A Case of Arthritis due to Mycobacterium Intracellulare in a Immunocompetent Patient

ABSTRACT

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are widely distributed in nature and are usually of low pathogenic potential. NTM rarely has been recognized as a cause of musculoskeletal infections that involve joints, bone and soft tissue in immunocompetent patients. The risk factors of its infection are local traumas caused by surgery, injury, or injection. A fifty five-year-old immunocompetent patient visted to hospital due to right wrist mass and pain. Excisional biopsy was done. Histologically granulomatous inflammation was identified and Mycobacterium intracellulare was cultured. Although very rare, NTM should be suspected at least once as a causative pathogen of chronic arthritis when the cause is uncertain.