Disseminated Mycobacterium peregrinum and Mycobacterium avium infection in a patient with AIDS: A case report and review of literature

Disseminated nontuberculous mycobacterial infections are frequently recognized in patients living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare complex (MAIC) is the most common species. Mycobacterium peregrinum is a rapidly growing mycobacterium that accounts for 1–2% of community-acquired and healthcare-associated infections. It mainly causes skin and soft tissue infection. Disseminated infection by M. peregrinum has never been reported in patients with AIDS. We describe a case of disseminated co-infection of M. peregrinum and M. avium in a 33-year-old male with newly diagnosed AIDS, and review the literature regarding M. peregrinum infection. The patient’s bone marrow culture grew M. peregrinum and his blood culture grew M. avium. The diagnosis of disseminated co-infection of M. peregrinum and M. avium was confirmed. Disseminated infection due to M. peregrinum is rare and diagnosis can be challenging. Due to limited case numbers, there is no treatment guideline for M. peregrinum nowadays. Further study is warranted for better understanding M. peregrinum related infections.