Nasal swab real-time PCR is not suitable for in vivo diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis / A PCR em tempo real de swab nasal não é adequada para o diagnóstico in vivo de tuberculose bovina

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a zoonosis causing economic losses and public health risks in many countries. The disease diagnosis in live animals is performed by intradermal tuberculin test, which is based on delayed hypersensitivity reactions. As tuberculosis has complex immune response, this test has limitations in sensitivity and specificity. This study sought to test an alternative approach for in vivo diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis, based on real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA samples, extracted from nasal swabs of live cows, were used for SYBR® Green real-time PCR, which is able to differentiate between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium complexes. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the results of tuberculin test, the in vivo gold standard bTB diagnosis method, with real-time PCR, thereby determining the specificity and sensitivity of molecular method. Cervical comparative test (CCT) was performed in 238 animals, of which 193 had suitable DNA from nasal swabs for molecular analysis, as indicated by amplification of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene, and were included in the study. In total, 25 (10.5%) of the animals were CCT reactive, of which none was positive in the molecular test. Of the 168 CCT negative animals, four were positive for M. tuberculosis complex at real time PCR from nasal swabs. The comparison of these results generated values of sensitivity and specificity of 0% and 97.6%, respectively; moreover, low coefficients of agreement and correlation (-0.029 and -0.049, respectively) between the results obtained with both tests were also observed. This study showed that real-time PCR from nasal swabs is not suitable for in vivo diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis; thus tuberculin skin test is still the best option for this purpose.(AU)

A tuberculose bovina (bTB) é uma zoonose que causa perdas econômicas e riscos à saúde pública em muitos países. O diagnóstico da doença em animais vivos é realizado pelo teste intradérmico da tuberculina, que é baseado em reações de hipersensibilidade tardia. Como a tuberculose tem resposta imunológica complexa, este teste tem limitações em termos de sensibilidade e especificidade. Este estudo procurou desenvolver uma abordagem alternativa para o diagnóstico in vivo da tuberculose bovina, com base na reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) em tempo real. As amostras de DNA, extraídas de suabes nasais de vacas vivas, foram usadas para PCR em tempo real com SYBR® Green, capaz de diferenciar os complexos Mycobacterium tuberculosis e Mycobacterium avium. A análise estatística foi realizada para comparar os resultados de teste de tuberculina, padrão ouro para o diagnóstico in vivo da bTB, com PCR em tempo real, determinando-se assim a especificidade e sensibilidade do método molecular. O teste cervical comparativo (TCC) foi realizado em 238 animais, dos quais 193 tiveram DNA dos suabes nasais adequados para análise molecular, como indicado pela amplificação do gene gliceraldeído-3-fosfato-desidrogenase (GAPDH), e foram incluídos no estudo. No total, 25 (10,5%) animais foram reativos no TCC, dos quais nenhum foi positivo no teste molecular. Dos 168 animais negativos no TCC, quatro foram positivos para o complexo M. tuberculosis na PCR em tempo real a partir dos suabes nasais. A comparação destes resultados gerou valores de sensibilidade e especificidade de 0% e 97,6%, respectivamente; além disso, baixos coeficientes de concordância e correlação (-0,029 e -0,049, respectivamente) entre os resultados obtidos com ambos os testes também foram observados. Este estudo mostrou que a PCR em tempo real a partir de suabes nasais não é adequada para o diagnóstico in vivo da tuberculose bovina; portanto, o teste da tuberculina ainda é a melhor opção para este fim.(AU)

Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare and the unpredictable course of hypercalcemia in an AIDS patient

Abstract A 37-year-old man with AIDS presented with altered mental status four weeks after stopping his medications for Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI). He had low CD4 cell count and severe hypercalcemia. Bone marrow biopsy revealed bone marrow infiltration by granulomas positive for acid-fast bacilli and cultures grew MAI. His hypercalcemia continued to worsen with the initiation of MAI therapy but we were able to treat it successfully with pamidronate and calcitonin.

