Parotitis caused by Mycobacteroides abscessus subspecies abscessus

Abstract

Rapidly growing mycobacteria rarely causes parotitis. We report a rare case of Mycobacteroides abscessus subspecies abscessus (MAB) parotitis in a previously healthy 26-year-old woman. She presented to the previous hospital with a swelling over the right parotid region, and a computed tomography scan revealed multiple abscesses in the swollen parotid gland. Histopathology showed granulomatous inflammation with acid-fast bacilli; however, a subsequent culture failed to isolate mycobacterium. Despite repeated antibiotic therapy and multiple surgical interventions including partial incision and drainage of the abscesses, the parotitis did not resolved. At six months after presentation, she was referred to our institute. We performed enlarged resection of the necrotic tissue and abscesses, and the sample cultivated after homogenization was positive for mycobacterium. The isolate was finally identified as MAB. She underwent long-term postoperative antibiotic therapy for MAB, with a favorable outcome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of MAB parotitis where the subspecies has been identified. MAB is much more intractable than the other subspecies. We highlight the importance of the correct identification of MAB, which leads to the appropriate treatment.