Osteomyelitis Caused by Mycobacterium Avium

Abstract

Osteomyelitis due to M. avium is extremely rare and frequently fatal. the successful cure of an 11-year-old patient with multiple mycobacterial lesions in the pelvis and right humerus is reported. Although the mycobacteria were in vitro resistant to most antituberculous drugs a five-drug regimen was given over a total of 2½ years. the accumulated streptomycin dose was 160 g but no adverse effects were noted. Streptomycin therapy was judged of major importance for the favourable outcome.

Key Words:

• Mycobacterium avium
• osteomyelitis
• streptomycin
• treatment