Nontuberculous mycobacterial blood stream and cardiac infections in patients without HIV infection

Nontuberculous mycobacteria rarely cause bacteremia in HIV-negative patients. We describe 16 cases, including the first Mycobacterium neoaurum endocarditis. Nine cases were line related. Most patients were immunocompromised secondary to hematologic malignancy or other comorbid conditions. Amikacin had the most reliable in vitro activity. Combination therapy was frequently used. Mortality was 25%.