Mycobacterium xenopi lung infection in HIV-negative patients: 8 cases

Between 1994 and early 1999, Mycobacterium xenopi was isolated in II HIV-ne gative patients seen at the Respiratory Disease Department of the Dijon Uni versity Hospital. Eight of these patients met the criteria of lung infectio n. Clinical and radiological features simulated pulmonary tuberculosis whic h delayed diagnosis until the germ was identified. Treatment is considered to he mandatory though it is difficult to manage an d often disappointing. In spite of long-term medical care, sometimes associ ated with surgery, outcome is currently determined by the underlying diseas e rather than by Mycobacterium xenopi infection.