Sepsis caused by Mycobacterium terrae complex in a patient with sickle cell disease

BMJ Case Rep. 2013 May 2:2013:bcr2013009159. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-009159.

Abstract

Infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with sickle cell disease. Loss of splenic function in these patients makes them highly susceptible to some bacterial infections. Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections in patients with sickle cell disease are extremely rare and only two cases have been reported previously. We describe a case of sepsis caused by non-tuberculous mycobacterium, Mycobacterium terrae complex in a patient with febrile sickle cell disease. M terrae complex is a rare clinical pathogen and this is the first reported case of sepsis secondary to this organism in a patient with sickle cell disease. The patient responded to imipenem and amikacin therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / complications*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / drug therapy
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / etiology
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / microbiology*
  • Nontuberculous Mycobacteria*
  • Sepsis / drug therapy
  • Sepsis / etiology
  • Sepsis / microbiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents