Disseminated Mycobacterium chelonae infection during HIV.

An atypical mycobacterium, Mycobacterium chelonae is a saprophyte germ in the environment, but rarely pathogenic. A few disseminated infections can be noted in immunodepressed patients. A 30 year-old man infected by HIV was hospitalised for deterioration in his general status of health with, on clinical examination, pallor, several superficial lymph nodes and hepatosplenomegaly. A biopsy of an axillary node and the liver revealed numerous granulomas with many atypical M. chelonae-like mycobacteria. Adapted treatment led to complete remission. Immunodepression facilitates the occurrence of M. chelonae infections, often of severe evolution and leading to dissemination. This mycobacterium is resistant to many antibiotics.