Severe pulmonary mycobacteriosis caused by Mycobacterium simiae

We report a case of pulmonary mycobacterial infection due to Mycobacterium simiae followed between 1968 and 1985 and leading to unilateral pulmonary destruction. Formal bacteriological proof was obtained by culturing from the pneumonectomy specimen. None of the usual features of immunosuppression were found. This is the first case suffering from this germ described in this part of the world.