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Human disease due to Mycobacterium smegmatis
R J Wallace1, D R Nash, M Tsukamura
1Department of Microbiology, University of Texas Health Center, Tyler 75710.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Mycobacterium smegmatis, typically environmental, caused human skin infections. These isolates showed unique biochemical traits and antibiotic resistance, responding well to targeted therapy.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Clinical Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mycobacterium smegmatis is a rapidly growing environmental mycobacterium.
- It is generally not considered a human pathogen.
- Human infections caused by M. smegmatis are rarely reported.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize human isolates of Mycobacterium smegmatis.
- To determine their biochemical and antimicrobial profiles.
- To assess their clinical significance and potential as human pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Biochemical testing of 22 human M. smegmatis isolates.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, doxycycline, sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, imipenem, amikacin).
- Comparison with reference strains and Mycobacterium fortuitum.
Main Results:
- 19 of 22 isolates were from skin or soft-tissue infections.
- Isolates exhibited distinct biochemical characteristics differentiating them from M. fortuitum.
- Resistance to isoniazid and rifampin, but susceptibility to other agents was observed.
- Eleven patients responded well to therapy guided by susceptibility testing.
Conclusions:
- Mycobacterium smegmatis can cause human infections, primarily skin and soft-tissue infections.
- Distinct biochemical markers aid in differentiating M. smegmatis from M. fortuitum.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing is crucial for guiding effective treatment of M. smegmatis infections.