National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Mycobacterium Malmoense


Other Names:
M. Malmoense; Mycobacterium Malmoense infection
Categories:
Mycobacterium malmoense (M. malmoense) is a bacterium naturally found in the environment, such as in wet soil, house dust, water, dairy products, domestic and wild animals, food, and human waste.[1][2] M. malmoense infections most often occur in adults with lung disease, and manifests as a lung infection.[3][4] Skin and tissue infections with M. malmoense have also been described.[1] In young children, M. Malmoense may cause an infection of lymphnodes in the neck (i.e., cervical lymphadenitis).[1][4]
Last updated: 9/5/2013
Many cases of M. malmoense infection cause no symptoms, and as a result go unrecognized.[3] M. malmoense infections in adults often present as lung infections with or without fever. In children, M. malmoense infections can present as a single sided, non-tender, enlarging, neck mass. The mass may be violet in color and often does not respond to conventional antibiotic therapy.[4] M. malmoense infection can also cause skin lesions or abscesses.[4]
Last updated: 9/5/2013
M. Malmoense infection may be acquired by breathing in or ingesting the bacteria, or through trauma, such as an injury or surgical incision.[2] People who have suppressed immune systems are at an increased risk for developing signs and symptoms from these infections.[2]
Last updated: 9/5/2013
Overall outlook for children with cervical lymphadenitis is typically good.[3] Signs and symptoms of M. malmoense infections rage from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to long lasting draining abscesses. Most infections resolve within six months, however cases of prolonged infections (>1 year) have been described.[3] Some infections resolve much quicker, such as within one week.[4] Complications are uncommon, but may include scarring and facial nerve injury.[4]
Last updated: 9/5/2013

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Mycobacterium Malmoense. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Mycobacterium Malmoense. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Scheinfeld NS. Atypical mycobacterial diseases. MedScape. Feb 11, 2013; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1105570-overview. Accessed 9/5/2013.
  2. Bhambri S, Bhambri A, Del Rosso JQ. Atypical mycobacterial cutaneous infections. Dermatol Clin. 2009 Jan;27(1):63-73; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18984369. Accessed 9/5/2013.
  3. Claesson G et al.,. Nerve dysfunction following surgical treatment of cervical non-tuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis in children. Acta pædiatrica. 2011;100(2):299-302 ;
  4. El-Maaytah M, Shah P, Jerjes W, Upile T, Ayliffe P. Cervical lymphadenitis due to Mycobacterium malmoense. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2010 Jul;68(7):1690-4. ; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20417008. Accessed 9/5/2013.