PULMONARY INFECTION DUE TO M FORTUITUM

Abstract

A case of pulmonary disease due to M. fortuitum is reported. M. fortuitum is a rapidly growing Mycobacterium which grows equally well at 25[degree] and 37[degree] C. The strain responsible for disease in this case was resistant to six antituber-culosis drugs and to four other antimicrobials; no chemotherapeutic agent was found which could inhibit its growth in vitro. Treatment was symptomatic. The extent of disease was limited, and there was no progression in the three years during which the patient was observed.