A systemic lupus erythematosus patient with Mycobacterium haemophilum infection under treatment: a case report
Abstract
Environmental mycobacteria, or nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), include over 170 species, with few frequently affecting humans. M. haemophilum, a slowly growing acid-fast bacillus, is known to cause various infections in immunocompromised patients. We present a case of a 29-year-old female with systemic lupus erythematosus, under immunosuppressive treatment, who developed disseminated skin lesions. Initially presenting with painful erythematous nodules that ulcerated, her condition was initially attributed to lupus. A skin biopsy revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation positive for acid-fast bacilli, leading to treatment for what was thought an infection by M. abscessus. Molecular sequencing later identified M. haemophilum, prompting a switch to a regimen of rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, and levofloxacin, resulting in clinical improvement and lesion remission. M. haemophilum infections are more common in severely immunocompromised patients, often involve dermal lesions, and require accurate diagnosis through a combination of histological, molecular, and culture methods. Immunosuppressive therapy in autoimmune diseases predisposes patients to NTM infections. While tuberculosis infection can be screened and managed preemptively, no equivalent protocols exist for NTM, making close monitoring of immunosuppressed patients crucial for early detection and treatment.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a case report, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Ferulic acid regulates the AKT/GSK-3β/CRMP-2 signaling pathway in a middle cerebral artery occlusion animal model
- Novel Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Parameters Quantify the Exposure–Effect Relationship of Levofloxacin against Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Escherichia coli
- Photochemical behavior of levofloxacin
- Correlation Between Dissolution Profiles of Salt-Form Drugs in Biorelevant Bicarbonate Buffer and Oral Drug Absorption: Importance of Dose/ Fluid Volume Ratio
- Evaluation of the synergistic potential and mechanisms of action for de novo designed cationic antimicrobial peptides
- Synthesis of [11C]levofloxacin
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.