Expedited diagnosis of disseminated Mycobacterium kansasii infection using targeted (amplicon-based) next-generation sequencing in an immunocompromised patient.

BACKGROUND

Mycobacterium kansasii is typically associated with pulmonary disease and is an uncommon cause of disseminated infection and thus can be challenging to diagnose and treat.

CASE SUMMARY: We present a 59-year-old female with a history of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and T-cell large granular lymphocytic leukemia (T-LGLL) who developed disseminated Mycobacterium kansasii infection. Targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) facilitated the rapid detection of M. kansasii from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue, aiding in clinical decision-making prior to culture confirmation.

CONCLUSION

The case highlights the diagnostic challenges posed by overlapping clinical features and chronic granulomatous inflammation in immunocompromised patients, as well as the utility of amplicon-based sequencing in expediting diagnostic turnaround and guiding therapeutic interventions.