Mycobacterium haemophilum infection in immunocompetent adults: a literature review and case report

BACKGROUND

Mycobacterium haemophilum has been increasingly found in severely immunocompromised patients but is scarcely reported in immunocompetent adults.

METHODS

We systematically reviewed previous literature to identify studies on infection in immunocompetent adults. Articles reporting at least one case of M. haemophilum infection were included. We excluded articles involving patients who had immunosuppression-related diseases and routinely used glucocorticoids or immunosuppressants. We also reported a case of a young immunocompetent woman infected by M. haemophilum along the eyebrows, which was probably due to the use of an eyebrow pencil retrieved from a sink drain.

RESULTS

Twelve qualifying articles reporting M. haemophilum infection in immunocompetent adults were identified. Among them, most cases report skin lesions along the eyebrows, and the remaining had cervicofacial lymphadenitis, lesions on the arm or fingers, inflammation in the eyeballs, or ulceration in the perineal region. Most cases were caused by tattoos, make-up, injury, or surgical operation. For diagnosis, specialized tissue culture sensitivity was roughly 75%, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test sensitivity was approximately 89%. Triple antibiotic therapy for 3 to 24 months, or surgical excision was effective in controlling infection.

CONCLUSION

M. haemophilum infection should be considered if routine antibacterial and glucocorticoid treatments are ineffective against the disease, even in healthy adults. To definitively diagnose this infection, conditioned tissue culture or PCR testing is required. Treatment usually involves a combination of multiple antibiotics and, if necessary, surgical removal of infected tissue.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) Infection in Recipients of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Here, we aimed to review and analyze current literature on incidence, clinical presentation, and outcome of NTM infection after allogeneic HSCT.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of available literature regarding NTM infection in children and adults receiving allogeneic HSCT.

RESULTS

We identified 56 articles eligible for the analysis. Among 15 studies, describing 15,798 allogeneic HSCT, we estimated a prevalence of 1.26% (95% CI 0.72, 1.93) of NTM after transplant. Analysis of 175 patients with NTM infection showed a median time of diagnosis of 318 days after HSCT, an increased prevalence in adults (82.9%), and a most frequent pulmonary involvement (44%). Comparison between children and adults revealed an earlier post-transplant disease onset (median 130 days vs 287 days) and most frequent non-pulmonary presentation in children. A vast heterogeneity of therapeutic approach reflected the lack of universal recommendations regarding drug combination and duration of therapy. Overall, NTM-related mortality accounted for 33% in this systematic review.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, NTM infections can complicate post-transplant course with a high mortality rate in children and adults. The lack of prospective studies and guidelines prevents identification of risk factors and therapeutic recommendations.

Mycobacterium haemophilum infection with cutaneous involvement: two case reports and an updated literature review: Mycobacterium haemophilum skin infection

Mycobacterium haemophilum (MH) is a slow-growing, non-tuberculous Mycobacterium that most commonly causes infections in immunocompromised patients. The skin is the most prevalent site of infection and can be an isolated presentation or part of a disseminated disease. Herein, we reported a case of isolated MH infection of the hand and a case of disseminated MH infection with multiple skin lesions. In addition, other MH cases with cutaneous involvement over the last 10 years, from 2011-2022, were reviewed and analyzed. Among the 79 included cases, the common skin findings in MH infections included nodules, ulcers, abscesses, swelling, and pustules. Middle-aged patients with iatrogenic immunosuppression from glucocorticoids, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine, and cyclophosphamide are the most susceptible to MH infection, with a higher risk of dissemination to internal organs. Disseminated MH infections commonly present as tenosynovitis, arthritis/arthralgia, or osteomyelitis. There is a lack of strong evidence for treatment; however, triple therapy of quinolone, macrolides, and rifampicin is most often used in clinical practice. The overall prognosis is good. The presence of iatrogenic immunocompromised diseases, lesions involving the proximal limbs, and dissemination of MH infections are associated with worse clinical outcomes.

Hautbeteiligung bei Infektionen mit Mycobacterium haemophilum: Zwei Fallberichte und eine aktualisierte Literaturübersicht: Mycobacterium haemophilum infection with cutaneous involvement: Two case reports and an updated literature review

Mycobacterium haemophilum (MH) ist ein langsam wachsendes, nicht‐tuberkulöses Mykobakterium. Infektionen treten am häufigsten bei Patienten mit beeinträchtigtem Immunsystem auf; sie manifestieren sich meist an der Haut und kommen isoliert oder bei disseminierten Infektionen vor. Wir berichten hier über einen Fall mit isolierter MH‐Infektion an der Hand sowie über einen weiteren Fall von disseminierter MH‐Infektion mit multiplen Hautläsionen. Zusätzlich haben wir weitere Fallberichte über MH‐Infektionen mit kutaner Beteiligung aus den letzten zehn Jahren (2011–2022) ausgewertet. Die am häufigsten beobachteten Hautmanifestationen der insgesamt 79 Fälle waren Knötchen, Ulzera, Abszesse, Schwellungen und Pusteln. Patienten mittleren Alters mit iatrogener Immunsuppression durch Glucocorticoide, Mycophenolat‐Mofetil, Ciclosporin und Cyclophosphamid scheinen besonders anfällig für MH‐Infektionen zu sein und haben auch ein höheres Risiko für eine Dissemination in die inneren Organe. Disseminierte MH‐Infektionen manifestieren sich gewöhnlich als Tenosynovitis, Arthritis/Arthralgie oder Osteomyelitis. Derzeit gibt es keine starke Evidenz für bestimmte Therapeutika; in der Praxis wird am häufigsten eine Dreifachkombination aus Chinolon, Makroliden und Rifampicin eingesetzt. Die Prognose ist allgemein gut. Iatrogene Immunsuppression, Läsionen im proximalen Bereich der Extremitäten sowie disseminierte Manifestation sind mit schlechteren klinischen Verläufen assoziiert.

Mycobacterium haemophilum skin and soft tissue infection in a kidney transplant recipient: A case report and summary of the literature

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria are ubiquitous pathogens causing infections in immunocompromised patients. Here, we describe a kidney transplant recipient who developed skin and soft tissue infection by Mycobacterium haemophilum, complicated by tenosynovitis and fluid collection, following an injury sustained to her right foot. Her immunosuppressant dose was reduced, and she underwent prolonged antimicrobial therapy followed by surgical debridement with a favorable outcome. Non-tuberculous mycobacteria should be considered as a potential etiology of subacute skin and soft tissue infections.

The skin and soft tissue infections in hematological patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in patients with hematological malignancies are frequent, but dedicated epidemiological studies are limited. The aim of this review is to provide updated description of the main etiological agents, differential diagnosis, and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

In addition to common causes of bacterial skin infections in any kind of patients, such as streptococci and staphylococci (the letter frequently resistant to methicillin), Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a frequent agent in patients with hematological malignancies, with high virulence and typical infection presenting as ecthyma gangrenosum. Among fungi, fusariosis is the mold infection most frequently associated with skin lesions, although other molds and yeasts (including Candida tropicalis) should be also considered. External infections associated with central venous catheters are frequent in the hematological setting, and in addition to staphylococci, Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and even rapid growing nontuberculous mycobacteria should be considered. Immunodeficiency might either blunt the typical inflammatory response and make sign or symptoms less evident, or predispose the patients to rapid progression of skin infection to subcutaneous tissues or dissemination.

SUMMARY

SSTIs in hematology patients can be caused by various infectious agents resulting in similar clinical presentation. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is fundamental in order to reduce morbidity and mortality.