Sepsis caused by Mycobacterium terrae complex in a patient with sickle cell disease.

Infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with sickle cell disease. Loss of splenic function in these patients makes them highly susceptible to some bacterial infections. Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections in patients with sickle cell disease are extremely rare and only two cases have been reported previously. We describe a case of sepsis caused by non-tuberculous mycobacterium, Mycobacterium terrae complex in a patient with febrile sickle cell disease. M terrae complex is a rare clinical pathogen and this is the first reported case of sepsis secondary to this organism in a patient with sickle cell disease. The patient responded to imipenem and amikacin therapy.