MYCOBACTERIUM SIMIAE DISSEMINATED INFECTION IN A PATIENT WITH ACQUIRED-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-SYNDROME

Mycobacterium simiae is commonly found in nature and its role as a pat hogen has been controversial, A case of disseminated M. simiae infecti on with blood, pulmonary and cutaneous localization is reported here. The pathogenic role of M. simiae was clearly demonstrated as it was th e only organism isolated from sputum, broncho-alveolar lavage fluid, a s well as blood and skin tissue, Identification of M, simiae by conven tional testing may be difficult. Analysis of fatty and mycolic acid pa tterns, as performed in this case, is necessary to confirm its identif ication.