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Pulmonary disease caused by Mycobacterium terrae complex
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa.
Southern Medical Journal
|October 1, 1989
Summary
A chronic lung infection caused by Mycobacterium terrae in an alcoholic patient was successfully treated. The 18-month therapy with rifampin and ethambutol led to a complete recovery.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Chronic pulmonary infiltrates can be challenging to diagnose and treat.
- Alcoholism is a risk factor for various infections, including pulmonary ones.
- Nontuberculous mycobacterial infections require specific antimicrobial strategies.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old male with a history of alcoholism presented with a chronic cavitary pulmonary infiltrate.
- Sputum analysis revealed abundant acid-fast bacilli, identified as Mycobacterium terrae.
- The patient's condition suggested a persistent and difficult-to-treat lung infection.
Findings:
- Treatment with rifampin and ethambutol was initiated for the Mycobacterium terrae infection.
- The therapeutic regimen led to significant clinical improvement.
- Radiographic evidence of the pulmonary infiltrate showed progressive resolution.
Implications:
- Mycobacterium terrae is a treatable cause of chronic pulmonary disease.
- Rifampin and ethambutol demonstrate efficacy against this specific mycobacterial species.
- Successful treatment of pulmonary Mycobacterium terrae infections is achievable with prolonged antimicrobial therapy.