Successful Diagnosis of Intestinal Mycobacterium avium Complex Infection in a Kidney Transplant Recipient Using Nasogastric Aspirate Culture: A Case Report

Transplant Proc. 2017 Dec;49(10):2362-2364. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2017.09.009.

Abstract

Intestinal Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections are rare and can be challenging to diagnose. We describe a case of intestinal MAC infection in a kidney transplant recipient with 5 months of unexplained weight loss and abdominal pain who developed intestinal obstruction. Esophagoduodenoscopy with biopsies was performed but was nondiagnostic. Intestinal MAC was diagnosed via nasogastric aspirate culture results. The patient's symptoms rapidly improved after initiation of appropriate treatment, but he later died of aspiration pneumonia and candidemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Intestinal Diseases / microbiology*
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Microbiological Techniques
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium avium Complex
  • Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection / diagnosis*
  • Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare Infection / drug therapy
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy
  • Postoperative Complications / microbiology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents