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An Australian isolate of Mycobacterium shimoidei
R J Goudge1, B C Mayall, D E Leslie
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Austin and Repatriation Medical Center, Heidelberg, Australia.
Pathology
|December 5, 1998
Summary
A rare Mycobacterium shimoidei lung infection occurred in a 75-year-old male smoker. Despite treatment, the patient succumbed to the progressive mycobacterial infection.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Mycobacterium shimoidei is a rare non-tuberculous mycobacteria.
- Pulmonary infections by M. shimoidei are infrequently reported, especially in developed countries.
Observation:
- A 75-year-old male smoker with bullous emphysema and a lung abscess presented with a 12-month history of constitutional symptoms and respiratory decline.
- Progressive left apical lung opacification with cavitation was noted on imaging.
- Sputum cultures repeatedly yielded Mycobacterium shimoidei, confirmed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Findings:
- The patient received a 45-day, three-drug regimen targeting the sensitive M. shimoidei.
- Treatment failure was observed, with no clinical response to the antimicrobial therapy.
- The patient's death was attributed to the overwhelming mycobacterial infection.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential pathogenicity of Mycobacterium shimoidei in immunocompromised or individuals with underlying lung disease.
- Challenges in treating M. shimoidei infections underscore the need for further research into effective therapeutic strategies.
- Early and accurate identification of M. shimoidei is crucial for appropriate patient management and prognosis.