Pacemaker Infections Caused by Rapidly Growing Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria: Presentation of Three Cases and Review of the Literature

Abstract

There has been a rise in the use of cardiac pacemakers and an associated increase in the number of devicerelated infections. Although Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci are the most common causes of these infections, rapidly-growing non-tuberculous mycobacteria have occasionally been implicated. We report three cases managed at our institution and review 11 cases found in the literature. Most patients underwent device removal and were managed with more than one antibiotic for at least 4 weeks. All but one patient achieved cure. It is important to recognize these organisms as potential etiologies of pacemaker infections and to request special culture media and stains. Furthermore, antibiotic choice should be guided by susceptibility reports and, at least initially, more than one antibiotic is recommended