Broncho-Pleural Fistula with Hydropneumothorax at CT: Diagnostic Implications in Mycobacterium avium Complex Lung Disease with Pleural Involvement

OBJECTIVE: To determine the patho-mechanism of pleural effusion or hydropneumothorax in Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease through the computed tomographic (CT) findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from 5 patients who had pleural fluid samples that were culture-positive for MAC between January 2001 and December 2013. The clinical findings were investigated and the radiological findings on chest CT were reviewed by 2 radiologists. RESULTS: The 5 patients were all male with a median age of 77 and all had underlying comorbid conditions. Pleural fluid analysis revealed a wide range of white blood cell counts (410-100690/microL). The causative microorganisms were determined as Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare in 1 and 4 patients, respectively. Radiologically, the peripheral portion of the involved lung demonstrated fibro-bullous changes or cavitary lesions causing lung destruction, reflecting the chronic, insidious nature of MAC lung disease. All patients had broncho-pleural fistulas (BPFs) and pneumothorax was accompanied with pleural effusion. CONCLUSION: In patients with underlying MAC lung disease who present with pleural effusion, the presence of BPFs and pleural air on CT imaging are indicative that spread of MAC infection is the cause of the effusion.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous organisms; their isolation from clinical specimens does not always indicate clinical disease. The incidence of NTM lung diseases has been increasing worldwide. Although the geographic diversity of NTM species is well known, Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), M. abscessus complex (MABC), and M. kansasii are the most commonly encountered and important etiologic organisms. Two distinct types of NTM lung diseases have been reported, namely fibrocavitary and nodular bronchiectatic forms. For laboratory diagnosis of NTM lung diseases, both liquid and solid media cultures and species-level identification are strongly recommended to enhance growth detection and determine the clinical relevance of isolates. Treatment for NTM lung diseases consists of a multidrug regimen and a long course of therapy, lasting more than 12 months after negative sputum conversion. For MAC lung disease, several new macrolide-based regimens are now recommended. For nodular bronchiectatic forms of MAC lung diseases, an intermittent three-time-weekly regimen produces outcomes similar to those of daily therapy. Treatment of MABC lung disease is very difficult, requiring long-term use of parenteral agents in combination with new macrolides. Treatment outcomes are much better for M. massiliense lung disease than for M. abscessus lung disease. Thus, precise identification of species in MABC infection is needed for the prediction of antibiotic response. Likewise, increased efforts to improve treatment outcomes and develop new agents for NTM lung disease are needed.

Infección pulmonar por mycobacterium avium complex en el huésped inmunocompetente / Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease in immunocompetent adult patients

Las micobacterias no tuberculosas (MNT) se reconocen cada vez más como importantes patógenos pulmonares. El complejo Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAC) causa la mayoría de las infecciones pulmonares por MNT. Aunque el organismo fue identificado en la década de 1890, su potencial patogenicidad en seres humanos fue reconocida sólo cincuenta años después. Los pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar preexistente o inmunodeficiencia están en mayor riesgo de desarrollar infección por MAC. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los casos se producen en mujeres de edad avanzada inmunocompetentes en asociación con infiltrados nodulares y bronquiectasias. Recientemente, la enfermedad pulmonar también se ha descrito en pacientes inmunocompetentes expuestos a equipos de hidroterapia o jacuzzis contaminados con MAC. En relación a dos pacientes adultos inmunocompetentes con enfermedad pulmonar por MAC examinamos el cuadro clínico, los criterios diagnósticos y el tratamiento de esta entidad.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasingly recognized as important pulmonary pathogens. Mycobacterium avium intracellulare complex (MAC) causes most lung infections due to NTM. Although the organism was identified in the 1890s, its potential to cause human disease was only recognized 50 years later. Patients with preexisting lung disease or immunodeficiency are at greatest risk for developing MAC infection. The majority of MAC pulmonary cases, however, occur in immunocompetent elderly women in association with nodular infiltrates and bronchiectasis. More recently, pulmonary disease has also been described in immunocompetent patients after exposure to MAC-contaminated hot tubs. We describe two cases of MAC lung disease in immunocompetent adult patients without preexisting lung disease and we review clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria and treatment of this entity.

