Mycobacterium colombiense in a Mexican Patient with HIV Identified by DNA Sequencing

Mycobacterium colombiense is a rare nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) belonging to the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), primarily associated with respiratory disease. We report the case of a 39-year-old male from Mexico City, diagnosed with stage 4 Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), in whom Mycobacterium colombiense was isolated from bone marrow using DNA sequencing, in the absence of pulmonary involvement . This represents the first documented case of Mycobacterium colombiense isolation in Mexico. Given that NTM cultures often require 2 to 3 weeks to yield results , diagnosis is often delayed, underscoring the importance of implementing molecular testing for prompt diagnosis and timely treatment initiation.