[Disseminated Mycobacterium chelonae infection during HIV. ].
BACKGROUND
An atypical mycobacterium, Mycobacterium chelonae is a saprophyte germ in the environment, but rarely pathogenic. A few disseminated infections can be noted in immunodepressed patients.


METHODS
A 30 year-old man infected by HIV was hospitalised for deterioration in his general status of health with, on clinical examination, pallor, several superficial lymph nodes and hepatosplenomegaly. A biopsy of an axillary node and the liver revealed numerous granulomas with many atypical M. chelonae-like mycobacteria. Adapted treatment led to complete remission.


CONCLUSIONS
Immunodepression facilitates the occurrence of M. chelonae infections, often of severe evolution and leading to dissemination. This mycobacterium is resistant to many antibiotics.
Fernandez-Rodríguez
R
R
Service de médecine interne, Hôpital Cristal-Chou, Rua do Paseo 30, 3o E post, Ourense, Spain. med000972@saludalia.com
Gómez
R
R
González
E
E
Bustillo
M
M
Barbeyto
L
L
Fernández
O
O
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D006304:Health Status; D006529:Hepatomegaly / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009164:Mycobacterium Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D016926:Mycobacterium chelonae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013163:Splenomegaly / Q000150:complications
D015704:CD4 Antigens