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obsolete Mycobacterium infectious disease

Description

Obsolete Mycobacterium Infectious Disease

The entity "Atypical mycobacterium infection NOS" has been obsoleted from the Orphanet nomenclature of rare diseases [1]. This means that it is no longer considered a distinct medical condition.

However, the symptoms and characteristics associated with this obsolete disease can still be relevant to understanding other Mycobacterium infections. According to various sources, atypical mycobacteria or non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) cause various diseases such as skin and soft tissue infection, lymphadenitis, pulmonary infection, disseminated infection, and a wide range of more rarely encountered infections [10].

The most commonly encountered atypical mycobacteria that cause the majority of infections in humans are the Mycobacterium avium complex bacteria (MAC) [10]. These bacteria can be found in soil, dust, and water, making them ubiquitous environmental pathogens [12].

Symptoms of NTM infection depend on the site of infection but can include: Blood in the sputum. Cough. Decreased appetite. Fever. Loss of energy. Night sweats. Rashes. Shortness of breath. Weight loss [13]. NTM commonly causes infections in: Lungs. Skin and soft tissue (typically from surgery, trauma, injection, etc.) Areas in/on the body with compromised immune systems.

It's worth noting that infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are increasing globally and are notoriously difficult to treat due to intrinsic resistance of these bacteria to many common antibiotics [14].

References:

[1] Obsolete entity from Orphanet nomenclature of rare diseases. [10] Atypical mycobacteria

Additional Characteristics

  • Lymphadenitis
  • Lungs
  • Atypical mycobacterium infection NOS
  • Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM)
  • Mycobacterium avium complex bacteria (MAC)
  • Skin and soft tissue infection
  • Pulmonary infection
  • Disseminated infection
  • Skin and soft tissue (typically from surgery, trauma, injection, etc.)
  • on the body with compromised immune systems

Signs and Symptoms

Obsolete Mycobacterium Infectious Disease: Signs and Symptoms

Mycobacterium infections, particularly those caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), can manifest in various ways depending on the site of infection. While some information may be outdated, we'll summarize the key signs and symptoms associated with these infections.

Pulmonary Involvement

  • Chronic cough [3]
  • Productive sputum [3]
  • Nodular or cavitary opacities on chest radiograph [6]
  • Multifocal bronchiectasis with multiple small nodules on HRCT scan [6]

Extrapulmonary Manifestations

  • Lymphadenitis, especially in immunocompromised individuals [5]
  • Joint space infection [5]
  • Disseminated disease, including fever, night sweats, weight loss, abdominal pain, and fatigue [4]
  • Skin lesions or ulcers at the inoculation site [7]

Other Conditions

  • Chronic obstructive airway disease associated with smoking [8]
  • Bronchiectasis [8]
  • Previous mycobacterial diseases [8]
  • Cystic fibrosis [8]

Please note that these symptoms may not be specific to obsolete Mycobacterium infectious diseases and can be associated with other conditions as well.

References:

[1] SK Sharma (2020) - NTM may also present as localized disease involving extrapulmonary sites such as lymph nodes, skin and soft tissues and rarely bones. [3] WJ Koh (2005) - However, the signs and symptoms of NTM pulmonary disease are often variable and nonspecific. [4] - Manifestations of disseminated NTM infections depend on the species and route of infection and include fever, night sweats, weight loss, abdominal pain, fatigue... [5] - The organism also occasionally causes disseminated disease, joint space infection, and lymphadenitis, especially in immunocompromised individuals. [6] - Pulmonary symptoms, nodular or cavitary opacities on chest radiograph, or an HRCT scan that shows multifocal bronchiectasis with multiple small nodules. [7] Sep 9, 2009 - Signs and symptoms of early infection are nonspecific, e.g., swelling and pain followed by >1 skin lesions (17). At the inoculation site, an... [8] These conditions include chronic obstructive airway disease associated with smoking, bronchiectasis, previous mycobacterial diseases, cystic fibrosis, and...

Additional Symptoms

  • Bronchiectasis
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Nodular or cavitary opacities on chest radiograph
  • Multifocal bronchiectasis with multiple small nodules on HRCT scan
  • Joint space infection
  • Disseminated disease (fever, night sweats, weight loss, abdominal pain, and fatigue)
  • Skin lesions or ulcers at the inoculation site
  • Chronic obstructive airway disease associated with smoking
  • Previous mycobacterial diseases
  • lymphadenitis
  • chronic cough
  • sputum

Diagnostic Tests

Obsolete Diagnostic Tests for Mycobacterial Infections

According to recent studies, several diagnostic tests have been largely discontinued or rendered obsolete in the modern mycobacteriology laboratory.

