Disseminated Mycobacterium haemophilum infection in two patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

In two patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), multiple erythematous cutaneous lesions developed, revealing acid-fast organisms on Fite's stain. Initial culture results on the first patient were negative; however, repeat cultures on hemin-enriched media were positive for Mycobacterium haemophilum. Despite antimycobacterial therapy, lesions persisted until the patients' death. M. haemophilum should be a diagnostic consideration when smears of peripheral (especially skin) lesions from AIDS patients show acid-fast organisms. Cultures in such patients should be done with iron hemin- or ferric ammonium citrate-enriched media.