Effect of coexisting advanced extrapulmonary solid cancer on progression of Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease / Efeito da coexistência de câncer sólido extrapulmonar avançado na progressão da doença pulmonar por complexo Mycobacterium avium

ABSTRACT Objective: Although Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease has been shown to be associated with lung cancer and hematologic malignancies, there have been few studies of its relationships with other types of cancer. The aim of this study was to assess the effect that coexisting advanced extrapulmonary solid tumors have on the progression of MAC lung disease. Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with MAC lung disease, on the basis of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) criteria, between October of 2005 and March of 2019. The patients were divided into three groups: those with advanced-stage cancer (A-SC group); those with early-stage cancer (E-SC group); and those without cancer (control group). Progression of MAC lung disease was defined as exacerbation seen on imaging. Patient characteristics and the time to progression were compared among the three groups. Results: A total of 286 patients met the ATS diagnostic criteria for MAC lung disease, and 128 of those were excluded. Of the remaining 158 patients, 20 (7.0%) were in the A-SC group, 36 (12.6%) were in the E-SC group, and 102 (35.7%) were in the control group. The median time to progression in the A-SC, E-SC, and control groups was 432, 3,595, and 2,829 days, respectively (p < 0.01). A proportional hazards model showed that the significant predictors of MAC lung disease progression were advanced-stage cancer (hazard ratio [HR] = 6.096; 95% CI: 2.688-13.826; p < 0.01), cavitary lesions (HR = 2.750; 95% CI: 1.306-5.791; p < 0.01), and a high Nodule-Infiltration-Cavity-Ectasis score (HR = 1.046; 95% CI: 1.004-1.091; p = 0.033). Conclusions: A coexisting advanced extrapulmonary solid tumor could hasten the progression of MAC lung disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: Embora tenha sido demonstrado que a doença pulmonar por Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC, complexo M. avium) está associada a câncer de pulmão e neoplasias hematológicas, há poucos estudos sobre sua relação com outros tipos de câncer. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da coexistência de tumores sólidos extrapulmonares avançados na progressão da doença pulmonar por MAC. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo de pacientes diagnosticados com doença pulmonar por MAC, segundo os critérios da American Thoracic Society (ATS), entre outubro de 2005 e março de 2019. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos: grupo câncer em estágio avançado (grupo CEA), grupo câncer em estágio inicial (grupo CEI) e grupo sem câncer (grupo controle). Progressão da doença pulmonar por MAC foi definida como exacerbação observada em exame de imagem. As características dos pacientes e o tempo para progressão foram comparados entre os três grupos. Resultados: Um total de 286 pacientes preencheu os critérios diagnósticos da ATS para doença pulmonar por MAC, sendo 128 deles excluídos. Dos 158 pacientes restantes, 20 (7,0%) eram do grupo CEA, 36 (12,6%), do grupo CEI e 102 (35,7%), do grupo controle. A mediana de tempo para progressão nos grupos CEA, CEI e controle foi de 432, 3.595 e 2.829 dias, respectivamente (p < 0,01). Um modelo de riscos proporcionais demonstrou que os preditores significativos de progressão da doença pulmonar por MAC foram câncer em estágio avançado (razão de risco [RR] = 6,096; 95%IC: 2,688-13,826; p < 0,01), lesões cavitárias (RR = 2,750; 95%IC: 1,306-5,791; p < 0,01) e pontuação alta no sistema Nódulo-Infiltração-Cavidade-Ectasia (RR = 1,046; 95%IC: 1,004-1,091; p = 0,033). Conclusões: A coexistência de tumor sólido extrapulmonar avançado poderia acelerar a progressão da doença pulmonar por MAC.

Micobacterium avium complex en paciente inmunodeprimido: reporte de un caso / Mycobacterium avium complex in immunosuppressed patient: a case report

