was effective.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes and normalized bronchoscopy.
Abstract:
A 12-month-old boy, with no medical history, was admitted for dyspnoea with no cough or fever. Chest auscultation revealed an expiratory wheezing with decreased right-sided breath sounds. Chest imaging revealed subcarinal adenopathy and a nodule in the right principal bronchus (RB). Bronchoscopy showed a major obstruction of the RB by a granuloma, and a smaller granuloma in the left principal bronchus. The granulation tissue was removed by laser section. Histological examination revealed a necrotising granulomatous inflammation, culture showed a Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). Tests to rule out tuberculosis and immunodeficiency were negative. The diagnosis of an MAC endobronchial granuloma was ascertained and a multidrug therapy associating clarithromycin, rifampin and ethambutol was started. The clinical outcome was good after 3 months of treatment and the bronchoscopy normalised after 1 year. Although rare, the frequency of MAC respiratory infections in immunocompetent children can increase. Reporting these cases should help to optimise diagnosis and treatment.
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