Mycobacterial central venous catheter tunnel infection: a difficult problem. 1999

M S Ward, and K V Lam, and P K Cannell, and R P Herrmann
Haematology Department, Royal Perth Hospital, WA, Australia.

We report our experience of non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection associated with the tunnel of Hickman-Broviac central venous catheters in immunosuppressed patients with haematological malignancies undergoing high-dose chemotherapy supported by BMT. The problem is rare and difficult to treat. Our cases are unique in developing tunnel site mycobacterial infection well after the tunnelled catheters were removed. We diagnosed one case of Mycobacterium chelonae, which is a well-documented cause of such infections, and two cases of Mycobacterium haemophilum, which are the first reported cases in this setting. Early wide surgical excision of the infected tunnel site and prolonged antibiotic therapy is necessary. Despite these measures recurrence occurred in two cases. Close liaison with the microbiology laboratory is needed to ensure the appropriate culture media and conditions are used for these fastidious organisms. Empiric antibiotic regimens should be based on the likely organism. Drugs active against M. chelonae and M. haemophilum should be included.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D009164 Mycobacterium Infections Infections with bacteria of the genus MYCOBACTERIUM. Infections, Mycobacterium,Infection, Mycobacterium,Mycobacterium Infection
D002405 Catheterization, Central Venous Placement of an intravenous CATHETER in the subclavian, jugular, or other central vein. Central Venous Catheterization,Venous Catheterization, Central,Catheterization, Central,Central Catheterization,Catheterizations, Central,Catheterizations, Central Venous,Central Catheterizations,Central Venous Catheterizations,Venous Catheterizations, Central
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D000900 Anti-Bacterial Agents Substances that inhibit the growth or reproduction of BACTERIA. Anti-Bacterial Agent,Anti-Bacterial Compound,Anti-Mycobacterial Agent,Antibacterial Agent,Antibiotics,Antimycobacterial Agent,Bacteriocidal Agent,Bacteriocide,Anti-Bacterial Compounds,Anti-Mycobacterial Agents,Antibacterial Agents,Antibiotic,Antimycobacterial Agents,Bacteriocidal Agents,Bacteriocides,Agent, Anti-Bacterial,Agent, Anti-Mycobacterial,Agent, Antibacterial,Agent, Antimycobacterial,Agent, Bacteriocidal,Agents, Anti-Bacterial,Agents, Anti-Mycobacterial,Agents, Antibacterial,Agents, Antimycobacterial,Agents, Bacteriocidal,Anti Bacterial Agent,Anti Bacterial Agents,Anti Bacterial Compound,Anti Bacterial Compounds,Anti Mycobacterial Agent,Anti Mycobacterial Agents,Compound, Anti-Bacterial,Compounds, Anti-Bacterial
D016926 Mycobacterium chelonae A species of gram-positive, aerobic bacteria commonly found in soil and occasionally isolated from sputum. It causes postoperative wound infections as well as gluteal abscesses. Mycobacterium chelonei,Mycobacterium chelonae chelonae,Mycobacterium chelonae subsp. chelonae,Mycobacterium chelonei subsp. chelonei
D018393 Mycobacterium haemophilum A species of gram-positive, aerobic bacteria that causes granulomatous or ulcerating skin lesions in immunosuppressed persons. This organism owes its name to its requirement for growth of high levels of iron, conveniently supplied as blood, heme, or ferric ammonium citrate. Mycobacterium hemophilum

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