1358. A Novel Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria (RGM) Species Causing Soft Tissue and Orthopedic Hardware Infection After Trauma

Abstract

BackgroundThe widespread use of molecular techniques has resulted in increasing numbers of newly characterized rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM). Many RGM cause soft tissue and orthopedic hardware infection, particularly after trauma. RGM species identification remains challenging with few genetic differences between species.MethodsWe describe a case involving RGM. We report results of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (Bruker Biotyper), sequencing of rpoB, erm(39), and 16S rRNA genes, and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST). We review previous reports describing similar RGM infections.ResultsA 58-year-old male sustained multiple fractures and right thigh compartment syndrome after a motorcycle accident. He underwent fasciotomy and multi-stage surgical fixations. 3 months later, he had wound dehiscence, purulence and multiple fluid collections of his right leg and knee requiring surgical drainage and removal of orthopedic hardware. After 4 days, acid-fast bacilli grew on routine bacterial culture media. MALDI-TOF identified the isolate as Mycobacterium mageritense. In contrast, sequencing of 16S rRNA (100% identity) and erm(39) (> 99% identity) identified the isolate as Mycobacterium houstonense; erm(39) only had 80% similarity with Mycobacterium fortuitum. Sequencing of rpoB showed a 19 bp difference with the M. houstonense type strain, and showed similarity to M. fortuitum (97.64%) than M. houstonense (97.45%). AST demonstrated resistance to clarithromycin only. After initial treatment with imipenem, ciprofloxacin, and doxycycline, definite therapy with ciprofloxacin and doxycycline was successful. In the literature, we found one case each of M. mageritense and M. houstonense infection after trauma.ConclusionThis case highlights the importance of RGM other than M. fortuitum as a cause of soft tissue and orthopedic hardware infections, and illustrates the difficulty of identifying them to the species level. Sequencing of erm(39) and 16S rRNA gene identified the isolate as M. houstonense, but the larger difference (>2.5%) in rpoB sequence suggests a novel species. Further characterization is underway. Efforts to determine RGM species and antibiotic susceptibility give important insight into diagnosis and management.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.