INTRODUCCIÓN: Dentro de las micobacterias atípicas destaca el Complejo Micobacterium Avium, cuyo nicho principal en humanos son los pacientes con inmunodeficencia. PRESENTACIÓN DEL CASO: Paciente masculino, 30 años, con antecedentes de infección por Virus de Inmonudeficiencia Humana en terapia antirretroviral y por virus Hepatitis B. Hospitalizado por cuadro de dolor abdominal asociado a síndrome consuntivo. Durante hospitalización se realizó Tomografía Computarizada que mostró múltiples adenopatías. Luego se realizó biopsia ganglionar que concluyó Tuberculosis ganglionar, comenzando con tratamiento antituberculoso. En el transcurso del tratamiento el paciente inició con sintomatología respiratoria y sus baciloscopías de esputo persistieron positivas, manteniéndose con dicho cuadro hasta confirmar la presencia de Micobacterium Avium en el cultivo, comenzando su tratamiento específico, con positivos resultados. DISCUSIÓN: El Complejo Micobacterium Avium corresponde a la causa más común de enfermedad por micobacteria no tuberculosa en inmunosuprimidos. Por lo tanto, es un patógeno que merece ser considerado al menos como diagnóstico diferencial en dicho tipo de pacientes. En el presente caso se evidencia tanto una sospecha como un diagnóstico tardío, lo que llevó a una demora en el inicio del tratamiento y a complicaciones sintomáticas del paciente. Es necesario para la pesquisa precoz, realizar cultivos tanto para M. tuberculosis como para micobacterias atípicas para mejorar pronóstico y a su vez disminuir el riesgo de complicaciones.

INTRODUCTION: Among the atypical mycobacteria, the Micobacterium Avium Complex stands out. Its main niche in humans is immunodeficient patients. CASE REPORT: 30 years old male patient, with a history of infection by Human Immunodeficiency Virus on antiretroviral therapy, and Hepatitis B virus. Hospitalized for abdominal pain associated with consumptive syndrome. During his hospitalization, a computerized tomography was performed, showing multiple adenopathies. Then, a lymph node biopsy was performed that concluded nodal tuberculosis, beginning with antituberculous treatment. During the course of this treatment, patient presented respiratory symptoms and sputum bacilloscopy persisted positive, maintaining this condition until the presence of Mycobacterium Avium was confirmed in the culture, beginning with specific treatment, with positive results. DISCUSSION: The Mycobacterium Avium Complex is the most common cause of nontuberculous mycobacterial disease in immunosuppressed patients. Therefore, its a pathogen that has to be considered at least as a differential diagnosis in such patients. In the present case, suspicion and a late diagnosis are evidenced, which lead to a delay in the initiation of treatment and complications for the patient. It is necessary for early screening, culture for both M. tuberculosis and atypical mycobacteria to improve prognosis and to reduce the risk of complications.

Infección por el complejo Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare en pacientes con VIH/SIDA en un hospital peruano: Una serie de casos / Infection by the Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex in patients with HIV/AIDS in a Peruvian hospital: A series of cases

RESUMEN Existe poca información sobre la presencia del complejo Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAC) en el Perú. Se describen cinco casos de infección por MAC en pacientes con VIH/SIDA del Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo, Lima-Perú. Los pacientes presentaron, principalmente, fiebre persistente, diarrea crónica, síndrome consuntivo, pancitopenia y citofagocitosis. En todos ellos se identificó bacilos acido-alcohol resistentes en heces, por lo que recibieron tratamiento antituberculoso. El cultivo de heces fue negativo para Mycobacterium tuberculosis y, posteriormente, en todos se identificó a MAC mediante una prueba molecular (Genotype) en el cultivo de heces. Tres pacientes recibieron tratamiento para MAC luego de la identificación; sin embargo, todos fallecieron. Ante presentaciones similares a lo reportado, se sugiere el uso de métodos de mayor rendimiento (hemocultivo, mielocultivo, pruebas moleculares), así como asociar tempranamente drogas con actividad para MAC al esquema antituberculoso con la intención de mejorar el pronóstico de este grupo de pacientes.

ABSTRACT There is little information on the presence of the Mycobacterium avium-Intracellulare (MAC) complex in Peru. Five cases of MAC infection are described in patients with HIV/AIDS at the National Hospital Dos de Mayo, Lima - Peru. The patients presented, mainly, persistent fever, chronic diarrhea, consumptive syndrome, pancytopenia and citofagocitosis. In all of them, resistant acid-alcohol bacilli were identified in feces, so they received antituberculous treatment. The culture of feces was negative for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and, later, in all cases MAC was identified using a molecular test (genotype) in the culture of feces. Three patients received treatment for MAC right after identification; however, they all died. Before presentations similar to the reported, we suggest the use of higher performance methods (blood culture, myeloculture, molecular tests), as well as early associating drugs with activity for MAC to antitubercular scheme with the intention of improving the prognosis of this group of patients.

