Cutaneous atypical mycobacteriosis with sporotrichoid clinical presentation caused by automotive accident

Abstract: Atypical mycobacterial infections are caused by mycobacteria other than those from the M. tuberculosis complex and M. leprae. Its incidence has increased progressively, with considerable increase of scientific publications on the subject. Only 10% of the cases present with cutaneous infections, most of them related to surgical interventions and aesthetic procedures. We present a case of mycobacteriosis due to automotive accident that presented a diagnostic challenge due to its clinical presentation with lesions of sporotrichoid progression in the lymphatic system.

The diagnosis of multiple opportunistic infections in advanced stage AIDS: when Ockham's Razor doesn't cut it

In the advanced stage of AIDS, the diagnosis of the opportunistic infections may be challenging due to the high risk of performing invasive diagnostic methods in a patient with a critical clinical condition, as well as the correct interpretation of the results of microbiological exams. One of the challenges for the diagnosis and treatment of the opportunistic infections is that they may occur concomitantly in the same patient and they may mimic each other, leading to a high discrepancy between clinical and autopsy diagnoses. We describe the case of a 52-year-old man who was hospitalized because of weight loss, anemia, cough, and hepatosplenomegaly. During the investigation, the diagnosis of AIDS was made, and the patient developed respiratory failure and died on the fourth day of hospitalization. At autopsy, disseminated non-tuberculosis mycobacteriosis was found, affecting mainly the organs of the reticuloendothelial system. Also, severe and diffuse pneumonia caused by multiple agents (Pneumocystis jirovecii, Histoplasma capsulatum, suppurative bacterial infection, non-tuberculosis mycobacteria, and cytomegalovirus) was seen in a morphological pattern that could be called "collision pneumonia." The lesson from this case, revealed by the autopsy, is that in advanced AIDS, patients often have multiple opportunistic infections, so the principle of Ockham's razor­that a single diagnosis is most likely the best diagnosis­fails in this clinical context.

Infección por Mycobacterium scrofulaceum en un niño de las Islas Galápagos - Ecuador / Mycobacterium scrofulaceum infection in a pediatric patient from the Galapagos Islands - Ecuador

Resumen Mycobacterium scrofulaceum es una micobacteria atípica de crecimiento lento que tiene como reservorio el ambiente. De forma ocasional causa enfermedad en humanos. Se presenta el caso de un niño de 10 años de edad con fiebre de cuatro meses de evolución, adenopatías cervicales, torácicas, abdominales e inguinales bilaterales, exantema, dolor abdominal y vómitos; con evidencia concomitante de serología positiva para el VEB y cultivo de los ganglios inguinales izquierdos con crecimiento de M. scrofulaceum. Es la primera comunicación de una infección causada por esta micobacteria en Ecuador, y que particularmente se presentó con un patrón de resistencia inusual.

Mycobacterium scrofulaceum is a slow-growing atypical mycobacteria with a reservoir in the environmen, and occasionally it causes disease in humans. The case of a 10-year-old patient with fever of four months of evolution is presented. Symptoms include bilateral adenopathies of neck, thorax, abdomen and inguinal region, rash, abdominal pain and vomiting; in addition, a positive serology for EBV and a culture of the left inguinal ganglia with growth of M. scrofulaceum were evidenced. Thus, this is the first report of human infection caused by the aforementioned mycobacterium in Ecuador, which it was particularly manifested with an unusual pattern of resistance.

Coinfección por Mycobacterium fortuitum y Mycobacterium tuberculosis en abscesos esplénicos en un paciente con VIH / Co-infection by Mycobacterium fortuitum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in splenic abscesses in a patient with HIV

RESUMEN Los pacientes con VIH son susceptibles a la infección por micobacterias. En el caso de las micobacterias de crecimiento rápido, grupo al que pertenece el Mycobacterium fortuitum (M. fortuitum), se han descrito infecciones en la piel, pulmones, ganglios linfáticos y enfermedad diseminada. Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 43 años, con diagnóstico previo de VIH en tratamiento antirretroviral, que acude por fiebre, astenia, pérdida de peso y diarrea crónica. Se realiza tomografía abdominal y se evidencia hepatoesplenomegalia con lesiones nodulares en el bazo. El cultivo esplénico, finalmente, fue positivo para M. fortuitum, con PCR positivo a Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Los protocolos actuales de tratamiento para este tipo de infecciones se basan en la susceptibilidad mostrada en los cultivos realizados. En lo que respecta a coinfecciones entre M. fortuitum y Mycobacterium tuberculosis, en pacientes VIH positivos, la información es aun menor.

