Mycobacterium haemophilum

M. haemophilum can be isolated from superficial skin lesions, bronchopulmonary specimens, or blood in immunocompromised patients (Lindeboom JA et al. 2011). Detection is difficult because the germ only grows at 31 °C and very slowly and, in addition, requires the addition of iron to the medium.

The skin symptoms are relatively uncharacteristic and are observed in the context of a systemic infection. Nodular and ulcerative lesions may occur in immunocompetent as well as immunocompetent patients (Jurairattanaporn N et al. 2020). Furthermore, infections of the sclera (scleritis) have been described (Pisitpayat P et al. 2020).

Reliable resistance determination is not possible due to limited growth. According to ATS/IDSA, there is in vitro sensitivity to RMP, rifabutin, clarithromycin, FQ and amikacin (Griffith DE et al. 2007). Lindeboom et al. recommend a combination of clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and an antibiotic from the rifamycin group.

1. Griffith DE et al (2007) Am J Respir Crit Care Med 175: 367-416.
2. Jurairattanaporn N et al (2020) Mycobacterium haemophilum skin and soft tissue infection in a kidney transplant recipient: A case report and summary of the literature. Transpl Infect Dis 22:e13315.
3. Lindeboom JA et al (2011) Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of Mycobacterium haemophilum infections. Clin Microbiol Rev 24: 701-717.