HIV associated chronic atypical osteomyelitis by mycobacterium fortuitum--Chelonae group--a case report

In developing countries where tuberculosis is endemic, the HIV patients have tuberculosis as one of the major opportunistic infections. Commonly M. tuberculosis, M. Avium-intracellular are the causative agents of pulmonary, extra-pulmonary and disseminated infection in AIDS patients. Here is a report of a 32 year old HIV positive male who presented as chronic atypical osteomyelitis of right tibia. Core biopsy confirmed the diagnosis by histopathology, direct microscopy and culture of M. fortuitum-chelonae group identified by the biochemical tests. TB IgG ELISA was strongly positive. ELISA for HIV antibodies was reactive on three occasions. Western blot was positive for HIV-1 antibodies. Patient responded well to ciproflox and antitubercular treatment and is currently under a follow up.