The treatment of rapidly growing mycobacterial infections

Clin Chest Med. 2015 Mar;36(1):67-78. doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2014.10.004. Epub 2014 Nov 5.

Abstract

Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) include a diverse group of species. We address the treatment of the most commonly isolated RGM-M abscessus complex, M fortuitum, and M chelonae. The M abscessus complex is composed of 3 closely related species: M abscessus senso stricto (hereafter M abscessus), M massiliense, and M bolletii. Most studies address treatment of M abscessus complex, which accounts for 80% of lung disease caused by RGM and is the second most common RGM to cause extrapulmonary disease (after M fortuitum). The M abscessus complex represent the most drug-resistant nontuberculous mycobacteria and are the most difficult to treat.

Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance; Antimicrobial therapy; Drug susceptibility testing; Mycobacterium abscessus; Mycobacterium massiliense; NTM lung diseases; Surgical therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
  • Drug Resistance, Bacterial*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Lung Diseases / microbiology
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / drug therapy*
  • Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / microbiology
  • Nontuberculous Mycobacteria / drug effects*
  • Nontuberculous Mycobacteria / pathogenicity

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents