The clinical and epidemiological landscape of Mycobacterium riyadhense: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

Mycobacterium riyadhense is an emerging nontuberculous mycobacterium associated with infections in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients.

METHODS

To identify the epidemiology, risk factors, presentations, and antimicrobial susceptibility of M. riyadhense, we conducted a systematic review on PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar adhering to PRISMA guidelines. We included publications during 2009-2025, with no limitation on language or study design. Cases of uncertain infection or identification were excluded. Review protocol was pre-registere in PROSPERO with protocol number; CRD420250653025.

RESULTS

We identified 22 studies reporting on 69 cases of M. riyadhense. Patient median age was 35.5 and 80% were male. Common presentations included pneumonia (n=52), lymphadenitis (n=13), osteomyelitis (n=8), or disseminated infection (n=8). Susceptibility to Rifampin and Ethambutol was observed in all tested isolates. Resistance to Isoniazid was detected in 5/8 isolates.

CONCLUSION

This review identified a significant variability in the diagnosis and treatment of M. riyadhense. This underscores the urgent need for standardized diagnostic protocols and targeted treatment strategies to effectively manage infections.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD420250653025.