Pulmonary disease due to Mycobacterium chelonei subspecies abscessus: a report of four cases.

Four patients with upper and middle lobe pulmonary infiltrates and, in one case, cavities were studied. Their clinical presentation was compatible with mycobacteriosis. Multiple isolates of Mycobacterium chelonei, subspecies abscessus were obtained in high colony counts. The clinical course was variable and did not appear to be substantially effect by chemotherapy. This group represents the largest reported series to date.