Disseminated nontuberculous mycobacterial infection with multifocal retinitis and vasculitis in an immunocompromised patient with anti-IFN- autoantibodies

Background Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are found ubiquitously in the environment. Since exposure to NTM is universal, infection likely represents underlying host susceptibility factors. Anti-IFN- autoantibodies have been described previously in patients with NTM. Up to 88 % of patients with disseminated NTM or other opportunistic infections have high-titer anti-IFN- autoantibodies, compared with 2 % of patients with TB and healthy controls. Findings We report a unique presentation of a patient with anti-IFN- autoantibodies with disseminated NTM infection who presents with panuveitis with multifocal retinitis and vasculitis. Treatment with systemic anti tubercular therapy resulted in complete clinical resolution with good visual recovery. Conclusions Patients with anti-IFN- autoantibodies present with a novel syndrome that links autoimmunity and immunodeficiency. This case emphasizes the importance of testing for anti-IFN- autoantibodies in patients with disseminated mycobacterial infection.