Mycobacterium avium lung disease combined with a bronchogenic cyst in an immunocompetent young adult

We report a very rare case of a bronchogenic cyst combined with nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease in an immunocompetent patient. A 21-year-old male was referred to our institution because of a cough, fever, and worsening of abnormalities on his chest radiograph, despite anti-tuberculosis treatment. Computed tomography of the chest showed a large multi-cystic mass over the right-upper lobe. Pathological examination of the excised lobe showed a bronchogenic cyst combined with a destructive cavitary lesion with granulomatous inflammation. Microbiological culture of sputum and lung tissue yielded Mycobacterium avium. The patient was administered anti-mycobacterial treatment that included clarithromycin.

Mediastinitis and pericardial effusion in a patient with AIDS and disseminated Mycobacterium avium infection: a case report / Mediastinite e derrame pericárdico em um paciente com AIDS e infecção disseminada por Mycobacterium avium: um relato de caso

We report the case of a 36-year-old man who had acquired immune deficiency syndrome and developed suppurative mediastinitis extending over the left lung and anterior thoracic wall around the sternum, pericardial effusions, splenomegaly, and mesenteric and periaortic lymphadenomegaly due to Mycobacterium avium (genotype I). The organism was isolated from an axillary lymph node and the bone marrow. Mediastinitis associated with disseminated M. avium complex infection is uncommon and, to the best of our knowledge, this manifestation has not reported before.

Relatamos o caso de um paciente de 36 anos vivendo com AIDS que desenvolveu mediastinite supurativa com extensão ao pulmão esquerdo e à parede anterior do tórax ao redor do esterno, derrame pericárdico, esplenomegalia e adenomegalia mesentérica e periaórtica, devido ao Mycobacterium avium genótipo I, isolado de linfonodo axilar e da medula óssea. A mediastinite associada à infecção pelo Mycobacterium avium é rara e, até onde conhecemos na literatura publicada, esta forma de apresentação ainda no foi relatada.

Identificação de micobactérias não tuberculosas isoladas de sítios estéreis em pacientes em um hospital universitário na cidade do Rio de Janeiro / Identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated from clinical sterile sites in patients at a university hospital in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Identificar micobactérias não tuberculosas (MNT) isoladas de sítios estéreis em pacientes internados no Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) entre 2001 e 2006. MÉTODOS: Durante o período do estudo, 34 isolados de MNT de sítios estéreis de 14 pacientes, a maioria HIV positivos, foram submetidos a identificação fenotípica e hsp65 PCR-restriction enzyme analysis (PRA, análise por enzimas de restrição por PCR do gene hsp65). RESULTADOS: A maioria dos isolados foi identificada como Mycobacterium avium, seguida por M. monacense, M. kansasii e M. abscessus em menores proporções. CONCLUSÕES: A combinação de PRA, um método relativamente simples e de baixo custo, com algumas características fenotípicas pode fornecer a identificação correta de MNT na rotina de laboratórios clínicos.

OBJECTIVE: To identify nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) isolated from sterile sites in patients hospitalized between 2001 and 2006 at the Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, located in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS: During the study period, 34 NTM isolates from sterile sites of 14 patients, most of whom were HIV-positive, were submitted to phenotypic identification and hsp65 PCR-restriction enzyme analysis (PRA). RESULTS: Most isolates were identified as Mycobacterium avium, followed by M. monacense, M. kansasii, and M. abscessus. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of PRA, a relatively simple and inexpensive method, with the evaluation of a few phenotypic characteristics can allow NTM to be accurately identified in the routine of clinical laboratories.

Síndrome de Lady Windermere: Femenino por naturaleza / Lady Windermere syndrome: Female by nature

La enfermedad pulmonar por micobacterias ambientales es una entidad clínica conocida, siendo el Mycobacterium avium complex el patógeno involucrado con más frecuencia. El síndrome de Lady Windermere es una variedad de esta enfermedad, tan interesante como poco conocida.

Pulmonary disease due to nontuberculous myco bacteria is a well known clinical entity, being Mycobacterium avium complex the pathogen most frequently involved. The Lady Windermere syndrome is a variation of this disease, as interesting as it is little known.

