Mycobacterium abscessus causing native valve endocarditis due to peripherally inserted central catheter line

Abstract

Infections due to rapidly-growing mycobacteria (RGM) are increasing worldwide, especially in immunocompromised hosts. However, data on the clinical features of patients with RGM bacteremia are limited [1]. Data on the incidence of clinically significant non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections from India are scarce as these are frequently under-diagnosed due to either under recognition by clinicians because of the nonspecific nature of their clinical manifestations, and/or the inadequacy of laboratory services [2].We present a case of Mycobacterium abscessus native tricuspid valve endocarditis in a patient who had a peripherally inserted central catheter line (PICC).Clinicians need to be aware of RGM as a cause of prolonged fever in patients who have chronic indwelling intravenous catheters [3].