The first reported case of Mycobacterium shinjukuense pulmonary disease from China

Background This report describes the first clinical case of Mycobacterium shinjukuense pulmonary disease (PD) originating in China, thereby extending the known geographic distribution of this nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) species beyond Japan and Korea. Case Summary M. shinjukuense caused chronic nodular-bronchiectatic PD in a 55-year-old woman. Computed tomography scans demonstrated persistent nodules and bronchiectasis over an 8-year period (2018–2025). A definitive diagnosis was achieved via a positive bronchoalveolar lavage culture followed by subsequent repeated detection in sputa 3 years after the initial presentation. Her symptoms were productive cough, hemoptysis, and dyspnea, and they fluctuated throughout this time, as did culture positivity on serial sputum testing. She improved clinically on airway clearance therapy alone and did not had antimicrobial therapy. Conclusion This case highlights the indolent progression and diagnostic delay often associated with NTM-PD, as well as the presence of M. shinjukuense in new geographic regions.