Fatal pulmonary Mycobacterium xenopi in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis receiving etanercept

Abstract

Mycobacterium xenopi is a water-related mycobacterium with low pathogenicity in humans. Little is known about the association between anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)α and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections. The case history is presented of fatal M xenopi infection in a patient receiving anti-TNFα treatment.