Atypical mycobacterial infection

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Mycobacterium marinum infection on the hand

Antibodies

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Atypical mycobacterial infection

Alternative Names:

Mycobacteria other than tuberculosis; Nontuberculous atypical mycobacterial disease

Treatment:

Treatment of the infection depends upon the sensitivity of the infecting organism to specific antibiotics. As many as 4-6 drugs may be used to treat some infections and treatment may require 6 months to 2 years.

Certain lymph node infections and skin lesions can be surgically removed. Treatment in immunocompromised (immunosuppressed) patients may require even more extended periods of medication use.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome depends upon the severity of the infection, the resistance of the organism, the individual's immune status and, ultimately, the response to treatment.

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms develop that indicate an atypical mycobacterial infection may be present. HIV-positive individuals who develop a cough, rapid breathing (tachypnea), shortness of breath, or other pulmonary symptoms should see their health care provider immediately.

Review Date: 7/14/2004
Reviewed By: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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