MYCOBACTERIUM-TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION OF A NATIVE POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY FOLLOWING RENAL-TRANSPLANTATION

Background Tuberculosis is a recognized complication following renal t ransplantation. Patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney dis ease are increasingly being offered renal transplantation as an altern ative to chronic hemodialysis. These patients are uniquely susceptible to serious upper urinary tract infections that are associated with si gnificant morbidity and mortality. While involvement with Gram-negativ e organisms is well described, mycobacterial infection of native polyc ystic kidneys after transplantation has not been addressed. Methods. A case report of a renal transplant recipient who suffered an isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of a native polycystic kidney and a literature review. Results. Despite appropriate drug therapy, the i nfection proved refractory, and the patient required nephrectomy. Conc lusions. Mycobacterial tuberculosis, though not common, must be recogn ized as a potential source of infection of native polycystic kidneys i n immunocompromised transplant recipients. Similar to the pattern obse rved with more common pathogens, these infections may be difficult to eradicate with standard antimicrobial drug regimens.