[Mycobacterium simiae pneumonia: a case report]

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology

Background:

• Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasingly recognized as causes of pulmonary disease.
• Mycobacterium simiae is an NTM rarely associated with lung infections, particularly in immunocompetent individuals.

Observation:

• A 55-year-old immunocompetent woman presented with pneumonia following a stay in Thailand.
• Diagnosis was confirmed by isolating Mycobacterium simiae from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid via culture, biochemical, and molecular identification.

Findings:

• The patient initially responded to treatment, remaining stable for five years.
• A relapse occurred in the sixth year, necessitating a new treatment regimen.

Implications:

• This case underscores that Mycobacterium simiae can cause pulmonary disease in immunocompetent hosts.
• It emphasizes the importance of considering NTM, including M. simiae, in the differential diagnosis of pneumonia, especially in travelers.
• The findings suggest a need for increased awareness of M. simiae as a potential pathogen in respiratory infections.