Mycobacterium malmoense

Mycobacterium malmoense grows preferentially at lower temperatures (31 °C), especially on solid media. Since M. malmoense can also cause pulmonary infections, but this specimen is not routinely incubated at 31 °C as well, detection of pulmonary M. malmoense infection may be difficult or delayed (Abgueguen P et al. 2010).

In resistance testing, M. malmoense is resistant to INH and RMP, but sensitive to EMB, rifabutin, clarithromycin, and moxifloxacin (Griffith DE et al. 2007). The optimal therapy is not known. The combination of INH, RMP, and EMB with or without clarithromycin/azithromycin and FQ is reported to be effective (Griffith DE et al 2007). Adapted to the results of susceptibility testing, therapy with clarithromycin, EMB, and RMP/RBT is recommended as an alternative (Esteban J et al 2012).

1. Abgueguen P det nal. (2010) Mycobacterium malmoense: an underestimated nontuberculous mycobacterium. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 66: 98-100.
2. Esteban J et al (2012) Current treatment of nontuberculous mycobacteriosis: an update. Expert Opin Pharmacother 13: 967-986.
3. Griffith DE et al (2007) Am J Respir Crit Care Med 175: 367-416.