Mycobacterium abscessus - to treat or not to treat.

Abstract

A patient with Mycobacterium abscessus lung disease was mistaken to have pulmonary tuberculosis with airway colonization by the non-tuberculous mycobacterium. Appropriate antibiotics were only given when the patient's signs and symptoms worsened while on anti-tuberculosis therapy. Despite treatment with a combination of antibiotics showing in vitro susceptibility, the pathogen persisted in the respiratory secretions for longer than 6 months and the patient suffered a spontaneous pneumothorax 14 months into treatment. This case illustrates the chronic course of M. abscessus lung infection, the tendency for flare-ups, the inadequacy of current treatment regimens, and the necessity for prolonged patient follow-up.

• Authors: Yong-Kek Pang, Yun-Fong Ngeow, Yan-Ling Wong, Chong-Kin Liam
• Journal: Respirology case reports (Respirol Case Rep) Vol. 1 Issue 2 Pg. 31-3 (Dec 2013) ISSN: 2051-3380 [Print] United States
• PMID: 25473536 (Publication Type: Journal Article)