Pulmonary Mycobacterium szulgai infection: a case report.

Abstract

Learning point for clinicians The clinical and radiological presentation of pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection often mimics that of pulmonary tuberculosis and neoplastic pathology. Pulmonary Mycobacterium szulgai infection is rare and diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, thoracic imaging and mycobacterial culture. An antimycobacterial treatment regimen that includes rifampicin, ethambutol and clarithromycin for duration of at least 12 months has been found to be effective. A 55-year-old man was referred by his general practitioner to a suspected lung cancer clinic at a tertiary care hospital. He presented with chronic productive cough, expectorating tenacious mucoid sputum and exertional dyspnoea (Medical Research Council score 3). He had an 80 pack-year history of cigarette smoking and had worked in the steel industry with a history of direct asbestos exposure. Comorbidities included mild chronic …