Isolamento de micobactérias não-tuberculosas em São José do Rio Preto entre 1996 e 2005 / Nontuberculous mycobacteria isolated in São José do Rio Preto, Brazil between 1996 and 2005

OBJETIVO: Estudar a ocorrência de micobactérias não-tuberculosas e a variabilidade das espécies isoladas na região atendida pelo Instituto Adolfo Lutz-Regional de São José do Rio Preto-no período entre 1996 e 2005, assim como mostrar a importância do diagnóstico laboratorial. MÉTODOS: A partir de amostras pulmonares e extrapulmonares, foi realizado o isolamento de micobactérias, e estas foram identificadas por métodos fenotípicos e pelo método molecular polymerase chain reaction-restriction enzyme analysis. RESULTADOS: Foram isoladas 317 cepas de micobactérias não-tuberculosas: complexo Mycobacterium avium, 182 (57,4%); M. gordonae, 33 (10,4%); M. fortuitum, 25(7,9%); M. chelonae, 8 (2,5%); complexo M. terrae, 8 (2,5%); M. kansasii, 7 (2,2%); e espécies menos freqüentes, 54 (17%). No período, foram caracterizados 72 casos (33,3%) de micobacterioses, de acordo com os critérios bacteriológicos estabelecidos pela American Thoracic Society (2007).Desses, complexo M. avium foi responsável por 56 casos, sendo que 29 (51,8%) foram caracterizados como doença disseminada. M. fortuitum foi responsável por 6 casos; M. gordonae, 3; M. chelonae, 2; M. abscessus, 1; M. kansasii, 1; M. intracellulare, 1; M. malmoense, 1; e Mycobacterium ssp., 1. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados obtidos mostraram a importância do diagnóstico bacteriológico das micobacterioses, pois a identificação das espécies possibilita a introdução de um tratamento adequado precocemente.

OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of nontuberculous mycobacteria and the range of species isolated between 1996 and 2005 at a regional branch of the Adolfo Lutz Institute-located in the city of São José do Rio Preto, Brazil-and to show the importance of laboratory testing. METHODS: Mycobacteria were isolated from pulmonary and extrapulmonary specimens and identified through phenotyping and molecular methods (polymerase chain reaction-restriction enzyme analysis). RESULTS: We isolated 317 nontuberculous mycobacterium strains: Mycobacterium avium complex, 182 (57.4%); M. gordonae, 33 (10.4%); M. fortuitum, 25 (7.9%); M. chelonae, 8 (2.5%); M. terrae complex, 8(2.5%); M.kansasii, 7 (2.2%); and less frequent species, 54 (17%). During this period, 72 cases (33.3%) were characterized as mycobacteriosis, according to bacteriological criteria established by the American Thoracic Society in 2007. Of those 72 cases, 56 were attributed to M.avium complex. Of those 56, 29 (51.8%) were characterized as disseminated disease. Six cases were attributed to M. fortuitum, 3 to M. gordonae, 2 to M. chelonae, 1 to M. abscessus, 1 to M. kansasii, 1 to M. intracellulare, 1 to M. malmoense and 1 to Mycobacterium ssp. CONCLUSIONS: These results show the importance of the bacteriological diagnosis, since identification of the species enables early and appropriate treatment.

Doença pulmonar por Mycobacterium tuberculosis e micobactérias não-tuberculosas entre pacientes recém-diagnosticados como HIV positivos em Moçambique, África / Mycobacterium tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacterial isolates among patients with recent HIV infection in Mozambique

OBJECTIVE: Mycobacteriosis is frequently diagnosed among HIV-infected patients. In Mozambique, where few patients are under antiretroviral therapy and the prevalence of tuberculosis is high, there is need for better characterization of mycobacteria at the species level, as well as for the identification of patterns of resistance to antituberculous drugs. METHODS: We studied a sample of 503 HIV-infected individuals suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis. Of those 503, 320 tested positive for mycobacteria through sputum smear microscopy or culture of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. RESULTS: Acid-fast bacilli were observed in the sputum of 73 percent of the individuals presenting positive cultures. Of 277 isolates tested, only 3 were nontuberculous mycobacteria: 2 were identified as Mycobacterium avium and one was identified as M. simiae. Strains initially characterized as M. tuberculosis complex through polymerase chain reaction restriction analysis (PRA) of the hsp65 gene were later confirmed as such through PRA of the gyrB gene. Among the M. tuberculosis isolates, resistance patterns were as follows: to isoniazid, 14 percent; to rifampin, 6 percent; and multidrug resistance, 5 percent. Previously treated cases showed significantly higher rates of resistance to first-line antituberculous drugs. The most common radiological pattern was interstitial infiltrate (in 67 percent), followed by mediastinal lymph node enlargement (in 30 percent), bronchiectasis (in 28 percent), miliary nodules (in 18 percent) and cavitation (in 12 percent). Patients infected with nontuberculous mycobacteria presented clinical profiles indistinguishable from those of other patients. The median CD4 lymphocyte count in this group was 134 cells/mm³. CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong association between tuberculosis and AIDS in Mozambique, as expected in a country with a high prevalence of tuberculosis. Although drug resistance rates are high, the isoniazid-rifampin...

