Fica, AlbertoSoto, AndrésDabanch, JeannettePorte, LorenaThompson, LuisBalcells, Elvira2016-05-162016-05-162015Fica A, Soto A, Dabanch J, Porte L, Castro M, Thompson L, Balcells ME. Micobacterias atípicas en cinco pacientes adultos sin evidencias de inmunosupresión. Construyendo una experiencia [Atypical mycobacterial infections in five adult patients without evidence of immunosuppression. Making an experience]. Rev Chilena Infectol. 2015 Feb;32(1):80-7.http://hdl.handle.net/11447/248http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0716-10182015000200012We aim to communicate the experience gathered during the management of infections by atypical mycobacteria in immunocompetent patients in a general practice. Between 2008 and 2013, 5 patients with non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections were identified: 2 with cutaneous involvement and 3 with lung infection. None of them had evidence of immunosuppression. A patient with elbow bursitis by M. chelonae presented with a high mononuclear count in fluid analysis with mycobacterial growth at the fifth day of culture. He evolved satisfactorily with clarithromycin. A case with M. fortuitum skin infection had a delayed initial diagnosis with progression to local draining lymph nodes; the culture when requested was positive after 13 days of incubation. Patients with pulmonary infection presented with prolonged cough and sputum and had in common to be postmenopausal women displaying small nodules and bronchiectases at lung images, a classical pattern. Time elapsed between respiratory sampling and a definitive inform ranged from 40 to 89 days. Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections in non-immunosuppresed patients can generate diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Delay in identification contributes to this problem.spaAtypical mycobacteriaMycobacterium intracellulareMycobacterium kansasiiMycobacterium chelonaeArtículo