  • Biochemical tests: These tests have become obsolete and are no longer used in modern mycobacteriology laboratories [7].
  • Tuberculin skin testing (TST): Although over a century old, TST continues to be used in high-burden settings, but its application has been largely discontinued due to the availability of more accurate tests like IFN-γ release assays [6].

These obsolete diagnostic tests are no longer considered reliable or efficient for diagnosing mycobacterial infections. In contrast, newer methods such as rapid molecular tests, nucleic acid probes, PCR, and other amplification methods have become the standard for confirming NTM diagnosis at species and subspecies level [4][5].

Treatment

Treatment Options for Obsolete Mycobacterium Infections

Mycobacterium infections, particularly those caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), can be challenging to treat due to the bacteria's resistance to multiple antibiotics. The treatment options for obsolete Mycobacterium infections are limited and often require a combination of medications.

Standard Therapy

The standard therapy for Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), the most commonly isolated NTM, requires a 3-drug regimen consisting of:

  • A macrolide-based antibiotic (such as clarithromycin or azithromycin)
  • Ethambutol
  • A rifamycin (such as rifabutin)

This treatment regimen is often taken for approximately 18 months [2]. However, the effectiveness of this therapy can vary depending on the individual case and the specific NTM strain involved.

Treatment Challenges

One of the major challenges in treating Mycobacterium infections is the bacteria's resistance to multiple antibiotics. For example, Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) is often resistant to multiple antimicrobial drugs, making treatment difficult [10]. In such cases, therapy may be based on a combination of medications, including macrolides, ethambutol, and rifamycins.

Treatment Duration

The duration of treatment for Mycobacterium infections can vary depending on the individual case. However, in some cases, treatment may need to last for more than 6 months [15]. This prolonged treatment course can be challenging for patients and may require ongoing medical care.

Emerging Treatment Options

Researchers are exploring new treatment options for Mycobacterium infections, including the use of clofazimine as a promising drug for treating nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease [5].

In summary, the treatment options for obsolete Mycobacterium infections are limited and often require a combination of medications. The standard therapy for MAC involves a 3-drug regimen, but treatment challenges arise due to antibiotic resistance. Emerging treatment options, such as clofazimine, may offer new hope for patients with these infections.

References:

[1] TM Johnson (2023) - Antimycobacterial medication regimens for NTM infections require multiple agents with prolonged treatment courses and are often associated with poor tolerance...

[2] LE Conyers (2024) - Standard therapy for Mycobacterium avium complex, the most commonly isolated NTM, requires a 3-drug regime taken for approximately 18 months.

[5] I Lee (2024) - Clofazimine is suggested as a promising drug for the treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease...

[10] Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) is considered as the most pathogenic rapid-growing mycobacteria in humans, causing pulmonary and extra-pulmonary diseases, especially in patients with cystic fibrosis.

[15] Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) shows intrinsic and acquired resistance to many drugs, leaving limited treatment options that lead to a generally poor prognosis. The standard therapeutic regimen last for more than 6 months...

💊 Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.

Differential Diagnosis

Differential Diagnosis of Obsolete Mycobacterium Infections

Mycobacterium infections, particularly those caused by atypical or nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), can be challenging to diagnose due to their similarity in presentation with other diseases. Here are some key points to consider when making a differential diagnosis:

  • Tuberculosis: A classic differential diagnosis for NTM infections is tuberculosis (TB). However, TB and NTM have distinct clinical presentations, laboratory findings, and epidemiological characteristics [1].
  • Cat-scratch disease: This bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae can mimic the symptoms of NTM infections, including lymphadenitis and skin lesions [11].
  • Infectious mononucleosis: Also known as glandular fever, this viral infection can present with similar symptoms to NTM infections, such as fever, sore throat, and lymphadenopathy [11].
  • Toxoplasmosis: This parasitic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii can cause lymphadenitis and other systemic symptoms that may be confused with NTM infections [11].
  • Brucellosis: A zoonotic bacterial infection that can cause fever, weight loss, and joint pain, which may be similar to the presentation of NTM infections [11].

Key Diagnostic Features

To differentiate between these conditions and NTM infections, consider the following key diagnostic features:

  • Laboratory findings: NTM infections are typically characterized by the presence of mycobacteria in clinical specimens, such as sputum or tissue biopsies. The laboratory findings used to confirm the diagnosis of NTM infection include the detection of mycobacterial DNA or antigens [8].
  • Imaging studies: Imaging studies, such as chest X-rays or CT scans, can help differentiate between NTM infections and other conditions, such as TB or malignancies [12].

References

[1] Context 1 [11] Context 11 [8] Context 8

Additional Information

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It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medical condition.