Mycobacterium ulcerans lung infection in an immunocompetent patient

BMJ Case Rep. 2022 Aug 9;15(8):e250547. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-250547.

Abstract

Mycobacterium ulcerans has been implicated in cutaneous manifestations in humans, causing persistent wounds called Buruli ulcer. However, it has not been associated with pulmonary infections in humans to date. Herein, we report a case of an immunocompetent adult man with no underlying medical problems presenting with dyspnoea and generalised malaise and diagnosed with M. ulcerans lung infection. The patient was prescribed clarithromycin 500 mg two times per day, rifampin 300 mg two tablets daily and moxifloxacin 400 mg daily for 6 months, with complete resolution of his symptoms.

Keywords: Infectious diseases; TB and other respiratory infections.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Buruli Ulcer* / diagnosis
  • Buruli Ulcer* / drug therapy
  • Buruli Ulcer* / microbiology
  • Clarithromycin / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Lung
  • Male
  • Mycobacterium ulcerans*
  • Rifampin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Clarithromycin
  • Rifampin