Isolation of Mycobacterium Fortuitum from BACTEC 9240 Blood Culture System: A Case Report

We describe an 89-year-old male patient who admitted due to pneumonia documented bacteremia by isolating Mycobacterium fortuitum (M. fortuitum) from BACTEC 9240 blood culture system in April 2009. During his admission, two sets of blood culture were reported as positive. Microscopic examination revealed atypical gram-positive bacilli and acid-fast organism. This organism was subsequently identified as M. fortuitum. Concerning that M. fortuitum could be cultured and isolated in this case, not only owing to it is a rapidly growing mycobacteria, but also the professionalism that the experienced technicians have. Laboratory staff should have awareness of performing mycobacteria culture when encountering an atypical gram-positive pathogen accompanying with delayed aerobic culture result.