Mycobacterium chelonei subspecies chelonei (previously named Mycobacterium borstelense) was isolated from caseous material of cavities or fibrocaseous lesions removed by lobectomy in 9 patients. No other acid-fast organisms were isolated from the lesions. Clinical symptoms were mild. In 4 of 9 patients, hemoptysis was an early sign of disease. Antituberculous agents were ineffective. Microscopic examination and cultures of sputum revealed scanty numbers of acid-fast organisms. After lobectomy, no relapse of the disease occurred during 4 to 5 years of follow-up.
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Tsukamura et al. (1973) studied this question.