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The Lancet Infect Dis. Rapidly growing mycobacterial bloodstream infections
[Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases, full page: (LINK). Abstract, edited.]
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The Lancet Infectious Diseases, Volume 13, Issue 2, Pages 166 - 174, February 2013
doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(12)70316-X
Rapidly growing mycobacterial bloodstream infections
Original Text
Gilbert El Helou MD a, Dr George M Viola MD a, Ray Hachem MD a, Prof Xiang Y Han MD b, Prof Issam I Raad MD a
Summary
About 20 species of rapidly growing mycobacteria species that are capable of infecting human beings and causing bloodstream infections have been identified. Many more of these species are being discovered worldwide, especially in resource-poor settings. These microorganisms have been known to cause outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks. Although rapidly growing mycobacteria are not highly virulent or life threatening, they have a high predisposition to create biofilms and to colonise and infect intravascular catheters. Early detection and identification of specific species can help to estimate predictable antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. However, because susceptibility data originate from developed countries, studies in resource-poor settings urgently need to be done. The best outcome of cure without recurrence depends on a combination of at least 4 weeks of treatment with two or more active antimicrobial agents, plus removal of the intravascular catheter. We review and discuss the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of rapidly growing mycobacterial bloodstream infections.
a Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; b Department of Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
Correspondence to: Dr George M Viola, Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, Unit 1460, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
-doi:10.1016/S1473-3099(12)70316-X
Rapidly growing mycobacterial bloodstream infections
Original Text
Gilbert El Helou MD a, Dr George M Viola MD a, Ray Hachem MD a, Prof Xiang Y Han MD b, Prof Issam I Raad MD a
Summary
About 20 species of rapidly growing mycobacteria species that are capable of infecting human beings and causing bloodstream infections have been identified. Many more of these species are being discovered worldwide, especially in resource-poor settings. These microorganisms have been known to cause outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks. Although rapidly growing mycobacteria are not highly virulent or life threatening, they have a high predisposition to create biofilms and to colonise and infect intravascular catheters. Early detection and identification of specific species can help to estimate predictable antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. However, because susceptibility data originate from developed countries, studies in resource-poor settings urgently need to be done. The best outcome of cure without recurrence depends on a combination of at least 4 weeks of treatment with two or more active antimicrobial agents, plus removal of the intravascular catheter. We review and discuss the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of rapidly growing mycobacterial bloodstream infections.
a Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; b Department of Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
Correspondence to: Dr George M Viola, Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, Unit 1460, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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