Catheter-related bacteremia due to Mycobacterium smegmatis

South Med J. 1998 Jan;91(1):36-7. doi: 10.1097/00007611-199801000-00007.

Abstract

Rapidly growing mycobacteria have occasionally been reported to cause catheter-related infections. We report a case of a central venous catheter-related bacteremia, caused by Mycobacterium smegmatis, in a patient with cancer. Cultures of the catheter tip and blood cultures grew M smegmatis and Enterococcus faecalis. The patient responded to catheter removal and a 3-month course of antibiotics (doxycycline and ciprofloxacin). Based on our experience and the reported experience with other rapidly growing mycobacteria, M smegmatis catheter-related bacteremia should be treated with catheter removal and a course of appropriate antibiotics, based on in vitro susceptibility testing.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bacteremia / etiology
  • Bacteremia / microbiology*
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / adverse effects*
  • Enterococcus faecalis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mycobacterium*