Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection of the parotid gland in an immunosuppressed adult

1 Medizinische Universitätsklinik I, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Otfried-Müller Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany 2 Medizinische Universitätsklinik I, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst Grube Str. 40, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany 3 Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Elfriede-Aulhorn Str. 6, 72076 Tübingen, Germany Correspondence V. A. J. Kempf volkhard.kempf{at}med.uni-tuebingen.de Received 16 October 2007 Accepted 6 January 2008 Infections of the parotid gland with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are rarely described. Here, we report on an infection of the parotid gland caused by Mycobacterium avium and give a literature-based overview about this entity. In the light of a global increase of mycobacterial infections, unusual manifestations have to be considered and should be included in the differential diagnosis when dealing with solid lesions of uncertain aetiology in the head and neck region. Abbreviations: NTM, non-tuberculous mycobacteria.