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Atypical mycobacterial infection

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Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Mycobacterium marinum infection on the hand
Mycobacterium marinum infection on the hand
Antibodies
Antibodies

Alternative names    Return to top

Mycobacteria other than tuberculosis; Nontuberculous atypical mycobacterial disease

Definition    Return to top

Atypical mycobacterial infection is an infection caused by a species of mycobacterium other than tuberculosis.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors    Return to top

Atypical mycobacteria can cause a wide variety of infections such as abscesses, septic arthritis and osteomyelitis (bone infection). They can also can infect the lungs, lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract, skin and soft tissues.

There are many different species of mycobacterium other than tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Some of the most common are listed below:

M. avium-intracellulare frequently affects AIDS patients, often causing fever, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), and diarrhea. M. avium intracellulare and M. kansasii cause lung disease.

M. marinum and M. ulcerans cause skin infections. M. marinum is also responsible for swimming pool granuloma.

The incidence of atypical mycobacterial infections is rare, but it is increasing as the AIDS population grows. Populations at risk include individuals with pre-existing lung disease and immunocompromised (immunosuppressed) persons.

Symptoms    Return to top

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

Signs and tests    Return to top

Tests to determine infection:

Treatment    Return to top

Treatment of the infection depends upon the sensitivity of the infecting organism to specific antibiotics. As many as 4-6 drugs may be used to treat some infections and treatment may require 6 months to 2 years.

Certain lymph node infections and skin lesions can be surgically removed. Treatment in immunocompromised (immunosuppressed) patients may require even more extended periods of medication use.

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

The outcome depends upon the severity of the infection, the resistance of the organism, the individual's immune status and, ultimately, the response to treatment.

Calling your health care provider    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms develop that indicate an atypical mycobacterial infection may be present. HIV-positive individuals who develop a cough, rapid breathing (tachypnea), shortness of breath, or other pulmonary symptoms should see their health care provider immediately.

Prevention    Return to top

Use of azithromycin or clarithromycin in AIDS patients with CD4 counts less than 50 may help to prevent this infection.

Update Date: 7/14/2004

Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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