A Case of Mycobacterium goodii Infection Related to an Indwelling Catheter Placed for the Treatment of Chronic Symptoms Attributed to Lyme Disease

Abstract

Mycobacterium goodii has only rarely been reported to cause invasive disease in humans. Previously reported cases of M. goodii infection have included prosthetic joint infections, pacemaker pocket infections, and pneumonia. We present a case of bacteremia with concomitant pulmonary septic emboli that developed in a 32-year-old woman with an indwelling central line. The line had been placed one year previously for intermittent treatment with intravenous, broad-spectrum antibiotics, administered by an outside physician for the treatment of symptoms attributed to chronic Lyme disease. The long duration of antibiotic use and presence of a central venous catheter predisposed the patient to this infection. Patients should be counseled regarding the serious risks of long courses of broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics via central venous catheters to treat non-specific symptoms attributed to Lyme disease.