mycobacterium simiae
mycobacterium simiae
A mycobacterium, first isolated from rhesus macaques in 1965. It is a slow-growing photochromogen, appearing rust-coloured after exposure to light, and is the only nontuberculous mycobacterium that, like M tuberculosis, is niacin positive. Most isolates of M simiae have been reported from the southwestern US, Cuba and Israel. Its environmental niche is believed to be aquatic.Clinical finding
M simiae infection most commonly occurs in HIV-positive patients with pulmonary disease as well as lymphadenopathy, skin lesions and genitourinary tract involvemen. M simiae may cause infection (e.g., regional lymphadenopathy) in immunocompetent hosts.
Management
Isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol.