Clinical Characteristics and Treatment Outcomes of Mycobacterium fortuitum Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Mycobacterium fortuitum ( M. fortuitum ) is a rapidly growing mycobacterium that causes M. fortuitum -pulmonary disease (PD). It is common among individuals with preexisting lung conditions. We evaluated the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of 35 patients diagnosed with Mycobacterium fortuitum -pulmonary disease ( M. fortuitum -PD). Prior to treatment, all isolates were sensitive to amikacin and 73% and 90% were sensitive to imipenem and moxifloxacin, respectively. Approximately two-thirds of the patients (24 of 35) remained stable without antibiotic treatment. Of 11 patients requiring antibiotic treatment, the majority (81%, 9 of 11) achieved a microbiological cure with susceptible antibiotics. IMPORTANCE Mycobacterium fortuitum ( M. fortuitum ) is a rapidly growing mycobacterium that causes M. fortuitum -pulmonary disease (PD). It is common among individuals with preexisting lung conditions. Limited data exist regarding treatment and prognosis. Our study examined patients with M. fortuitum -PD. Two-thirds of them remained stable without antibiotics. Among those requiring treatment, 81% achieved a microbiological cure with suitable antibiotics. In many cases, M. fortuitum -PD follows a stable course without antibiotics, and when necessary, a favorable treatment response can be achieved with the appropriate antibiotics.