A Case Report on Mycobacterium abscessus: An Emerging Pathogen

Cureus. 2022 Mar 11;14(3):e23072. doi: 10.7759/cureus.23072. eCollection 2022 Mar.

Abstract

The incidence of infections by rapidly growing mycobacteria has increased in recent decades. nontuberculous mycobacteria(NTM) represent over 190 species and subspecies and can cause both pulmonary and extrapulmonary symptoms. The Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABC)is among the most drug-resistant mycobacterial species, and prompt diagnosis and effective eradication are burdensome. We present the clinical course of a 55-year-old female who was diagnosed with M. abscessus and explore her clinical diagnosis and possible treatment options. This case report emphasizes the challenges clinicians face in the prompt diagnosis of M. abscessus and discusses the treatment options in light of the recent guidelines.

Keywords: disseminated; mycobacterium abscessus; nontuberculous mycobacteria; ntm; pulmonary and extrapulmonary disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports