Lethal Mycobacterium massiliense Sepsis in a Kidney Transplant Patient
Author Information
Author(s): Tortoli Enrico, Gabini Rita, Galanti Irene, Mariottini Alessandro
Primary Institution: Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
Hypothesis
What role did Mycobacterium massiliense bacteremia play in the death of a kidney transplant patient?
Conclusion
The patient's death was likely caused by Mycobacterium massiliense bacteremia, despite co-infection with M. tuberculosis.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient was immunocompromised due to a kidney transplant and was on immunosuppressive therapy.
- Initial tests for other infections were negative before identifying Mycobacterium massiliense.
- Genetic sequencing confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium massiliense.
Takeaway
A woman who had a kidney transplant got very sick and died because of a germ called Mycobacterium massiliense in her blood, even though she also had another infection.
Methodology
The study involved microbiologic investigations, genetic sequencing, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Limitations
The exact source of the Mycobacterium massiliense infection could not be determined.
Participant Demographics
The patient was a 63-year-old woman who had undergone a kidney transplant.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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