Renal Infection with Mycobacterium Chelonei

Abstract
A case of renal infection with Mycobacterium chelonei is described. The infection probably occurred via haematogenous spread from an infected arteriovenous shunt in a uraemic woman. Prolonged treatment with intravenous cefoxitin combined with oral erythromycin and rifampicin eradicated the organism from the urine. Although renal function stabilised for one year, gradual deterioration to end-stage renal failure occurred.