ABSTRACT Patients with HIV are susceptible to mycobacterium infection. In the case of fast-growing mycobacteria, the group to which Mycobacterium fortuitum (M. fortuitum) belongs, infections have been described in the skin, lungs, lymph nodes and disseminated disease. We present the case of a 43-year-old male patient with pre-diagnosis of HIV in antiretroviral therapy, which comes as a fever, asthenia, weight loss and chronic diarrhea. Abdominal tomography is performed and hepatosplenomegaly is evidenced with nodular lesions in the spleen. The splenic culture was finally positive for M. Fortuitum, with positive PCR to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The current treatment protocols for this type of infection are based on the susceptibility shown in the cultures performed. With regard to coinfections between M. Fortuitum and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, in HIV positive patients, there are even less information.

Abscess resulting from Mycobacterium kansasii in the left thigh of AIDS patient

A case of abscess resulting from Mycobacterium kansasii, in the left thigh of a 53-year-old woman infected with the Human Immunodeficiency virus, is reported. Curiously, there was no pulmonary or systemic involvement as is usual with these Mycobacterium infections. The patient had CD4 T lymphocyte count of 257 cells/µL and a viral load of 60,154 copies. Despite presenting a relatively preserved immunity, the patient also presented Criptococcic meningoencephalitis and Esophageal candidiasis. The patient responded satisfactorily to treatment for infections and after 51 days was discharged.

Mycobacterium fortuitum-related lymphadenitis associated with the varicella-zoster virus

Lymphadenitis caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria is an uncommon manifestation in immunocompetent individuals. Here, we report a case of Mycobacterium fortuitum infection in a previously healthy 9-year-old patient who developed cervical lymphadenitis evolving to a suppurative ulcer associated with a varicella-zoster virus infection. We discuss the relationship between the varicella-zoster virus and the immune response of the host as an explanation for the unusual progression of the case.

Mycobacteriosis in patients with breast implants: a case review from the Ivo Pitanguy Institute / Micobacteriose em implantes mamários: revisão da casuística do Instituto Ivo Pitanguy

INTRODUCTION: Reports of infections caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria during plastic surgery have increased in recent years despite improvements in techniques of asepsis/antisepsis and antibiotic prophylaxis. Infections occurring after the insertion of breast implants are a cause of patient morbidity and a significant problem for the surgeon. METHODS: Breast implant surgery cases complicated by mycobacterial infections at the Infirmary ward 38th of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Rio de Janeiro were retrospectively reviewed. A description of the current guidelines for the prevention and treatment of mycobacteriosis is included. Laboratory confirmed and clinically suspected cases were included in this study. RESULTS: Of 483 augmentation mammaplasty cases, 3 patients developed mycobacterial infections in the last 3 years. In 2 patients, there was a suspicion of infection that was not confirmed by laboratory data. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylaxis is fundamental for reducing the incidence of mycobacteriosis during plastic surgery procedures. However, the identification, diagnosis, and treatment of mycobacterial diseases are important to minimize the morbidity of this type of infection.

INTRODUÇÃO: Nos últimos anos, foram crescentes os registros de infecções por micobactéria de crescimento rápido em cirurgia plástica, mesmo com a melhoria dos métodos de assepsia/ antissepsia e da antibioticoprofilaxia. A infecção após inclusão de implantes mamários causa grande morbidade às pacientes e transtorno ao cirurgião. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo dos casos de infecção por micobactéria de crescimento rápido da 38ª Enfermaria da Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Rio de Janeiro, após inclusão de implantes mamários, em que são apresentadas propostas de prevenção e tratamento da micobacteriose. Foram incluídos os casos confirmados laboratorialmente e os clinicamente suspeitos. RESULTADOS: Até o presente momento foram confirmados 3 casos de infecção por micobactéria, num total de 483 mamaplastia de aumento no decorrer de 3 anos. Em 2 pacientes, houve suspeita de infecção, porém sem confirmação laboratorial. CONCLUSÕES: A profilaxia é o pilar fundamental para a redução do impacto da micobacteriose em procedimentos de cirurgia plástica. Entretanto, saber identificar, diagnosticar e tratar corretamente a micobacteriose é de suma importância para minimizar a morbidade da paciente.

Linfadenitis causada por Mycobacterium malmoense en paciente infectado con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana / Lymphadenitis caused by Mycobacterium malmoense in HIV infected patient

Se reporta el primer caso cubano de micobacteriosis causada por Mycobacterium malmoense en un paciente infectado por el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), el cual presentaba adenopatías ulcerativas submandibulares. A partir de las muestras tomadas de las lesiones ulceradas, se aisló una cepa de micobacteria no pigmentada de crecimiento lento, perteneciente al grupo I de Runyon, posteriormente fue clasificada por test bioquímico y por el análisis de las fracciones de ácidos micólicos, como Mycobacterium malmoense.