OBJETIVO: A micobacteriose é frequentemente diagnosticada entre pacientes infectados pelo HIV. Em Moçambique, onde apenas um pequeno número de pacientes encontra-se sob tratamento anti-retroviral, e a tuberculose tem alta prevalência, existe a necessidade de melhor caracterização destes agentes bacterianos, em nível de espécie, bem como de se caracterizar os padrões de resistência às drogas antituberculosas. MÉTODOS: Em uma coorte de 503 indivíduos HIV positivos suspeitos de tuberculose pulmonar, 320 apresentaram positividade para baciloscopia ou cultura no escarro e no lavado brônquico. RESULTADOS: Bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes foram detectados no escarro em 73 por cento dos casos com cultura positiva. De 277 isolados em cultura, apenas 3 mostraram-se tratar de micobactérias não-tuberculosas: 2 Mycobacterium avium e uma M. simiae. Todos os isolados de M. tuberculosis inicialmente caracterizados através de reação em cadeia de polimerase (RCP) do gene hsp65 foram posteriormente caracterizados como tal através de RCP do gene gyrB. Resistência à isoniazida foi encontrada em 14 por cento dos casos; à rifampicina em 6 por cento; e multirresistência em 5 por cento. Pacientes previamente tratados para tuberculose mostraram tendência a taxas maiores de resistência às drogas de primeira linha. O padrão radiológico mais freqüente encontrado foi o infiltrado intersticial (67 por cento), seguido da presença de linfonodos mediastinais (30 por cento), bronquiectasias (28 por cento), padrão miliar (18 por cento) e cavidades (12 por cento). Os pacientes infectados por micobactérias não-tuberculosas não apresentaram manifestações clínicas distintas das apresentadas pelos outros pacientes. A mediana de linfócitos CD4 entre todos os pacientes foi de 134 células/mm³. CONCLUSÕES: Tuberculose e AIDS em Moçambique estão fortemente associadas, como é de se esperar em países com alta prevalência de tuberculose. Embora as taxas de resistência a drogas sejam...

Mycobacterial infections in human immuno-deficiency virus seropositive patients: role of non-tuberculous mycobacteria.

BACKGROUND: There is high prevalence of tuberculosis in patients with HIV infection; hence the role of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in HIV patients has always been undermined. NTM may be responsible for clinical disease in a substantial number of immuno-compromised HIV sero-positive individuals even in a country endemic for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). The study was designed to look for the contribution of NTM to morbidity in HIV seropositive patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospective study of ninety-four HIV seropositive individuals presenting with pulmonary or extra-pulmonary symptoms suggestive of mycobacterial infection, appropriate samples were collected and processed. Detailed clinical history was utilized to differentiate colonization or contamination by NTM from true lung disease. RESULTS: Fourteen samples grew mycobacterial species, 8(57.2%) being NTM. The distribution of NTM was--3 M. avium complex, 2 M. fortuitum, 2 M. vaccae, 1 M. phlei. 6 isolates were M. tuberculosis. CONCLUSION: NTM may be responsible for a significant proportion of mycobacterial infections in HIV seropositive individuals. Despite the high endemicity of tuberculosis in developing countries like India, the presence of NTM should be ruled out; especially in immuno-compromised HIV seropositive individuals before instituting anti-tubercular therapy empirically. In addition, non-response of NTM to ATT may be wrongly attributed to multi-drug resistant tuberculosis.

