Disseminated Mycobacterial Infection as a Sequelae of Bladder Biopsy

Disseminated Mycobacterium infections have been commonly documented in the immunocompromised and patients who undergo treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer with the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccine; however, it was unique to our patient’s case that she had no record of receiving vaccination in her native country, was immunocompetent, and had exposure to bovine livestock before immigrating to the United States. A 57-year-old woman with no significant medical history presented with complaints of abdominal pains and yellowing of her skin. Laboratory workup was consistent with cholestatic hepatitis. One month prior to presentation, she underwent biopsy and culture of an unspecified bladder mass, which turned out to be positive for Mycobacterium bovis. All antituberculosis medications were discontinued, without improvement of her symptoms and hepatic function tests. Subsequent liver biopsy showed the presence of granulomas with acid-fast bacilli; hence, disseminated infection was highly suspected. Multiple sputum cultures and quantiferon tests were negative, and other diagnostic tests were unremarkable. Initiation of appropriate antibiotics resulted in marked symptomatic improvement and gradual normalization of hepatic function parameters. Disseminated mycobacterial infection may present differently in patients; however, it is important to note that the source of primary infection may vary. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of these pathogens may lead to improved outcomes.