Mycobacterium shinjukuense infection successfully treated with clarithromycin, rifampicin, and ethambutol

Abstract

We present the case of a 59-year-old woman diagnosed with Mycobacterium shinjukuense infection using mass spectrometry of bronchioalveolar lavage fluid. We initiated treatment with clarithromycin, rifampicin, and ethambutol based on the results of drug susceptibility testing, which improved lung opacities. Most previous cases were treated with the standard regimen for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, our regimen may provide a therapeutic option for this rare nontuberculous Mycobacterium infection.

Keywords

• Mycobacterium shinjukuense
• Nontuberculous mycobacterium
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Clarithromycin