Pulmonary Infection by Rapidly Growing Mycobacterium in an Immunocompetent Child.

ABSTRACT

Background: Pulmonary infections by rapidly growing mycobacteria are rare in immunocompetent children. Case characteristics A 2-year-old boy with persistent right upper lobe pneumonia. Observation Bronchoalveolar lavage culture demonstrated growth of Mycobacterium atocessus. Outcome: Complete resolution of disease with multidrug chemotherapy with imipenam, clarithromycin and amikacin. Message Persistent upper lobe cavitory lesions can rarely be caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria.