Rapidly growing mycobacterial pulmonary infection in association with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease

Abstract

Pulmonary infection due to rapidly growing mycobacteria (Runyan group IV) is uncommon and may be overlooked or misdiagnosed. Esophageal disorders have been recognized as a potential risk factor predisposing for this infection. A 35-year-old Sri Lankan patient, with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease and a hiatus hernia, contracted a pulmonary infection with Mycobacterium fortuitum-chelonae. He had severe airway obstruction and focal bronchiectasis, and responded to treatment with ciprofloxacin and clarithromycin. The case is reported to alert clinicians to the pathogenic potential of these organisms and to the prompt institution of appropriate chemotherapy once infection is recognized.