M. chelonae Soft Tissue Infection Spreading to Osteomyelitis

A previously healthy, 54-year-old woman presented with Mycobacterium chelonae soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis of her left lower leg. The infection had started from soft tissue emerging at the medial aspect of the distal femur and had spread through the bone because of delayed diagnosis. The largely indolent, 8-month course to diagnosis was attributable to unremarkable clinical manifestations combined with a low index of suspicion such as immunocompetent patient and/or inadequate finding of acid-fast bacilli in a lesion smear, characteristic histopathological features, and culture techniques. Soft tissue infection and osteomyelitis were successfully treated without surgical intervention and with a 6-month course of chemotherapy.

Arteritis de Takayasu: prueba seroinmunologica de su relación con infección por micobacterias / Mycobacterial infections in Takayasu's arteritis

La aorto-arteritis inespecífica de Takayasu (AT) es una vasculitis idiopática que afecta la aorta, sus ramas principales y a veces la arteria pulmonar. Es una enfermedad prevalente en todo el mundo -pero con predilección en razas orientales y mestizos hispanoamericanos- que afecta mujeres jóvenes y su causa es desconocida. Desde hace 50 años se ha sospechado su relación con tuberculosis. En este trabajo se encontró que el suero de los pacientes con AT tiene un anticuerpo IgG específico para una glicoproteína de 38 kDa, que es un marcador serológico de infección por mycobacterium tuberculosis. Es probable que la AT sea una vasculitis postinfecciosa con patogenia de base inmunológica.

Padräo radiológico das afecçöes pulmonares em pacientes com síndrome de imunodeficiência adquirida (AIDS) / Chest X-rays pattern in lung affections in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)

O pulmäo é o órgäo mais acometido na AIDS, evidenciado em geral nos estádios iniciais da doença. O comportamento pulmonar pode ser devido tanto às afecçöes oportunistas, que na maioria das vezes decorre de reativaçäo de infecçöes latentes, como a neoplasias ou outras doenças näo-infecciosas. Com o objetivo de determinar o padräo radiológico das afecçöes pulmonares que acometem os pacientes portadores de HIV acompanhados no Serviço de Doenças Infecciosas e Parasitárias do Hospital Säo Paulo/Escola Paulista de Medicina, foram realizadas 82 broncoscopias com biópsia transbrônquica (BTB) e coleta de lavado bronquíolo-alveolar (LBA) em 81 pacientes no período de julho de 1989 a dezembro de 1990. Infiltrado interstício-nodular difuso, com ausência de derrame pleural, cavitaçäo ou condensaçäo, foi o achado radiológico mais freqüente, sendo encontrado em 43// doa pacientes com micobacteriose, 43// dos pacientes com pneumonia por Pneumocystis carinii (PPC), 64// dos pacientes com pneumonite intersticial inespecífica (PII) e 73// dos pacientes com pneumonia bacteriana. O diagnóstico de PPC foi estabelecido em apenas 11// dos pacientes que apresentavam somente infiltrado interstício-nodular difuso à radiografia de tórax. Nossos dados permitiram concluir que o infiltrado interstício-nodular difuso (HND) e o padräo radiológico mais freqüente nas principais afecçöes pulmonares que acometem pacientes com AIDS e que apenas uma pequena porcentagem dos pacientes que apresentam sinais e sintomas pulmonares inespecíficos, com HND à radiografia de tórax, tem o diagnóstico confirmado de PPC

Lesiones óseas múltiples producidas por micobacterium atípico: presentación de un caso / Multiple bone lesions produced by atypical mycobacterium: report of a case

Se presenta lactante de 1 mes de nacido, del sexo masculino y raza mestiza, que ingresa por sepsis generalizada en el servicio de terapia intensiva, donde tiene una evolución tórpida, con resistencia a los antibióticos. En su evolución aparecieron lesiones subcutáneas en los pliegues de las articulaciones de las extremidades, cuyo cultivo fue negativo, pero no concluian su cicatrización y se siguió por consulta de forma evolutiva. Posteriormente desarrolló lesiones múltiples de destrucción ósea. Se le realizó la biopsia y cultivo, comprobandose un micobacterium atípico: se le aplicó tratamiento con drogas antituberculosis, con lo que se obtuvo un resultado satisfactorio

Chest infection due to M. fortuitum in a case of lepromatous leprosy--a case report.

Lepromatous leprosy cases may be immunocompromised due to the extensive disease and also because of steroid therapy for repeated reactions. Such patients are likely to be at higher risk for getting opportunistic infection due to various environmental microbes. This paper reports a case of lepromatous leprosy with repeated lepra reaction who was found to have chest infection due to M. fortuitum. It is suggested that mycobacterial culture and sensitivity should be recommended in cases who are immunocompromised and whose pathological specimens contain acid fast bacilli. Species identification and sensitivity can be very helpful in proper management of such cases who will otherwise pass off as tuberculosis.