Mycobacterium malmoense pulmonary infection in France: a case report

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium malmoense infections have frequently been reported in northern Europe since the late 1970s. Factors accounting for this geographically localized epidemiology remain poorly understood. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 54-year old man concomitantly diagnosed with non-small cell lung carcinoma and M. malmoense pulmonary infection. We present detailed clinical, microbiological and radiological elements strongly arguing for M. malmoense true pathogenicity. Since M. malmoense infection has rarely been reported in France, we also provide elements of the epidemiological investigation and a literature review of potential acquisition and transmission pathways of M. malmoense. We detail therapeutic interventions and subsequent favorable evolution. CONCLUSION: Mycobacterium malmoense is a recognized respiratory pathogen for which routes of infection need to be better investigated.