Mycobacterium gordonae

Mycobacterium gordonae belongs to the slow-growing, pigment-forming mycobacteria whose pathogenicity is considered to be rather low. Thus, infections are primarily expected in immunocompromised patients. However, publications on pulmonary infections in immunocompetent patients are known.

M. gordonae is typically detected in tap water (Falkinham JO 2002). Therefore, detection of M. gordonae from sputum or gastric juice or on bronchoscopy is usually without clinical significance because contamination from tap water is most likely the source of the germ. M. gordonae grows preferentially at 31 °C and on agar soils in moist shiny yellow-orange colonies.

The incidence of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections is increasing worldwide, with more than 190 species and subspecies documented by 2020. Although infections with NTMs are classically associated with immunosuppression, the fact that these pathogens are also present in diseases of immunocompetent individuals and in infections associated with surgical and cosmetic procedures makes studies of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of these microorganisms relevant to medical practice.

Infections of the lungs have been described in both immunocompetent and immunocompetent patients.

Skin infections due to M. gordonae have been described sporadically in both immunocompetent and immunoincompetent patients (Weyers W et al 1996). The skin findings are described with uncharacteristic nodules or ulcerated plaques.

There are no binding recommendations for the treatment of M. gordonae, as the pathogen is considered to be of low pathogenicity.

According to ATS/IDSA, there is sensitivity in vitro to EMB, RBT, clarithromycin, FQ and linezolid (Griffith DE et al. 2007).

1. Asija A et al (2011) Disseminated Mycobacterium gordonae infection in an immunocompetent host. Am J Ther 18:e75-7.

2. Freyne B et al (2017) Mycobacterium gordonae skin infection in an immunocompetent child. Pediatr Infect Dis J 36:523-525.

3. Gengoux P et al (1987) Skin granulomas due to Mycobacterium gordonae. Int J Dermatol 26:181-184.

4. Weyers W et al (1996) Skin infections due to Mycobacterium gordonae. Case report and review of the literature. Dermatol 47:771-775.