Spinal tuberculosis due to dissemination of atypical mycobacteria

Description: Duttaroy B, Agrawal C, Pendse A. Spinal tuberculosis due to dissemination of atypical mycobacteria. Indian J Med Sci 2004;58:203-205
There has been an increase in disease caused by Non Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) since the early 1980s. Though ubiquitous in environment, they may act as clinically important pathogens in various conditions. More importantly they are resistant to the conventional anti-tuberculous therapy (ATT) and respond to antibiotics such as quinolones and aminoglycosides and need an aggressive surgical intervention. Missing these atypical mycobacteria may lead to unnecessary administration of ATT and hence delay in proper management of the case. We report a case of spinal tuberculosis due to a Non Tuberculous Mycobacteria, M. fortuitum (Rapid grower). Relevant literature is also reviewed.