Pulmonary infection with Mycobacterium szulgai: A case report

Abstract

Mycobacterium szulgai is a non-tuberculous mycobacterium that is an uncommon cause of infection in humans. Risk factors for infection include immunosuppression and pre-existing lung pathology. Herein, we present a case of a 42-year-old male with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with pulmonary infection caused by M. szulgai that was successfully treated with a regimen of rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol for 2 months, followed by rifampin, isoniazid and azithromycin for an additional 8 months. Symptomatic and radiographic resolutions were achieved.

Mycobacterium szulgai Lung Disease or Breast Cancer Relapse—Case Report

“…Our patient has been effectively treated with rifampicin, ethambutol and clarithromycin. Due to clinical similarity to tuberculosis, a four drugs regimen consisting of isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide has been occasionally used in other patients for the first two months or until M. szulgai identification [ 18 ].…”

“…In our case, coexistence of NTM infection and breast cancer lung metastasis as well as primary lung cancer had been suspected. Currently, 18 F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography ( 18 F-FDG PET/CT) is considered as the best method for detecting lung metastases with higher sensitivity to conventional imaging [15]. However, studies on the differentiation between benign and malignant lesions using 18 F-FDG PET/CT have been inconclusive.…”

“…Currently, 18 F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography ( 18 F-FDG PET/CT) is considered as the best method for detecting lung metastases with higher sensitivity to conventional imaging [15]. However, studies on the differentiation between benign and malignant lesions using 18 F-FDG PET/CT have been inconclusive. Figueroa et al showed that the specificity of 18 F-FDG PET/CT is not sufficient to differentiate between lung nodules caused by NTM and cancer, as an increased maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max) is obtained in both types of lesion [16].…”

Mycobacterium szulgai pulmonary infection in a vitamin D–deficient patient: A case report

“…These bacteria can be transmitted to humans from environmental sources such as soil and water with no reported cases of person-to-person transmission. 1 Mycobacterium szulgai is a slow-growing NTM and a rare human pathogen, representing <0.2% of all NTM infections. 2 Mycobacterium szulgai pulmonary infections are infrequently reported in those with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis, or immunosuppression.…”

“…Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are widespread worldwide. These bacteria can be transmitted to humans from environmental sources such as soil and water with no reported cases of person‐to‐person transmission 1 …”