Differences in Clinical Characteristics and Treatments among Mycobacterial Osteomyelitis According to Species of Mycobacteria

Abstract

In this review, cases of both Tuberculous Mycobacterial and Nontuberculous Mycobacterial osteomyelitis were analyzed to provide a concise understanding of the presentation and treatment of each reported Mycobacterial organism. Though rare, Mycobacterial osteomyelitis has continued to be a challenge in diagnosis and treatment due to its rarity as well as its indolent nature. As a result, it is usually diagnosed late in its course, with the patient having already experienced debilitating symptoms prior to diagnosis. In addition, another challenge of mycobacterial osteomyelitis is the specificity of treatment dependent on the mycobacteria causing infection; certain nuances in treatment can be the dividing line between a rapidly exacerbating infection and complete recovery. These nuances can be easily overlooked due to the fact that different types of mycobacterial osteomyelitis can present similarly, however requiring different forms of treatment. This manuscript will serve as a guide to various types of mycobacterial osteomyelitis classified by species of mycobacteria, outlining the preferred methods for diagnosis and most effective treatments for each.