A case of Mycobacterium goodii infection related to an indwelling catheter placed for the treatment of chronic symptoms attributed to Lyme disease

Abstract

Mycobacterium goodii has only rarely been reported to cause invasive disease in humans. Previously reported cases of M. goodii infection have included prosthetic joint infections, pacemaker pocket infections, and pneumonia. We present a case of M. goodii bacteremia with concomitant pulmonary septic emboli that developed in a 32-year-old woman with an indwelling central venous catheter (CVC). The CVC had been placed one year previously for intermittent treatment with intravenous, broadspectrum antibiotics, administered by an outside physician for the treatment of symptoms attributed to chronic Lyme disease. Despite our recommendations, the patient declined follow-up in our Infectious Diseases clinic, opting to continue care under her chronic Lyme disease physician. This case clearly demonstrates the potential for serious medical complications that can arise from the inappropriate use of longterm intravenous antibiotics using a CVC to treat non-specific symptoms attributed to Lyme disease and patients should be counseled regarding these risks.

Keywords: Mycobacterium goodii; catheter-associated bloodstream infection; nontuberculous mycobacteria; post Lyme disease syndrome.

Figure 1.

Computed axial tomography of the chest performed with intravenous contrast showing bilateral nodular opacifications in a bronchovascular distribution.