Severe Lung Disease due to Mycobacterium kansasii: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature

Mycobacterium kansasii disease present epidemiological, clinical and radiological features similar to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Mycobacterium kansasii is the second most frequent mycobacteria isolated in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients. Confirmed diagnosis is often difficult according with the American Thoracic Society criteria. Here we describe a patient with AIDS that developed a severe lung compromise due to Mycobacterium kansasii. Epidemiological, clinical, radiological and diagnosis methods are analyzed.