ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Chronic destructive lung disease associated with a novel mycobacterium | JoVE Visualize

Home
Research Domains
Engineering

Chronic destructive lung disease associated with a novel mycobacterium

S Emler¹, T Rochat, P Rohner

¹Division of Infectious Diseases, Hôpital Cantonal Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland.

American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine|July 1, 1994

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

A rare bacterium, Mycobacterium interjectum, was identified in a patient with chronic destructive lung disease. Genetic analysis confirmed its role in the persistent respiratory illness, highlighting the importance of 16S rRNA sequencing for accurate mycobacterial classification.

Area of Science:

Microbiology
Pulmonology
Genetics

Background:

Chronic destructive lung disease (CDLD) presents complex diagnostic challenges.
Acid-fast microorganisms in sputum suggest mycobacterial infection but species identification can be difficult.
Standard antimycobacterial treatments were ineffective in this patient.

Observation:

A patient with CDLD since 1972 exhibited severe restrictive and obstructive ventilatory defects.
Initial identification of mycobacteria as Mycobacterium gordonae and Mycobacterium scrofulaceum was later revised.
Repeated sputum analysis showed large quantities of acid-fast microorganisms.

Findings:

16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing revealed a unique mycobacterial sequence.
This sequence matched a previously proposed species, Mycobacterium interjectum.
Retrospective analysis confirmed the presence of this sequence in samples spanning decades.

Implications:

This case underscores the utility of 16S rRNA gene sequencing for precise mycobacterial identification.
Mycobacterium interjectum is suggested as a potential causative agent in chronic destructive lung disease.
Accurate identification of mycobacteria is crucial for effective patient management and understanding disease pathogenesis.

Mechanical Engineering

Solid Mechanics

Chronic Destructive Lung Disease Associated With A Novel Mycobacterium