Myobacterium kansasii as the Primary Etiology of Pulmonary Infections due to Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM) in Patients WIthout Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): Experience from a Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Gabriel Yusti,Alejandra González,Adrian Ceccato,Marcela Heres,Mariano Fielli,Alejandra Zapata

doi:10.18297/jri/vol2/iss1/5/

Abstract

Introduction: Pulmonary diseases due to non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) lung infection in HIV-negative patients are rarely described in the literature. Currently, NTM consist of more than 150 species, and they are globally ubiquitous in both natural and man-made environments.The objective of this study was to define the most frequent species of NTM causing pulmonary disease in HIV-negative patients in the city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The prevalence of pulmonary diseases caused by NTM is difficult to determine since the isolation of NTM does not necessarily indicate disease.

Highlights

Pulmonary diseases due to non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) lung infection in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-negative patients are rarely described in the literature
Avium Complex (MAC) was isolated in 6 patients (19.3%), M. fortuitum was isolated in 2 patients (6.4%), M. abscessus was isolated in one patient (3.2%) and M. chelonae was isolated in one patient as well (3.2%)
Ten patients (32.2%) had a previous pulmonary disease: (a) radiologic sequela of TB was noted in 3 patients, (b) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) was present in 2 patients, (c) pulmonary carcinoma was present in another 2 patients, (d) asbestosis in 1 patient, (e) diffuse interstitial pulmonary disease associated with Rheumatoid arthritis in 1 patient and (f) cystic fibrosis were noted in 1 patient

Summary

Introduction

Pulmonary diseases due to non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) lung infection in HIV-negative patients are rarely described in the literature. M. kansasii was the most common cause of pulmonary infection by NTM in these HIV-negative patients. Discussion: Our study indicates that M. kansasii is the primary etiology of NTM pulmonary disease in HIV-negative patients in our service area in Buenos Aires. This finding supports the consideration that patients with symptoms compatible with pulmonary tuberculosis should be evaluated for NTM with appropriate acid-fast bacilli cultures, as treatment regimens differ vastly according to the specific pathogen isolated, clinical and radiographic presentations may have overlapping features.

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