Disseminated mycobacterium immunogenum infection presenting with septic shock and skin lesions in a renal transplant recipient

H. M. Biggs, S. M. Chudgar, C. D. Pfeiffer, K. R. Rice, A. K. Zaas, C. R. Wolfe

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mycobacterium immunogenum is a relatively new species within the Mycobacterium chelonae-Mycobacterium abscessus group of rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM). M. immunogenum was first characterized in 2001 and, similar to other RGM, is an ubiquitous environmental organism. This organism has most commonly been implicated in cutaneous infection in both healthy and immunosuppressed patients. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of septic shock in the setting of disseminated M. immunogenum infection. Definitive identification of this organism requires gene sequencing at specialized centers, which may limit its detection. M. immunogenum is resistant to many anti-mycobacterial agents, and treatment can be especially challenging in transplant patients, given potential drug interactions and added toxicities. It is important to distinguish M. immunogenum from other RGM and determine the susceptibility profile to devise a successful treatment plan, particularly in the transplant population in which it can potentially cause severe, disseminated disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)415-421
Number of pages7
JournalTransplant Infectious Disease
Volume14
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Mycobacterium immunogenum
  • Rapidly growing mycobacteria
  • Renal transplant

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Transplantation

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Disseminated mycobacterium immunogenum infection presenting with septic shock and skin lesions in a renal transplant recipient'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this