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.

Comparing the Genotype and Drug Susceptibilities between Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare in China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Mycobacterium avium (M. avium) and Mycobacterium intracellulare (M. intracellulare) are the major causative agents of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM)-related pulmonary infections. However, little is known about the differences in drug susceptibility profiles between these two species.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 393 NTM isolates were collected from Shanghai Pulmonary Disease Hospital. Sequencing of partial genes was performed to identify the strains at species level. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was used to evaluate the drug susceptibility against 20 antimicrobial agents. Variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) typing was conducted to genotype these two species.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 173 (44.0%) M. avium complex (MAC) isolates were identified, including 41 (10.4%) M. avium isolates and 132 (33.6%) M. intracellulare isolates. Clarithromycin and amikacin were the two most effective agents against MAC isolates. The Hunter-Gaston Discriminatory Index (HGDI) values for VNTR typing of M. avium and M. intracellulare isolates were 0.993 and 0.995, respectively. Levofloxacin resistance was more common among the unclustered strains than among the clustered strains of M. intracellulare.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>M. intracellulare was the most common NTM species in China. Clarithromycin and amikacin had high antimicrobial activities against MAC. VNTR typing of MAC isolates revealed a high discriminatory power. Levofloxacin resistance was associated with unclustered strains of M. intracellulare.</p>

Vertebral Osteomyelitis due to Mycobacterium intracellulare in an Immunocompetent Elderly Patient After Vertebroplasty

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) comprises M. intracellulare and M. avium. MAC usually causes pulmonary diseases in individuals with intact immunity, disseminated disease in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and cervical lymphadenitis. It can also cause cutaneous disease, but musculoskeletal infection is rare. Herein, we present a case of vertebral osteomyelitis due to M. intracellulare in an elderly immunocompetent patient who underwent vertebroplasty. The patient was successfully treated with antimycobacterial drugs without surgical intervention. MAC should be considered as a causative pathogen of vertebral osteomyelitis when the patient has a history of vertebroplasty.

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.

Trends in overall opportunistic illnesses, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, cerebral toxoplasmosis andMycobacterium avium complex incidence rates over the 30 years of the HIV epidemic: a systematic review

BACKGROUND: The natural history of HIV infection has changed dramatically after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Currently, opportunistic illnesses still represent a major cause of death and hospitalization in this population. In this study, we review the trends in opportunistic illnesses incidence rates and compare the results observed in high-income settings with that for low/middle-income settings, with special attention given to studies from Brazil. METHODS: We systematically searched Pubmed, Web of Science, Lilacs and Google scholar for publications on HIV associated opportunistic illness. Studies reporting rates based on person-time for all opportunistic illnesses and/or the three opportunistic infections of interest, namely,Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, cerebral toxoplasmosis, and Mycobacterium avium complex were included. RESULTS: Significant reductions in the incidence rates were demonstrated for opportunistic illnesses overall and also for the specific opportunistic infections included in the present study, both in high and low/middle-income settings. Out of the 37 studies included in the present review, almost 70% were from high-income settings. All the studies conducted in low/middle-income settings were single center studies and four were from Brazil. We found no study from Brazil reporting annual incidence rates of opportunistic illnesses. CONCLUSIONS: Opportunistic illnesses remain an important public health problem. To better guide health policies in low/middle-income settings, multicenter cohort studies should be encouraged. Studies from Brazil are urgently needed to assess the current burden of opportunistic illnesses in our population and to support the planning of HIV/AIDS health care services organization. .

Infección pulmonar por Mycobacterium avium en paciente VIH/SIDA: Primer reporte en Perú / Mycobacterium avium lung infection in HIV/AIDS patient: First report in Peru

El complejo Mycobacterium avium (MAC) es un patógeno que se encuentra en el medioambiente y causa infecciones tanto en pacientes inmunocompetentes como inmunocomprometidos. Se presenta el caso de un paciente VIH positivo varón de 38 años infectado por P. jirovecii y aparentemente infectado por Mycobacterium tuberculosis desde el año 2009, el cual fue tratado con antibioticoterapia para pneumocistosis y terapia antituberculosis (TB) logrando mejoría parcial. En el año 2012 se le realizó nuevamente examen de cultivo y un nuevo tratamiento anti TB, frente a la sospecha de estar en presencia de una cepa de TB multidrogorresistente se recomienda realizar la identificación micobacteriana. El examen de cultivo fue positivo y el resultado genotípico resultó positivo para MAC. Se reporta el primer caso de un paciente VIH/SIDA con infección pulmonar por MAC en el Perú, así como una breve revisión de los aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos y de tratamiento.

The Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) is a pathogen found in the environment which causes infections in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. One case is presented: an HIV positive, 38 year old male patient, infected with P. jirovecii and apparently infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis since 2009. He was treated with antibiotic therapy for pneumocystosis and antituberculosis (TB) therapy, which achieved a partial improvement. In 2012, the patient underwent a culture test and new anti TB treatment. Upon suspicion of a drug resistant TB strain, it was recommended to perform the mycobacterial identification. The culture test was positive and the genotypic result was positive for MAC. The first case of an HIV/AIDS patient with MAC lung infection in Peru is reported, as well as a brief review of the epidemiological, clinical and treatment aspects to the case.

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.

Enfermedad pulmonar por especies del complejo Mycobacterium avium intracellulare y correspondencia terapéutica / Mycobacterium avium intracellulare complex pulmonary disease species and therapeutic match

Introducción: la preocupación mundial ante las enfermedades causadas por micobacterias ambientales es creciente, debido a las dificultades diagnósticas y de tratamiento. Objetivos: determinar el comportamiento de la enfermedad pulmonar por especies del complejo Mycobacterium avium intracellulare y la correspondencia con la terapéutica recibida en el Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico de La Habana, durante el período 2000-2010. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, que abarcó 55 pacientes con el diagnóstico de la enfermedad, los cuales cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión-exclusión predefinidos; la tendencia en el registro de diagnósticos se basó en el coeficiente de correlación lineal; en las variables cualitativas y cuantitativas discretas se usaron distribuciones de frecuencia con el cálculo del porcentaje y su respectivo intervalo de confianza de 95 porciento. Resultados: se obtuvo una tendencia decreciente en el diagnóstico de enfermedad pulmonar por especies del complejo Mycobacterium avium intracellulare, el 47,3 porciento de los pacientes estudiados se encontraba entre los 50 y 69 años de edad. La mayor parte del grupo no tenía ocupación de riesgo epidemiológico y la comorbilidad pulmonar se detectó en 97,9 porciento, sobresaliendo la tuberculosis pulmonar. Se comprobó la no correspondencia entre la terapéutica recibida y el régimen recomendado por la American Thoracic Society, en 100 porciento de los pacientes. Conclusión: la instauración de un programa ajustado a las normativas de tratamiento internacionalmente aceptadas, constituye en el Hospital Benéfico Jurídico, una necesidad para la atención a este grupo de enfermos

Introduction: the global concern about diseases caused by environmental mycobacteria is growing since their diagnosis and treatment are difficult. Objectives: to determine the behavior of Mycobacterium avium intracellulare complex pulmonary disease, and the therapeutic match with the treatment given at Benéfico Jurídico Pneumological Hospital, during the 2000-2010 period. Methods: a retrospective descriptive study of 55 patients diagnosed with the disease, who met the previously defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. The diagnostic registration trend was based on the linear correlation coefficient; the qualitative quantitative discrete variables used frequency distributions with percentage calculations and their respective 95 percent confidence intervals (CI). Results: a decreasing trend in the diagnosis of pulmonary disease from Mycobacterium avium-intracellular complex species; 47.3 percent of the studied patients aged 50 to 69 years. Most of the group had no occupation with epidemiological risk, and the pulmonary comorbidity was detected in 97.9 percent of patients, mainly pulmonary tuberculosis. A mismatch between the received therapy and the recommended treatment by the American Thoracic Society (ATS) was proved in 100 percent of patients. Conclusion: the introduction of a therapeutic program adapted to the internationally accepted standards of treatment is a must for the care of this group of patients in Benefico Juridico Hospital

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.

