Cefoxitin therapy for Mycobacterium fortuitum bacteremia with associated granulomatous hepatitis.

Mycobacterium fortuitum bacteremia with granulomatous hepatitis complicating home cyclic parenteral nutrition through an indwelling Broviac catheter occurred in a 41-year-old woman. She was successfully treated with intravenous cefoxitin and removal of the indwelling central catheter. The granulomatous hepatitis occurred in the apparent absence of mycobacteria from the liver. Incorrect identification of the organism as Corynebacterium J-K led to a change of antimicrobial therapy and clinical deterioration. It is recommended that acid-fast stains be done on "diphtheroids" when such isolates are suspected pathogens.