Aspectos funcionais, microbiológicos e morfológicos intestinais em crianças infectadas pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana / Functional, microbiological and morphological intestinal findings among human immunodeficiency virus infected children

RACIONAL: O trato gastrointestinal é freqüentemente acometido nas crianças infectadas pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana, com importantes repercussões no seu estado nutricional e sobrevida. A maioria dos estudos relacionados a esse tema foi desenvolvida com adultos, sendo menos investigado o problema nas crianças OBJETIVOS: Estudar aspectos digestivo-absortivos, microbiológicos e morfológicos intestinais em crianças infectadas pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Onze crianças infectadas pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana, menores de 13 anos, pertencentes às categorias clínicas A, B ou C, divididas em dois grupos: cinco pacientes com relato atual ou recente de diarréia e seis pacientes sem diarréia nos 30 dias que antecederam à inclusão no estudo. Investigação proposta: biopsia de intestino delgado e reto para análise morfológica e microbiológica, coprocultura, protoparasitológico de fezes, pesquisa de rotavírus, micobactérias e Cryptosporidium; teste da D-xilose RESULTADOS: Todos os pacientes testados (9/11) apresentavam má absorção da D-xilose (8,4-24,4 mg/dL). Os achados histopatológicos de intestino delgado foram inespecíficos, representados em sua maioria, por enteropatia grau I a II (6/10). Em todos os casos foi constatado aumento do infiltrado celular do córion. As alterações histopatológicas do reto também foram inespecíficas, com presença de aumento do infiltrado celular do córion. A pesquisa de microorganismos enteropatogênicos só foi positiva em dois casos, sendo identificado Mycobacterium avium intracellulare e Cryptosporidium nas fezes CONCLUSÕES: Demonstrou-se alta prevalência (100 por cento) de má absorção intestinal em crianças infectadas pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana, com ou sem diarréia. Não foi possível estabelecer correlações quanto à presença de agentes enteropatogênicos, má absorção intestinal, alterações morfológicas intestinais e ocorrência ou não de diarréia. Não houve correlação...

BACKGROUD: Gastrointestinal tract disorders are frequent among human immunodeficiency virus infected children, with important repercussions on nutrition and survival. Most studies related to this subject were restricted to adults, being less investigated the problem in the children. AIMS: To study intestinal digestion, absorption, microbiological and morphological findings among human immunodeficiency virus infected children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven human immunodeficiency virus infected children under 13 years old, belonging to clinical categories A, B or C, separated in two groups: five patients with current or recent episode of diarrhea and six patients without diarrhea in the last 30 days preceding entering in study. Investigation proposed: microbiological and morphological analysis of small intestine and rectum biopsy; stool exams for bacterium, parasite, rotavirus, Mycobacterium species and Cryptosporidium; D-xylose test RESULTS: All tested subjects (9/11) had low D-xylose absorption (8,4 _ 24,4 mg d/L). Small intestinal mucosa histology findings were nonspecific, represented, in majority, of grade I/II enteropathy (6/10). Increased cellular infiltration of the chorion was observed in all specimens. Rectum histology alterations were also nonspecific, with chorion increased cellular infiltration. Mycobacterim avium intracellulare and Cryptosporidium were the solely microorganisms founded, both in stool CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated high prevalence (100 percent) of intestinal malabsorption among human immunodeficiency virus infected children, despite the occurrence or not of diarrhea. It was not possible to establish relationships between the presence of microorganisms, intestinal malabsorption, intestinal morphologic findings and the occurrence or not of diarrhea. There was no correlation between D-xylose and intensity of villous atrophy.

Micobacteriosis pulmonar en pacientes HIV negativos en la ciudad de Buenos Aires, años 2003-2004 / Pulmonary mycobacteriosis in non HIV patients, Buenos Aires City, 2003-2004

La enfermedad provocada por micobacterias ambientales es sospechada fundamentalmente en pacientesHIV positivos o con otras enfermedades de base. En nuestro país no hay información actualizadaacerca de la prevalencia, tratamiento y evolución de esta enfermedad en pacientes inmunocompetentes.Presentamos 10 casos de enfermedad pulmonar por micobacterias ambientales en pacientes inmunocompetentes:diagnóstico clínico-bacteriológico, tratamiento y evolución.

