Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 4, 2025
10:04
Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
Published on: September 5, 2017
18.9K
Pericarditis caused by Mycobacterium africanum: case report
Paula Mascarell1, Alba de la Rica2, Sergio Padilla3
1Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital General Universitario de Elche, Alicante, Spain. paulama93@gmail.com.
BMC Infectious Diseases
|July 19, 2022
Summary
Mycobacterium africanum, a cause of tuberculosis in West Africa, has been identified as the cause of tuberculous pericarditis for the first time. This finding highlights the need to consider this pathogen in endemic areas.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Mycobacterium africanum is a key member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC).
- It is endemic in West Africa, responsible for up to 50% of pulmonary tuberculosis cases.
- This report details the first isolation of M. africanum from pericardial effusion.
Observation:
- A 31-year-old Senegalese man presented with massive pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade.
- Pericardiocentesis was performed, and M. africanum subtype II was identified in the pericardial fluid.
- The patient received standard tuberculosis treatment for 10 months with a positive outcome.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of tuberculous pericarditis caused by Mycobacterium africanum.
- The identification confirms M. africanum's etiological role in pericardial disease.
Implications:
- Mycobacterium africanum should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pericardial effusion in patients from endemic regions.
- This expands the known spectrum of diseases caused by M. africanum.
- Highlights the importance of microbiological diagnostics in pericardial diseases in endemic areas.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Pericarditis I: Introduction
18
Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
18
01:21Myocarditis I: Introduction
25
Myocarditis is inflammation of the myocardium, which is the muscular layer of the heart.EtiologyMyocarditis has a diverse etiology, including a wide range of infectious and non-infectious causes:Infectious CausesViral: Common viruses include Coxsackie A and B, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, enteroviruses, and influenza A.Bacterial: Examples include infections caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Mycoplasma species.Rickettsial: Infections like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can result in...
25
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
19
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
19
01:25Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
49
Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, necessitates diligent nursing management to ensure effective patient care and recovery. The initial step in managing pericarditis is a comprehensive patient medical assessment.The patient reports chest pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and swallowing, which worsens when lying supine. The pain often improves when sitting up and leaning forward. Additional symptoms may include fever, malaise, and, in severe cases, signs of heart failure.
49
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
20
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
20
01:25Endocarditis I: Introduction
24
Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
24