Intestinal involvement by Micobacterium genavense in an immunodepressed patient

Abstract

Mycobacterium genavense is a nontuberculous mycobacteria that has recently been described as a cause of human pathology. 1 Casal M.M. Casal M. Atypical mycobacteria as emerging pathogens. Enf Emerg. 2000; 2 ([Spanish]): 220-230 Google Scholar This intestinal affectation causes alterations in the mucosa that make diagnosis difficult. By means of endoscopy, it is possible to detect edematous folds, loss of elasticity, and increased friability of the mucosa. It usually affects severely immunodepressed patients (CD4 <100 cells/mm3), causing up to 13% of all nontuberculous mycobacteria infections in patients with AIDS. 2 de Lastours V. Guillemain R. Mainardi J.L. et al. Early diagnosis of disseminated Mycobacterium genavense infection. Emerg Infect Dis. 2008; 14: 346-347 PubMed Google Scholar The organs most commonly affected are the small bowel, bone marrow, spleen, liver, and lymph nodes. 3 Bogdan C. Kern P. Richter E. et al. Systemic infection with Mycobacterium genavense following immunosuppressive therapy in a patient who was seronegative for human immunodeficiency virus. Clin Infect Dis. 1997; 24: 1245-1247 Crossref PubMed Scopus (29) Google Scholar This strain of bacteria can be treated by prescribing rifampicin and streptomycin and is resistant to isoniazide. 4 Shrestha Y. Ortega W. Nancy P. Matuschak G. Mycobacterium genavense: a rare pulmonary pathogen in a patient with advanced AIDS. Chest. 2006; 130: 321S Google Scholar