Pulmonary disease,due to Mycobacteria other than tuberculosis, is mainly suspected in HIV + patients, or underlyingother diseases. In our country, there is no updated information on the prevalence of this pulmonarydisease, its treatment and evolution in immucocompetent patients. We present 10 cases of pulmonary diseasedue to Mycobacteria other than tuberculosis in non HIV patients: clinical-bacteriological diagnosis, treatment andevolution.

Enfermedades micobacterianas diseminadas en pacientes con VIH/SIDA. Evaluación de los hemocultivos por método rápido / Disseminated mycobacterial infections in patients with HIV/AIDS. Evaluation of blood cultures

Mil cuarenta hemocultivos correspondientes a 451 enfermos uruguayos con SIDA y diagnóstico clínico de micobacteriosis diseminada fueron evaluados entre 1999 y 2003. Las muestras fueron procesadas en el Centro de Referencia Nacional para Micobacterias (Montevideo, Uruguay), utilizando el sistema de hemocultivos automatizado para micobacterias MB - BacT (BioMérieux). Se detectaron 45 muestras positivas (4,3%) correspondientes a 26 enfermos (promedio 2,3 muestras por paciente). En 10/26 casos se identificó M. avium complex (MAC) y en 13/26 el germen aislado fue M. tuberculosis. El tiempo medio de incubación fue de 12,4 días (intervalo 6-19 días) para MAC y de 22,6 días (intervalo 7-35 días) para M. tuberculosis. El hemocultivo ha demostrado ser la mejor muestra para la confirmación bacteriológica de las enfermedades micobacterianas diseminadas cuando se estudian por lo menos 2 muestras por paciente. La frecuencia de aislamientos de M. tuberculosis y MAC aislados en pacientes con SIDA en Uruguay, corresponde a la de un país con una moderada prevalencia de tuberculosis.

One thousand-forty blood cultures corresponding to 451 Uruguayan patients with AIDS and clinic diagnosis of disseminated mycobacterial infection were evaluated between 1999 and 2003. Samples were processed in the NationalReferenceCenter for Mycobacteria (Montevideo, Uruguay), using the automated blood culture system for mycobacteria MB -BacT (BioMérieux). Forty-five positive samples were detected (4.3%) corresponding to 26 patients with AIDS (average 2.3 samples per patient). In 10/26 patients M. avium complex (MAC) was identified and in 13/26 the isolated germ was M. tuberculosis. The average time of incubation was of 12.4 days (range 6-19 days) for MAC and of 22.6 days (range 7-35 days) for M. tuberculosis. Blood culture has demonstrated to be the best sample for the bacteriological confirmation of the disseminated mycobacterial infections when at least 2 samples by patient are studied. The frequency of isolates of M. tuberculosis and MAC in AIDS patients is according with a moderate prevalence of tuberculosis in Uruguay.

Prevalence of Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in blood cultures of Brazilian AIDS patients after introduction of highly active retroviral therapy

The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for the treatment of HIV infection has been associated with a marked reduction in the incidence of most opportunistic infections. From April 2001 to February 2002, 80 blood samples from patients who were suspected to have disseminated mycobacterial infection, presenting fever and (preferably) a CD4 T cell count < 100.0 cell/mL were investigated. Twelve (15 percent) of the 80 blood cultures were positive for mycobacteria, with Mycobacterium avium being identified in 7 (8.8 percent) samples and M. tuberculosis in 5 (6.2 percent). The TCD4+ count at the time of M. avium bacteremia ranged from 7cells/æL (average of 48.5 cell/æL), while in M. tuberculosis bacteremia it ranged from 50.0 cells/æL (average of 80.0 cell/æL). The prevalence of M. avium bacteremia in our study follows the expected decline in opportunistic infections observed after the introduction of HAART; however, mycobacteremia by M. tuberculosis still indicates a high prevalence of tuberculosis infection in AIDS patients.

