Related Experiment Videos
Bacteremia caused by Mycobacterium neoaurum
M B Davison1, J G McCormack, Z M Blacklock
1Department of Medicine, University of Queensland, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Mycobacterium neoaurum caused bacteremia in an immunocompromised patient with a Hickman catheter. The infection responded to antibiotics, and the catheter did not require removal.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mycobacterium neoaurum is a rapidly growing mycobacterium.
- This species has been previously isolated from environmental sources like soil, dust, and water.
- Its role as a human pathogen has not been well-established.
Observation:
- An immunocompromised patient presented with bacteremia.
- The patient had an indwelling Hickman catheter in place.
- Mycobacterium neoaurum was identified as the causative agent of the bacteremia.
Findings:
- The patient's bacteremia was successfully treated with cefoxitin and gentamicin.
- Conservative management was effective, and the Hickman catheter was not removed.
- This case highlights Mycobacterium neoaurum as a potential opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised individuals.
Implications:
- This case expands the known spectrum of human pathogens.
- It suggests that immunocompromised patients with indwelling devices are at risk for infection with environmental mycobacteria.
- Effective antibiotic therapy can potentially manage such infections without device removal.