Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are prominent human pathogens, with >150 species reported worldwide (1). Mycobacterium shimoidei is a slow-growing NTM that was first isolated in Japan in 1968, successfully gaining species status in 1975 (2). Since then, only 15 cases have been reported worldwide (3–10).

In Queensland, Australia, NTM is a reportable condition, requiring all isolates to be reported to the Queensland Mycobacterium Reference Laboratory. This series examines all M. shimoidei cases in Queensland during January 1, 2000– December 31, 2014.

We extracted data from the Queensland Notifiable Condition System with ethics approval obtained from the Metro North Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/15/QPCH/65). Confirmatory testing was conducted at the Queensland Mycobacterium Reference Laboratory using 2 methods: the Hain Genotype CM/AS Line Probe Assays (Hain Lifescience, Nehren, Germany) and 16S rRNA sequencing.

We obtained clinical information from treating physicians and patient medical records. We recorded each isolate as being likely clinically significant, possibly significant, or unlikely significant, and as being consistent or not with NTM lung disease according to the 2007 American Thoracic Society and Infectious Disease Society of America criteria.

Specimens from 23 patients (35 total isolates) cultured M. shimoidei in Queensland during the study period. Individual clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcomes can be seen in the Table. Previously reported cases are summarized in the Technical Appendix.

Sixteen (69.6%) patients were male (mean ± SD age 66.2 ± 12.6 years), consistent with previous case reports (3–10). Nine (39.1%) were classified as being likely clinically significant and 7 (30.4%) possibly significant. Ten patients (43.5%) met the 2007 American Thoracic Society and Infectious Disease Society of America criteria for having NTM lung disease. All isolates were cultured from respiratory specimens, with 15 (65.2%) isolated from sputum; 2 (8.7%) from bronchial washings; 2 (8.7%) from both bronchial washings and sputum; and 2 (17.4%) from lung tissue either with computed tomography–guided biopsy or at autopsy. Only 4 (17.4%) specimens were smear-positive by microscopy.

The most common symptoms were cough or sputum (16; 69.6%); weight loss (9; 39.1%); dyspnea (5; 21.7%); fevers or sweats (4; 17.4%); and fatigue (2; 8.7%). Cough and sputum predominated in previous cases, but not weight loss (3–10). Radiology demonstrated cavitary disease in 9 patients (39.1%). Similar to our cohort, 9 of the 15 previously reported cases had cavities, highlighting a potentially distinguishing feature of M. shimoidei lung disease (3–7).

The most common associated concurrent conditions were obstructive airway disease (10; 43.5%), bronchiectasis (6; 26.1%), gastroesophageal reflux disease (4; 17.4%), and malnutrition (3; 13.0%). Underlying chronic lung disease was also present in previously reported cases and included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, past tuberculosis, pneumoconiosis, and bronchiectasis (3–10).

Although 16 patients (69.5%) were deemed to have either likely or possibly clinically significant disease, only 6 (26.0%) underwent medical treatment, with 7 (30.4%) being actively observed. These low treatment numbers may reflect a lack of knowledge in relation to M. shimoidei; however, they may also be an indirect result of the underlying comorbidities and poor functional status of infected patients.

When medical treatment was offered, however, 5 of the 6 patients improved or had stable disease, with the sixth patient dying of lung cancer while undergoing antimicrobial therapy. Of the 7 patients who were observed, 3 remained stable, 2 improved, and 2 died of either chronic lung disease or progression of their M. shimoidei infection. In comparison, 6 of the 15 previous cases in the literature improved with medical treatment, with 4 dying during treatment and 1 remaining stable with observation alone (3–10). Although this relatively high death rate may reflect the nature of the patients’ comorbidities, it still highlights the clinical significance of M. shimoidei if isolated.

Although none of the Queensland cohort underwent drug susceptibility testing, review of previous cases suggests that a combination of rifabutin, ethambutol, and clarithromycin may be an effective drug regimen, with moxifloxacin/levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, pyrazinamide, and linezolid as other potential agents (3–7).

Our study has several limitations. First, it is a retrospective case series with data extracted from a passive surveillance system. Even though all laboratory-confirmed cases were captured, it is possible that not all patients with M. shimoidei infection received this diagnosis or were able to provide an appropriate specimen for identification. Futhermore, due to both the clinical characteristics being reported by various treating physicians and a large proportion not having complete clinical or follow-up data available, we may have captured inaccurate or inconsistent data.

This case series highlights the clinical significance and pathogenicity of M. shimoidei. Cases have been isolated only from respiratory specimens, occur predominantly in male patients with underlying chronic lung disease, and commonly present with cavitary disease. Although illness and death are associated with M. shimoidei infection, a reasonable outcome can be achieved with treatment. Possible drug regimens involve a combination of rifabutin, ethambutol, and clarithromycin, with moxifloxacin/levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, pyrazinamide, and clofazimine also potentially being useful. Increased recognition and understanding of this pathogenic organism are necessary to improve patient outcomes.

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