Meningoencefalitis por Mycobacterium avium: complex en una mujer con SIDA / Meningoencephalitits due to Mycobacterium avium: complexin a woman with AIDS

La infección diseminada por Mycobacterium avium Complex (MAC) es una complicación relativamente frecuente en estadios avanzados de la enfermedad por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana. Con el advenimiento de la terapia antiretroviral de gran eficacia, la incidencia de MAC ha disminuido sustancialmente, pero los pacientes con un bajo recuento de linfocitos CD4+ permane-cen en riesgo. Pese a ello, el compromiso meningoencefálico es infrecuente. Presentamos un caso de meningoencefalitis por MAC en una mujer con Sida con inmunodepresión severa. La presencia de MAC debe ser considerada en todo paciente con Sida que presente síntomas compatibles con micobacteriosis diseminada y compromiso neurológico

Infection with the Mycobacterium avium complex in patients without predisposing conditons: a case report and literature review

Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM), especially Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAC), has been considered responsible for human disease, especially in HIV patients. Nevertheless, it has been diagnosed in immunocompetent elderly men, frequently with previous pulmonary disease: chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), complications of tuberculosis, pulmonary fibrosis and bronchiectasis. We relate the case of a female patient, 51 years old, with continuously acid fast bacilli (AFB) smears and with three previous treatments, which were conducted at the multiresistant tuberculosis (MRTB) service. MAC was identified in the sputum culture, and she received treatment for one year. The posterior sputum exams were negative. The cavity lesions observed in the high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were reduced, and some of the nodule lesions became bronchiectasis, even after the end of treatment. We agree with the literature reports that indicate that MAC is the cause of bronchiectasis. It is necessary to identify the type of mycobacteria in immunocompetent individuals with positive AFB smears that do not become negative with tuberculosis treatment.

Prevalencia de micobacteriosis y de tuberculosis en pacientes de un hospital de referencia de la provincia de Córdoba / Prevalence of mycobacteriosis and tuberculosis in a reference hospital, Cordoba province

Las micobacterias ambientales (MA) constituyen un importante grupo de especies bacterianas que se encuentran en el medio ambiente, pueden colonizar y ocasionalmente producir enfermedad enel hombre. En este trabajo se investigó la frecuencia de casos de micobacteriosis en relación con los de tuberculosis durante un período de diez años (1.991-2.000). Se estudiaron 16.700 muestras de 9.300 pacientes adultos de ambos sexos asistidos en el Hospital Regional de Tuberculosis de la Provincia de Córdoba, por consulta espontánea. Los aislamientos se realizaron por cultivo en los medios de Lowenstein Jensen y Stonebrink. Las colonias de bacilos ácidoalcohol resistentes (BAAR) se identificaron por pruebas bioquímicas y moleculares. El total de casos diagnosticados fue de 716, de los cuales 684 (95,5%) correspondieron a al complejo Mycobacterium tuberculosis y a micobacterias ambientales 32 (4,5%). Los casos de micobacteriosis se definieron por reiterados aislamientos con desarrollo representativo de una micobacteria ambiental, sospecha clínica y radiológica. De los 32 casos de micobacteriosis, el 75% del total correspondió aMycobacterium avium-intracellulare,15,6% a Mycobacterium fortuitum, 3,1% a Mycobacterium kansasii y 6,3% a Mycobacterium chelonae.Los casos de tuberculosis fueron 94,5% de localización pulmonar y 5,5% extrapulmonar.

Environmental mycobacteria (EM) constitute an important group of bacteria species found in the environment. They can colonize and occasionally produce disease in man. Sixteen thousand three hundred samples from 9300 adult symptomatic patients from the Hospital Regional of Tuberculosis in Cordoba were bacteriolocally investigated. The isolations were performed by culture on Lowenstein Jensen and Stonebrink culture media. The colonies of acid fast bacilli (AFB) were identified by biochemical and molecular tests. Among 716 culture positive cases, 684 (95.5%) were due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and 32 to environmental mycobacteria.Serial samples allowed the confirmation of the etiologicalagent in culture and correlated with consistent clinical and radiological abnormalities. Seventy-five percente of these patients were affected by M. avium complex, 15.6% by M. fortuitum, 3.1% Mycobacterium kansasii and 6.3% Mycobacterium chelonae. Among tuberculosis cases, 94.5% and 5.5% had pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease respectively.