Donor-to-host transmission of Mycoplasma hominis in lung allograft recipients

Abstract

Mycoplasma hominis is a significant pathogen in immunocompromised hosts, particularly organ transplant recipients. We describe two recipients of lung allografts from the same donor who had M. hominis pleuropulmonary infection during the immediate postoperative period. The most likely source of infection in these cases was the donor's respiratory tract. The slow-growing pinpoint colonies formed by M. hominis on routine bacterial culture medium may be easily overlooked and should be subcultured to mycoplasmal medium for definitive identification. The recommended management of this infection consists of drainage and antimicrobial therapy with tetracycline, clindamycin, or a fluoroquinolone. This report highlights the potential for M. hominis to be transmitted from donor to recipient during organ transplantation.