A Case Report on Generalized Infection of Atypical Mycobacteria (Group IV)

Abstract

A 64 years oid, female, taking prednisolone to treat auto-immune hemolytic anemia for about 2 years, developed purulent arthritis of the left ankle. Thereafter, subcutaneous abscess were found at the right hypochondrium, and abnormal shadow appeared on the lower area of both lung on chest Xray examination.
Atypical mycobacteria were detected in the pus from the left ankle joint cavity and subcutaneous abscess, but were not detected from the sputum and blood.
The bacteria were characterized as Gram positive bacilli and were stainned positively by acidfast stainning. They formed slightly yellowish matured colonies on Ogawa's medium 22-42°C in a few days but no colonies on agar medium.
According to findings, mentioned above they were identified just atypical mycobacteria, group IV. Various antibiotics, including antituberculosis drugs, were not effective. Only Cefamandole, 6g per day, were able to improve in clinical symptomes.