AbstractÂ
Mycobacterium szulgai (M. szulgai ) is an opportunistic and
rare pathogen. Several risk factors play roles in the development of
disease caused by this bacterium including immunodeficiency syndromes,
previous Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and smoking. We
reported a case of M. szulgai respiratory infection in a
32-year-old male patient without any history of smoking,
immunodeficiency syndromes or receiving immunosuppressive medications
but the patient was severely deficient in vitamin D. Finally, the
following treatment regimen was administered to the patient: isoniazid,
rifampin, ethambutol, clarithromycin antimicrobial agents supplemented
with vitamin B6 and vitamin D. The patient’s clinical condition was
improved after 10 months of treatment. Vitamin D deficiency should be
considered as a risk factor for M. szulgai pulmonary infection in
immunocompetent people who are daily exposed to very little sunlight due
to weather, occupational, or religious reasons.
Key Clinical Message: Closer attention should be paid to
vitamin D status in patients with mycobacterial diseases.
Keywords : Mycobacterium szulgai , pulmonary infection,
vitamin D deficiency, case report