March 3, 2026Open Access

Mycobacterium Shimoidei: A Case Report of a Rare Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection in an American Patient with a Favorable Outcome

Key Points

Patients with Mycobacterium shimoidei infection often experience respiratory illness and significant pulmonary disease, sometimes leading to severe symptoms.
Less than 100 cases of Mycobacterium shimoidei have been reported globally, indicating its rarity.
Assessment of the patient revealed major pulmonary damage without recent travel history, suggesting local environmental exposure.
The findings emphasize the importance of recognizing non-tuberculous mycobacteria as potential pathogens in specific populations.

Abstract

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are common environmental pathogens, but they are an uncommon cause of illness. One such mycobacteria, Mycobacterium shimoidei, was discovered in 1968 and found to cause a respiratory illness in 1975. Since then, fewer than 100 cases have been reported worldwide. Symptoms can include cough, fever, weight loss, and hemoptysis This report describes an American patient with no travel history who was found to have significant pulmonary disease caused by this rare non-tuberculous mycobacteria.

Mycobacterium Shimoidei: A Case Report of a Rare Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Infection in an American Patient with a Favorable Outcome

Key Points

Abstract

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