Swollen Necrotic Lymphadenitis Infected with Mycobacterium Paracondontium in an AIDS Patient: a Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are a group of mycobacteria that are commonly found in the environment and can cause disease in humans. The symptoms of NTM infection can be similar to those of tuberculosis, making diagnosis challenging. The morbidity associated with NTM is increasing, and clinical management can be challenging.
Case Description: This report details the case of a 32-year-old male who was found to have multiple enlarged and partially necrotic lymph nodes in the neck, axilla, mediastinum, and retroperitoneum. The causative agent was rapidly identified as Mycobacterium paracondontium through pathogen-targeted sequencing (tNGS). After two weeks of treatment with azithromycin, moxifloxacin, rifabutin, and amikacin, the patient’s uncomfortable symptoms had resolved, and he is currently undergoing further review.
Conclusion: It is imperative that clinicians remain vigilant for the presence of NTM, particularly those that are rare, given their pervasiveness in the environment. Prompt diagnosis is of paramount importance, and molecular identification techniques represent a crucial tool in this regard. In vitro drug sensitivity testing should be conducted whenever feasible to guarantee the administration of an efficacious treatment regimen.