Double Trouble: Pulmonary Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (Mycobacterium fortuitum) Unveiled in a Successfully Treated Tuberculosis Survivor: A Case Report
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: IntroductIonPulmonary infections caused by nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) have garnered increasing recognition as significant clinical entities, particularly in individuals with a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB).Among the diverse spectrum of NTM species, Mycobacterium fortuitum, a rapidly growing mycobacterium, has emerged as an opportunistic pathogen capable of causing pulmonary infections.This case report aims to shed light on the unique challenges posed by pulmonary infections attributable to M. fortuitum, with a specific focus on its occurrence in a patient successfully treated for TB.Despite the success of standard anti-TB regimens in eliminating Mycobacterium tuberculosis, cases of NTM infections continue to surface, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of post-TB complications. case descrIptIonA 35-year-old male with no significant comorbidities presented to the respiratory medicine outpatient unit with complaints of dry cough and loss of weight for the past 2 months.He had a known case of pulmonary TB (smear positive-GeneXpert rifampicin sensitive), took antituberculosis treatment (ATT) for 8 months under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), and was declared cured 6 months back.Upon examination, the patient was thin-built with a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 kg/m 2 ; afebrile with a heart rate of 90 beats per minute, blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg, and a respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute.Physical examination revealed bilateral basal crackles on lung auscultation and a regular heart sound with no murmurs.Laboratory findings showed mild leukocytosis with neutrophilic predominance and elevated quantitative C-reactive protein (CRP) levels-28 mg/L (normal <10 mg/L).Renal function test (RFT) and liver function test (LFT) were also found to be within normal limits.Computed tomography (CT) thorax showed newer patchy ground glass opacities with consolidatory changes in the right lower lobe with mild fibrosis and subpleural nodule in the left lower lobe (Fig. 1).The patient was started on broad-spectrum antibiotics (intravenous injection piperacillin plus tazobactam 4.5 gm three times a day) along with 1,
Authors: Sneha Joshi, Ananthi M, Anand Rajendran, Thoupikka M, Maria L Rashmi, Raghul Raj S
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4403101756