Pulmonary mycobacterium parascrofulaceum infection

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 25 May 2022

Pulmonary mycobacterium parascrofulaceum infection results from infection by the species Mycobacterium parascrofulaceum, which is a relatively new species of non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) belonging to group 2. Infection by this species is rare and infrequently reported and the lung is considered the most common organ involved. 

Mycobacterium parascrofulaceum phenotypically resembles M. simiae although its closest genotypic relative is M. scrofulaceum.

Mycobacterium parascrofulaceum infection can be variable difficult to differentiate from other non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections. Some reported features include bronchiectasis with peribronchial infiltration and centrilobular nodules.

Mycobacterium parascrofulaceum has been reported to be susceptible to clarithromycin, rifampin and levofloxacin 5.

It was first reported in 2004 by Turenne et al. 3.

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