Pulmonary infection caused by Mycobacterium gordonae.

Mycobacterium gordonae, a scotochromogenic organism, is considered a saprophyte. In sputum cultures the isolation of this organism or other species belonging to the scotochromogen group is not generally considered clinically significant since they are known to appear as commensals. We report the case of a 50-year-old man with pulmonary infection caused by M. gordonae. The clinical and radiographic findings in this case and the course was outlined. Diagnostic criteria of atypical mycobacterial infections are discussed and previously reported scotochromogenic infections briefly reviewed.