Mycobacterium xenopi pulmonary infection in two renal transplant recipients under sirolimus therapy

Transpl Infect Dis. 2004 Dec;6(4):179-82. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2004.00071.x.

Abstract

Opportunistic infection is a major threat to immunocompromised patients. However, infection due to Mycobacterium xenopi is rare in renal transplant recipients. We report two new cases of M. xenopi pulmonary infection (one case of interstitial pneumopathy and one of a pulmonary nodule) in renal transplant recipients, detected in the same center at an interval of a few months. Both patients were on an immunosuppressive regimen including a recent switch to sirolimus. Sirolimus is a new immunosuppressive drug already known to be responsible for interstitial pneumonitis. It also inhibits interleukin-12-induced proliferation of activated T lymphocytes, which is critical for the development of the cell-mediated immunity that protects against mycobacteria. These two case reports suggest that sirolimus therapy may lead to an impairment of the immune response against intracellular pathogens such as M. xenopi.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Graft vs Host Disease / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Lung Diseases / etiology
  • Lung Diseases / microbiology*
  • Male
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / etiology*
  • Mycobacterium xenopi / isolation & purification*
  • Sirolimus / adverse effects*
  • Sirolimus / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Sirolimus