Disease caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria: diagnostic procedures and treatment evaluation in the North of Buenos Aires Province

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have emerged as pathogens frequently associated to HIV co-infection. The aims of this study were to describe the clinical importance of NTM in patients from the North of Buenos Aires Province and the drug-susceptibility patterns in relation with the therapy used. A total of 23,624 clinical specimens were investigated during the period 2004-2010. Ziehl-Neelsen stain and cultures were used for diagnosis. Molecular and biochemical tests were performed to identify the mycobacteria. TB and mycobacterioses cases were 2 118 and 108 respectively. Sixteen NTM species were found: Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare as the main causative agents. Infections produced by more than one species at the same time were confirmed (4 cases). Macrolides and fluoroquinolones were the most active in vitro drugs. Treatment evaluation showed that 68.0 % of the cases completed the therapy, 20 % died; and 12 % were relapses. The cases in which the treatment outcome was evaluated received an individual tailor-made therapeutic scheme including those drugs showing in vitro activity and presumed in vivo usefulness. More than a quarter of the patients had HIV co-infection and the majority of the deaths were associated with this co-infection.

Enfermedad causada por micobacterias no tuberculosas: diagnóstico y evaluación del tratamiento en el norte del Gran Buenos Aires. Las micobacterias no tuberculosas (MNT) emergieron como patógenos frecuentemente asociados a la co-infección con el HIV. EL objetivo del estudio fue describir la importancia clínica de las MNT en pacientes de la región norte de la provincia de Buenos Aires y los patrones de drogo-sensibilidad en relación con la terapia empleada. Se investigó un total de 23.624 especímenes clínicos durante, el período 2004-2010. La tinción de Ziehl-Neelsen y los cultivos se utilizaron para diagnóstico. Las micobacterias fueron identificadas mediante pruebas bioquímicas y moleculares. Los casos de tuberculosis y micobacteriosis fueron 2 118 y 108, respectivamente. Se encontraron 16 especies de MNT, siendo las principales, Mycobacterium avium y Mycobacterium intracellulare. En 4 casos se confirmaron infecciones producidas por más de una especie al mismo tiempo. Los macrólidos y las fluoroquinolonas tuvieron mayor actividad in vitro. La evaluación del tratamiento confirmó que el 68 % de los casos completó la terapia; 20 % murió y el 12 % recayó. Los casos en los que se evaluó el tratamiento recibieron un esquema terapéutico individual incluyendo aquellas drogas que mostraron actividad in vitro. Más de un cuarto de los pacientes tuvieron co-infeccion con el HIV y la mayoría de las muertes estuvieron asociadas con esta co-infección.

A Case of Chronic Arthritis Due to Mycobacterium intracellulare after Trauma / 결핵및호흡기질환

While nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infections are recently on the rise, arthritis caused by NTM is hardly reported in Korea. NTM arthritis has no distinctive clinical characteristics from chronic arthritis. Tuberculosis of the joint specifically produces similar clinical and pathologic presentations to NTM arthritis, so it is not easy to distinguish between them. We report a case of Mycobacterium intracellulare in an arthritis patient after trauma and surgical repair of the injury. At the beginning, the patient was diagnosed as tuberculous tenosynovitis through pathology without microbiologic evidence. The final diagnosis was made after subsequent recurrences for several years. The misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis led to irreversible joint destruction and functional impairment. NTM infection must be included in the differential diagnosis of chronic arthritis at the outset.

Disseminated Mycobacterium intracellulare Infection in an Immunocompetent Host / 결핵및호흡기질환

Disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection can occur in immunocompromised patients, and rarely in immunocompetent subjects. Due to the extensive distribution of the disease, clinical presentation of disseminated MAC may mimic malignancies, and thorough examinations are required in order to make accurate diagnosis. We report a case of disseminated Mycobacterium intracellulare disease in an immunocompetent patient, which involved the lung, lymph nodes, spleen, and multiple bones. F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography imaging showed multiple hypermetabolic lesions, which are suggestive of typical hematogenous metastasis. However, there was no evidence of malignancy in serial biopsies, and M. intracellulare was repeatedly cultured from respiratory specimens and bones. Herein, we should know that disseminated infection can occur in the immunocompetent subjects, and it can mimic malignancies.

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.

Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Tenosynovitis in the Hand: Two Case Reports with the MR Imaging Findings

Nontuberculous mycobacterial infections can cause destructive tenosynovitis of the hand. We report on and discuss the clinical course and distinctive radiologic findings of two patients with hand tenosynovitis secondary to M. marinum and intracellulare infection, which are different from those of the nontuberculous mycobacterial infections reported in the previous literature.